Diabetes & pregnancy

Planning ahead for pregnancy

If you have Type 1 diabetes and are planning to have a baby, it is important to talk to your Diabetes Specialist Nurse or a member of your diabetes team BEFORE you become pregnant.

Why do I need to plan ahead before I am pregnant?

It is very important to keep your blood glucose levels under tight control at the time your baby is conceived and during the first six to eight weeks of pregnancy.

• Most women don't even know they are pregnant at this stage
• Your blood glucose levels must be very tightly controlled before you even try for a baby
• You will probably be asked to take 5mg folic acid supplement before you conceive

Why do I need this tight control?

• Excellent control of your blood glucose levels during these early weeks reduces your risk and your baby's risk of developing health problems
• Good control in the early stages protects your baby while his or her important organs are forming

The combined clinic

Help with changing your insulin dose

Good control of your blood glucose

Healthy living - eating right

Taking some gentle exercise

Taking care when you are ill

Avoiding hypoglycaemia

Week-by-week

Coping with morning sickness

Delivery

Your new baby

Your health after giving birth

The first few months