Planning for a baby? Don't let diabetes get in the way.
If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, here’s what to do to have a healthy pregnancy. Mothers-to-be with gestational diabetes can also use this list to take care of yourself and deliver a healthy baby.
Plan Ahead
- Keep your diabetes under control three to six months before you get pregnant.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Once you are pregnant, see your doctor as soon as you can.
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Why It's Important to Manage Your Diabetes
Keep All Clinic Appointments
- Ask your doctor for advice on necessary check-ups and lab tests.
- Bring your blood glucose diary when you see your doctor.
- Your doctor may adjust your diabetes medicines. Take note of what to take, how much to take and how often you should take your medicines.
- Let your doctor know if you are taking other medicines (include traditional medicines and herbs) and discuss whether to continue taking them.
- Meet your diabetes health team regularly.
Related:
Being Hospitalised When You have Diabetes
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
- Arrange to see a dietician or nurse educator if you need advice on your pregnancy diet.
- Ask your doctor for advice on safe physical activities.
- Have enough rest. Sleep at least seven to eight hours every night.
- Learn to relax and reduce stress.
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Get your Heart Pumping!
If You Are Sick or Need to Travel
- If you are
sick (flu, cold), you may need to adjust your diet, insulin, blood glucose testing and ketone testing. Discuss these with your doctor beforehand so that you know what to do when you are not feeling well.
- Learn how to prepare for
long overseas trips.
Related:
Can You Still Travel While Pregnant?
Plan to Breastfeed Your Baby
- Discuss your plan to breastfeed with your diabetes health team.
- Check with your doctor which medicines are safe to take when breastfeeding.
Related:
Pregnancy Complications
Manage Your Blood Glucose
- Together with your doctor, set goals for your daily blood glucose levels and HbA1C reading.
- Watch out for symptoms of high blood glucose, low blood glucose or ketones and know how to manage them.
- Your doctor will help you set daily blood glucose goals. Write them in this table to remember them.
Time |
Recommended Glucose Level for Adults with Diabetes (mmol/L) |
My Blood Glucose Goals |
Before a meal (fasting)1 | Less than 5.5 | |
1 hour after a meal1 | Less than 7.8 | |
2 hours after a meal1 | Less than 6.7 | |
HbA1C2 | Less than 6.5% | |
Source:
1 MOH Clinical Practice Guidelines 1/2014 for Diabetes Mellitus, Ministry of Health Singapore.
2 American Diabetes Association (2016). Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy. Diabetes Care. 2016; 39(1):S94-8.
Keep a copy of this table in your wallet or snap a photo of it with your handphone to remind you of your goals. If your blood glucose levels are too high or too low, or you have ketones and are not sure what to do, see your doctor for advice.
Download the
checklist for pregnant mothers with diabetes [PDF].
Visit Parent Hub, for more useful tips and guides for a healthy pregnancy.
Download the HealthHub app on
Google Play or
Apple Store to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips.
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