Blood Sugar Management in Pregnancy

What Care Should Diabetic Women Take During Pregnancy?

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If you are a diabetic woman who is trying to get pregnant, it is important that you bring your blood glucose levels close to your target range. Even before you get pregnant, you must pay serious attention to your blood sugar management and ensure that you don’t have high blood glucose levels. High blood glucose levels can have a negative effect on the health of your baby during the first week of pregnancy – before you even find out that you are pregnant. It is also essential to talk to your doctor to draft an individualized plan for blood sugar management throughout your pregnancy.

Can Diabetes Affect Your Baby’s Health?

Diabetes is a serious disease that may have negative effects on your overall health. During the first eight weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys will start to form. At this early stage, high glucose levels can be harmful to your baby’s growth and may cause birth defects, such as defects of the spine, brain or heart . High glucose levels throughout pregnancy can lead to your child being born prematurely, weighing too much, or even having low glucose levels and breathing problems right after birth. In some extreme cases, high glucose levels may also increase the risk of a miscarriage or even a stillbirth – a child who dies during the second half of pregnancy. This is why blood sugar management throughout pregnancy is crucial for your baby’s and your health.

In addition to having a direct impact on your baby, diabetes can negatively affect your health as well. Hormonal and other changes in the body increase the level of blood glucose. So, during pregnancy, you will have to bring some changes to your blood sugar management. Even if you have had diabetes for years, you will still need to make some changes to your physical activity routine, medication, and meal plans to better manage your condition. Do consult your doctor and take their opinion with regard to your health. You might be advised to switch to insulin during pregnancy if you are on oral diabetes medicines.

Blood Sugar Management During Pregnancy

Your pre-existing diabetes is not a deterrent to your pregnancy. However, you should still take the proper precautions required to control your blood glucose levels as much as you can. Proper blood sugar management will increase your chances of having a trouble-free pregnancy, which will eventually lead to you giving birth to a healthy baby. During pregnancy, you will have to bring some changes in your lifestyle to stay healthy and ensure that your baby also remains healthy.

1. Consult with your healthcare team

Your healthcare team will be a crucial part of your pregnancy journey.

  • An endocrinologist
  • A diabetes educator
  • A registered dietitian
  • A nurse practitioner
  • An obstetrician
  • A specialist who treats diabetes-related conditions
  • A psychologist to help you with potential stress

Regular visits to these specialists will help you to provide the best care to your unborn child. Strictly follow the advice and tips that your healthcare team gives you to control your blood glucose levels.

2. Be Physically Active

Physical activities play an important role in keeping our cholesterol and blood pressure under control. When you are planning your pregnancy, make sure that you have made physical activity a part of your routine. You can start by aiming for a 30-minute-long, uninterrupted physical activity every day. Remaining physically active will improve your muscle strength, alleviate stress and strengthen your heart and bones along with keeping your blood glucose levels under control.

3. Adjust Your Medication (With your healthcare provider)

There are a number of medications that you cannot take during pregnancy. If you are on oral medication, your doctor may modify and prescribe one that is safe for your pregnancy. Some doctors will also advise you to start injecting insulin. In case you are already taking it, you may have to change the dose or the type, etc. During the first trimester, you may need less insulin whereas during the last stages, you might have to increase the dose.

4. Quit Smoking

If you smoke, you are at risk of having a premature baby or, in worst cases, a stillborn child. Smoking is very harmful to your health and if you smoke, it is important for your health and the health of your child to quit. In case you have difficulties quitting smoking, you must consult with a specialist who can help you to quit the habit in a healthy manner. For people with diabetes, smoking can cause health problems such as kidney, eye, and heart diseases.

5. Consult a registered dietitian

During pregnancy, your dietary needs may change. You maybe required to take extra protein, calories, and other nutrients for the growth of your baby. This is why it is essential if you consult with a registered dietitian who can make a diet plan for you based on your medical conditions, food preferences, physical routine, etc.

6. Take Supplements

During your pregnancy, you should take vitamins and other mineral supplements religiously. One of such supplements is folic acid. If you are going with a planned pregnancy, ensure that you start taking 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid1 month before you get pregnant. During pregnancy, you should take 600mcg of the supplement. In case you require other supplements, such as multivitamins, calcium or iron supplements, you must consult your doctor and take the supplements as prescribed.

Summary

Diabetic patients often must make lifestyle changes to lead a healthy life. When it comes to pregnancy, women with pre-existing diabetes will have to to be mindful of their health but there is no denying that with proper care and adequate management, you can make sure that you have a trouble-free pregnancy. To better understand what lifestyle changes you can bring to manage your diabetes, you can read our free ebook, Hydrate to Regulate Blood Sugar.

References

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