Pregnancy and Contraception
What to consider ...
Being pregnant while living with Type 2 Diabetes unfortunately dose increase the risks to both mother and baby. It is really important that you speak to a doctor before you start trying to get pregnant if possible or as soon as you find out that you are pregnant if it was not planned. You should be referred to a specialist clinic to help prepare for pregnancy.
The following points are important to keep in mind:
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High dose Folic Acid (5mg) should be taken during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy which is not available over the counter. Ideally this should be started 3 months before you get pregnant.
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Ideally your HbA1c should be as near to 48mmol/mol as possible before getting pregnant, we would strongly advise avoiding getting pregnant if your HbA1c is 86 or above due to the increased risks.
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Blood pressure medication may need reviewing ideally before you are pregnant as certain common blood pressure medications are not recommended in pregnancy e.g. Ramipril. Their are other medications which can be used (Labetalol, Nifedipine, Methyldopa).
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Statin medication should be stopped before getting pregnant or as soon as pregnancy is confirmed if unplanned.
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Your Diabetes Medication will also need to be reviewed as many of these are not recommended in pregnancy.
As well as the above key points it is recommended to have up to date eye screening before getting pregnant and you should have a kidney blood test and urine test to make sure your kidney function is ok.
There is a Diabetes UK information prescription on this topic which you might want to have a look at as well as an infographic from EDEN and a "are you ready for pregnancy" quiz from Tommy's.