Is it safe to have another baby when you are diabetic?

MaryEllen - posted on 05/14/2010

You will need more monitoring and you will need to watch your diet and exercise. There is a slightly greater risk of birth defects - very slight. But it can be done.

Iridescent - posted on 05/14/2010

Controlling your blood sugars is the most important factor. Speak to your doctor as you will need close monitoring even prior to pregnancy. A friend of mine has type 1 diabetes, and unstable blood sugars when she got pregnant with her first son. He has CP and Holoprosencephaly (major brain defect) because of unstable blood sugars before she even knew she was pregnant. He will never be ok, and he'll likely not survive much longer, and she feels quite guilty. It's hard for everyone involved. There are many other similar defects when blood sugars are uncontrolled. So just speak with the doctor and make certain you're monitored closely.

Shannon - posted on 05/14/2010

That's something you should talk to your doctor/midwife about..

Tania - posted on 05/14/2010

I have type 1 diabetes and have 2 sons. You must have your sugars under control befor you get pregnant. Diabetics need to plan pregnancies. My first pregnancy was not planned and I delivered at 34 weeks.
My second pregnancy was 12 years later and not only was my diabetes a factor but I had also had a kidney transplant.
My point is that even with diabetes you can have a sucessful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
I do understand your concerns. My second son was born at 30 weeks.
In the end this is a choice you will have to make with your husband. Talk to your doctor and I would also suggest setting up an appointment with the high risk team at your hospital. They will tell you what to expect and you will also have a diabetic nurse to call regarding your blood sugars when need be.

Phyllis - posted on 05/14/2010

I am in the exact same situation. We have 2 children, and had a 3rd pregnancy where I was diagnosed type 2 in the first trimester. (The could tell from my A1C test that it was not merely gestational) We lost the baby in the 2 month and my Doctor assures me that the diabetes was not the cause, although I think I have been blaming that and myself unconsciously. Now my blood sugar is stable but higher than it should be. (stable around 11.0) I am taking meds (glyburide) and following a diet. Here in Canada the diabetes oral meds have not been approved during pregnancy. So I talked to my doctor. She says that 3 MONTHS prior to trying to conceive I need to switch to insulin and get my blood sugar stable around 8.0. If I can do, that I should be able to have a healthy pregnancy, as long as I am careful and make sure to eat right, exercise, and adjust my insulin as needed. I will probably need less insulin in the first trimester and triple the insulin in the 3rd. As long as you are careful and arm yourself with information and visit the doctor regularly, I say go for it. I have been keeping a food diary that I showed the Doctor and nutritionist so that they could help me make the right changes. If you decide to try and want a diabetic prego buddy, just message me! We can support each other!

Louise - posted on 05/14/2010

I do not have diabeties but I know that now you are already in control of your blood glucose so this should not be such an issue this time around. You will be given several more appointments to monitor your glucose and will probably be asked to deliver early for your own safety and the babies. There is no reason to not have a child because of diabeties it can be monitored easily and helped to be kept under control with diet and insulin. Speak to your midwife who will be able to provide you with imformation before you become pregnant and constant support.