Planning for Pregnancy with Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Living with diabetes means that you need to plan ahead before getting pregnant. Your diabetes care team can help with this. They can work with you to agree a plan for your care that suits your needs.
Here is some advice to help you get the right care you need. Following some key steps can help you to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. These steps can also lower the risk of your baby having any problems.
The diagram below is from TREND Diabetes. We suggest you read their Planning for a Baby When You Have Diabetes leaflet. This leaflet has a step-by-step guide and explains why planning ahead really matters.
Extra Support and Guidance
Here you will find details on local services and resources. These will help you feel more confident and supported during your pregnancy.
Step 1: Contraception
Contraception can stop you getting pregnant when you have sex. If you are living with diabetes, you should use contraception until your body is ready for pregnancy. This gives you and your baby the best chance of staying healthy during pregnancy.
NHS Contraception Advice has advice on all types of contraception. How they work, and where to get them.
Sexual health services can also help you choose the right contraception for you. To find a clinic near you, visit Greater Manchester Sexual Health Services.
Step 2: Speak to your diabetes care team
It's important to speak to your diabetes care team. This can be your GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or specialist clinic. They can help make a plan for you that fits your health needs.
Contact your diabetes care team at least 6 months before trying for a baby. This gives you time to make changes and get healthy for the pregnancy.
If you’re ready to plan for a baby, there are important steps to take. These can help lower the risk of problems and help you have a healthy pregnancy.
Step 3: Managing your blood sugar levels
It’s important to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. This will help you before and during pregnancy. Your diabetes care team will advise on when to check your blood sugar levels.
If you're living with type 1 diabetes you should be offered CGM (continuous blood glucose) and HCL (hybrid closed loop) insulin pump. This pump can help you track and manage your blood sugar levels before and during pregnancy.
Some people living with type 2 diabetes using insulin may also be offered CGM (continuous blood glucose monitoring) too.
Speak to your diabetes care team for more advice and support.
Step 4: Eating well & keeping healthy
Learning more about diabetes can help you to manage your own diabetes. Good diabetes management will also get your body ready for pregnancy.
It is important to try to reach a healthy weight before getting pregnant. This helps lower blood sugar levels, so you have a healthy pregnancy.
Diabetes programmes will help you to know more about diabetes. You will also learn about exercise, eating well and being healthy. This will get you to a healthy weight and keep your blood sugars low.
There are free programmes including:
There are more programmes if you’re planning to get pregnant. They give you extra support to get healthier and lose weight.
Ask your GP about these free expert-led programmes:
Step 5: Folic acid
Taking folic acid will help your baby’s brain and spine grow properly. You need to take 5mg of folic acid each day for 3 months before getting pregnant. You will need a prescription from your diabetes care team.
Step 6: Medication review
Some medicines may not be safe during pregnancy. Your diabetes care team will change or stop your medicines if needed.
Step 7: Smoking
Smoking will increase your risk of miscarriage and stillbirth once you are pregnant.
To find out about smoking cessation services in your area, visit Greater Manchester Stop Smoking.
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