Pregnancy | home

This can be a very exciting and nervous time.

If you are diabetic there are some things you need to consider.

Before you get pregnant and while pregnant.

Before getting pregnant...

To consider before...

Refernces: The information on this page has been adapted from the following scources.

Diabetes.org.uk. Pregnancy & diabetes [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2 December 2015]. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Living_with_diabetes/Pregnancy/

Diabetes.co.uk. Diabetes and Pregnancy [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2 December 2015]. Available from: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-pregnancy.html
American Diabetes Association. Pregnancy [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2 December 2015]. Available from: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/pregnancy/?referrer=https://www.google.co.uk/

Womenwithdiabetes.net. Queen's University Belfast Women With Diabetes [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2 December 2015]. Available from: http://www.womenwithdiabetes.net/

Keep blood glucose under control.
- If HbA1c is higher than 86mmol/mol avoid getting pregnant
- Ideal it should be around 43mmol/mol
- Get your HbA1c checked monthly
Treat any retinopathy before becoming pregnant
- Pregnancy can put extra pressure on your eyes
Review medications
- Some tablet for blood pressure and cholesterol can harm baby
Start taking folic acid
- 5mg until the 12th week of your pregnancy

Whilst you're pregnant...

After being pregnant...

If you are considering getting pregnant, or find you are pregnant

book an appointment with your doctor!!

Unfortunately women with diabetes are more likely to conceive a baby with birth defects.

High blood glucose and ketone levels can pass through the placenta to baby and cause problems

To help minimise this risk, there are steps and precautions that can be taken before getting pregnant.

Most diabetic mums have normal healthy babies

During your pregnancy you will be closely monitored by the diabetic and obstetric team.

You will be offered extra scans to check the baby is growing well.

You may meet with your diabetic team every 2 weeks to keep an eye on your control.

Blood glucose control is key when you are pregnant.

Testing before and one hour after every meal.
Test before going to sleep
Aim
- Fasting 5.0 mmol/L
- 1 hour post meal 7.8 mmol/L
- 2 hours post meal 6.4 mmol/L
You will be at higher risk of hypos due to tight control. Beware!!
If you are high and cannot control it, contact your team.
Try to avoid DKA at all cost!!

Blood Glucose...

Other considerations....

Take folic acid 5mg for first 12 weeks of pregnancy
You may require more insulin while pregnant
You may be offered an induction of labour or C-section, think about how you want to deliver baby
You will have your blood pressure and urine checked regularly - this is routine
Women with diabetes are more likely to have big babies
During labour your insulin needs will hugely drop
Beware of hypos and test regularly when in labour

Immediatly after your insulin requirements will drop.
Once you begin eating return to pre-pregnancy insulin requirements
Breastfeed or feed baby as soon as possible to help keep their sugar levels up
Baby may have a heel prick to check they are not hypo

Once home be very aware of your sugars, you will be tired, stressed, anxious and possibly sleep deprived and this can have a major effect on your sugar levels.

Remember to eat regularly

BreastFeeding...

Breastfeeding is perfectly safe with diabetes
It can lower your insulin needs by up to 25%
Breastfeeding can cause your blood glucose levels to drop
Eat something before breastfeeding to help reduce the risk of this happening
Have something nearby to eat if you have a hypo, so not to interrupt baby

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