Having children is a big decision for anyone. If you are a woman who has diabetes, however, it is a decision that requires much more thought and careful preconception planning.

Many women who have diabetes have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. But this isn’t to say that it’s an easy experience – it requires a lot of work and dedication on your part.

• Don’t stop using contraception until you’re ready to have a baby – plan your pregnancy.
• Involve your diabetes care team – let them know as soon as you start planning to get pregnant, they will work with you to help you have a healthy pregnancy and birth. They are on your side.
• Keep your blood glucose to your target levels – try to avoid massive swings, before and after conception.
• Folic acid – you’ll need to take 5mg every day from when you start trying to conceive until you are 12 weeks pregnant.
• If you are on satins or ACE inhibitors, you’ll need to stop taking them as they could damage the baby if you are on them when you conceive. Check with your healthcare team if there are any other medications you need to stop.

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Top preconception tips