Diabetes in pregnancy clinics
Obstetrician
Referral into these clinics often occurs through antenatal clinics. However, should you have diabetes and wish to plan a pregnancy please do not hesitate to contact the service for an appointment.
Burnie
Clinics are run each Tuesday or Thursday afternoon at the North West Private Hospital, Burnie.
To refer, Medical Officers can:
- Phone 6493 6100
- Fax a referral letter to 6431 8061
Latrobe
Clinics are run on Friday afternoon at the Mersey Community Hospital Antenatal Clinic, Latrobe.
To refer, Medical Officers can:
- Phone 6421 7758
- Fax a referral letter to 6441 5946
Do you already have diabetes or pre-diabetes?
A pregnancy in a person with Type 1, Type 2 or pre-diabetes usually results in a normal delivery. However, if blood glucose levels (BGL) are above target they can increase the risk of problems to the mother and child. It is important that you talk to your doctor, credentialled Diabetes Educator and Obstetrician for pre-pregnancy planning and care. High BGLs can increase the risk of having a baby with a birth defect. However the risk can be reduced by lowering BGLs at the time of conception and during the first eight weeks of pregnancy. Careful attention to nutrition is essential, not only for good diabetes control, but to meet the body's increased nutritional needs during pregnancy.
If you are on Metformin this may need to be stopped before you become pregnant.
Did you have gestational diabetes in another pregnancy?
If you have had a diagnosis of gestational diabetes in the past you should let the doctor know as some tests may need to be done earlier.