Caring for you if you have diabetes

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy and have type 1 or 2 diabetes, speak to your healthcare team as soon as you can.

Your team can help you plan for what you need to do and look out for.

Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll see different healthcare professionals who will help you stay well. They may talk to you about:

  • keeping your blood sugar at safe levels
  • taking folic acid
  • monitoring your medication
  • checking your eyes
  • checking your kidney health.

We strongly recommend that you choose a hospital birth if you have diabetes. This means that you will have support from our consultants and wider maternity team in case you need urgent or specialist attention during your delivery.

Our team will explain all the risks and options to you and will encourage you to ask questions if you don’t understand something or are worried by something.

You may want a partner, friend or family member with you so they can ask questions too.

We’ll discuss all your options before you make any decisions about your delivery.