The burden of diabetes on pregnant women is unique because the disease can affect two Lives at a time, the mother and the unborn child. Pregnancy and motherhood are times of great excitement and change for any woman. But if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and are planning to get pregnant soon, you should learn what to do to have a healthy baby.
You should know how to take care of yourself and your diabetes before, during, and after your pregnancy. If you have diabetes and are already pregnant, don’t worry! Just make sure you are doing everything you can to take care of yourself and control sugars during your pregnancy. As pregnancy causes a number of changes in your body, you might need to change how you manage your diabetes! Even if you’ve had diabetes for years, you may need to change your meal plan, physical activity routine, and medicines.
As you get cLoser to your delivery date, your needs might change again. Women who have diabetes should take counseLling before planning a pregnancy. This counselling is, usually provided by a team of professionals incLuding a dietician, diabetes educator, an endocrinologist, and an obstetrician. Right guidance and steps can prevent early pregnancy Loss and congenital malformations in infants of diabetic mothers.
Diabetes can cause difficulties during pregnancy such as a miscarriage or a baby born with birth defects. If you have diabetes and are considering having a baby, there are a number of steps you should take before you get pregnant to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and baby.
How diabetes can affect pregnant women and the baby?
High blood glucose levels before and during pregnancy can
1. worsen your long-term diabetes problems, such as eye problems, heart disease, and kidney disease;
2. Increase the chances of premature delivery;
3. Weighing too much, having breathing problems or low blood glucose right after birth;
4. Increase the risk of your baby having birth defects (if sugars are high in early pregnancy);
5. Increase the risk of miscarriage and still birth.Research has, however, shown that when women with diabetes keep blood glucose levels under control before and during pregnancy, the risk of birth defects is about the same as in babies born to women who don’t have diabetes.
Some tips to remember while you plan your pregnancy:
Control your blood sugar:
Keeping your blood glucose as close to normal as possible before and during your pregnancy is the most important thing you can do to stay healthy and have a healthy baby. Meet with your health care provider 3-6 months before becoming pregnant.
Your doctor may order an A1C test that can help determine if your diabetes is controlled well enough for you to stop using your birth control method. Good blood sugar control is important before becoming pregnant, because many women do not even know they are pregnant until the baby has been growing for 2-4 weeks. High blood sugar Levels early in the pregnancy (during the first 8 weeks) can cause birth defects particularly those affecting the brain, spinal cord and heart! Your baby’s brain and other organs begin forming soon after conception, even before you know you’re pregnant.
However, if you manage your blood sugar Level before you conceive and throughout pregnancy, your odds of having a healthy baby are nearly the same as if you didn’t have diabetes.
Control your weight:
Try to reach your ideal body weight before becoming pregnant. This means Losing weight if you are overweight to reduce your risk of diabetes complications.
Medication adjustments may be required:
If you take oral diabetes medication, you might need to switch to insulin or make other changes to your diabetes treatment plan before you conceive. Other medication changes might be needed as well. For example, some medications — including certain drugs to treat high blood pressure or kidney problems — aren’t recommended during pregnancy.
Make Lifestyle changes: Include daily physical activity:
Before getting pregnant. make physical activity a regular part of your Life. It can help you reach your target blood glucose numbers. Being physically active can also help you reach your target blood pressure and cholesterol levels, relieve stress, improve muscle tone, strengthen your heart and bones, and keep your joints flexible.
Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, stretching, etc., maybe helpful. A sensible goal for most women is to aim for 30 minutes/day 5-6 days a week. If you were active before pregnancy, you may be able to continue with a more moderate version of your usual physical activity routine during pregnancy. If you are already pregnant and haven’t been active, start with an activity such as walking.
Diet: Eat a well-balanced healthy diet.
Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eat small frequent meals. Have 3 major meals and include 3 small meals. Include foods rich in protein, vitamins, calcium and fibre. To help fill any nutritional gaps, take prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid — ideally starting a few months before conception. Smoking and drinking alcohol are two habits that must be stopped in order for you to have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Smoking during pregnancy affects you and your baby’s health before, during, and after your baby is born. The nicotine, carbon monoxide, and numerous other poisons you inhale from a cigarette are carried through your bloodstream and go directly to your baby.
These substances can Lower the amount of oxygen available to you and your growing baby; increase your baby’s heart rate, increases the chances of miscarriage and still birth; increase the risk that your baby is born prematurely and/or born with Low birth weight; and increase your baby’s risk of developing respiratory problems. Remember no amount of alcohol is known to be safe while pregnant and there is no safe time during pregnancy to drink.
Preparing for pregnancy might take a number of months and multiple visits to your health care provider. In fact, the American Diabetes Association recommends maintaining good blood sugar control for three to six months before attempting to conceive. Until your health care provider gives you the green Light for pregnancy, remember to use a reliable method of birth control.
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