 
You have diabetes.
You can have a healthy baby.
Getting control of your blood sugars before getting pregnant (preconception care) can result in a healthy pregnancy and baby. Seeking medical care before pregnancy may help reduce the number of complications with diabetes and pregnancy.
Why is preconception care so important?
Preconception care is important to prevent miscarriage, birth defects and stillbirth in babies of diabetic moms.
Each of us plays a unique role to help guide you through your pregnancy and delivery. Let us give you the highest quality care possible in a compassionate way, the kind of care that we would expect for a member of our family. Our highly qualified healthcare team is dedicated caring professionals who feel privileged to provide medical care.
Why do I need a healthcare team?
To help you achieve the best possible health before you become pregnant
Who is the most important member?
YOU, because you will be making choices how to manage your meal plan, blood sugars, medicines, physical activity and stress.
How can you prepare for your pregnancy?
- Follow a healthy meal plan
- Control your blood sugars
- Work toward a healthy A1c < 6%
- Take folic acid (0.4-1 mg) daily
- Exercise 30-60 minutes a day
- Take your medicine
- Prevent low blood sugars
- Stop smoking
- See an ophthalmologist
- See your dentist
- Get plenty of rest
- Manage your stress
What are my risks with diabetes and pregnancy?
- High blood pressure
- High or low blood sugars
- Problems with your eyes, heart, kidney or nerves
- Cesarean section
What are my baby's risks?
- Birth defects
- Miscarriage/stillbirth
- Large baby/birth trauma
- Too much fluid around the baby
- Pre-term birth
- Breathing problems
- Low blood sugars
- Jaundice
THE GOOD NEWS!
The good news is that you may be able to decrease risks for miscarriage, birth defects and stillbirth with tight blood sugar control. The most important time for tight blood sugar control is three (3) months before getting pregnant and the first three (3) months of your pregnancy.
Diabetes and pregnancy checklist:
- Plan your pregnancy
- Discuss effective birth control with your healthcare provider
- Seek pre-conceptual counseling before you become pregnant
- Set blood sugar and A1C goals before you become pregnant
- Get your healthcare provider to screen for diabetes complications
- Begin taking a multiple vitamin containing (0.4 -1 mg) of Folic acid today
YOU CAN DO THIS! LET US HELP YOU!
Always consult your personal physician about your plan of care. The above information is for educational purposes only and is not to be used for individual treatment or diabetes self-management recommendations. |
