What I need to know about

Preparing for Pregnancy 

if I Have Diabetes

National Diabetes Information 

Clearinghouse

What I need to know about

Preparing for Pregnancy 

if I Have Diabetes

Contents 

Introduction ............................................................................. 1
 

Taking Care of Your Baby and Yourself .............................. 2
 

Your Diabetes, before and during Your 


Pregnancy................................................................................. 6
 

Pregnancy and Diabetes: Checking Your 


Eating, Diet, and Nutrition .................................................. 23
 

Baby’s Health ........................................................................ 36
 

Labor and Delivery with Diabetes....................................... 40
 

After Your Baby Arrives ...................................................... 42
 

Points to Remember ............................................................. 44
 

Hope through Research ....................................................... 45
 

Pronunciation Guide ............................................................ 47
 

For More Information .......................................................... 50
 

Acknowledgments ................................................................. 52
 

My Plan to Prepare for Pregnancy with Diabetes.............. 53
 

My Daily Blood Glucose Monitoring Times ...................... 57
 

My Target Blood Glucose and A1C Numbers ................... 57
 

My Plan to Check for Ketones............................................. 58
 

My Daily Physical Activity Record ...................................... 59
 

My Daily Blood Glucose Record......................................... 60
 

My Daily Food Record ......................................................... 62
 

 

Introduction 

If you have diabetes,* the best time to control your blood 

glucose, also called blood sugar, is before you get pregnant. 

High blood glucose levels can be harmful to your baby 

during the first weeks of pregnancy—even before you know 

you are pregnant. Blood glucose targets are different 

for women who are trying to get pregnant. Targets are 

numbers you aim for. 

Pregnancy and new motherhood are times of great 

excitement and change for any woman. If you have type 1 

or type 2 diabetes and are hoping to get pregnant soon, you 

can learn what to do to have a healthy baby. You can also 

learn how to take care of yourself and your diabetes before, 

during, and after your pregnancy. If you have diabetes and 

are already pregnant, don’t panic! Just make sure you are 

doing everything you can to take care of yourself and your 

diabetes during your pregnancy. 

For Women with Gestational Diabetes 

Read more about gestational diabetes, a type of 

diabetes that develops only during pregnancy, in 

What I need to know about Gestational Diabetes at 

www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov. 

*See page 47 for tips on how to say the words in bold type.
 

1 
 

 

If you have diabetes, your pregnancy is considered high risk, 

which means you have an increased risk of problems during 

your pregnancy. You need to pay special attention to your 

health, and you may need to see doctors who specialize in 

treating diabetes or its complications. Millions of highrisk pregnancies, such as those in which women are older 

than 35 or carrying two or more babies, produce perfectly 

healthy babies without affecting the mother’s health. 

Taking Care of Your Baby and Yourself 

Keeping your blood glucose as close to normal as possible 

before and during your pregnancy is the most important 

thing you can do to stay healthy and have a healthy baby. 

Your health care team can help you learn how to use meal 

planning, physical activity, and medicines to reach your 

blood glucose targets. Together, you’ll create a plan for 

taking care of yourself and your diabetes. 

2 
 

Pregnancy causes a number of changes in your body, so you 

might need to change how you manage your diabetes. Even 

if you’ve had diabetes for years, you may need to change 

your meal plan, physical activity routine, and medicines. 

As you get closer to your delivery date, your needs might 

change again. 

“I took good care of my diabetes before 

and throughout my pregnancy. And 

now I have a healthy little girl!” 

3 
How Diabetes Can Affect You and Your Baby
 

High blood glucose levels before and during pregnancy can 

●	 worsen your long-term diabetes problems, such as eye 

problems, heart disease, and kidney disease 

●	 increase the chance of problems for your baby, such 

as being born too early, weighing too much, having 

breathing problems or low blood glucose right after 

birth, or other health problems 

●	 increase the risk of your baby having birth defects 

●	 increase the risk of losing your baby through 

miscarriage, which means loss of the baby before 

20 weeks, or stillbirth, which means the baby dies in 

the womb after 20 weeks 

However, research has shown that when women with 

diabetes keep blood glucose levels under control before and 

during pregnancy, the risk of birth defects is about the same 

as in babies born to women who don’t have diabetes. 

If your blood glucose level is 

too high, then your baby also 

gets too much glucose. 

4 
 

Glucose in a pregnant woman’s blood passes through to
 

the baby. If your blood glucose level is too high during 

pregnancy, so is your baby’s glucose level before birth. 

After delivery, however, the baby’s glucose level may drop 

quickly and go too low. 

Having diabetes can also increase your chances of 

developing the following conditions: 

●	 Preeclampsia is a condition in which you develop high 

blood pressure and too much protein in the urine 

during the second half of pregnancy. This condition 

can cause serious problems for you and your baby that 

can be life threatening. The only cure for preeclampsia 

is to give birth. If you develop preeclampsia late in 

your pregnancy, you may need to have surgery—called 

a cesarean section, or c-section—to deliver your baby 

early. If you develop preeclampsia earlier, you may 

need bed rest and medicines, or you may have to be 

hospitalized, to allow your baby to develop as much as 

possible before delivery. 

●	 Depression can make you too tired to manage your 

diabetes and care for your baby. If during or after your 

pregnancy you feel anxious, sad, or unable to cope 

with the changes you are facing, talk with your doctor. 

Depression is a treatable illness. Your doctor can 

suggest ways you can get help and support. 

5 
Your Diabetes, before and during Your 


Pregnancy
 

As you know, in diabetes, blood glucose levels are above 

normal. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you 

can manage your blood glucose levels and lower the risk of 

health problems. 

A baby’s brain, heart, kidneys, and lungs form during the 

first 8 weeks of pregnancy. High blood glucose levels 

are especially harmful during this early stage. Yet many 

women don’t realize they’re pregnant until 5 or 6 weeks 

after conception. To protect your baby’s health, work with 

your health care team to get your blood glucose under 

control before you get pregnant. 

If you are already pregnant, see your doctor as soon as 

possible to make a plan for taking care of yourself and 

your baby. Even if you learn you’re pregnant later in your 

pregnancy, you can still do a lot for your health and your 

baby’s health. 

Use a Planning Checklist 

You can use the planning checklist “My Plan to Prepare 

for Pregnancy with Diabetes” and other tools at the 

end of this booklet to help you plan for and have a safe 

and healthy pregnancy. The planning checklist includes 

the same topics that are discussed in the following 

sections. Tackle one thing at a time to keep from feeling 

overwhelmed. Your health care team can help you with 

tasks that are difficult for you. 

6 
 

Planning Ahead
 

Before you get pregnant, talk with your doctor about having 

a baby. Your doctor can help you make sure your blood 

glucose levels are on target and give you the care and 

information you need to prepare for pregnancy. 

If you are thinking about getting pregnant, you can take 

these steps: 

●	 If you have questions or worries, discuss them with 


your health care team. 


●	 If you’re overweight, talk with your doctor about losing 

extra weight before you get pregnant. 

If you’re not ready for pregnancy, talk with your doctor 

about how to delay getting pregnant until you are ready. 

My Health Care Team 

Regular visits with members of a health care team who are 

experts in diabetes and pregnancy will ensure you get the 

best care. Your health care team may include 

●	 a medical doctor who specializes in diabetes care, such 

as an endocrinologist or a diabetologist. You will need 

monitoring and advice on glucose control during and 

after your pregnancy. 

7 
 

● an obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB/GYN, who has 

experience treating women with diabetes. Ask for 

a referral if your current gynecologist does not also 

deliver babies. You may be referred to a maternalfetal medicine specialist, also called a perinatologist. 

These doctors are OB/GYNs who have had special 

training to take care of women with high-risk 

pregnancies. You will see your OB/GYN regularly 

throughout your pregnancy. 

“I’m working with my health care team to 

take good care of myself and my diabetes. 

We’re doing all we can to make sure I have 

a healthy baby and a safe pregnancy.” 

8 
● a nurse educator or nurse practitioner, who provides 

prenatal care and advice on managing diabetes. 

●	 a registered dietitian to help with meal planning. A 

healthy diet—for glucose control and nutrition—has 

never been more important than now. The phrase 

“You’re eating for two” is not about quantity as much 

as food choices. 

●	 specialists who diagnose and treat diabetes-related 

problems, such as ophthalmologists and optometrists 

for vision problems, nephrologists for kidney disease, 

and cardiologists for heart disease. If you are already 

experiencing problems from diabetes, you’ll need those 

conditions monitored throughout your pregnancy. 

●	 a social worker or psychologist to help you cope with 

stress, worry, and the extra demands of pregnancy. 

You may already have this kind of support, or you may 

need it suddenly. If anxiety mounts or you become 

depressed, tell your OB/GYN. Ask for a referral if 

you need help working through issues during your 

pregnancy or after your baby is born. 

9 
● a doctor who cares for children, called a pediatrician. 

You might want to ask friends, family, or your health 

care team for recommendations. Many pediatricians 

visit their newest patients at the hospital soon after 

their birth. 

●	 a doctor who cares for newborn babies, called a 

neonatologist. The hospital will assign a neonatologist 

if urgent care for your baby is needed at the hospital. 

●	 a lactation consultant, who is trained to help with 

breastfeeding. She can give you the information and 

support you need to start breastfeeding your baby. 

You are the most important member of the team. Your 

health care team can give you expert advice, but you’ll 

be responsible for keeping your diabetes under control 

every day. 

10 
 

My Blood Glucose Levels 

Daily Blood Glucose Levels before Pregnancy 

If you are thinking about getting pregnant, talk with your 

doctor about what your blood glucose targets should be 

as you get ready to have a baby. Find out when and how 

often you should check your daily blood glucose levels with 

a blood glucose meter. If you already check your blood 

glucose levels, you may need to check them more often 

than you do now. 

The following chart shows target blood glucose numbers 

for women with diabetes who are planning to become 

pregnant. 

Target Blood Glucose Numbers (mg/dL) for Women 

with Diabetes Planning to Become Pregnant 

Before meals and when you 

wake up 80 to 110 

1 to 2 hours after eating 100 to 155 

11 
 

 

Daily Blood Glucose Levels during Pregnancy 

During your pregnancy, you’ll check your blood glucose 

levels using a blood glucose meter several times a day. 

Most doctors recommend testing at least four times a 

day. Talk with your doctor about when you should check 

your blood glucose levels and check off the times using 

the checklist included under “My Daily Blood Glucose 

Monitoring Times” at the end of this booklet. 

Getting correct results from your meter is important. 

Follow the directions for using your meter and take care 

of your meter. Recheck your blood glucose level if a test 

result seems off. Ask your health care team for help if you 

have questions about using your meter or your test results. 

“I check my blood glucose at least four 

times a day. The results show whether I 

need to change my meal plan or insulin to 

keep my blood glucose on target.” 

12 
 

 

The daily target blood glucose numbers recommended 

by the American Diabetes Association for most pregnant 

women are in the following table. 

Target Blood Glucose Numbers (mg/dL) for Women 

with Diabetes Who Become Pregnant 

Before meals, at bedtime, and 

overnight 60 to 99 

1 to 2 hours after eating 100 to 129 

Ask your doctor what targets are right for you. Write 

down your targets in “My Target Blood Glucose and A1C 

Numbers” at the end of this booklet. 

You can keep track of your blood glucose levels using “My 

Daily Blood Glucose Record” at the end of this booklet. 

Write down the results every time you check your blood 

glucose. Your blood glucose records can help you and your 

health care team decide whether your diabetes care plan is 

working. You also can use this form to make notes about 

your insulin and ketones. 

13 
 

The A1C Test
 

Another way to see whether you’re meeting your targets is 

to have an A1C blood test. Results of the A1C test reflect 

your average blood glucose levels during the past 3 months. 

The American Diabetes Association now recommends that 

most women with diabetes should aim for an A1C target as 

close to normal as possible—below 7 percent, and ideally 

below 6 percent—before getting pregnant and during 

pregnancy. Your doctor can help you set an A1C target 

that is best for you. Write your target under “My Target 

Blood Glucose and A1C Numbers” at the end of this 

booklet. 

Low Blood Glucose 

When you’re pregnant, you’re at increased risk of having 

low blood glucose, also called hypoglycemia. When blood 

glucose levels are too low, your body can’t get the energy it 

needs. Although hypoglycemia can happen suddenly, it is 

usually mild and can be treated quickly. Eating or drinking 

something with carbohydrates—sugars and starches found 

in many foods—can bring your blood glucose level back 

to normal. Left untreated, hypoglycemia can make you 

pass out. 

14 
Low blood glucose can make you
 

● hungry 

● dizzy or shaky 

● confused 

● pale 

● sweat more 

● weak 

● anxious or cranky 

● have headaches 

● have a fast heartbeat 

Low blood glucose can be caused by 

● meals or snacks that are too small, delayed, or skipped 

● doses of insulin that are too high 

● increased physical activity 

15 
Low blood glucose also can be caused by drinking too many 

alcoholic beverages. However, women who are trying to 

get pregnant or who are already pregnant should avoid 

drinking alcohol. 

“I keep a box of crackers on my bedside 

table. If I have low blood glucose during 

the night, I eat some crackers right away to 

bring my blood glucose back up to normal.” 

16 
Read more about low blood glucose in Hypoglycemia at
 

www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov. 

Using Glucagon for Severe Low Blood Glucose 

If you have severe low blood glucose and pass out, you’ll 

need help to quickly bring your blood glucose level back 

to normal. Your health care team can teach your family 

members and friends how to give you an injection of 

glucagon, a hormone that raises blood glucose levels right 

away. If glucagon is not available, someone should call 911 

to get you to the nearest emergency room for treatment. 

17 
High Blood Glucose
 

High blood glucose, also called hyperglycemia, can happen 

when you don’t have enough insulin or when your body isn’t 

able to use insulin correctly. High blood glucose can result 

from 

● not taking your diabetes medicines 

● eating more food than usual 

● being less active than usual 

● illness 

● stress 

Also, if your blood glucose level is already high and you 

have chemicals called ketones in your blood or urine, 

physical activity can make your blood glucose level go even 

higher. Symptoms of high blood glucose include 

● frequent urination 

● thirst 

● weight loss 

Talk with your doctor about what to do when your blood 

glucose is too high. Your doctor might suggest a change in 

your insulin, meal plan, or physical activity routine. 

18 
My Ketone Levels 

When your blood glucose is too high or if you’re not eating 

enough, your body might make ketones. Ketones in your 

urine or blood mean your body is using fat for energy 

instead of glucose. Your body can’t use glucose for energy 

if you don’t have enough insulin or you aren’t getting 

enough glucose from food, so it uses fat instead. Burning 

fat instead of glucose can be harmful to your health and 

your baby’s health. Harmful ketones can pass from you to 

your baby. Your health care team can teach you how and 

when to test your urine or blood for ketones. 

“I check my urine every morning for 

ketones. That’s one of the things I do to 

keep my baby and myself safe and healthy.” 

19 
 

If ketones build up in your body, you can develop a
 

condition called ketosis. Ketosis can quickly turn into 

diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be life threatening. 

Symptoms of ketoacidosis are 

● stomach pain 

● nausea and vomiting 

● frequent urination or frequent thirst, for a day or more 

● fatigue 

● muscle stiffness or aching 

● feeling dazed or in shock 

● rapid, deep breathing 

● breath that smells fruity 

Checking Your Urine or Blood Ketone Levels 

Your doctor might recommend you test your urine or 

blood daily for ketones or when your blood glucose is 

above a certain level, such as 200 mg/dL. If you use an 

insulin pump, your doctor might recommend that you test 

for ketones when your blood glucose level is unexpectedly 

high. You can write down the times you should check for 

ketones in “My Plan to Check for Ketones” at the end of 

this booklet. 

20 
 

 

You can prevent serious health problems by checking for 

ketones as recommended. Talk with your doctor about 

what to do if you have ketones. Your doctor might suggest 

making changes in the amount of insulin you take or when 

you take insulin. 

My Checkups 

Your diabetes-related health problems can affect your 

pregnancy. And pregnancy can make some diabetes health 

problems worse. Your doctor can talk with you about how 

pregnancy might affect any previous or ongoing problems 

you have. If you address these problems enough in advance, 

you may decide to work with your doctor to arrange for 

treatments, such as laser treatment for eye problems, before 

you get pregnant. 

Before you get pregnant, talk with your doctor about 

●	 whether your vaccinations—shots to help prevent 


diseases—are up to date
 

●	 having a Pap test to check for changes in the cells of 

your cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into 

the vagina 

●	 being checked for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV 

21 
Have a complete checkup before you get pregnant or at the
 

start of your pregnancy. Your doctor should check for 

●	 high blood pressure, also called hypertension 

●	 eye disease, also called diabetic retinopathy 

●	 heart and blood vessel disease, also called 


cardiovascular disease
 

●	 nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy 

●	 kidney disease, also called diabetic nephropathy 

● thyroid disease 

Also, let your doctor know about 

●	 prior pregnancies 

●	 health problems that run in your or your partner’s 


family
 

●	 family or social situations that could hurt your and 

your baby’s safety, such as domestic violence or lack of 

support 

●	 other health problems you have, such as an eating 


disorder or depression
 

You’ll also get regular checkups throughout your 

pregnancy. During these visits, your health care team will 

check your blood pressure and A1C levels and monitor the 

protein in your urine. 

22 
 

 

 

 

Smoking 

Smoking can increase your chance of having a stillborn 

baby or a baby born too early. Smoking is especially 

harmful for people with diabetes. Smoking can increase 

diabetes-related health problems such as eye disease, heart 

disease, kidney disease, and amputations. If you smoke, 

talk with your doctor about how to quit. 

Eating, Diet, and Nutrition 

A healthy eating plan is important as you prepare for and 

go through pregnancy. A healthy eating plan will help you 

manage your blood glucose levels and weight. 

If you don’t already see a dietitian, you should start 

seeing one before you get pregnant. Your dietitian can 

help you learn what to eat, how much to eat, and when to 

eat to reach or maintain a healthy weight. These habits 

are important to learn for your and your baby’s future. 

Together, you and your dietitian will create a healthy 

eating plan tailored to your needs, usual schedule, food 

preferences, medical conditions, medicines, and physical 

activity routine. 

23 
 

During pregnancy, many women need changes in their diet, 

such as extra calories and protein. You might need to see 

your dietitian every few months during pregnancy as your 

needs change. Eating a well-balanced diet helps ensure 

that you and your baby are healthy. 

“My dietitian helped me include my favorite foods in 

my healthy eating plan.” 

24 
 

How Much to Eat
 

Talk with your dietitian about how many servings to have 

at each meal and snack. Your dietitian can also provide 

advice about portion sizes. 

Once you are pregnant, your healthy eating plan will be 

based on how many calories you need for pregnancy and 

your goals for weight gain during the pregnancy. Work with 

your health care team to gain the right amount of weight 

during pregnancy. Weight gain during pregnancy depends 

on your weight before pregnancy: 

●	 Women who were underweight before pregnancy 


should gain 28 to 40 pounds
 

●	 Women who were normal weight before pregnancy 

should gain 25 to 35 pounds 

●	 Women who were overweight before pregnancy should 

gain 15 to 25 pounds 

●	 Women who were obese before pregnancy should gain 

11 to 20 pounds 

However, your doctor may recommend a slightly different 

weight gain goal for you. 

25 
 

You’ll need to find out your body mass index (BMI) 

number to know whether you are underweight, normal 

weight, overweight, or obese before pregnancy. Online 

BMI calculators are available at www.nhlbisupport.com/ 

bmi and www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi. 

“Eating small meals and snacks throughout 

the day helps keep my blood glucose under 

control.” 

26 
 

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
 

Your doctor will tell you whether you need to take a 

vitamin and mineral supplement before and during 

pregnancy. Many pregnant women need supplements 

because their diets don’t supply enough of the following 

important vitamins and minerals: 

●	 iron—to help make extra blood for pregnancy and for 

the baby’s supply of iron 

●	 folic acid—to prevent birth defects in the brain and 

spinal cord 

●	 calcium—to build strong bones 

Folic acid is an important vitamin for you to take 

before and after you get pregnant to protect your 

baby’s health. You’ll need to start taking a folic acid 

supplement at least 1 month before you get pregnant. 

Most women who could become pregnant should take 

a multivitamin or supplement that contains at least 

400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Once you become 

pregnant, you should take at least 600 mcg of folic acid 

daily. 

27 
 

Vitamin D supplements. Studies suggest that having
 

enough vitamin D in your blood may help maintain healthy 

blood glucose levels. However, more research is needed 

before special recommendations can be made about 

vitamin D levels or supplements for people with diabetes. 

Current recommendations for vitamin D intake are 

●	 for most people, including pregnant women and 

children at least 1 year old—600 International Units 

(IU) of vitamin D daily 

●	 for babies younger than 1 year old—400 IU of 


vitamin D daily
 

Ask your doctor whether you should take a vitamin D 

supplement. 

28 
Alcoholic Beverages
 

You should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while you’re 

trying to get pregnant and throughout pregnancy. When 

you drink, the alcohol also affects your baby. Alcohol can 

lead to serious, lifelong health problems for your baby. 

Artificial Sweeteners 

Artificial sweeteners can be used in moderate amounts. If 

you choose to use sweeteners, talk with your dietitian about 

how much to have. 

You can keep track of what you eat and drink using “My 

Daily Food Record” at the end of this booklet. Your food 

records can help you and your health care team see whether 

your diabetes care plan is working. 

Read more in What I need to know about Eating and 

Diabetes at www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov. 

29 
 

My Physical Activity Routine 

Daily physical activity can help you reach your target blood 

glucose numbers. Being physically active can also help you 

reach your target blood pressure and cholesterol levels, 

relieve stress, improve muscle tone, strengthen your heart 

and bones, and keep your joints flexible. 

Before getting pregnant, make physical activity a regular 

part of your life. Talk with your doctor about regular 

physical activity, such as walking, swimming, stretching, and 

using hand weights. Consider whether you have any health 

problems and which activities would be best for you. Your 

doctor may advise you to avoid activities that increase your 

risk of falling, such as downhill skiing, during pregnancy. 

30 
 

A sensible goal for most women is to aim for 30 minutes or 

more of activity a day, most days of the week. If you were 

active before pregnancy, you may be able to continue with 

a more moderate version of your usual physical activity 

routine during pregnancy. If you are already pregnant and 

haven’t been active, start with an activity such as walking. 

Read more in What I need to know about Physical Activity 

and Diabetes at www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov. 

“I wasn’t very active before I got 

pregnant. My doctor said that 

walking every day would be safe 

and good for me and my baby.” 

31 
 

 

 

You can keep track of your physical activity using “My
 

Daily Physical Activity Record” at the end of this booklet. 

Your physical activity record can help you and your health 

care team see whether your diabetes care plan is working. 

My Medicines 

Medicines for Diabetes 

Some medicines are not safe during pregnancy and should 

be stopped before you get pregnant. Tell your doctor about 

all the medicines you currently take, such as those for high 

cholesterol and high blood pressure. Your doctor can tell 

you which medicines to stop taking. 

During pregnancy, the safest diabetes medicine is insulin. 

If you’re already taking insulin, you might need to change 

the kind, the amount, or how and when you take it. The 

amount of insulin you take is likely to increase as you go 

through pregnancy because your body becomes less able to 

respond to the action of insulin, a condition called insulin 

resistance. Your insulin needs may double or even triple as 

you get closer to your delivery date. Your doctor will work 

with you to make a personalized insulin routine. 

If you’ve been taking medicines other than insulin to 

control your blood glucose levels, you’ll need to stop taking 

them. Research studies have not yet proved that diabetes 

medicines other than insulin are safe for use during 

pregnancy. 

Read more in What I need to know about Diabetes Medicines 

at www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov. 

32 
Changes in My Daily Routine 

Sick Days 

When you’re sick, your blood glucose levels can rise rapidly 

and diabetic ketoacidosis can occur. Talk with your health 

care team about what you should do if you get sick. Be sure 

you know 

●	 what to do if you’re nauseated or vomiting 

●	 how often you should check your blood glucose 

●	 how often you should check your urine or blood for 

ketones 

●	 when you should call your doctor 

“When I’m not feeling well, I check my 

blood glucose more often than usual. I 

know that being sick can make my blood 

glucose level go too high.” 

33 
 

 

Being Away from Home
 

When you’re away from home—for several hours or for 

a longer trip—you’ll want to be prepared for problems. 

Make sure you always have the following with you: 

●	 a snack or a meal 

●	 food or drinks to treat low blood glucose 

●	 your diabetes medicines and supplies 

●	 your blood glucose meter and supplies 

●	 your glucagon kit 

●	 your health care team’s phone numbers for emergencies 

Planning to Breastfeed My Baby 

You can give your baby a healthy start by breastfeeding. 

Breast milk provides the best nutrition for your baby and 

protection against certain illnesses. 

To help prepare for breastfeeding, 

●	 talk with your health care team about your plans to 

breastfeed. Ask if the place where you plan to deliver 

your baby has the staff and setup to support successful 

breastfeeding. 

●	 take a breastfeeding class. Pregnant women who 

learn about how to breastfeed are more likely to be 

successful than those who do not. 

●	 ask your doctor to recommend a lactation consultant 

to help you with breastfeeding. A lactation consultant 

is trained to help with breastfeeding. 

34 
 

●	 talk with friends who have breastfed or consider 


joining a breastfeeding support group. 


After Your Baby Is Born 

After you have your baby, these steps can help you get off 

to a great start: 

●	 Breastfeed as soon as possible after birth. The sucking 

instinct is very strong within the first hour of life. 

●	 If you don’t already have a lactation consultant, ask for 

one at the hospital to come help you. 

●	 Ask the hospital staff not to give your baby other food 

or formula, unless it is medically necessary. 

●	 Allow your baby to stay in your hospital room all day 

and night so that you can breastfeed often. Or, ask the 

nurses to bring you your baby for feedings. 

●	 Try to avoid giving your baby any pacifiers or artificial 

nipples so your baby gets used to latching onto just 

your breast. 

Many leading health organizations suggest that your baby 

should not have any foods or liquids other than breast milk 

for the first 6 months. After the first 6 months, babies can 

begin to eat other foods along with breast milk. 

Read more in Breastfeeding and Breast Milk Overview 

at www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/breastfeeding or visit 

www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding. 

35 
 

 

Pregnancy and Diabetes: Checking Your 


Baby’s Health 


You will have tests throughout your pregnancy to check 

your baby’s health. Your health care team can tell you 

which of the following tests you’ll have and when you 

might have them. Your doctor might also suggest other 

tests. If certain diseases or conditions run in your family, 

you might meet with a genetic counselor. The counselor 

may recommend tests based on your family history and can 

explain the risk of certain conditions for your baby. 

The following tests are usually done in your doctor’s office 

or an outpatient care facility. You will be awake for all 

of these tests; anesthesia is not needed. For blood tests, 

your blood is drawn at your doctor’s office or a commercial 

facility, and the blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. 

Ultrasound 

Ultrasound uses a device, called a transducer, that bounces 

safe, painless sound waves off organs to create an image 

of their structure. Ultrasound is performed by a specially 

trained technician or health care provider. The image, 

called a sonogram, can show the baby’s size, position, 

structures, and sex. The image can also help estimate age, 

evaluate growth, and show some types of birth defects. 

36
 
 

 

First Trimester Screen
 

The first trimester screen is a test done when you are 11 to 

14 weeks pregnant. This test involves a blood test and an 

ultrasound exam called nuchal translucency screening. The 

blood test measures the levels of certain substances in your 

blood. A technician will draw your blood for the test. The 

ultrasound measures the thickness at the back of the baby’s 

neck. 

Maternal Blood Screening Test 

The maternal blood screening test is also called the 

multiple marker screen test, the triple screen, or quad 

screen. This test measures several substances in your blood. 

Results can tell you whether your baby is at risk for spinal 

cord and brain problems, Down syndrome, and other birth 

defects. If the results show an increased risk for problems, 

additional tests such as ultrasound or amniocentesis can 

provide more information. 

Fetal Echocardiogram 

The fetal echocardiogram uses ultrasound to check for 

problems in the baby’s heart structure. 

Amniocentesis 

Amniocentesis uses a thin needle inserted through the 

abdomen into the uterus to obtain a small amount of 

the fluid that surrounds the baby. A specially trained 

technician or health care provider will perform this test. 

37 
 

 

 

Cells from the fluid are grown in a lab and then analyzed.
 

Amniocentesis can help tell whether your baby has health 

problems and if your baby’s lungs have finished developing. 

Mature lungs are necessary for the baby to breathe without 

help after delivery. 

Chorionic Villus Sampling 

In chorionic villus sampling, a thin needle is inserted into 

the placenta to obtain cells. Ultrasound is used to guide 

the needle into the placenta, either through the vagina and 

cervix or through the abdomen and uterus. The placenta 

is composed of tissue and blood vessels that attach the 

baby to the mother’s uterus, so the baby can get nutrition. 

A specially trained technician or health care provider 

performs this test. Cells are then analyzed to look for 

health problems. 

Group B Streptococcus Test 

In the group B streptococcus test, a swab is used to take 

cells from your vagina and rectum for testing. Your doctor 

performs this test. The test is done at 36 to 37 weeks of 

pregnancy to look for bacteria that can cause pneumonia or 

serious infection in newborns. 

38 
Kick Counts/Fetal Movement Counting 

Counting kicks and other fetal movements is an easy way to 

keep track of your baby’s activity. You can do this test at 

home. You’ll count how many times the baby moves during 

a certain period of time. 

Nonstress Test 

A fetal monitor checks whether your baby’s heart rate 

increases as it should when the baby is active. Your doctor 

or another health care provider performs this test. 

Biophysical Profile 

Ultrasound checks your baby’s muscle tone, breathing, and 

movement to obtain a biophysical profile. Ultrasound also 

estimates the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the 

baby. 

Contraction Stress Test 

This test measures the baby’s heart rate during contractions 

using a fetal monitor. Your doctor or another health care 

provider performs this test. The results can help your 

doctor decide whether the baby needs to be delivered early. 

39 
Labor and Delivery with Diabetes 

Timing of Delivery 

Your health care team will consider your health, your 

baby’s health, and the state of your pregnancy in deciding 

how and when delivery should occur. Your doctor may 

recommend inducing labor before your due date or 

delivering the baby surgically using a cesarean section, or 

c-section. However, most women with diabetes have the 

option of delivering vaginally. You’ll want to talk with your 

health care team about your options well ahead of time. 

“I talked with my doctor way before I 

was due about my options for delivering 

my baby.” 

40
 
The factors your health care team will consider in deciding 

what type of delivery is best for you and your baby may 

include 

● your baby’s size and position 

● your baby’s lung maturity 

● your baby’s movements 

● your baby’s heart rate 

● the amount of amniotic fluid 

● your blood glucose and blood pressure levels 

● your general health 

Blood Glucose Control during Labor and Delivery 

Keeping your blood glucose levels under control helps 

ensure your baby won’t have low blood glucose right after 

birth. You will be physically active when you’re in labor, 

therefore you may not need much insulin. Hospital staff 

will check your blood glucose levels frequently. Some 

women take both insulin and glucose, as well as fluids, 

through an intravenous (IV) line during labor. Sending 

insulin and glucose directly into your bloodstream through 

a vein provides good control of blood glucose levels. If 

you are using an insulin pump, you might continue to use it 

throughout labor. 

If you are having a c-section, your blood glucose levels may 

increase because of the stress of surgery. Your health care 

team will closely monitor your blood glucose levels and will 

likely use an IV for insulin and glucose to keep your levels 

under control. 

41 
 

After Your Baby Arrives 

Breastfeeding 

You can give your baby a healthy start by breastfeeding. 

Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition and helps your 

baby stay healthy. 

“Even though I have diabetes, I can still 

breastfeed my baby. My milk gives my baby 

exactly what he needs.” 

42
 
 

Your Healthy Eating Plan 

If you’re breastfeeding, you might need more calories each 

day than you needed during your pregnancy. Your dietitian 

can provide personalized recommendations and answer any 

questions you have about what, when, and how much to eat. 

Your Medicines 

After you’ve given birth, you might need less insulin than 

usual for several days. Breastfeeding can also lower the 

amount of insulin you need. Diabetes medicines other than 

insulin are not recommended during breastfeeding. 

Low Blood Glucose 

You’ll be at increased risk for low blood glucose after 

delivery, especially if you’re breastfeeding. You might need 

to have a snack before or after you breastfeed your baby. 

Your health care team may suggest that you check your 

blood glucose more often than usual. 

Taking Care of Yourself 

Remember, to be a good mom, you have to take good care 

of yourself. In addition to taking care of your diabetes and 

eating right, you can take care of yourself by taking the time 

for physical activity. Active moms provide a good example 

for their children to follow. Check with your health care 

team about how soon after delivery you can safely begin 

physical activity. 

43 
Points to Remember 

●	 If you have diabetes, the best time to control your 

blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is before you get 

pregnant. High blood glucose levels can be harmful to 

your baby during the first weeks of pregnancy—even 

before you know you are pregnant. 

●	 Keeping your blood glucose as close to normal as 

possible before and during your pregnancy is the most 

important thing you can do to stay healthy and have a 

healthy baby. 

●	 Before you get pregnant, you can plan and prepare for 

having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. If you 

have diabetes and are already pregnant, you can make 

sure you are doing everything you can to take care of 

yourself and your diabetes during your pregnancy. 

●	 Regular visits with members of a health care team who 

are experts in diabetes and pregnancy will ensure you 

get the best care. Your health care team can help you 

learn how to use a healthy eating plan, physical activity, 

and medicines to reach your blood glucose targets 

before and during pregnancy. 

●	 During pregnancy, the safest diabetes medicine is 

insulin. Your health care team will work with you to 

make a personalized insulin routine. Some medicines 

are not safe during pregnancy and should be stopped 

before you get pregnant. Your doctor can tell you 

which medicines to stop taking. 

44
 
 

● You will have tests throughout your pregnancy to check 

your baby’s health. 

●	 You can give your baby a healthy start by 

breastfeeding. 

Hope through Research 

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and 

Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports research 

on diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and gestational 

diabetes. Researchers are working to find better ways 

to diagnose, treat, and prevent diabetes and to improve 

pregnancy outcomes for women with diabetes. 

The NIDDK, in collaboration with the Phoenix Indian 

Medical Center, is conducting a study on how to best 

improve the health of pregnant women and their children. 

They will do so by providing healthy lifestyle counseling 

for women receiving prenatal care at the Phoenix Indian 

Medical Center. The women will be overweight or obese 

and may or may not have diabetes. More information about 

the Healthy Lifestyle in Pregnancy Study, funded under 

National Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical trial number 

NCT01585454, can be found at www.ClinicalTrials.gov. 

45 
 

 

The Walking Exercise and Nutrition to Reduce Diabetes 

Risk for You (WENDY) Study aims to find out whether 

giving women with gestational diabetes both a pedometer 

and nutrition coaching is more successful in preventing type 

2 diabetes. More information about the WENDY Study, 

funded under NIH clinical trial number NCT01247753, can 

be found at www.ClinicalTrials.gov. 

The Pedometers for Gestational Diabetes (PEG) Study 

also is looking at whether a pedometer program for women 

with gestational diabetes is effective in preventing type 

2 diabetes after delivery. The NIDDK, in collaboration 

with the University of Michigan Health System, is 

adapting a web-based pedometer program to women with 

recent gestational diabetes. The program also provides 

educational information about exercise, diet, and nutrition. 

More information about the PEG Study, funded under 

NIH clinical trial number NCT00862602, can be found at 

www.ClinicalTrials.gov. 

Clinical trials are research studies involving people. 

Clinical trials look at safe and effective new ways to 

prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use 

clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as 

improving the quality of life for people with chronic 

illnesses. To learn more about clinical trials, why they 

matter, and how to participate, visit the NIH Clinical 

Research Trials and You website at www.nih.gov/health/ 

clinicaltrials. For information about current studies, visit 

www.ClinicalTrials.gov. 

46 
Pronunciation Guide 

amniocentesis (AM-nee-oh-sen-TEE-siss)
 

amputations (AM-pyoo-TAY-shuhns)
 

amniotic fluid (AM-nee-OT-ik) (FLOO-id)
 

carbohydrates (KAR-boh-HY-drayts)
 

cardiologists (KAR-dee-OL-oh-jists)
 

cardiovascular (KAR-dee-oh-VASS-kyoo-lur)
 

cervix (SUR-viks)
 

cesarean (seh-ZAY-ree-uhn)
 

cholesterol (koh-LESS-tur-ol)
 

chorionic villus (KOH-ree-ON-ik) (VIL-uhss)
 

conception (kon-SEP-shuhn)
 

depression (duh-PRESH-uhn)
 

diabetes (DY-uh-BEE-teez)
 

diabetologist (DY-uh-beh-TOL-uh-jist)
 

dietitian (DY-uh-TISH-uhn)
 

endocrinologist (EN-doh-krih-NOL-uh-jist)
 

fetal echocardiogram (FEE-tuhl) (EK-oh-KAR-dee-oh-


GRAM) 

gestational (jess-TAY-shuhn-uhl) 

glucagon (GLOO-kuh-gon) 

47 
glucose (GLOO-kohss)
 

hyperglycemia (HY-pur-gly-SEE-mee-uh) 

hypertension (HY-pur-TEN-shuhn) 

hypoglycemia (HY-poh-gly-SEE-mee-uh) 

insulin (IN-suh-lin) 

intravenous (IN-truh-VEE-nuhss) 

ketoacidosis (KEE-toh-ASS-ih-DOH-siss) 

ketones (KEE-tohnz) 

ketosis (kee-TOH-siss) 

lactation (lak-TAY-shuhn) 

miscarriage (miss-KAIR-uhj) 

neonatologist (NEE-oh-nay-TOL-uh-jist) 

nephrologists (neh-FROL-uh-jists) 

nephropathy (neh-FROP-uh-thee) 

neuropathy (noo-ROP-uh-thee) 

nuchal translucency (NOO-kuhl) (trans-LOO-sen-see) 

obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-stuh-TRISH-uhn) (GY-nuhKOL-uh-jist) 

ophthalmologists (AHF-thal-MOL-uh-jists) 

48 
optometrists (op-TOM-uh-trists)
 

pediatrician (PEE-dee-uh-TRISH-uhn) 

perinatologist (PER-ih-nay-TOL-uh-jist) 

placenta (pluh-SEN-tuh) 

pneumonia (noo-MOH-nyuh) 

preeclampsia (PREE-ee-KLAMP-see-uh) 

psychologist (sy-KOL-uh-jist) 

retinopathy (RET-ih-NOP-uh-thee) 

sonogram (SON-oh-gram) 

streptococcus (STREP-toh-KOK-uhss) 

uterus (YOO-tuhr-uhss) 

vaccinations (VAK-sih-NAY-shuhns) 

vagina (vuh-JY-nuh) 

49 
 

 

For More Information 

To find diabetes educators (nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, 

and other health professionals), contact 

American Association of Diabetes Educators 

Phone: 1–800–338–3633 

Internet: www.diabeteseducator.org.
 

Under “About Diabetes Education,” click on “Find a
 

Diabetes Educator.”
 

To find dietitians, contact
 

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 

Internet: www.eatright.org. Click on “Find a Registered 

Dietitian.” 

To get more information about taking care of diabetes, 

contact 

American Diabetes Association 

1701 North Beauregard Street 

Alexandria, VA 22311 

Phone: 1–800–DIABETES (1–800–342–2383) 

Email: askADA@diabetes.org 

Internet: www.diabetes.org 

50
 
JDRF 

26 Broadway, 14th Floor 

New York, NY 10004 

Phone: 1–800–533–CURE (1–800–533–2873) 

Fax: 212–785–9595 

Email: info@jdrf.org 

Internet: www.jdrf.org 

For more information about pregnancy, contact 

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health 

and Human Development Information Resource Center 

P.O. Box 3006 

Rockville, MD 20847 

Phone: 1–800–370–2943 

TTY: 1–888–320–6942 

Fax: 1–866–760–5947 

Email: NICHDInformationResourceCenter@mail.nih.gov 

Internet: www.nichd.nih.gov 

51 
 

Acknowledgments 

Publications produced by the Clearinghouse are carefully 

reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts. 

The original version of this booklet was reviewed by Boyd 

E. Metzger, M.D., Tom D. Spies Professor of Metabolism 

and Nutrition, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & 

Molecular Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg 

School of Medicine, and Julie M. Slocum Daley, R.N., 

M.S., C.D.E., Women & Infants’ Hospital of Rhode Island. 

52
 
My Plan to Prepare for Pregnancy with 


Diabetes 


Things I can do to get ready for a healthy pregnancy and 


continue to do during my pregnancy
 

Planning Ahead 

❑	 I’ll get my diabetes under control 3 to 6 months before 

I try to get pregnant. 

❑	 I’ll avoid getting pregnant before I am ready. 

❑	 I’ll reach a healthy weight before I get pregnant. 

❑	 If I’m already pregnant, I’ll see my doctor right away. 

My Health Care Team 

❑	 I’ll make sure I have the health care team that I need. 

❑	 I’ll meet with members of my team regularly. 

My Blood Glucose Levels 

❑	 I’ll set targets with my doctor for my daily blood
 

glucose levels.
 

❑	 I’ll set a target with my doctor for my A1C test result. 

❑	 I’ll learn how and when to check my blood glucose on 

my own. 

❑	 I’ll learn what to do if my blood glucose is too low. 

❑	 I’ll make sure my family or friends know how to give 

me glucagon for low blood glucose. 

❑	 I’ll learn what to do if my blood glucose is too high. 

53 
My Ketone Levels
 

❑	 I’ll learn how and when to check my urine or blood for 

ketones. 

❑	 I’ll learn what to do if I have ketones in my urine or 

blood. 

My Checkups 

❑ I’ll get the recommended checkups and lab tests for 

•	 blood pressure 

•	 eye disease 

•	 heart and blood vessel disease 

•	 nervous system disease 

•	 kidney function 

•	 thyroid disease 

•	 average blood glucose level—the A1C test 

❑	 I’ll check with my health care team to make sure my 

vaccines are up to date. 

54 
Smoking 

❑	 If I smoke, I’ll quit. 

❑	 I will ask for help to quit. 

My Healthy Eating Plan 

❑	 I’ll see a dietitian or diabetes educator about what, 

when, and how much to eat. 

❑	 I’ll take a daily folic acid supplement or multivitamin 

with folic acid before I get pregnant to protect my 

baby from birth defects of the brain and spine. I’ll 

keep taking folic acid during my pregnancy. 

❑	 I’ll ask whether I need other vitamin and mineral
 

supplements and will take them as directed.
 

❑	 I won’t drink alcoholic beverages during my pregnancy 

and while breastfeeding. 

My Physical Activity Routine 

❑	 I’ll talk with my doctor about what physical activities 

are safe for me. 

❑	 I’ll make a plan with my doctor for regular physical 

activity and get started as soon as possible. 

55 
My Medicines
 

❑	 I’ll talk with my doctor about my diabetes medicines— 

what kinds, how much, and how and when to take 

them. 

❑	 I’ll talk with my doctor about my other medicines— 

what to keep taking and what to stop taking. 

Changes in My Daily Routine 

❑	 I’ll make a plan for taking care of myself when I’m 

sick—what to do about food, insulin, blood glucose 

testing, and ketone testing. 

❑	 I’ll make a plan for what I need to have with me when 

I’m away from home—for several hours or for a longer 

trip. 

My Plan to Breastfeed My Baby 

❑	 I’ll plan to breastfeed my baby. 

❑	 I’ll talk with my health care team about my plans to 

breastfeed. 

❑	 I’ll ask which medicines are safe to keep taking while 

I’m breastfeeding my baby. 

56 
My Daily Blood Glucose Monitoring Times 

Check off the times you should check your blood glucose 

levels, according to your doctor: 

❑	 fasting—when I wake up, before I eat or drink
 

anything
 

❑	 before each meal 

❑	 1 hour after the start of a meal 

❑	 2 hours after the start of a meal 

❑	 before bedtime 

❑	 in the middle of the night—for example, at 2 or 3 a.m. 

My Target Blood Glucose and A1C Numbers 

My Blood Glucose Targets 

Write down the targets you and your doctor have chosen in 

the chart below. The chart includes plasma blood glucose 

targets for most pregnant women recommended by the 

American Diabetes Association. 

Target Blood Glucose Numbers (mg/dL) for Women 

with Diabetes Who Become Pregnant 

Before meals, at bedtime, and 

overnight 60 to 99 

1 to 2 hours after eating 100 to 129 

57 
 

My A1C Target 

Write down your A1C target here: 

My A1C target is less than _____ %. 

My Plan to Check for Ketones 

I should test my urine or blood for ketones 

❑ every day before breakfast 

❑ when I’m sick 

❑ when my blood glucose is _____________ or higher
 

❑ other times: _________________________________
 

58
 
 

My Daily Physical Activity Record 

Make a copy of this form for each week of your pregnancy. 

Use this form to keep track of when, what, and how long you 

do a physical activity. 

Week Starting: 

__________________ Type of Activity Minutes 

Monday 

Tuesday 

Wednesday 

Thursday 

Friday 

Saturday 

Sunday 

59
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Daily Blood Glucose Record 

Make a copy of this form for each week of your pregnancy. 

Use this form to keep track of your blood glucose numbers, 

your urine or blood ketone test results, and your insulin. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week

Starting:

_____________

Fasting 

Blood 

Glucose

Urine or

Blood

Ketones

Insulin

Breakfast 

Blood

Glucose

Insulin

Other 

Blood 

Glucose

Insulin

Lunch 

Blood 

Glucose

Insulin

Other 

Blood

Glucose

Monday 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Tuesday

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Wedn sday

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

hursday

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Friday

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Saturday

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Sunday

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

My Daily Blood Glucose Record 

Make a copy of this form for each week of your pregnancy. 

Use this form to keep track of your blood glucose numbers,

your urine or blood ketone test results, and your insulin.

Insulin

Dinner

Blood 

Glucose

Ins lin

Other 

Blood 

Glucose

Insulin

Bedtime 

Blood 

Glucose

Insulin

Other 

Blood 

Glucose

Notes

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Time:

Amount: 

Week 

Starting: 

_____________ 

Fasting 

Blood 

Glucose 

Urine or 

Blood 

Ketones 

Insulin 

Breakfast 

Blood 

Glucose 

Insulin 

Other 

Blood 

Glucose 

Insulin 

Lunch 

Blood 

Glucose 

Insulin 

Other 

Blood 

Glucose 

Insulin 

Dinner 

Blood 

Glucose 

Insulin 

Other 

Blood 

Glucose 

Insulin 

Bedtime 

Blood 

Glucose 

Insulin 

Other 

Blood 

Glucose 

Notes 

Monday 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Tuesday 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Wednesday 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Thursday 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Friday 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Saturday 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Sunday 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

Time: 

Amount: 

60 61
 
Lunch Mid-afternoon Snack Dinner Bedtime Snack

My Daily Food Record 

Week Starting:

________________________ Breakfast Mid-morning Snack

Monday 

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

My Daily Food Record 

Make a copy of this form for each week of your pregnancy. 

Use this form to keep track of what, when, and how much 

you eat and drink. 

Week Starting: 

________________________ Breakfast Mid-morning Snack Lunch Mid-afternoon Snack Dinner Bedtime Snack 

Monday 

Tuesday 

Wednesday 

Thursday 

Friday 

Saturday 

Sunday 

62 63
 
1 Diabetes Way 

National Diabetes Education Program 

Bethesda, MD 20814–9692 

Phone: 1–888–693–NDEP (1–888–693–6337) 

TTY: 1–866–569–1162 

Fax: 703–738–4929 

Email: ndep@mail.nih.gov 

Internet: www.ndep.nih.gov 

www.yourdiabetesinfo.org 

The National Diabetes Education Program is a federally 

funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health 

and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and 

includes over 200 partners at the federal, state, and local 

levels, working together to reduce the morbidity and 

mortality associated with diabetes. 

64
 
 

National Diabetes Information 

Clearinghouse 

1 Information Way 

Bethesda, MD 20892–3560 

Phone: 1–800–860–8747 

TTY: 1–866–569–1162 

Fax: 703–738–4929 

Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov 

Internet: www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov 

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) is a service 

of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 

(NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health of the 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1978, the 

Clearinghouse provides information about diabetes to people with diabetes 

and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. The NDIC 

answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely 

with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to 

coordinate resources about diabetes. 

This publication is not copyrighted. The Clearinghouse encourages users 

of this publication to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired. 

This publication is available at www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov.

This publication may contain information about medications and, when taken 

as prescribed, the conditions they treat. When prepared, this publication 

included the most current information available. For updates or for questions 

about any medications, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 

toll-free at 1–888–INFO–FDA (1–888–463–6332) or visit www.fda.gov.

Consult your health care provider for more information. 
NIH Publication No. 13–5491

August 2013

The NIDDK prints on recycled paper with bio-based ink.