Type 1 on pump pregnant, worried about labor

Oooh! How exciting. I didn't get my pump, until after my children were born, so no 1st hand experience I am afarid. i was on MDI during being induced. They left me to it, and didn't do a sliding scale until they decided that they were going to do an emergency c section.

Second time around, I really wanted to "do it naturally" but was told, that I could, but I would be on a constant fetal monitor, so would be stuck on the bed. The thing that appealed about a more natural birth was the ability to move about. If this is the case for you, they may well put you on a sliding scale..but I would avoid it until the last minute. I opted for an elective c scetion in the end.

Wishing you all the very best of luck. Please, so not be put off by the (apparent) lack of knowledge of the hospital staff. It really scared me, but in actual fact, the actual "key players Dr, anethiatists etc" were excellent...the midwifes etc, were fantastic, but did not have teh speccialist knowledge. If you disagree with anmything they ask, make sure you get to talk to the person in charge (not head midwife, I mean the consulant etc)

I was in my reguklar clinic app a few weeks ago, and teh diabetes Dr was phoned by one of the midwife team, about another patuent ona pump..so, if you need to, get them to get the opinion of the experts.

Please let us know how it goes!

If anyone tries to take anything from you, tell them where to get lost. Midwives will not know anything about your pump or your diabetes for that matter.

Your team should have discussed with you in great detail the induction process and how it is tailored to your needs. They should have told you the potential risks/benefits and there should be a plan in place that you have fully understood and agreed to.

My suggestion is to tell them to sit with you and discuss all of this before you allow them to 'do' anything to you.

wiflib

And being on a pump will they (midwives) take me off the pump and put me on a sliding scale

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Definitely discuss it with them , don't they have birth plans nowadays?
When I was first diagnosed they actually put me on a pump in hospital using a sliding scale, so the 2 aren't exclusive but obviously you have to have someone who can operate the pump.
Good luck!

Hi Molewitters
Gr8 post from Wiflib. You really need 2 discuss this with you're obstetric team, and to be honest I'm surprised this hasn't been arranged as it's a huge deal. I would strongly advise that your husband/partner is there at all times to supervise and check your BG levels-unfortunately midwives can be pretty clueless about diabetes as I discovered when mine left me on an sliding scale of insulin despite the glucose running out!!
I've had all my 3 children while on insulin, basal/bolus regime, but was only put on a sliding scale with my last child, born by elective cesaerian section. My previous 2 children were born naturally, although induced at 37 & 38 weeks. You will probably be attached to a monitor throughout your labour, to check your baby's heart rate and that he is not distressed.
Remember that your insulin needs after the birth of your baby with decrease significantly so check your BG lots.
Enjoy! Your diabetes control may not be perfect on the day, but your wee baby will be!
Jus

I can't offer any advice but would like to wish you well for next week!

Nigel

Hi, unfortunately i can't say anything about the pump and being induced however with my 1st child 3 years ago I was put on a sliding scale immediately (well about 1 hour after my waters broke the day before i was supposed to be induced!!!) and the 2nd baby 6 months ago I had elective c-section (1st ended up coming out with the aid of tin opener) and was put on sliding scale at 9:15, baby born 15mins later
Just wanted to say GOOD LUCK