There is no reason that you cannot get pregnant and have a healthy baby because you are diabetic. But there are precautions and preparations that should be taken to provide a healthy pregnancy for both you and your unborn baby.
To achieve optimum nutrition, pregnant women are advised to consume foods that are rich in folate, calcium, iron, vitamins, and minerals that can be found in whole grain breads, pastas, brown rice, fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats and dairy products. The following are just some of the nutrients pregnant women need during the gestation period.
Pregnant women are advised to take in about 300 extra calories coming from a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains are needed everyday to maintain a healthy pregnancy. For bone and tooth formation, calcium intake is another significant nutrient pregnant woman should increase. Experts say that about 1,200 mg of calcium daily is recommended for lactation and pregnancy. Calcium sources include dairy products and green leafy vegetables
If they are exposed to high blood sugar levels during this time it is highly likely the baby will be born with birth defects or other complications. The reason you would be asked to wait is if your Hemoglobin A1C test results were high. Even though a reading of less than seven is considered good diabetic control it is better to have a lower number (around six) for the best chance at a healthy start.
To know if the woman’s body is ready for pregnancy despite diabetes, she should undergo a thorough physical examination administered by a licensed physician. This is very important because the physician can tell if the body is ready for the demands of pregnancy and labor and the possible complications that might occur along the way.
Experts say that pregnant women who have diabetes will most likely develop related complications such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, kidney disease, autonomic neuropathy or nerve damage to the internal organs, and cardiovascular diseases.
John Smart is a writer and blogger who’s published everything from articles to blogs to books on fitness and health related subjects. Utilizing this name along with many pen names people consider him an expert on the topic. His food for diabetics blog is just one example of many. If you need info about diabetic diets visit his food for diabetics blog.