PREGNANCY:A1c 9 for years.Now 7.7.Effects on pregnancy?

david1555 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-18-2007, 10:15 PM

Hi everyone...this is my first post...please help me out..
My wife has T1 and we are planning on having our first child.
Her A1c has always been around 9 for the past few years.
These are the results of her last 2 tests:
April 2007 - A1c 8.8
July 2007 - A1c finally lowered to 7.7
We would like to start trying having a baby now...
Could a high A1c BEFORE PREGNANCY have consequences on her pregnancy?
OR is it that the only high numbers DURING PREGNANCY influence the pregnancy?

Please help me with any kind of answer, comment or suggestion you might have for us..
Thanks everyone
David

catgalla · #2 (**permalink**) 07-18-2007, 10:23 PM

Well generally they would prefer a lower a1c before pregnancy but my first pregnancy I was higher than normal (i forget the actual number) but as long as she keeps in tight control during her pregnancy she should be fine

david1555 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-18-2007, 10:29 PM

so high numbers BEFORE pregnancy DO NOT have negative effects on her body?(the parts of the body pertaining to pregnancy,that is)

catgalla · #4 (**permalink**) 07-18-2007, 10:41 PM

She should definately be checked out but I didn't have any effects. But if she's worried have her get checked out by her endo.

CarrieScott · #5 (**permalink**) 07-21-2007, 10:37 AM

I posted this thread a while back:

http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/...commended.html

Every medical professional I have spoken to recommends tight control of BS for at least 6 months prior to pregnancy.

Hope there is some information to help you here.

JasonJayhawk · #6 (**permalink**) 07-21-2007, 02:05 PM

Could she check her blood glucose more frequently throughout the day?

I test ten times a day -- and have not had an A1c over 5.8% (6.0% diabetic reference). I attribute my frequent testing (and correcting) to the lower A1c.

One complication of high glucose is having a baby that gains weight too quickly (because the baby releases insulin in an attempt to lower its own blood glucose).

She'll want to be followed up with a perientologist if she can't get her A1c any lower before conceiving.

xMenace · #7 (**permalink**) 07-21-2007, 02:10 PM

Ya, her a1c is still high. Get it below 6.5%. 6% is even better. If you need help, get her in here. It's not that difficult to do.

Keezheekoni · #8 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007, 07:34 PM

Just like every woman should take folic acid supplements before getting pregnant, you should have good control of your bgs before getting pregnant. Maybe nothing will be effected, but you never know!

dodo · #9 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 08:39 AM

I too try to get pregnant and my a1c for the last nine months were 7.7, 7.6 and 7.6 so a little high.

I always wondered what were the risks for the baby, if there's any. Is there any risks for the mother's health?

Thank you!

Stumpkins · #10 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 01:34 PM

I am hoping to get pregnant, but both endo and obgyn have said it needs to be 6.0 for atleast 6 mo. I've been @ 6.4 for the past few years, and am having a hard time reaching that 6.0, so I wait, and try and try and try..

KCP · #11 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 02:13 PM

Omg all i want to know is how you get to 6 without being hypo all the time! last time i hit 6.3 i was having hypos left right and center!!!
Im now at 7.4 about to do another a1c, but for you to say its not hard :'( IM finding it very hard!!

Emm · #12 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 10:47 PM

I'd have to agree with others here - 6 months of lower A1cs sounds good to make sure Mum's body can cope with pregnancy. A1cs in the 5s are generally recommended before getting pregnant - you can achieve that by learning about the insulins, making sure the basal insulin is correct, testing a LOT, and not having high carb meals (so that the insulin can keep up with the food rather than chasing it down). It's so worth it - it's only 9 months (tho it does teach great habits and she may find she prefers to stick with this plan!).

Sounds like this woman could be in for a shock after having A1cs in the 9s... but she can do it, and she'll feel SO much better when she does. Not to mention avoiding the long term grizzly complications, and of course, a much happier baby & easier pregnancy

Jesska · #13 (**permalink**) 04-28-2008, 09:12 AM

Does anyone know the effects of Diabetes on trying to conceive? I haven't even gotten pregnant at all let alone had a miscarriage or had to worry about the effect of diabetes on the baby. First things first for me - can anyone offer advice? My A1Cs were in the 6's now it is right at 7 so, obviously needs to be lower - but will all that work actually get me to conceive? Could that be why I'm not? Adopted a beautiful baby girl - but she needs a sibling

Help!!

Jan B · #14 (**permalink**) 04-28-2008, 11:55 AM

My only child had heart defects and lived for 5 1/2 months. I have no idea what my A1c was -- it was 24 years ago. I'll always feel it was partially, or wholly my fault, as I know my control wasn't too great before I got pregnant. (I was not trying to get pregnant.) So I would definitely do everything in my power to have excellent control before getting pregnant. Things get even harder to control while pregnant, so it makes sense to know what being in control is like beforehand.

Then, a few years later, I wanted to get pregnant, but never could. After I had my one tube burned (they don't really tie them), I learned I was very low on thyroid, and that could have kept me from conceiving.

Cause and effect is very real; however, many unhealthy moms have healthy babies and vice versa.

birdyland · #15 (**permalink**) 04-28-2008, 12:56 PM

I don't have full medical advice, but wanted to share that my docs were adament about 6.2 being the point where complications to the baby disappear for diabetic women.