planning for pregnancy with diabetes

[Starry Night]

I am a type 1 diabetic and also have periodontal disease.I have a history of rheumatoid arthritis but have been in remission and drug free for 16 months. I want to become pregnant and am very anxious due to my health issues. My Hba1c is normal.I am taking folic acid for the past few months. Are there any other special requirements that I need to know about? Thank you.

[Forum-vol-cmb]

Hi!  My advice is to make sure you are eating well, drinking plenty of water and exercising.  I have been diabetic since I was 10 and have two healthy children.  You sound like you are doing a good job already since your Hba1c is normal.  You will want to keep very tight control now and continue all through your pregnancy.  I kept my numbers very low and was rewarded with healthy normal weight children.  If your blood sugars aren't in good control there is the danger of having a large baby.  Also another suggestion would be to take extra special care of your teeth.  Make sure you are getting enough calcium.  I say this because you mentioned periodontal disease.  I know with both of my children I got cavities. I guess that is pretty common and not just with diabetic women, something about the babies take what they need from your body.  And try not to be anxious, stress isn't the greatest when you are trying to get pregnant.  Try to relax--easier said than done--but try not to think about it all day--keep your mind and body busy!  Good luck!  Being pregnant isn't easy and being diabetic makes pregnancy harder--but worth every minute when I see my smiling children!