Baby Ready Checklist

• Agree a plan with your healthcare team –  organise this at least 12 weeks before trying to get pregnant. This will ensure all your medications, blood tests, and eye screenings are up to date. 

• Start taking 5mg Folic Acid daily – This can only be prescribed by your GP and helps prevent neural tube defects (spina bifida). Take 5mg Folic Acid for at least 3 months before pregnancy, and for the first 12 weeks after you become pregnant.

• Take Vitamin D daily – Between 800-1000 IU is recommended, both before and during your pregnancy. 

• Maintain a healthy body weight and stay active – This improves your chances of getting pregnant, helps your glucose control, and overall health during pregnancy.

• Review any current medications with your Diabetes clinician – Current medications should be reviewed before getting pregnant. Avoid suddenly stopping medications unless specifically advised by your GP or diabetes Nurse. They will also tell you which medicines are safe to take in pregnancy. 

• Closely and regularly monitor your blood glucose levels – If you aren’t already doing this you will be asked to do so by your GP or Diabetes Nurse as it is important. We will offer you additional support to achieve the ideal target ranges below:
  • Finger prick tests: Ideal home glucose monitoring levels (finger-prick tests) are less than 5.3mmol/l before meals, and below 7.8mmols/l 1 hour after meals. 
  • Continuous Glucose Meter: The ideal range for pregnancy is 3.9-7.8 mmol/l and you should aim for a Time in Range (TIR) of 70% or more.