If you have diabetes and you are planning to have a child, you should try to normalize your blood sugar levels before you become pregnant.

High blood sugar can harm your baby during the first weeks of pregnancy, even before you know you are pregnant. If you have diabetes and you are already pregnant, you have to visit your doctor as soon as possible to make a plan to control your diabetes.

How can diabetes affect my baby?

The baby’s organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys and lungs, begin to form during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. High blood glucose levels can be harmful at this early stage and can increase your baby’s chances of having birth defects, such as cardiovascular disease or abnormalities in the brain and spine. High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can also increase the chance of your baby being born too early, weighing too little, having breathing problems or having low blood sugar levels immediately after birth. High blood sugar in diabetes increases the chance of miscarriage.

How can my diabetes affect me during pregnancy?

Hormonal and other changes in your body during pregnancy affect your blood sugar levels, so you may need to change the way you control your diabetes. Even if you have had diabetes for years, you may need to change your diet, to make routine exercise, and take medications. If you have been taking an oral medicine for diabetes, you may need to switch to insulin. As the term approaches, the disease`s control may change again.

What health problems can I develop during pregnancy due to my diabetes?

Pregnancy can make some long-term problems with diabetes worse, such as eye problems and kidney disease, especially if the blood sugar levels are too high.

In addition, you are more likely to develop preeclampsia, also called toxemia, when you have high blood pressure and too much protein in your urine in the second half of the pregnancy. Preeclampsia can cause serious or life-threatening problems for you and your baby. The only cure for preeclampsia is childbirth. If you have preeclampsia and you have reached 37 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may want to give birth to your baby earlier. At the very beginning, you and your doctor may consider other options to help your baby better development before he or she is born.

How can I prepare for pregnancy if I have diabetes?

If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar as close to normal as possible before and during pregnancy is important to stay healthy and have a healthy baby. Examinations before and during pregnancy, adherence to a diabetic diet, physical activity, physical activity and medication, if necessary, will help you control the disease. Quitting smoking and taking vitamins can also help you and your baby stay healthy.

What do I need to know about blood sugar testing before and during pregnancy?

You can often check your blood sugar levels, as it is important to know that they can change during pregnancy. You may need to check them even more often than you do normally. Ask your doctor how often you should check it for better health analysis.

SHOPPING DURING PREGNANCY

Congratulations, you are having a baby! We know that you cannot wait to visit all baby stores. However, we recommend you first treat yourself to some new additions that can make your pregnancy a tad more comfortable.

SHOPPING LIST FOR MOMS-TO-BE

Comfortable clothes and shoes. Whether you choose maternity wear, or standard clothing in a bigger size, depends entirely on you. One smart idea is if you don’t want to say goodbye to your favorite jeans yet, you can look for special maternity bands that can give you extra room around your belly.

Cosmetics suitable for pregnant women. Some ingredients such as retinoids must not be used during pregnancy. On the other hand, your skin will most likely undergo some changes during these 9 months. It can become more dry or oily, or you might develop acne. This means you’ll have to make some changes into your beauty routine.

Pregnancy body pillow. The more advanced your pregnancy is, the more difficult sleep becomes. A pregnancy body pillow can give you much needed belly support, which means fewer sleepless nights. You can even use it during breastfeeding after the baby is born.

A soft toothbrush and dental floss. Hormones during pregnancy make gums more sensitive. It is possible to develop bleeding or inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which means you should put even more effort into your dental hygiene. Electric toothbrushes are amazing for this purpose but do not fit into everyone’s budget. Instead, look for a soft toothbrush that won’t irritate your gums, and at the same time gives you a thorough cleaning.

When to start shopping for the baby?

 Today, everything can be purchased online and arrive home in a matter of days. Therefore, you do not need to rush to the shops the moment you see your positive pregnancy test. Many future parents wait until the second trimester when you typically learn your baby’s sex. It is advisable to try in store some items such as strollers. Therefore, listen to your body and choose a time when you feel most comfortable for shopping.

COVID-19 AND SHOPPING

So far, we know that pregnant women are at risk for severe COVID-19 infection. We would like to remind you that vaccination, personal hygiene (wearing your mask correctly and washing your hands) and social distance are crucial for disease prevention. If possible, avoid large crowds. Shop during the weekdays or early in the morning on weekends when stores are not so busy.