Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy

"If you have type 1 diabetes and you’re thinking about having a baby, planning before you become pregnant is important. Learn how you can stay healthy and help prevent health problems for you and your baby before, during, and after pregnancy.

Deciding to start a family is an exciting time! It can also be overwhelming. It’s natural to have questions about how to keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy, especially if you have type 1 diabetes.

Women with type 1 diabetes can have a healthy pregnancy. Having a plan to manage your diabetes before, during, and after your pregnancy will help keep you and your baby healthy.

Before You Get Pregnant

Use this planning checklist pdf icon[PDF – 887KB] to learn how you can boost your health and get ready for pregnancy. Being in good overall health before you become pregnant is important.

Manage your blood sugar. Many doctors will recommend that you reach and keep your A1C goal for a few months before becoming pregnant.

Review your medicines. Some medicines and supplements aren’t safe to use while pregnant. You should speak with your health care team about each medicine and supplement you take before you get pregnant. Don’t stop taking prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor first.

View this guide to planning a pregnancyexternal icon with type 1 diabetes for more info.

Your insulin needs may change throughout your pregnancy. Be sure to talk to your doctor about how to manage your blood sugar.

During Your Pregnancy

As soon as you find out that you’re pregnant, work with your medical team to manage your blood sugar and head off complications.

During your pregnancy, you and your doctors will adjust your diabetes management plan, so it’s important that you trust your team and feel free to reach out to them. If you don’t have these health care specialists as part of your diabetes care team already, consider looking for:

• An endocrinologist (a doctor who treats hormone conditions, including diabetes). You may want to find one who specializes in caring for pregnant women with diabetes.
• An obstetrician (a doctor who treats pregnant women). Your pregnancy may be considered high risk because of your diabetes. If that’s the case, you may want to find an obstetrician who takes care of women with high-risk pregnancies.
• A diabetes educator who can help you manage your diabetes during pregnancy.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Keep your A1C levels on target. Blood sugar levels that stay high during pregnancy may cause your baby to grow too large (macrosomia) or harm the early development of organs and lead to birth defects.

Know your risks. Women who have type 1 diabetes can have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby, but it’s important to monitor diabetes complications that could worsen throughout pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, vision loss, and kidney disease. Other risks include:

• Preecalampsia – high blood pressure that can damage the liver and kidneys.
• Insulin resistance – when insulin is less effective at lowering your blood sugar.
• Miscarriage.
• Macrosomia – a larger-than-average baby. This can lead to a more difficult delivery.
• Birth defects that may affect your baby’s heart, brain, spine, kidneys, digestive system, limbs, and mouth.

Read more about possible risks during pregnancy.

Be aware of changing insulin needs. Your insulin needs may change throughout your pregnancy. Low blood sugar is common in women with type 1 diabetes. Check with your health care team about how much insulin you need and how often you need it..."
Diabetes and pregnancy