I am planning a pregnancy, what should I do?
If you are planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months then contact the Forth Valley Diabetes Nurses so we can discuss this with you and support you.
We will:
- Discuss what to expect during your pregnancy.
- Discuss the best contraception to use until blood glucose and Hba1c are at pregnancy targets.
- Recommend blood glucose levels of less than 5.5mmols before meals, and less than 8mmols 2 hours after meals. Recommend your Hba1c be less than 48mmols prior to conception and during pregnancy to reduce the risks to both mum and baby. We can discuss various options to help you achieve these targets.
- Ensure you are not on any medication that may cause problems in pregnancy.
- Ensure you have access to our Specialist Diabetes Dietitians.
- Advise you take folic acid 5mgs (prescription only) for at least 3 months prior to conception and until 12 weeks pregnant.
- Advise you take Vitamin D 10mcg throughout your pregnancy.
- Ensure that all your diabetes screening is up to date, and discuss what to expect if you have any complications from your diabetes.
- Take blood to check your thyroid function is normal before becoming pregnant.
- Ensure you have help to stop smoking or drinking excessive alcohol before becoming pregnant.
- Ensure you have registered with MyDiabetesMyWay so you can access all your diabetes records.
- Ensure you are able to download your meter
- Discuss the risks of inheriting diabetes.
- Discuss technologies available which may help keep BG in target.
I have just found out I am pregnant. What should I do?
- Contact the Forth Valley Diabetes Nurses to arrange a review.
- Ensure you have a blood glucose meter, so you can test before and 2 hours after meals and before bed.
- Aim for blood glucose levels of less than 5.5mmols before meals and less that 8mmols 2 hours after meals and for your Hba1c to be less than 48mmols.
- Arrange an appointment with your Community Midwife (via your GP practice). They will also book your first scan at around 12 weeks.
• Stop smoking & drinking alcohol. - Take folic acid 5mgs (prescription only) until 12 weeks pregnant.
- Take Vitamin D 10mcg throughout pregnancy (you can take this as a pregnancy multi-vitamin).
- Ensure you have blood ketone test strips (check the expiry date).
- Ensure you have a glucagen kit (check the expiry date).
- Ensure you have registered with MyDiabetesMyWay so you can access all your diabetes records
- Ensure you are able to download your meter
- Your Diabetes Specialist Nurse will ensure you are seen in the correct antenatal clinic