DIABETES AND PREGNANCY

The key to a healthy pregnancy for a woman with diabetes is tight blood sugar control both before she is pregnant and during the pregnancy. To do this, you need a diabetes treatment plan that keeps meals, exercise and Insulin in balance. You will also need to check your blood sugar often and keep a record of your test results.

With your blood sugar near-normal and good medical care, the chances of a trouble-free pregnancy and a healthy baby is as good as for a woman without diabetes.

To begin with :- Work to bring your diabetes under control before getting pregnant. It is a good idea to be in good blood sugar control three to six months before you plan to get pregnant.

Care during the months of pregnancy :-
1. Check your blood sugar levels at the times your doctor advises; this may be upto 8 tests each day and will probably include after-meal tests. Write down the results

2. Keep notes on your meal plan and exercise.

3. Make changes in your meal plan and Insulin only with the advice of your doctor.

4. You will need additionall Insulin during pregnancy and if you are on oral medications for Type 2 diabetes your doctor will switch you over to Insulin during pregnancy.

5. During pregnancy you and your doctor may need to change your meal plan to avoid problems with high or low blood sugar levels.

6. Discuss your exercise plans with your doctor. Ask the doctor whether you can keep your current exercise program or is it safe to start exercise after you are pregnant. In general it is not advisable to start a new strenuous exercise program after you become pregnant.

7. Good exercises are walking, low-impact aerobics, swimming, or water aerobics.

8. Generally home births are not advised for women with diabetes.

After Delivery :- To take good care of your baby you need to take good care of yourself. Stick to your habits that helped you have excellent blood sugar control during pregnancy.

1. Plan to have a snack before nursing.

2. Drink enough fluids.

3. Keep something to treat low blood sugar levels during nursing.

4. Ask your doctor for a good meal plan.

COMMON Q & A

Q: Will my baby have diabetes?

A: The risk is very small with the incidence matching that of non-diabetic women.

Q: Will my baby be deformed?

A: If diabetes is under good control the risk is equal to the non-diabetic mothers. In the some cases the baby's weight will be slightly more than normal.

Q: Will I have a normal delivery?

A: Yes. That's the ultimate goal. However you may be admitted a couple of weeks before delivery.

Q: Can I breastfeed?

A: Yes, just like any non-diabetic woman.


REMEMBER : Consult your doctor while planning as well as during pregnancy, Don't wait!