Seeing a positive pregnancy test for the first time can trigger a whole host of emotions, and often includes a cocktail of joy, excitement, fear, and anxiety. This is perhaps even truer for women with Type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes in all its forms (including gestational diabetes) can prove difficult during pregnancy, as the body undergoes massive, often-unpredictable changes.

#1. Talk to Your Doctor First

Although some women do not take this step prior to conceiving, discussing your intent and formulating a plan with your doctor will not only help ensure a smooth pregnancy but will give you some peace of mind and an idea of what to expect. Your doctor will likely go over the potential risks of pregnancy and provide you with a plan of action to make sure your pregnancy is as low-key and complication-free as possible.

#2. Get Your Ducks In a Row

Before attempting to conceive, get your ducks in a row. Being Type 1, the likelihood is that you’ve been dealing with your condition and its effects for an extended period, but even if you are the most dedicated manager of your disease, you can always improve.

Make sure your blood sugar is consistently steady and healthy. If you aren’t already exercising, start with a low-key activity (following doctor approval), and make sure you can keep up with a regular exercise regimen; labor is compared to running a marathon with good reason, and being prepared physically will help keep stress levels low.

Follow all recommendations set forth by your doctor. This may include taking a prenatal vitamin prior to conceiving, improving sleep habits, or cleaning up any dietary vices. This is hard work, to be sure, but the potential complications involved in pregnancy warrant a firm hand.

#3. Enlist a Team

You likely have an endocrinologist, but you’ll want to bring an ob/gyn on board as well. Make sure your doctors are all working in tandem; your family physician and endocrinologist should provide your medical history to your ob/gyn, who, in turn, will provide your medical care providers with the results of all blood tests, lab work, and prenatal appointments. Talk to your doctors about any other specialists or health professionals you are seeing and keep the flow of communication open and friendly.

#4. Research

Perhaps most important of all is to do your research. While knowing potential complications can prove useful, don’t focus entirely on the negative; dig for the best methods to provide a smooth pregnancy and delivery with complications and how to be proactive in your pregnancy.

Finally, as you research, look for articles, blogs, and forums for other women who have Type 1 diabetes. Women who have experienced pregnancy with Type 1 can be invaluable sources of knowledge, wisdom, and support.