Diabetes Type 1 Pregnancy: Before Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy is a complex process for any woman, but for someone with diabetes type 1 pregnancy has its own set of complications and risks.

If you have type 1 diabetes, and are considering having a baby, you should always get the advice of your doctor or healthcare team first as there may be some steps you need to take before you conceive.

Here are five things you will definitely need to consider before embarking on a diabetes type 1 pregnancy, but make sure you check with your doctor to see if there are any others that are specific to you.

Is your blood sugar regulation tight enough?

Pregnancy is a time when you need to keep your blood sugar under very tight control. Conception and the first eight weeks are a crucial stage in the physical development of your baby, and erratic blood sugar can cause problems at this time. Some women choose to switch from insulin injections to an insulin pump for greater blood sugar control before a diabetes type 1 pregnancy.

Do you take blood pressure drugs?

Many type 1 diabetics take high blood pressure drugs to prevent kidney failure, and very often these aren’t suitable to take during pregnancy. Check with your doctor to see if you need to come off your medication before you conceive.

Do you suffer from retinopathy?

Retinopathy is an eye condition commonly associated with type 1 diabetes. Pregnancy puts extra pressure on the small blood vessels in your eyes, so it’s a good idea to have your eyes checked and get retinopathy treated if you are planning a diabetes type 1 pregnancy.

Do you drink alcohol?

All women should cut out alcohol when they are trying to conceive, but it is especially crucial during a diabetes type 1 pregnancy as alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and make it difficult to maintain that tight control that baby needs.

Are you taking enough folic acid?

All women are advised to take folic acid before conception and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce the risk of their baby developing spinal cord problems. However, women experiencing a diabetes type 1 pregnancy should take 5mg folic acid a day which may be more than in standard pregnancy supplements.

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