[michelle20]

What do I need to know before I try to have a baby?

[snydermom]

If you need instructions on how to make one ... I don't do diagrams!!!

Seriously, stop look & listen. Sure you'll get many answers!

As the proud gramma of 13, Good Luck! Beth.

[michelle20]

well, i mean since i am a diabetic. i have heard many things i need to do before i try and my doctor says as long as my A1C is at or below 6 i am fine. which mine was exactly at 6.

[Shalyndria]

Well, here's what I was just told.
Plan your pregnancy; keep your blood sugars as close to perfect as you can. For three months at least. I hate to say it, but the birth defects of babies born of diabetic mothers is higher than those born to nondiabetics. The range of defects is 2-23% in diabetics, and is highly dependent on your glucose control, especially before conception and the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, which is when the babies organs are forming. So perfect control is critical!
Do not smoke! If you do, try to quit 3 months in advance of conception. The same can be said for alcohol. Weight should be ideal before attempting conception. I'm sure you know all about that one!
And if you would like to know all of this and more for yourself, buy the book that my Dr. recommended to me! I bought it and love it!
It's called Diabetes & Pregnancy: What to Expect and the ISBN number is 158040071X. Great reference for people like you and I who would like to start a family soon!
Good luck and let me know how it's going!
Shalyndria

[Mick]

Michelle--just to be a bit positive here for you, I am in a support group for people who have had type 1 for over 25 years. Many of us have had it for 35 and even 45 years. There are several women in the group who delivered healthy children with type 1, and this was way back in the days before blood test meters and A1c tests--when you basically had no idea what your control was. Mothers and their children--some of whom are older than you are now--continue to be healthy and normal.

Michael
Type 1 since 1965

[sand-not-oil]

Hi Michelle, I'm currently trying to get pregnan,t and was diagnosed 6 months ago and am on 4 shots of insulin a day (3 fast, 1 slow).

The three bits of advice that my preggy doctor has told me is to keep your blood sugars pretty strictly regulated, take folic acid before and during the pregnancy at a stronger dose that you get from normal over the counter versions and keep in regular contact with your diabetes professionals.

I hope it goes OK for you (and me)