Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people. If you have diabetes and you are pregnant, it’s important to manage your blood sugar levels carefully.

Uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy can lead to birth defects, miscarriage, or stillbirth. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips for managing diabetes during pregnancy.

Get Good Prenatal Care

It’s important to have regular prenatal checkups with your doctor when you are pregnant. You will need to have your blood sugar levels checked regularly, as well as your weight, blood pressure, and urine.

Your doctor may also recommend additional tests to monitor your baby’s health, such as ultrasounds and non-stress tests. By getting good prenatal care, you can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.

Follow a Healthy Eating Plan

One of the most important things you can do to manage your diabetes during pregnancy is to follow a healthy eating plan. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you create a meal plan that is right for you.

You will need to eat a variety of healthy foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. You may also need to limit your intake of certain foods, such as sweets and high-fat foods, to help keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels

Monitoring your blood sugar levels is important when you have diabetes, but it’s even more important during pregnancy. Your doctor will likely recommend that you check your blood sugar levels multiple times per day, using a blood glucose meter.

This will help you and your doctor make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

Take Medications as Prescribed

If you have diabetes, you may need to take medications to help control your blood sugar levels. If you are pregnant, it’s important to continue taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor.

However, some medications may need to be adjusted during pregnancy, so it’s important to work closely with your doctor to find the right medication and dosage for you.

Stay Active

Exercise is important for overall health, but it’s also important for managing diabetes during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about what types and amounts of exercise are safe for you.

Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are all great options for pregnant women with diabetes. Exercise can help lower your blood sugar levels, reduce your risk of gestational diabetes, and help you maintain a healthy weight.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol use can be harmful to both you and your baby, especially when you have diabetes. Smoking can increase your risk of complications, such as high blood pressure and preeclampsia.

Alcohol can cause birth defects and other health problems in your baby. If you need help quitting smoking or cutting back on alcohol, talk to your doctor about resources that are available.

Be Prepared for Labor and Delivery

If you have diabetes, it’s important to be prepared for labor and delivery. Talk to your doctor about your options for pain relief during labor, as some medications may affect your blood sugar levels.

You may also need to have a plan in place for managing your blood sugar levels during delivery. Your doctor will likely recommend that you have a glucose iv during labor to ensure your blood sugar levels remain stable throughout the process.

Keep in Touch with Your Doctor

Finally, it’s important to keep in touch with your doctor throughout your pregnancy. Be sure to attend all of your prenatal appointments, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

By working closely with your healthcare team, you can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.