Type 1 + pregnancy = nerve wracking!!!!

[jessie]

Hello,

I'm just 11 weeks pregnant now and although I thought I was totally prepared, this is the scariest time ever! In the first few weeks, blood sugars stared to rise, I quickly increase insulin, over injecting slightly at meal times and snacking lots in between. My palette then completely changed, cheese for breakfast suddenly didn't seem so tempting, my body has begun to 'demand' fruit (never been a fan before!), and brown bread. I hadn't made a conscious decision about sticking to my usual low carb diet, as long as my blood sugars are OK I'll just eat healthily and exercise a little.

Anyway, blood sugars have now started to plummet, which I didn't expect to happen. I found this bit of info on the web but not sure how accurate it is...

"The hormones of pregnancy cause an immunosuppression that allows a type 1s pancreas to produce insulin (a bit like the honeymoon period) and that is why we go low in first trimester"

I've had some lows in the 2's and quite a lot of night time hypos, during which I don't feel 'with it' enough to test. I think I'm getting to grips with it now, reduced insulin again, eat a few jelly beans every couple of hours and more healthy carbs, fruit.

I had my first anti natal appointment last week, we were meant to have a scan but the hospital messed up the appointment Saw the diabetic team who said my control was very tight, and to loosen it up a bit. They don't want me to have hypos at this early stage. And there was me just trying to avoid the highs...

I'm now worrying myself stupid that my recent low sugars have caused harm, I have the scan next Tuesday but I don't think I'll be able to relax even if everything is OK. We still haven't told anyone we're expecting, not even family, 'just in case'.

Just wanted to vent that as I'm sure I'm not the only one. . . I know now how anti-carb was feeling throughout her pregnancy!

Thanks for reading.

Jessie.x

 

[Lucie75]

Firstly congrats!!

There is a saying in pregnancy that goes something like 'lows hurt you, highs hurt the baby'. So please don't worry (especially as the worry will push your bg up!) I have been pregnant twice and I agree that it is very hard work, especially if you have the added problem of not being able to keep anything down, which you haven't mentioned so fingers crossed.....

You should be under close scrutiny by your ante natal team - have you advised your diabetic consultant that you are pregnant? Checks on pregnant diabetics are much more regular than your average non diabetic because your insulin demand changes constantly. If you haven't - please do this asap as you should be attending a diabetic ante-natal (if one exists in your area).

I attended every two weeks when I was doing well, and every week when things weren't so good. I'm afraid this takes over your life for the next 7 months or so :?

 

[jessie]

Hi Lucie,

Thanks for the reassuring words. I know deep down that I can only do my best, it's just such a huge responsibility!

My partner and I saw my DN before trying for a baby and got lots of advice, plus I've picked up loads on here. Since conceiving I've seen a diabetic consultant and dietician at the ante-natal clinic but the appointment was a bit of a disaster, with them forgetting to book my scan and it all being so hurried. I didn't get to ask any questions really. I think because my HBA1c is good they assume I'm doing OK. My next appointment with the diabetes team is in 4 weeks time, but I can email them if I do need anything before then.

I've been lucky so far with regards to sickness, a little nausea in weeks 5-8 but fine ever since.

I do want to try and enjoy this pregnancy if I can but I expect there will be lots more ups and downs!

Thanks again,

Jessie. x