Month 1-3: Monthly Appointments Begin

Your medical team will become your steadfast companions in the early stages of pregnancy. Expect monthly appointments, where they will monitor your progress and address any concerns. In this post we’ll cover what appointments to expect during pregnancy with type 1 diabetes! During this time, you’ll typically undergo:

• Ultrasounds: These visually check your baby’s development and ensure everything is on track.
  
• Genetic Screening (Optional): You may be offered genetic screening, but the choice to proceed is entirely yours. It can provide valuable insights into your baby’s health.
  
• Blood Work: Regular blood tests help keep a close eye on your glucose levels and overall health. If you opt for the NIPT test around week ten, you will also have the opportunity to find out the sex of the baby if you want to.
  

Week #20: Anatomy Scan (1-1.5 Hours)

Around the halfway point, you’ll experience a more extensive appointment. The anatomy scan, lasting approximately 1-1.5 hours, offers a detailed look at your baby’s development. During this scan, they will look at all of the organs. NOTE: This doesn’t happen to everyone, but I could not lay on my back for too long during this scan because I started feeling faint. Don’t be alarmed if this happens. Be sure to let the technician know, and they will have you take breaks and lie on your left side until you feel better. This can happen because your uterus can put pressure against blood vessels, restricting blood flow to your heart.

Week 20/24: Growth Scan (Starting Monthly)

As your pregnancy progresses, monthly growth scans become routine. These scans ensure your baby is developing as expected and provide important data for your medical team (and you).

Week 24: Fetal Echo Scan

At week 24, expect a fetal echo scan. This specialized ultrasound examines your baby’s heart, ensuring it’s healthy and functioning optimally.

Starting Week 32: Weekly Antenatal Scans

You’ll have weekly antenatal scans in the final stretch of your pregnancy. These frequent check-ins monitor your and your baby’s well-being, providing peace of mind as you approach the big day.

Every 2 Weeks: Appointments with your Endocrinology Team

Managing type 1 diabetes during pregnancy is a delicate balance. Most likely, you’ll meet with your Endocrinology (Endo) team every two weeks. During these appointments, they will assess and adjust your basal settings, ensuring your glucose levels remain stable and safe for you and your baby.

Conclusion:

Navigating pregnancy with Type 1 diabetes demands careful planning and regular medical attention. Your appointments are not just routine visits but milestones on your journey toward a healthy pregnancy. Embrace them as opportunities to ensure the well-being of both you and your little one. You can confidently stride towards a beautiful and healthy pregnancy with your dedicated medical team.

Have questions? Want to connect? I’d love to hear from you! Head over to Instagram and say hello

The post Your Appointment Roadmap: Pregnancy and Type 1 Diabetes appeared first on More Than Just a Type.

First Trimester: A Gentle Boost

During the first trimester, your body is adjusting to the changes brought on by pregnancy. At this stage, you may not need to increase your calories much at all, and if you’re finding it hard to consume any extra calories, don’t fret – try to make it a priority to focus on nutritious foods as much as you can (if that’s even possible). As you near the 2nd trimester, and during the 2nd trimester, It’s typically recommended to consume an additional 200-300 calories per day. That’s roughly equivalent to a nourishing combination such as 2 eggs and a large banana or 2 eggs and 2 slices of wholesome Ezekiel bread. Remember, these are just examples, and you can choose foods that suit your preferences and dietary needs. In the third trimester consuming roughly 500 calories extra per day is recommended. These numbers are if you’re carrying one fetus.

Note: when I found out I was pregnant I was maintaining a slight deficit, so I bumped my calories up to maintenance during this phase of pregnancy.

Listening to Your Body:

While it’s possible to track your food intake using helpful apps like MyFitnessPal, you don’t need to obsessively count calories. Trust your body’s wisdom and signals. Personally, I find it helpful to check in every few days to ensure I’m on the right track. If I happen to overconsume calories one day, my body usually lets me know—I might feel a bit bloated or overly full. So, stay mindful and in tune with your body’s needs.

Why Excessive Weight Gain Should Be Avoided:

Now, you might wonder why it’s important to avoid gaining too much weight during pregnancy. Well, the general recommendation for individuals at a healthy weight is to aim for a total weight gain of 25-30 pounds over nine months. This figure may vary depending on your initial weight—whether you were lean or overweight before pregnancy. Excessive weight gain can lead to challenges such as a larger baby, stretch marks, and a greater amount of weight to lose post-baby.

Next Steps: Maintaining Balance and Wellness

In this post, we delve deeper into the topic of weight gain during pregnancy and provide you with more comprehensive details. However, for now, let’s focus on some essential guidelines. Firstly, trust your body’s cues and fuel it with foods that it craves, as long as they are safe to consume during pregnancy. Additionally, it’s crucial to be mindful of your overall calorie intake and the macros (macronutrients) you consume—especially once you enter the second trimester and hopefully experience relief from nausea.

Nurturing your body during pregnancy is a beautiful act of self-care. By understanding your body’s calorie requirements and respecting its signals, you can maintain a healthy balance. Remember, you don’t have to meticulously count every calorie, but staying mindful of your choices will contribute to your overall well-being. Enjoy this incredible journey and stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll explore pregnancy weight gain in detail.

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Pregnancy is often portrayed as a blissful journey filled with joy and excitement. And while those sunny moments are undoubtedly part of the experience, let’s take a moment to acknowledge that it’s not always rainbows and unicorns. Today, we’re diving into the not-so-sunny side of pregnancy, especially during the rollercoaster ride that is the first trimester. So grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and let’s normalize those pregnancy hormones and emotions together.

It’s Okay to Feel Down:

You’re growing a tiny human inside you, and that’s an incredible feat. But let’s be real—it can also be overwhelming. The first trimester, in particular, brings a surge of hormones that can wreak havoc on your emotions. Feeling down, anxious, or even depressed is not unusual. Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many moms-to-be go through similar experiences, and it’s essential to normalize these emotions. I was so depressed I could barely get out of bed, working out became a chore and everything I used to love to do became unexciting. Who am I?? It was nothing short of horrible, and every day was a struggle. If you’re in the same boat, remember these feelings will at some point pass.

Hormonal Havoc:

Ah, hormones—the little troublemakers responsible for mood swings and emotional rollercoasters – like, IS it my hormones or am I just a bitch? During the first trimester, they can send you on a wild ride, leaving you feeling like you’re on an emotional see-saw. One moment, you may be laughing hysterically at a cat video, and the next, you’re crying over spilled orange juice. Embrace the chaos, dear mama. It’s all part of the beautiful mess of pregnancy. Oh, and let’s not forget about anger. I was so angry about everything.

Seeking Support:

When you’re feeling down, remember that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Reach out to your partner, friends, or family members who can provide a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. Additionally, consider joining online communities or local support groups where you can connect with other moms-to-be who are going through similar emotional journeys. If you want to reach out, I’m here. One thing that helped me in addition to sharing with close friends was journaling. Sharing your experiences and finding comfort in others’ stories can be incredibly healing.

Self-Care for the Soul:

Taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Embrace self-care practices that resonate with you. Whether it’s journaling, going for walks in nature, practicing meditation or yoga, or indulging in a guilty pleasure (hello, Netflix binge!), make time for activities that bring you peace and joy. Remember, you deserve to prioritize your emotional well-being during this transformative time. What did I do? Well, I spent A LOT of time in bed watching Netflix to try and distract myself from all of my problems. Then, I booked an Akashic reading with a dear woman named Megan Coetzee, who I highly recommend. She gave me clarity on my pregnancy when I was having doubts. I played with my tarot cards A LOT (even though I didn’t exactly know how to read them lol), I forced myself to walk a little bit each day and I spent A LOT of time with my dog and cat who provided me a little glimpse of joy through the darkness. I tried to pinpoint the areas I felt most depressed about, and what I realized was that my fears were bigger than anything else and they were consuming me. That was a huge start in figuring out ways to cope.

Professional Support:

If your feelings of depression persist or intensify, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Speak openly with your healthcare provider about what you’re experiencing. They can offer guidance, and resources, or even refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in supporting pregnant women. Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help. Your well-being matters, and seeking the right support can make a world of difference. I was so close to getting some therapy through one of these resources during this difficult time: BetterHelp & Talk Space.

Dear mama, pregnancy is a remarkable journey, but it’s also okay to acknowledge the challenges and emotional ups and downs that come with it. The first trimester can be particularly tough, and when your world feels like it’s crumbling, remember that you’re stronger than you realize. Embrace the not-so-sunny side of pregnancy with compassion and understanding, and know that you’re not alone. Together, let’s normalize the reality of pregnancy emotions, and depression, supporting and inspiring each other along the way. You’ve got this, mama!

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Setting the Goals:

When I first read these targets from my doctor I felt super overwhelmed! So, before we dive in, take a deep breath and know that you’ve 100% got what it takes even if tight targets make you feel nervous.

To ensure a healthy pregnancy, it is important to establish blood sugar goals. Here are the key targets to aim for:

• A1C Level: Your A1C should be less than 6.0%, with no blood sugars exceeding 140mg/DL (7.8 mmol/L)

• Fasting Blood Sugar: Your fasting target should range between 65 and 95 mg/dl (3.5-5.2 mmol/L) This refers to your blood sugar level upon waking up in the morning, before consuming any food or beverages.
• Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Aim to keep your blood sugar levels in check one hour after a meal, maintaining them below 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L). Similarly, two hours after a meal, strive to have your blood sugar levels below 120 mg/dl (6.7 mmol/L).

Navigating with Tandem Txslim Pump:

If you use the Tandem Txslim pump, it is worth noting that the Control IQ feature may not be ideal during pregnancy. While Control IQ automates some aspects of blood sugar management, it may allow your sugars to rise too high. As a result, it is recommended to switch to manual mode and take charge of self-adjusting your insulin levels during pregnancy. By actively managing your pump settings, you can tailor your insulin delivery to meet the tighter blood sugar targets required during this time.

The Journey Towards a Healthy Baby:

While the journey to maintaining optimal blood sugar levels during pregnancy may require additional effort, the rewards are immeasurable. By diligently adhering to your blood sugar goals and closely monitoring your levels, you are actively working towards the well-being of both yourself and your baby. Consult with your healthcare team regularly, as they will provide personalized guidance to support you throughout this process. Generally, you’ll consult with your team once per week or bi-weekly, and perhaps more frequently as you progress into the third trimester.

Pregnancy is a remarkable chapter in life, and individuals with diabetes can successfully navigate it by prioritizing their blood sugar goals. By striving for an A1C below 6.0%, fasting blood sugar between 65 and 95 mg/dl, and post-meal blood sugar levels below 140 mg/dl (1 hour) and 120 mg/dl (2 hours), you can help ensure a healthier pregnancy and a brighter future for your child. Remember, the journey may be challenging at times, but the ultimate reward of a healthy baby is worth every effort you invest. Stay committed, stay informed, and enjoy this incredible experience. I KNOW you can do it!

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Pregnancy is an extraordinary journey filled with joy, anticipation, and a multitude of questions. Diabetes is a complex disease, and when it comes to the combination of pregnancy AND diabetes, it’s natural to have concerns and encounter various myths along the way (so many misconceptions about diabetes, right!?) In this blog post, we will debunk common misconceptions surrounding pregnancy and diabetes, empowering you with the truth to make informed decisions and embrace this chapter with confidence.

Myth #1: “You have to have children before the age of 30-35.”

One prevalent myth is that women with diabetes must have children before the age of 30-35. However, the truth is that women with diabetes can safely conceive and have healthy pregnancies at any age, given the right knowledge and support. By working closely with your healthcare team and managing your diabetes effectively, you can create a nurturing environment for your baby, regardless of your age. 

Myth #2: “Diabetes means I can’t have a healthy baby.”

This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. With proper diabetes management, you absolutely can have a healthy baby. By maintaining stable blood sugar levels through regular monitoring, following a personalized meal plan, and staying physically active, you are actively promoting your baby’s well-being. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals who specialize in diabetes and pregnancy will provide you with the support and tools necessary for a positive outcome.

Myth #3: “People with diabetes are prone to give birth by 36 weeks.”

While it’s true that some women with diabetes may give birth earlier than the typical 40-week mark, it’s not a universal rule. The timing of delivery is determined on an individual basis, considering various factors such as maternal health, blood sugar control, and the well-being of both the mother and baby. With proper care and monitoring, it is possible to carry your pregnancy to full term.

Myth #4: “It is common for people with diabetes to have babies with underdeveloped lungs.”

The idea that babies born to mothers with diabetes often have underdeveloped lungs is a misconception. While it’s true that diabetes can pose some risks, proper diabetes management greatly reduces the likelihood of complications. By effectively controlling your blood sugar levels and receiving prenatal care, you can significantly minimize any potential risks to your baby’s lung development.

Myth #5: “You cannot have a home birth with a high-risk pregnancy when you have diabetes.”

Home births can be a desirable option for some expecting mothers, but it’s often believed that they are off-limits for those with diabetes or high-risk pregnancies. However, the truth is that home birth can still be a possibility under the right circumstances. It requires careful planning, close collaboration with your healthcare team, and if your blood sugars are well controlled it’s a fact that you are actually no more “high-risk” than a person who is living without diabetes.

Truth #1: “High blood sugar can increase the size of your baby, which is part of the reason why it’s crucial to keep sugars in range during pregnancy.“

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy is essential. Elevated blood sugar levels can increase the size of your baby. By diligently managing your diabetes, adhering to your healthcare provider’s recommendations, and keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range, you minimize the risk of your baby growing excessively and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Don’t let myths cloud your understanding of pregnancy and diabetes. Armed with the truth, you can confidently navigate this unique journey. Remember, with the right knowledge, support from healthcare professionals, and proactive diabetes management, you can have a healthy pregnancy and welcome a beautiful and healthy baby into your life. And let’s not forget, that diabetes is not a perfect disease, therefore not every day will be 100% – but when your overall management is good, you have nothing to be any more concerned about than someone who is living without diabetes. Embrace the truth, dispel the myths, and embark on this remarkable chapter with optimism and empowerment. You’ve got this!

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