Women with diabetes can have a healthy baby with careful planning and support before trying to conceive.
There are a number of risks during pregnancy for both mother and baby.
It is best to plan your pregnancy at a time when your diabetes is well managed and you have no other health issues present.
Seeking the support of your healthcare team in planning your pregnancy is recommended.
Your team may include your Endocrinologist, General Practitioner, Obstetrician, Diabetes Educator and Dietitian.
It is wise to have a review of your diabetes at least 3 to 6 months before falling pregnant.
Having a healthy baby booklets provide information on planning and managing pregnancy.
The booklets cover preparing for your healthy baby, nutrition in pregnancy, activity in pregnancy, insulin changes during pregnancy, labour and birth and breastfeeding.
Specific booklets are available for women with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Further information
A website dedicated to pregnancy and diabetes information: pregnancyanddiabetes.com.au
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs in pregnancy, is associated with an increased risk of complications in pregnancy and birth, as well as a greater likelihood of mother and child developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
The good news is that with good management of gestational diabetes – keeping healthy and maintaining blood glucose levels within target ranges – the risks can be reduced.
Managing gestational diabetes includes:
- Following a healthy eating plan
- Being physically active
- Self-monitoring blood glucose levels
If the diabetes cannot be managed with these interventions, medication may be prescribed, usually in the form of insulin injections.
The NDSS Gestational Diabetes Register
Women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes should be registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).
The NDSS Gestational Diabetes Register was established to help women who have had gestational diabetes to manage their health into the future.
Once registered, women will receive information on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and minimise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Women registered with the Gestational Diabetes Register will receive regular reminders for follow-up diabetes screening post pregnancy.
You can find out more about gestational diabetes and the National Gestational Diabetes Register at http://gd.ndss.com.au/
Helpful information:
The following booklets are available for women with gestational diabetes: