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

Overweight woman measuring her waist circumference in the ym
  • 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.

Related: Why It's Important to Manage Your Diabetes

Keep All Clinic Appointments

Pregnant mother visiting the doctor's for her appointment

  • 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

Pregnant mothers in a yoga class

  • 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.

Related: Get your Heart Pumping!

If You Are Sick or Need to Travel

Pregnant mother travelling in an airplane

  • 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

Mother breast feeding her new born baby in bed

  • 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

Pregnant mother getting a blood sugar test

  • 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.

Read these next: