These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Mandy, age 32: I have had diabetes for a long time. So when my husband and I started talking about having a baby, I mentioned it to my doctor during my regular checkup. I do a good job of keeping my blood sugar under control. So after doing some tests and adjusting my medicine, my doctor said it was safe to start trying. I got pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

Rachael, age 38: My life has been pretty stressful, and it has been hard to keep my blood sugar in a normal range. I want to get pregnant before I'm too old, but I worry about the risk of birth defects if I get pregnant now. Having a baby is a priority for me, so I talked to my doctor about some specific changes I can make to lower my stress level and focus on my health. I am going to wait for now to see if I can get my blood sugar under control.

Janelle, age 34: I have two children, and we want to try for a third. I had diabetes with both my pregnancies. My doctor worked with me to set target blood sugar levels before each pregnancy, and everything went smoothly. I am now 5 months pregnant and feeling good.

Christine, age 26: Recently I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I am newly married, and my husband and I want to have a family in the next few years. I am taking medicine and trying to eat right and get exercise so that I will be healthy when we decide that the time is right to start trying to have a baby.