I have type 2 diabetes and am on insulin. I'm 8 weeks pregnant and I'm struggling to know what to eat...anyone got any great ideas they can share?" Planning a pregnancy is an exciting time in your life, but it can also be overwhelming. Your doctor can guide you on what to do before getting pregnant to help you feel prepared and confident as you embark on your journey. From preconception counseling to lifestyle modifications, there is a variety of ways you can reduce risks for you and your baby. Preconception Counseling Sometimes, planning for pregnancy includes fertility planning and scheduling sexual intercourse for the time of the month when the woman is most fertile. Couples who are having regular sexual intercourse and who still do not conceive typically consult a fertility specialist. Doctors generally recommend that healthy couples in which the woman is under 35 try to get pregnant for a year before consulting a fertility specialist. Women over 35 may want to consult a fertility specialist after 6 months of trying to conceive.

Pregnancy week-by-week - NHS

Generally speaking, you should eat a normal healthy balanced diet if you are planning to become pregnant. There is some special advice for pregnant women about foods and drinks to avoid. You may wish to refer to this so that if you think you might be pregnant, you can start to follow this advice straightaway. See the separate leaflet called Diet and Lifestyle during Pregnancy. Medication Smoking can be harmful to your baby, as well as to you, so should you become pregnant, you are strongly advised not to smoke. See the separate leaflets called Pregnancy and Smoking and Quit Smoking (Smoking Cessation) for more information about the harm smoking can cause. It may take some time to quit, however. So if you smoke, ideally it is worth working on this before you become pregnant. Also more options are open to you to help you give up smoking when you are not pregnant. See the separate leaflet called How to Quit Smoking for more information. Recreational drugsAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: "Frequently Asked Questions," "Tools for Patients: Before You Get Pregnant." “Preconception Carrier Screening." If you live in the UK, you might be at increased risk of Vitamin D-deficiency due to the low levels of sunlight. A Vitamin D supplement is often recommended as part of your prenatal vitamin to ensure your bones and teeth stay healthy during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor before considering any supplements. 8. Curb those vices Megavitamins may not be safe for pregnant women, since excessive doses of vitamins can be harmful and their effects on the fetus have not been fully studied. Megadoses of vitamin A in early pregnancy have been linked to birth defects. Women planning pregnancy and who are pregnant also are advised not to consume nonessential dietary supplements or herbal preparations, since their effects on the developing fetus are unknown. The safest choice for women planning a pregnancy is to take a prenatal vitamin supplement that contains folic acid and iron.

Pregnancy and diabetes | Diabetes UK Pregnancy and diabetes | Diabetes UK

It’s more likely you’ll have a larger baby – this can make the birth more painful and possible stress for the baby. So you may need a caesarian (C-section). Pregnancy planning begins even before conception for many women. Others choose to start planning when they are aware of a pregnancy. While it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy and baby without a pregnancy plan, developing a pregnancy plan is one way to help ensure that your baby has the greatest chance of having good health and that you have a healthy pregnancy. Planning for pregnancy typically involves the following:This includes advice on some of the lifestyle changes that might help improve your fertility, as well as your health and the health of any future pregnancy, like stopping smoking and not drinking alcohol. These changes can also be helpful for any partner in preparing for pregnancy or future parenthood. Folic Acid The survey also found a big difference between the perception of how long it takes to get pregnant compared to the reality. More than a quarter of women surveyed (25.3%) became pregnant within one month compared to fewer than 5% expecting this to happen. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a treatment facility locator. This locator helps people find drug and alcohol treatment programs in their area. Excessive weight loss or weight gain during this time can impact your menstrual cycles and make ovulation irregular, which can make trying to get pregnant difficult.

Planning for pregnancy - NHS inform Planning for pregnancy - NHS inform

If you have a health condition that affects your period you should speak to your healthcare professional for further support and information. This includes conditions such as: Eating a healthy and balanced diet is important to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients to support your body through pregnancy. Remember, you're preparing your body to undergo what is comparable to a nine-month marathon - so nourish it! If you have a partner, it’s a good idea to explain all this so they can support you from the beginning. Or ask your friends or family to give you that extra support.

1. Make a Plan and Take Action

NHS Quit Smoking offers free help, support and advice on stopping smoking, including when you're pregnant, and can give you details of local support services. Women who are planning to become pregnant should take folic acid supplements to reduce the likelihood of neural tube defects in the fetus. Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to your baby, and the more you drink, the greater the risk. High amounts of toxic exposure can be dangerous for a developing baby. Try to lower your exposure to common offenders by: