Patient's question:
I am pregnant now. Before pregnancy, my husband had diabetes. I would like to ask if people with diabetes have an impact on the baby and if it can be inherited from them.Doctor's answer:
Pre-pregnancy preparations are particularly important. The following points are for reference:1. Decide whether you want a child. If your family or your partner’s family has a history of genetic disorders, such as hereditary mental illness, intellectual disability, diabetes, or hypertension; or if your partner has chronic conditions like heart disease, nephritis, or epilepsy, consult a doctor before deciding to have a child.
2. If you have decided to have a baby, it is recommended that both partners visit the hospital for pre-pregnancy counseling.
3. Get the necessary vaccinations.
4. If your weight exceeds the standard, start controlling your diet now and aim to reach a healthy weight before getting pregnant.
5. Entrust your beloved pets to friends or family.
6. Check for infections such as toxoplasmosis.
7. If you are taking birth control pills, stop taking them now.
8. Start exercising regularly, such as jogging, swimming, or Tai Chi. Moderate physical activity can also improve your partner’s physical fitness and ensure the quality of sperm. Therefore, for any couple planning to conceive, it is advisable to engage in regular exercise for a certain period before getting pregnant.
9. If you or your partner smoke or drink alcohol, quit at least now.
10. The best age for conception is generally between 25-30 for women and 26-30 for men. At this time, both partners are physically mature, hormone levels are high, and the fetal development environment is optimal, which is beneficial for fetal growth and development.
11. The best season for conception is from May to June, avoiding early spring or late winter. This season offers abundant vegetables, fruits, and sunlight, which are favorable for fetal development.
12. The ideal day for conception is usually around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. Some reports suggest that intercourse after the 17th day of the cycle may lead to a higher risk of miscarriage. (The first day of the menstrual cycle is the day your period starts.)
13. Exercise for 30 minutes every day and maintain a positive mood.
14. If you work in a radiation environment, temporarily transfer to another position.
15. Boost your immunity and avoid getting colds.
16. Both partners should exercise for 30 minutes daily, preferably through walking. Avoid swimming, as it can increase the risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy if you accidentally conceive. At the same time, it is recommended that both partners consume 150–200g of meat, 1–2 eggs, 50–150g of soy products, 500g of vegetables, 100–150g of fruits, 400–600g of staple foods, 40–50g of vegetable oil, 20–50g of nuts, and 500ml of milk daily.
During pregnancy, the demand for calcium increases, and it is important to understand its role. In the first three months of pregnancy, the fetus is in the differentiation and formation stage of its organs, while also experiencing nausea and poor appetite. Therefore, nutritional intake should focus on the quality of food, such as palatable, easily digestible, light, slightly acidic, and nutrient-rich foods, as well as small meals. It is also recommended to include coarse grains but avoid spicy foods and refined sugar. Try not to be picky about food.
From the 4th to the 6th month of pregnancy, the fetus undergoes rapid growth and brain development. The quality and quantity of food must be ensured, with a balanced intake of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), vitamins, and minerals. Some studies suggest that consuming more plant-based foods during this period can increase the number of brain grooves in the fetus, promote rapid brain tissue development, and result in a brighter child after birth. Others believe that alternating between animal-based and plant-based foods is even more beneficial for fetal brain development. Therefore, it is recommended that future mothers follow this approach to alternate between animal foods (chicken, fish, lean meat, eggs, milk, and animal organs) and plant foods (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and aquatic plants) to ensure a smarter and healthier baby.
From the 7th to the 10th month of pregnancy, the fetus develops muscles, bones, fat, and brain functions. In addition to the above nutrients, increase the intake of protein, calcium, iron, zinc, and other trace elements while moderately limiting carbohydrates (sugar, starch) and fats to prevent excessive weight gain in the mother or a larger baby, which could increase the risk of difficult labor. However, blindly restricting diet to avoid a large baby is also unacceptable. Nutritional needs during pregnancy should be analyzed based on individual health, fetal development, and financial conditions to create realistic measures.
Wishing you both a healthy and intelligent baby soon!