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Diabetes can be a serious
condition, for both you and for your baby. In fact, diabetes
affects 1 in every 250 pregnancies in the United Kingdom.
A recent study carried out by researchers from the
Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health found
that expectant mums with diabetes (types 1 and 2) are five
times more likely to have a stillborn baby than a woman
without the condition. Babies who have a mother with
diabetes also have an increased risk of dying within four
weeks of the birth, and are more likely to have a major
congenital deformity.
However, these risks can be reduced by keeping your blood
sugar levels under control both before conception and during
your pregnancy.
Ideally, you should plan your pregnancy, as taking
certain steps before you conceive will increase your chances
of having a healthy delivery.
Before becoming pregnant
The information below will help you prepare for
pregnancy.
- Contact your diabetic care team - they will
be able to give you advice and support about preparing
for pregnancy.
- Keep your blood sugar level under control -
having a well-controlled blood sugar level, particularly
during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, will help
prevent any problems with your baby's development.
- Review your medications - if you are also
taking medicines to control your blood pressure, they
may not be suitable for use by pregnant women.
Alternative medicines should be available.
- Have an eye test - people with diabetes are
prone to an eye condition known as diabetic retinopathy,
and the risk of the condition developing increases
during pregnancy. Any underlying problems in your eyes
should be treated before you become pregnant.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol - both
nicotine and alcohol are harmful to babies, and alcohol
can also affect your blood sugar level.
- Follow dietary advice - your diabetic care
team will be able to advise you about the best foods to
eat in order to control your blood sugar level. If you
are overweight, it is recommended that you try to get
down to a healthy weight.
- Take a folic acid supplement - taking 5mg of
folic acid before conception, and then for the first 12
weeks of your pregnancy, will reduce the risk of your
baby developing any problems with their spine, such as
spina bifida.
During pregnancy
It is important to check your blood sugar levels four
times a day throughout your pregnancy; ideally before and
after meals, and before bedtime. Report any changes to your
diabetic care team.
Make sure that you attend all your antenatal
appointments. You will also be offered regular appointments
with your diabetic care team which you need to attend. It is
also important that you follow any advice given to you by
your care team about diet and exercise.
If you are using insulin, make sure that you have a
glucagon emergency kit at home and that you, and other
people in your house, know how to use it in case of an
episode of hypoglycaemia. |
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