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Preconception Planning Checklist

by Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer

There’s a lot to do even before you become pregnant. Here are some important steps to take to make sure you’re ready to have a baby.

• Talk with your physician and/or certified diabetes educator. Get their expert opinions on what you need to do in terms of your diabetes management before conception. They can also recommend an obstetrics practice that they work with.
• Get your HbA1c test result into the range recommended by your health-care provider. The HbA1c test gives an indication of average blood glucose control over the previous 2–3 months. The lower your level, the lower your chances of having pregnancy complications.
• Make your appointments. Your heart, kidneys, and eyes should all be examined before conception.
• Talk with your partner. Fill your partner in on what a pregnancy with diabetes demands. Bring your partner along to your medical appointments if possible.
• Create your health-care team. In addition to your physician and obstetrician, you may want to see a nutritionist, an exercise specialist, or a C.D.E. with experience in helping women with diabetes during pregnancy.
• Commit. Get clear that the time is right in your life to have a baby. The road ahead will be challenging—but ultimately rewarding—if a pregnancy is truly wanted.

Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer is a writer and educator based in Philadelphia. She is the author of the book Insulin Pump Therapy Demystified.

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