My name is Megan and I am new to TypeOneNation. Honestly, when I found this community created by JDRF I almost cried tears of joy and relief. I am 27 years old and have been a T1 diabetic since I was 9. My husband and I found out we were pregnant for the first time Thanksgiving weekend and we were so excited! Luckily - I have very few pregnancy discomforts thus far...although for the first trimester I did feel like going to sleep right when I got home after work haha!
I am currently 15 weeks pregnant and my last A1C was 5.9. I test each day 7+ times, before meals, 1 hour after meals, and before bed time (and more if necessary). The averages on my meter are currently showing in the 110-120 range. However, every time I see my endocrinologist I just leave feeling discouraged. My A1C and blood sugar numbers have never been better than now, but it seems like no matter what she wants them to be even better. For those who have already had children or are currently pregnant - Am I doing enough? I have no previous experience or T1 friends to share my fears and frustrations with...and it leaves me with a feeling of constant stress and worry...which I know is not good for the baby!
If anyone out there would be willing to share their experiences or what they are going through I would really love it! I am hoping by reading some of your posts and other topics here in the pregnancy section for TypeOneNation I will start to feel more relaxed...some days I would give anything to just feel like a normal pregnant person...not having to worry every time I crave something "bad" that if I eat it something will happen to the baby!
You are doing enough! I don't know what your doctor expects because the recommended a1c level is 6.5 or lower. Don't feel discouraged you are doing great! I just had my first baby in November and it was the most wonderful experience of my life, and I never had such great blood sugars either! I was in the 6.4-6.8 range the entire pregnancy. I have a very supportive diabetes team and having support is extremely helpful. If your doctor is not supportive maybe you can try to get one that is?
You dont have to feel bad about eating things "you think are bad"sf. They really aren't. Moderation is key and just make sure you take your insulin. Nothing is going to happen to the baby! The more you stress the worse it will be for you. So try to relax, I know that is difficult.
Just being a part of this community will help you, and it makes you feel as though you are not alone and you aren't!!
Some doctors aren't very encouraging. You can either find another one or just take what she says with a grain of salt. I actually didn't see my endo through my pregnancy. She referred me to a good OBGYN and he just updated the endo on my diabetes. There were no issues and my son was perfectly healthy.
If you are craving something, eat it and then take the correct bolus to cover the carbs. There should be no guilt, as long as you're not exclusively eating Red Bull and Cheetos. =)
Thank you for the replies ladies - you have made me feel much better :-) It is good to know there are other T1's out there who have been through this and have realistic answers and goals to help ease my fears.
My endo wants to see me once a month during my pregnancy (usually I go once every 4) and tomorrow is the lucky day. I am going to go into the appointment and as you have recommended, take things with a grain of salt.
Thank you again for the replies!!! 24 weeks to go until I get to meet my beautiful little baby :-)
When I was pregnant I went to the endo every month and they made me send in my sugar log and pump readings every week in between appointments. I went to the OB every two weeks till week 32 and then went every week twice per week till I gave birth at week 39. They really will take good care of you but be prepared they are more cautious and will send you to the hospital in the last weeks if they feel anything is off just to be sure nothing is going on.