Preparing For Pregnancy With Diabetes

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Mater Private Network, Diabetes & Endocrine Centre, 10 - 11 Berkeley Street, Dublin 7, D07 Y032 01 882 2610 diabetescentre@materprivate.ie

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About this service

If you have type 1 or 2 diabetes and are thinking of having a baby, it is vitally important to plan ahead. Achieving good diabetes control is an important part of pre-pregnancy care.

All pregnancies come with risks, but if you have diabetes your level of risk may be increased.

Pre-pregnancy care is a vital step when planning to conceive as it can greatly reduce complications throughout the pregnancy, such as miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects.

Attending the Mater Private PrepPregnancy Care Programme will help to ensure you are best prepared for this journey.

 

Why is it important to plan your pregnancy?

If you have type 1 or 2 diabetes it is best to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

The first eight weeks of pregnancy is the most crucial time for women with diabetes as the normal development of the major organs maybe affected by exposure to high blood sugar levels, this can increase the risk of a major congenital abnormality in the baby.

 

Our pre-pregnancy care programme

We offer a personalised, consultant-led programme specifically designed for women with diabetes who are planning a pregnancy. We focus on supporting you to manage your diabetes while improving your health and lifestyle to optimise your ability to conceive. Having diabetes does not mean that you should not become pregnant but it does mean that you may need to temporarily delay becoming pregnant until your diabetes control has been optimised. 

 

Who is it for?

Women living with the following conditions who are planning a pregnancy:

  • Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • Obesity/overweight
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Consultant endocrinologist – detailed assessment, review and consultation including blood profile analysis 
  • Diabetes nurse specialist – personalised education and support to achieve optimum pre-pregnancy diabetes control
  • Dietician – specialist information and support on all aspects of diet to optimise blood glucose control and ensure dietary adequacy prior to conception
  • Appropriate obstetrical referral or assisted reproductive referral advice where appropriate