Pregnancy is a crucial time not only for a woman but also for a couple. It's a crucial stage in life, requiring many considerations before embarking. Especially if you have diabetes, it's important to take precautions to ensure the safety of both parents and baby. 

Dr. Hemangi Negi, Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gynaecology and Laparoscopy, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, said that with the right medical help and proper planning, most people with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes can have a healthy pregnancy and good outcomes.

It is important to have stable blood sugar levels

She explained that the most important thing is to have stable blood sugar levels before conceiving and to establish a clear plan with your doctor. Many people don't understand that the first few weeks of pregnancy, sometimes even before a woman knows she's pregnant, are crucial for the proper development of the baby's organs.

Therefore, people with diabetes who wish to conceive are advised to consult a doctor before conceiving. This can help them review their medications, monitor their blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of complications before pregnancy.

Some medicines can be harmful during pregnancy

It's crucial to lower your HbA1c level below 6.5 percent before trying to conceive so you can conceive without the risk of low blood sugar. Maintaining stable glucose levels not only helps with fertility but also reduces the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, premature birth, and preeclampsia.

Some oral medications are changed for women with type 2 diabetes to have a healthy pregnancy, as some medications are not safe during pregnancy and may need to be switched to insulin.

Proper diet is very important

Eating a healthy diet is also crucial when preparing for pregnancy. A healthy diet rich in complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats helps maintain stable blood sugar levels . Many health experts recommend that women take a higher dose of folic acid than usual, as it may help prevent neural tube defects, which are more common in women with uncontrolled blood sugar.

It is also important to keep these things in mind

• Eating regularly, being mindful of snacks, and controlling portion sizes
• Weight management is also very important. Having a healthy body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy helps the body use insulin better, maintain regular menstrual cycles, and increase fertility.
• Activities like walking, swimming and light exercise, which are safe during pregnancy, can help you stay fit without putting too much strain on your body.
• It's also important to take care of long-term health problems related to diabetes.
• Before pregnancy, eye examination, kidney function examination, blood pressure examination and thyroid examination should be done.
• Problems like eye problems or kidney disease can worsen if not checked regularly, and high blood pressure or thyroid problems can cause problems during pregnancy if left untreated.

 PC:Jagran