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Contraception And Planning Pregnancy |
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Many women with diabetes have healthy pregnancies and babies. It does take a lot more planning if you have diabetes, however, because conceiving with a high blood sugar can cause serious problems for your baby. We strongly advise that you plan your pregnancies and use effective contraception if you are not planning a pregnancy. The most effective form of contraception is the oral contraceptive pill, and almost all women with diabetes are able to take it.
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Why should I plan my pregnancy? |
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Women with diabetes are more likely to have babies with problems such as heart defects and spina bifida (malformed spine). This increased risk can be greatly reduced by keeping blood sugar control very good for several weeks before the baby is conceived and during pregnancy. Taking extra folic acid also helps to reduce the risk: we suggest a dose of 5 mg per day, which is more than the dose recommended for other women. You can get a prescription from your doctor.
There are also other things that should be checked before you get pregnant, such as your eyes and kidneys. You should also stop smoking and cut down on alcohol. If you are taking any medications, for instance for high blood pressure, these may have to be changed.
The diabetes services offer personal pre-pregnancy advice sessions to any woman who is starting to think about having a family. If this applies to you, please get in touch so that you can be offered an appointment.
The diabetes UK web-site contains a good section on pregnancy.
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Folic Acid |
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Folic Acid is a natural B vitamin. It is in green veg, fortified breads and cereals, and can be taken as a tablet.
Taking folic acid tablets before and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy reduces the risk of the baby developing Spina Bifida, a condition where the spine fails to form properly.
You can buy Folic Acid at the chemist or we can prescribe it for you. The tablets that you can buy contain 400 micrograms of folic acid to be taken each day. We suggest a higher dose for women with diabetes, 4 milligrams per day, for which you need a prescription.
It is harmless even if you take it for a long time.
It is important even if you already have a healthy child.
It should be taken by every woman who is not using proper contraception and who might become pregnant so, if you are not on the pill, you should be on folic acid. The higher dose should be taken if you are actually planning a pregnancy.
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