Diabetes should be controlled to achieve pregnancy without complications:Explanation by Dr Rama Sofat of Dr Rama Sofat Hospital

Unfortunately for couples trying for a baby, diabetes in one of the partners can lead to additional problems that increases the risk of infertility and pregnancy explained by Dr Rama Sofat. Diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction, low testosterone levels, poor sperm quality, etc. in men, while in women, it can cause decreased thyroid levels and ovarian function, thereby resulting in infertility in the long run.

Moreover, dealing with two medical problems infertility and diabetes can be mentally and physically stressful for the couples. As per discussion by Dr Rama Sofat, diabetes in pregnant women can even lead to abnormalities in the child.

Appointment By Doctor

One of your first tasks should be to set up an appointment about 3 to 6 months before you plan to conceive. At that visit, your doctor will:

Test your blood and urine for diabetes related kidney complications

Look for other problems linked with diabetes, like organ, nerve, or heart damage

Take your blood pressure
Check your cholesterol and levels of a type of blood fat called triglycerides

Blood pressure check by doctor

What Is Pre-Conception Counseling?

This is another important step for women with diabetes. This educational session will help you get physically and emotionally prepared and healthy for pregnancy. At this appointment, you and the doctor will discuss:

Your weight: Dr Rama Sofat provides information that women should try to reach their ideal body weight before they get pregnant. If they have a few extra pounds, losing them will help prevent complications from diabetes. If you’re underweight, adding weight can make you less likely to deliver a low-birth-weight baby.

Your lifestyle: If you smoke or drink alcohol, you'll need to stop. Smoking during pregnancy affects both you and the baby before, during, and after birth. When you smoke, the nicotine (the addictive substance in cigarettes), carbon monoxide, and other toxins travel through your bloodstream and go directly to your baby.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to a pattern of birth defects that includes mental retardation and certain physical problems.