What you should know if you have Diabetes and are planning Pregnancy

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in a pregnant woman with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes may cause complications for both the mother and the baby such as birth defects, an extra-large baby, C- Section (Cesarean Section), high blood pressure, early birth, low blood sugar, miscarriage or stillbirth etc. Hence, it is important to plan for pregnancy when you have diabetes.

How to prepare for pregnancy when you have diabetes

  • Plan for pregnancy and continue to use effective contraception (birth control) until you are ready to give birth to a baby. Learn about the risks and how to minimize them.
  • Consult your doctor or an endocrinologist
  • Maintain your blood sugar levels at the desired range.
  • Check what medications you're taking, as some might be harmful to the baby.
  • Take Folic acid 5 mg every day prior to and atleast in the first trimester.
  • Get your eyes and kidneys checked frequently.
  • Make healthy lifestyle choices such as eating healthily, stopping alcohol and smoking and being more physically active.

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels within the target range prescribed by the doctor is crucial for the health of both the mother and the unborn baby. Blood sugar levels should be < 95 mg/dL when fasting (before meals), and < 120 mg/dL, 2 hours after a meal for most women with pregnancy. While striving for these objectives, it is critical that your blood sugar levels do not fall severely below these limits. In case of regular or severe episodes of low blood sugar, the diabetes health team will change the medications and/or insulin dosage.