When you are pregnant, there are a number of things you have to ensure for you as well as your baby’s health. And if you are prone to diabetes, then you need to be extra cautious and take extra safety measures to have a healthy pregnancy. Studies have shown that babies born to ladies with diabetes have a greater risk for birth defects due to high blood glucose levels and ketones that may pass through the placenta to your baby.
Here are a few health tips for women having diabetes.
The very first thing you can do ensure to have a healthy baby is to make sure your diabetes is in control before getting pregnant. If your blood glucose levels are in control there are fewer chances of passing any birth defects to the baby.
During pregnancy, careful monitoring of diabetes will help you get through your pregnancy smoothly. If you are suffering from type 1 diabetes then getting pregnant may bring changes to your insulin regiment. When you are you require more insulin, so the doctor will put you on a plan and will slowly increase the quantity you take each month. As the placenta produces specific hormones, it causes the body to increase its need for insulin. These hormones are very important for your baby’s growth, however, they block the action of insulin in you, which means you will have to boost your dosage.
If you are suffering from type 2 diabetes, you may have to switch the kind of oral medication that you are taking. Few medications, like metformin, are safer during pregnancy, however not all diabetic medications are suggested for pregnant women. Few women having type 2 diabetes are given insulin shots during their pregnancy, as it is safer than that of oral medication. If you want to control diabetes through your diet, you may need to see a dietician who will help you and plan menus which will take into account all your baby’s nutritional requirements.
You can even help your doctor in treating you by keeping careful records like what you eat, regular exercising, and ensuring that you eat your meals regularly at scheduled times. If you do not have a regular exercise regimen before you get pregnant, don’t start any strenuous program all of sudden. Choose some low impact exercises; like walking, swimming, or even low impact aerobics.
Once the baby is born, the blood glucose levels might be hard to monitor. The hormones that run through your body might make your glucose levels quite unpredictable, however, one must continue to monitor them as well as take your medication thoroughly. If you want you can even talk to a dietician and get a menu planned that provides those extra nutrients you require and that helps keep your blood glucose levels stable.
Having a baby is the most wonderful experience. And ensure your diabetes is under control while you are pregnant will help you to enjoy the pregnancy more.