When you decide to get pregnant and are suffering from diabetes, it is always advisable to get your blood sugar levels in check before you actually conceive. There can be a lot of complications arising out of this high glucose levels and the health of the mother and child can be at equal risk apart from the fact that high glucose levels can prevent conception altogether.

Extremely high blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia is potentially risky as it can result in miscarriages and cause severe birth defects in the child. It has been observed that when women with diabetes have been able to maintain the low and desired blood glucose level before conception, and during the first trimester have a safer pregnancy. Complications and malformations in the baby are also lesser compared to the condition where the mothers having diabetes were unable to control their glucose levels.

So, before planning a pregnancy, it is always advisable to proceed after duly consulting with your physician. Also make it a point that your obstetrician is equipped to deal with the challenges of pregnancy in a diabetic mother.

The Points to Note:

Whether the Body is Ready for Pregnancy

Diabetes affects the body in multiple ways. It is a cause of concern when it alters the hormonal balances and affects the reproductive system. So a number of physical tests need to be conducted to ensure that the body is indeed in a position to deal with pregnancy. The common complications ensuing from diabetes and affecting pregnancy are –

Diabetic Retinopathy – It can develop suddenly and can terminate pregnancy. It can be confirmed through a dilated eye examination before planning conception.

Hypertension – A usual accompaniment of diabetes, women are prescribed ACE inhibitors, beta blockers and/or diuretics to control the hypertensive condition.

Kidney Diseases – Improper kidney function can be already there, might develop during pregnancy and threaten the survival of the fetus in a diabetic woman. It can stall the growth and development of the baby and must be treated before conception.

Autonomic Neuropathy – Here the nerves around the internal organs gets damaged and complicate even the treatment of the diabetic condition by colliding with the drugs. Digestion is hampered and blood pressure levels plummet while changing positions like rising from a sitting position or vice-versa or beginning to walk after standing still for a while.

Cardiovascular Problems – These problems usually accompany diabetes and must be treated before conception. Pregnancy demands a healthy and fitter heart. So the doctor may suggest coronary revascularization procedures or other treatments to bring things under control before suggesting a time for a possible successful pregnancy.

Other Factors:

Having said all that, it is very important to focus on maintaining a near-normal blood glucose level when you are planning pregnancy.

• This should be at least three months after you conceive as this is the initial developing phase of the fetus. 

• It is advisable to stick to a self-management plan apart from following doctor’s advice and go for frequent monitoring of the glucose levels.

• Strictly follow a meal plan and make sure that you are not low on the essential nutrients and supplements.

• Make it a point to be physically active and work building a healthy body and a relaxed mind as you brace yourself for a successful pregnancy.

It is also important to follow doctor’s advice on when you should stop the usage of contraception and try to plan your conception on the time suggested by the doctor. It is absolutely essential to proceed according to doctor’s advice and cooperate with him if you want to ensure a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy.