DIABETES AND PREGNANCY

Normally diabetes put quite a lot of pressure on women. Pregnant women who have diabetes are at risk of having a miscarriage, stillbirth or a baby with congenital defects.

Women who have diabetes can have very safe pregnancy and very healthy baby once their blood glucose is managed properly all through the pregnancy.
It is important for women who have diabetes to plan their pregnancy ahead, this will help them keep the blood glucose on target levels:

• Fasting blood glucose 60-100/dl
• 2 hours after meal 100-140mg/dl
• HBA1c level at <7.0% 

If the blood glucose level is controlled and kept as close to normal as possible before pregnancy, the risk associated with diabetes especially birth defects can be prevented, this is based on the fact that baby's organ formation is usually in the first few weeks (6-8) of pregnancy. Achieving and maintaining good control levels will not only prevent birth defects but will also help control the weight of the baby in the second trimester.Pregnant women living with diabetes tend to have babies who are too big for normal delivery.

MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR DIABETES CONTROL IN PREGNANCY

• Monitor your blood glucose level more often. It will be great if you get a glucometer (blood glucose monitoring device) to keep track of your blood glucose level.
• Find a meal plan that works for you during the pregnancy. Eat small portions of food at a time and try to snack between meal instead of eating one heavy meal.
• Try taking dry food to avoid nausea or vomiting.  Note that dry food like crackers biscuits can help control nausea.

• Women with type 2 diabetes may need insulin during pregnancy, while those with type 1 may need to increase their insulin dosage. 

As a rule , visit your health care provider and determine what works best for you and follow the plan.