Pregnant with Type 1 Diabetes: What to Expect in First Trimester | JDRF

For women living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), pregnancy can present new challenges when it comes to blood sugar management. Michele Laine, ARNP, CDE, talks about what women with T1D can expect during their first trimester of pregnancy and the importance of being prepared for potentially frequent low blood sugars during this trimester.

A type 1 diabetes pregnancy can be challenging. Before deciding to get pregnant, your A1C levels should ideally be around 6.5. However, type 1 diabetes in women who get pregnant unexpectedly does not mean they will experience these challenges or risks. Many women with T1D have had relatively uncomplicated pregnancies despite their condition.

In addition to the regular symptoms of pregnancy, some of the early signs of pregnancy in type 1 diabetes include:

Lower-than-usual blood sugar levels
More frequent low blood sugar episodes

Some of the most important things to familiarize yourself with before getting pregnant are the possible type 1 diabetes pregnancy risks, including:

Preeclampsia (High blood pressure during pregnancy that can damage your liver and kidneys)
Insulin resistance (The effect of insulin becoming less powerful)
Miscarriage
Macrosomia (A larger-than-average baby)
Birth defects that can affect your baby’s heart, brain, kidneys, spine, digestive system, and mouth

To learn more about what to expect with type 1 diabetes and pregnancy, visit: https://www.jdrf.org/t1d-resources/li...

One of the best ways to ensure your type 1 diabetes pregnancy in the first trimester goes smoothly is by preparing for the changes you’ll experience as quickly as possible.

Consider using an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to make tracking and managing your blood sugar levels easier during pregnancy. A CGM can also help you and your doctor gain insight into how your body responds to the pregnancy as it progresses.

Once you reach the first trimester, low blood sugar bouts can become very frequent. Ensure you have something to eat with you at all times to bring your blood sugar back up if necessary.

Following a healthy, high-protein diet can help keep your blood sugar levels stable for longer despite your higher sugar intake.

For more information about planning pregnancy with type 1 diabetes, visit: https://www.jdrf.org/t1d-resources/li...

Whether you are experiencing pregnancy difficulties or not, you will need to see a high-risk obstetrician throughout the first three months of your pregnancy. These visits may involve blood tests for you as well as genetic testing for your baby to confirm their blood type and ensure there are no conditions that could interfere with your or their health as your pregnancy progresses.

At JDRF, we support cutting-edge research into diabetes, its possible cures, and how it can be managed to ensure everyone with T1D can live a long, fulfilling life without unnecessary limitations.

Visit our website to learn more about our work, explore our T1D resources, and access our information on how to lower your pregnancy risks while enjoying the process of becoming a mother to the fullest extent.

Timestamps:
0:04 - Considering Pregnancy with Diabetes
0:29 - Managing Unexpected Pregnancy with Diabetes
0:46 - Tools for Monitoring Diabetes During Pregnancy
1:04 - First Trimester Blood Sugar Management
3:35 - Three-Month Plan and High-Risk OB Visits