Preventing GDM by Planning a Pregnancy

When a woman is thinking about getting pregnant, there are some things that she needs to do to prepare.

1. Have a healthy weight before getting pregnant
2. Get her blood sugar checked and treated before getting pregnant
3. Tell a doctor or nurse that she is planning a pregnancy

Things a woman can do to get healthy before pregnancy include:

• Working with her doctor or nurse to be as healthy as possible
• Learning how high blood sugar can hurt an unborn baby
• Using birth control until it’s safe to get pregnant
• Eating healthy foods and being physically active
• Getting blood pressure to a normal level
• Taking vitamins and minerals
• Getting up to date on vaccines (shots that prevent different diseases)
• Getting genetic counseling
• Stopping unhealthy behaviors (drugs, smoking, and alcohol)
• Getting blood sugar checked at the clinic before pregnancy