Living with diabetes does not have to stop you from doing the things in life you want to do, including having a child. If you have diabetes, it is important to prepare your body before you conceive, because women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications during pregnancy. With the right steps, you can conceive and deliver a healthy child, even with this disease. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your pregnancy.
Make sure your blood glucose level is under control
Your first step might be to talk to your regular doctor about your desire to get pregnant. Your doctor will help you complete all the necessary steps to ensure that you are ready for this event.
One of the first things your doctor might suggest is getting an HbA1c test. This test measures your blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, and it can be a good indication of how well you control your blood sugar.
If your blood sugar level has been under control over the past couple months, it is a good sign that you are ready for pregnancy. If the test results come back too high, your doctor may suggest waiting a few months before you try to conceive.
Start making necessary lifestyle changes
The other important thing to do before you conceive is make the necessary lifestyle changes needed to be healthy enough to carry a child. This can involve numerous changes, including the following three:
- Start eating right – If you currently are not eating right, you will need to change this. Your doctor may suggest hiring a dietician or nutrition expert to help you come up with a plan for this.
- Begin exercising – You should also begin exercising. Exercising is a great way to help you keep more control over your blood glucose level, and it is good for your heart.
- Change medications if necessary – There is also a chance you may need to change your medications before pregnancy. While taking insulin is safe during pregnancy, you may need to adjust the amount you take. If you are taking insulin pills, you may need to switch to a different method. A lot of women with diabetes also have high blood pressure. If this is the case, your doctor may need to change or adjust the medication you are taking for this.
Taking the right steps before you conceive is vital if you have diabetes. If you would like to learn more about how to have a healthy pregnancy, contact a doctor (such as one from Pregnancy Center Of Wayne County) today.
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