With preparation and the support of your healthcare team, you can reduce the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes for both you and your baby.

Types of diabetes in pregnancy

There are different types of diabetes in pregnancy. By accessing pre-conception and pregnancy care you are influencing the health of you and your baby.

• Becoming pregnant when you have pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can plan ahead to reduce known health risks to you and your baby. 
• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs when diabetes is first diagnosed in pregnancy. It results in higher than normal blood glucose levels and is likely to resolve after baby is born. 

Possible complications

You need to maintain your blood glucose levels (BGL) within your individualised target range before and during pregnancy to prevent the risk of complications, which may include:

• Miscarriage  
• Abnormal development of your baby  
• Pre-eclampsia 
• A big or small baby 
• Worsening of any pre-existing diabetes complications.  

Print out this helpful Pregnancy Planning Checklist to discuss with your healthcare team at your next appointment. Having the right information can help you lessen the worry, and help you feel excited about this special time.

Pre-pregnancy with type 1 and 2 diabetes

If planning a pregnancy, consult with your healthcare team at least 3 to 6 months before trying for a baby.

• A pre-pregnancy health check is recommended to help women prepare for a pregnancy. It includes a review of your blood glucose management, vaccination status, blood pathology, diabetes related complications, medications and more.
• Your GP may ask you to monitor your diabetes differently, alter your medications, or change your blood glucose level (BGL) targets. Aim for blood glucose levels within the target range discussed with your treating team.
• For most women It Is recommended that high dose folic acid be taken.
• Your GP can arrange for scans of baby. The first being the dating scan which can help determine when baby’s birth is expected.
• Your GP can also advise you about appropriate nutrient supplements.

During pregnancy

You can take steps to maintain good health during pregnancy.

• Make sure to get support from a specialised pregnancy and diabetes service to help you manage your diabetes.
• Live in a regional area? Ask your GP about telehealth or shared care with a major hospital.  
• Keep your appointments and stay in regular contact with your healthcare team. This allows for problems to be Identified and treated early.
• If you have type 1 diabetes, maintain your BGLs with Flash GM or CGM devices, before and during pregnancy.

Resources available for you

For more information, you can access these free booklets endorsed by the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS).

Written by health professionals with expertise in pregnancy and diabetes, they contain input from women with diabetes.

Read about preparing for pregnancy, managing diabetes during pregnancy and once the baby is born.

• Having a healthy baby: A guide to planning and managing pregnancy for women with type 1 diabetes – Download a copy
• Having a healthy Baby: A guide to planning and managing pregnancy for women with type 2 diabetes – Download a copy.

You can also order printed copies.

Note: These booklets replace the information contained in the ‘Can I have a healthy baby?’ booklet.

You can visit these websites for more information:

• Diabetes and pregnancy
• Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society