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.

Diabetes and Dental Health

Living with diabetes means managing more than just glucose levels (obviously you know it’s a FULL time job!) It means paying extra attention to your overall health, including your oral hygiene. Diabetes can increase the risk of gum inflammation, such as gingivitis. But let’s be honest, good dental hygiene is essential for everyone, not just those with diabetes. However, diabetes does give us that little extra kick in the booty to stay on top of our health like everyone should be!

Pregnancy and Gingivitis

Nearly 60 to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, this is for people living WITHOUT diabetes. An early stage of periodontal disease that occurs when the gums become red and swollen from inflammation that may be aggravated by changing hormones during pregnancy. If gingivitis is not treated, the bone that supports the teeth can be lost, and the gums can become infected. Teeth with little bone support can become loose and may eventually have to be extracted. Periodontitis has also been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. However, how periodontitis may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes is not yet fully understood.

The Diabetes Factor

Did you know: Gingivitis for people living WITH diabetes increases glucose and insulin resistance?!

Conclusion:

When it comes to keeping your blood sugars in a tight range and hitting those pregnancy targets, it’s an even more important reason to stay on top of your cleanings to prevent gingivitis. We don’t need any additional challenges in managing our blood glucose levels, so prevention is key—it’s an essential step in your journey to a healthy pregnancy.

Toothpaste I use that is all-natural and free of SLS Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS is what makes toothpaste foam, and fluoride. In other words, it’s safe to use during pregnancy.

Managing blood sugars is hard, especially during pregnancy. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re experiencing mild to moderate ketones, don’t panic. Here’s everything you’ll want to know.

The post What to Know About Your Dental Health During Pregnancy appeared first on More Than Just a Type.

We want to avoid DKA during pregnancy because it is very toxic to the baby. However, especially if you are an insulin pump user, there is a chance that you will face having ketones in your system due to faulty pump sites. In this post, we are going to talk about what to do if this happens.

Few tips to avoid ketones:

• When switching your pump site, place a new site on before taking the old site off to make sure that it’s working. If your blood sugar elevates and you think the new site might be bent, you can switch back to your old site until you’re able to replace it.

• Stay hydrated

• When eating meals, make sure to pre-bolus or use the extended bolus mode if eating a high fat/high carb meal

• Carry ketone strips with you so that you can check your levels should your blood sugar get stubborn

• Switch your pump site every 2-days during pregnancy once you’re later in your pregnancy (for me, it was week 24)

• Avoid changing pump site at bedtime to ensure the site is working before falling asleep

What to do if you have ketones:

• If using an insulin pump, inject using an injection

• Drink water (more than necessary) because you want to flush the ketones from your body

• If your BG is within a good range but you are experiencing ketones, eat carbs and bolus to cover the carbs (ketones happen when we don’t have enough insulin in our system, but if your BG is not high you’ll need to consume carbs to prevent going low).

• Drop and do 100 squats

• Take a hot shower (the hot water can quicken the rate at which insulin is absorbed)

• Go for a walk or do some LISS (low-intensity steady state) exercise

Here is the advice my medical team gave me when I was 25 weeks pregnant and experiencing mild to moderate ketones:

• Stay well hydrated (like drink more water than you usually would)

• For lows, pair your carb with a protein to avoid the spike

• As your pregnancy progresses you will become more resistant to insulin. If you are above 150 after 2 pump corrections over 2 hrs, you should immediately take your correction by injection.

• Travel is difficult as it changes your routine. Just try to do the best you can with choices and portions. 

• The usual amount of carbs to treat a low below 65 is 10 gms when you are pregnant. 

• If you are below 50 you can do 20gms.

• If you are low and have insulin on board you will need to eat for the insulin that you have on board. 

• Don’t ever go to bed with high blood glucose while pregnant. 

Takeaway:

• If using a pump, and you inject a correction and blood glucose does not come down after administering a correction or if it’s rising after 2 hours, immediately take correction via injection and try changing your site.

• If your blood sugar is down at least 60 points after 1-2 hours after giving a correction using your pump, then that’s a good sign. Administer corrections using your pump 1-2 hrs until you reach your goal.

• If you inject your correction via injection, an intramuscular injection can often help bring blood glucose down faster because your body will absorb it more quickly.

• Staying extra hydrated and administering insulin is important to help flush ketones and bring blood glucose back down to a normal range.

Blood Glucose Targets During Pregnancy:

Fasting – 65 to 90

Before Meals – 90 – 100

One hour after meals – 130 or less

Two hours after a meal – 120 or less

Bedtime – 100 to 120

A1C target during pregnancy:

<6%

Taja’s Note:

Avoiding DKA and ketones during pregnancy is crucial. However, keeping blood sugar targets in range is a lot of hard work and there will be days when your blood sugar is playing up and it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will have a negative effect on the baby. Do your very best and stay on top of things to avoid ketones, and also, so that you can catch your sugars when/if this happens, and know that you are doing a great job, mama!

It’s good to be aware, yet not live in fear, so take a deep breath and try not to worry. As long as you are proactive and catch things quickly, I think you are doing just fine. XO

DKA is a medical emergency. This is not medical advice and you should seek hospital attention if needed, or if you are experiencing large ketones.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Ketones and Pregnancy appeared first on More Than Just a Type.

Not only that, but our bodies are completely different. This post is not to imitate, but more to view as a look inside what my settings are during pregnancy so you can see it as a possibility for what could be in store for you! I am using the Tandem Tx2 slim insulin pump paired with Dexcom.

This is just data from my own experience and your experience may be different!

If your experience is much different, know that is okay and totally normal. Our bodies are, after all, not the same even though we both experience diabetes. I would love to hear how things change(d) for you during each trimester. I hope this gives you some insight into what you might expect during the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy.

The post Basal Setting Comparison from 1st-2nd Trimester appeared first on More Than Just a Type.

Pregnancy can be a beautiful journey, but for those living with diabetes, it comes with extra considerations. As a coffee lover, you may wonder how your daily cup of joe affects your blood sugars during this special time. In this guide, we’ll explore the relationship between coffee, blood sugars, and pregnancy, providing insights to help you make informed choices for you and your baby.

Understanding Coffee and Blood Sugars:

Coffee, even when consumed black with no cream or sweetness, can lead to a spike in blood glucose levels. This is because coffee is a stimulant, which increases glucose-raising hormones in the body.

Coffee During Pregnancy:

When you’re expecting, it’s recommended to consume less than 200mg of caffeine daily. Studies suggest that consuming large amounts of caffeine daily may be associated with a higher risk of miscarriage. However, the research is not entirely conclusive, and moderate caffeine consumption doesn’t appear to be a major contributing factor in miscarriage or preterm birth, according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

To err on the side of caution, considering that caffeine may take longer to metabolize during pregnancy and the placenta is responsible for nourishing your baby, it’s best to limit your caffeine intake to 200mg daily. As always, consult your doctor for personalized advice.

How Much Caffeine is in Coffee?

Caffeine levels can vary based on the specific blend and café where you purchase your coffee. Here’s an approximate breakdown of caffeine content in various coffee types:

• Brewed Coffee (8 oz.): 95 – 165 mg
• Decaf Coffee (8 oz.): 2 – 5 mg
• Espresso (1 oz.): 47 – 64 mg
• Latte (8 oz.): 63 – 126 mg

Managing Blood Sugars During Pregnancy:

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can already lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Caffeine can further exacerbate this effect, causing glucose levels to rise even higher. If you’re more insulin resistant in the morning, (thanks dawn phenomenon!) you may need to consider adjusting your insulin dosage accordingly, especially during pregnancy.

My Personal Experience:

As someone living with diabetes, I understand the challenges firsthand. To manage my morning coffee effectively, I’ve found that at 22-weeks pregnant, I now have to double my insulin dose to cover my one cup of coffee with 1/2 and 1/2 in order to stabilize my blood sugar levels. This means I am taking 2-3 units for my morning coffee alone, and pre-bolusing has also proven to be helpful in managing post-meal spikes, even for coffee! 

Remember, everyone’s body is unique, so what works for me might not be the perfect solution for you. Listen to your body, monitor your blood sugars regularly, and work closely with your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan for a safe and healthy pregnancy journey.

Note: The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

The post Coffee During Pregnancy for People Living with Diabetes appeared first on More Than Just a Type.

Finding Your Safe Lifting Zone:

Lifting during pregnancy is a personal journey, and it’s essential to consider your fitness level before making adjustments. Evaluate your experience in the gym, training age, and previous lifting capacity to determine the right intensity for your second trimester. Understanding your limits will help you choose the appropriate weight for a safer workout.

Drop the Load, Increase the Reps:

During the second trimester, you might not be able to lift as heavily as before, and that’s perfectly normal. Instead of pushing for maximum weights, focus on reducing the load and increasing your repetitions. Opting for 8-12 reps with good form will help you maintain proper volume while minimizing strain and the risk of injury.

Controlling Intraabdominal Pressure:

Understanding how intraabdominal pressure affects your body is crucial for a safe workout routine. Excessive pressure can lead to discomfort and complications during pregnancy. Intradominal pressure is the steady state pressure concealed in the abdominal cavity. If you notice bulging or pelvic floor pressure during certain exercises, it’s a sign of excessive abdominal pressure, which you should aim to avoid.

Avoid Exercises That Produce Coning and Doming:

What is coning and doming? This is when you’re doing an exercise and you see a ridge or a bulge popping out in the middle of your stomach.

Certain exercises can cause coning (linea alba pushing outwards) or doming, indicating a muscular imbalance where the rectus over-dominates the transverse abdominals. Some common movements that may cause coning include sit-ups, overhead presses, pull-ups, and spinal extensions. To minimize coning and protect your core, opt for exercises that promote a neutral spine position and reduce the range of motion.

Strategies to Minimize Coning:

• Focus on maintaining a neutral spine position during exercises, especially during overhead movements.
• Choose variations of exercises that are accessible to you while keeping a neutral position.
• Listen to your body and be willing to modify exercises if they don’t feel comfortable or safe.

CONING VS DOMING:

Doming: “breadloafing” = (abdominal doing). Think of a sit-up, or sitting up in bed, when your abs engage and create a bread loaf look. 

Coning: Coning could look like a tent-type shape of the abdomen. Happens due to diastasic recti (a normal separation of the 6-pack abs during pregnancy). The pressure within the abdominal cavity exceeds the capacity of the abdominal wall thus pushing it out.

Ab exercises are generally recommended to avoid during pregnancy.

Avoid Pelvic pressure: 

During pregnancy, you want to be extra careful to avoid any pressure or pain in your pelvic area.

Listening to Your Body:

Above all else, remember to check in with yourself and your body regularly. As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to adjust your workout routine to accommodate your changing needs. Always prioritize your safety and comfort, and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Staying active during your second trimester can bring numerous benefits to both you and your baby. By understanding your body, making appropriate modifications, and following these strategies, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of weightlifting while keeping yourself and your little one safe. Every pregnancy is unique, so trust yourself and be mindful of what feels right for you. Happy and safe lifting!

Want to know specific exercise modifications during pregnancy? Join Thrive and connect with me!

The post Safe and Effective Weightlifting in Your Second Trimester appeared first on More Than Just a Type.

Congratulations on your pregnancy journey! The first trimester can be exciting and challenging, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a curated list of resources and products that helped me navigate through the first trimester:

• My TOP Pregnancy Book – Expecting Better. This comprehensive book is a must-read for every expectant mother. It covers everything from nutrition to self-care, offering invaluable advice for a healthy pregnancy. I respected it the most because it’s totally data-driven and an easy and fun read that gives you zero bullshit.
  
• Anti-Nausea – Say goodbye to morning sickness! These are the things that helped me most when it came to feeling nauseous 24/7:
  • Ginger Chews – A natural remedy to ease nausea and soothe your stomach, ginger chews are a tasty and convenient option to keep on hand. These are my fav.
  • Peppermint Drops: A few drops anytime I started feeling nauseous helped. I got mine at Sprouts. But these alcohol-free peppermint drops work, too.
  • Ginger Ale: Yes, the sugar-free ginger bubbly. Here.
  • Vitamin B6 + Unisom: I took this combo before bed to help with nausea and to help me sleep. My doctor recommended it, she gave me a prescription for a pill that was essentially the same thing but she said this combo was exactly the same and much cheaper.
    
• “Coping with Pregnancy Hormones” – Combat mood swings and depression by taking time to journal. Take a pen to paper and free-write without thinking. It can help to maintain emotional well-being.

• Hydration: Staying hydrated can be tough when you are feeling nauseous. LMNT helped me to stay hydrated (I was turned off from sweets and it was mostly salty!) Also, Perrier!!
  
• Pregnancy Multivitamins – Nourish your body and support your baby’s development with high-quality prenatal vitamins. Choose a trusted brand with essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Prenatal Vitamin I’ve been using.

The first trimester was rough, I was so nauseous that I could barely stomach my other vitamins so, to be honest, I took a break. But had my nausea not been so bad, I would have continued using these other high-quality vitamins!

• Online Pregnancy Community – Apps that connect you to people and give you insights into what’s in store next: That to Expect, Baby Centre, Mama Natural.

• Diabetes Gadgets: Tandem Diabetes Tslim Insulin pump x Dexcom (wearing these has helped me SO much!)
  

Here’s a full list of all the essential prenatal links.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and listening to your body is essential. Always consult your healthcare provider before trying new products or making significant changes to your routine. We hope these resources help you navigate the first trimester with confidence and joy!

What’s been your go-to to help you through the first tri

[Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided above is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.]

The post Everything You Need to Survive the 1st Trimester appeared first on More Than Just a Type.

Blood sugars: it’s normal to experience more lows in the initial stages of 1st trimester (be mindful, have low snacks on hand, glucagon is not a bad idea). BG will eventually start to creep up. Be prepared to make consistent changes and work with your medical team to ensure you stay stable and feel good.

Cravings: you may experience cravings. In the beginning, I craved random foods from childhood. And I craved SALT. So much salt. 

Nausea: I was so nauseous in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. It started around week 6, and it was all day long and got stronger at night. Really trying to stay hydrated was important because even water made me want to puke. I couldn’t do electrolytes because most of them were sweet. Sweets made me want to throw up and so did protein foods, especially chicken. YUCK. I will say, it was a challenge treating lows for this reason.

Gyno Apps: I saw my gyro shortly after finding out I was pregnant, around 6 weeks, and had a transvaginal ultrasound. 

Then, at 10 weeks I had another appointment, which included another ultrasound (this time it was a stomach one), and blood work for the NIPT test which tells you the sex of the baby (if you want to know) as well as any chromosomal abnormalities like down syndrome and trisomy 18. Then, another appointment at 16 weeks (usually it was 12-weeks, but because my medical team is in California and I am in Costa Rica, I tried to push it out as far as I could). Each time peeing in a cup and almost always accompanied by blood work.

Endo Apps: I got my blood work done as soon as I found out I was pregnant to get my A1C and lipid panel done. Then, because my end doesn’t specialize in high-risk pregnancy, she referred me to two of her team members who I work with weekly (well, it’s supposed to be weekly but they are really there when I need them and I typically make adjustments on my own and reach out to them when I find my blood sugars are sliding off and changes need to be made).

I like it because together, we work as a TEAM. Whether I make adjustments and reach out for feedback, or they make adjustments for me. And, that is really what it comes down to in my opinion, having a team to work with you every step of the way. You’ll probably find that you have weekly check-ins with your team, and as you get later into pregnancy they might be more often.

1st Tri in a nutshell:

Physical: felt bloated af, gassy, nauseous af, just gross. Had some mild cravings.

Mental: not good. Felt super depressed.

Emotional: not good. Felt super depressed. I was also super bitchy and on edge. Like major moody.

Summary: 

You may experience similar feelings or the complete opposite. Every pregnancy is different and everything that accompanies it, whether it’s feelings of depression or excitement, is completely normal and valid. There might even be some added stress because life with diabetes is stressful enough. And now, on top of managing diabetes, you have to be even MORE meticulous with your blood sugar goals, which isn’t always the easiest thing. Not only that, your hormones are in flux.

And, to top off all your extra gyro apps, you also have to make the time to meet with your medical team weekly, at least through email to go over your blood sugars and make adjustments. If you thought diabetes was a full-time job before, it became even more work. But you’ve got this, mama! And trust me, the second trimester will feel so much better once you get through this phase. And trust me, you will. 

Have you experienced the 1st trimester before? Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

The post What to Expect During The 1st Trimester appeared first on More Than Just a Type.

Pregnancy It isn’t always something you can plan, but for those of you who are trying or thinking you’d like to try within the next year, there are a few things to think about in advance that can help your pregnancy go a lot smoother:

Your body composition right now & your blood sugar control (standard deviation, TIR (time in range), A1C)

These are two things that in my opinion, should be the top priority. I’m not a doctor, but my doctors have told me for the last 6 years that “I am in the perfect place should I decide to have kids”. And, I can thank my body composition, diet, and exercise for this which all give the outcome of great blood sugar control.

Why is blood sugar control even more important during pregnancy for women living with type 1 diabetes?

Quoted from the American Diabetes Association: “Because crucial development happens so early, talking to your health care provider at least a few months before you start trying to conceive is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy. The reason: If your AIC is 10 percent or higher, you have a higher chance of having a baby with a malformation such as a heart, kidney, brain or spinal cord defect. Get your blood glucose (also known as blood sugar) in target range before you conceive, however, and that changes. If your A1C is 6.5 percent or less, you’re no more likely to have a baby with a birth defect than a woman without diabetes.”

In addition, having prolonged high blood glucose during pregnancy can result in a much larger baby at birth. For Blood Sugar targets during pregnancy, check this post.

Thankfully, for those who plan ahead and make blood sugar control a priority, with the right diet and exercise regimen, it doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems.

Body Composition

The leaner you are, and the more muscle you have, the more insulin sensitive you are. When you have lower body fat percentage it becomes a lot easier to control overall sugars in my experience. 

I’m not always my leanest, though. When it comes to my background in bodybuilding the cycle goes a little something like this: Increase caloric intake and volume at the gym (eat more, lift more, simply put), when I’m in this phase my blood sugars naturally increase, thus does my overall insulin quantity and it takes a little more to keep my sugars in range (for me), then, once you gain muscle mass you cut weight and get lean (lower caloric intake and overall volume at the gym + increase cardio). When I’m in this phase my blood sugars naturally are a lot lower, so I have to decrease my overall basal. Because I am eating less daily, my blood sugars are more predictable/easier to manage without thinking too much. Diet and exercise (exercise specifically for me) are my #1 when it comes to managing my overall sugars, because whether I am cutting or gaining weight lifting weights and walking keeps my sugars in check and my insulin sensitivity higher than if I am sedentary. So, if you have some weight to lose focusing on that aspect can make it a lot easier to keep your sugars in range pre-pregnancy and set a good foundation for BG management when you are pregnant. If you want guidance for weight loss you can check out my Fat Loss for Type 1’s program and follow exactly what I do here. Suppose you don’t have weight to lose. In that case, incorporating a solid weight lifting and cardio regimen will help increase insulin sensitivity and give you the best blood sugar management to get your body prepped and at its healthiest pre-pregnancy. 

Exercise

Even though both diet and exercise are crucial and go hand in hand, let’s start with exercise because I find that exercise is a core component to keeping my blood sugar in range with an A1C in the 5’s for over 6 years. Whatever you do for exercise, make sure that it’s something you enjoy. The most important aspect of any weight-lifting program is to focus on progressive overload. This means that you are increasing volume with every workout. Progressive overload is key. If you hit the gym without a proper plan and you’re just going through the motions, you’re not creating the change that’s needed to build muscle (and no, you will never look like a man no matter how heavy you lift because men and women have different hormones and unless you’re taking growth hormones you will never look like a man). Muscle is what’s needed to increase insulin sensitivity because the bigger muscle you have the bigger tank you have to store excess glucose. Progressive O/L is a must! If you want workout plans that focus on progressive O/L you can download them within my Thrive Community on the Honey Health App.

Diet

The things you eat regularly are extra important when it comes to keeping your glucose in range as much as possible. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to cut out certain foods or avoid eating certain things, it just means that you will need to learn to dose for these things accordingly to try and avoid a spike in glucose. And, you won’t always get it right, and that’s okay. When we’re talking about A1C, TIR, and standard deviation, we are looking at your targets over a longer time frame, not just a few days. So don’t beat yourself up if you have a few wonky days when the rest of the days are great. If I’m going out to a restaurant or eating something I don’t normally do, I like to use MyFitnessPal to help me get an estimate of the carb, fat, and protein so I can inject my doses more accurately for those foods. I generally follow an 80/20 rule. Eating 80% mindfully and 20% treats that I wouldn’t normally. What does it mean to eat more mindfully and keep sugars more stabilized? It means going to the grocery store and reading labels. Pick the carbs that contain a higher content of fiber, like choose bread that contains a higher content of fiber versus the one with less, because fiber has little to no effect on blood glucose and will increase it at a slower pace. Choose lean meats/proteins, and eat veggies and high-fiber fruits like frozen berries. Focus on getting in enough protein per day and stay hydrated!! Implementing these habits will help you because your diet will be similar during pregnancy. You’ll want to eat foods that raise blood sugar more slowly so you can avoid those sudden spikes, think high fiber, and pair your carbs with fat and protein. 

When you focus on these three components, you will automatically find your blood sugar becomes much easier to manage. And the beautiful thing is all of these components go hand in hand, meaning you cannot achieve one without achieving the other. You cannot eat lower calories and make mindful food choices without automatically lowering your body fat percentage, and when you decrease your body fat percentage, you increase insulin sensitivity. When you add progressive overload training to that, you burn more calories and build more muscle while dramatically increasing insulin sensitivity. Cardio is the icing on the cake: you can go for a brisk 10-20 min walk to lower blood glucose and burn extra calories, which doesn’t just help your weight loss efforts if that’s your goal, but it helps your body stay healthy as a whole. We can curse diabetes for making life more difficult, or we can find gratitude for forcing us to take care of our bodies in a way that most people don’t. And, when you prep your body for pregnancy and start your pregnancy off in a healthy way, your pregnancy as a person living with type 1 diabetes becomes no more high risk than anyone else’s. That’s my opinion. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming; start where you can and gradually increase what you’re doing until you reach your goal.

The post Top 3 Things To Consider If You Want To Get Pregnant appeared first on More Than Just a Type.

Embracing The Journey

They say pregnancy is a time to focus on the miracle of life growing inside you, not on your weight. And they’re right. But let’s be honest, watching those pounds add up on the scale can be a bit disconcerting, even if you understand the science behind it. As someone who has experienced rapid weight gain early on, I can relate to the mixed emotions that come with this journey. So, let’s dive into the reasons behind these changes, dispel some worries, and find solace in the shared experiences of pregnancy.

The Initial Weight Gain:

• When I discovered I was pregnant, I had been maintaining a slight calorie deficit. Naturally, I shifted my focus to nourishing my body and started consuming an extra 200-300 calories a day to increase my calories back up to maintenance. But the sudden surge on the scale wasn’t a cause for alarm. Most of this early weight gain can be attributed to water retention as your glycogen stores become fuller due to the increased calorie intake. It’s not body fat; it’s your body preparing to support a new life.

The Changing Shape:

• Entering the second trimester, I noticed some weight gain beyond the belly. This can be a challenging aspect of pregnancy for many women, myself included. Suddenly, our thighs touch, our arms appear larger, and we may feel self-conscious about changes in our appearance. Rest assured, these changes are completely normal. Weight gain during pregnancy can manifest in various parts of the body, and it’s all part of the journey.

Feeling “Fat” and the Journey to Self-Acceptance:

• During pregnancy, it’s common to feel a little disconnected from your own body. I personally struggled with this, as my naturally high rib cage and overall weight gain made me feel less like a glowing mother-to-be and more like someone who had simply gained extra pounds. It’s important to remember that these thoughts are normal, but they don’t define us. Our bodies are doing something incredible, and it’s crucial to embrace the changes and nurture self-acceptance throughout the journey.

Understanding Your Unique Timeline:

• Every pregnancy is different, and so is the timing of baby bumps. For first-time mothers like me, it’s common not to show a significant bump until later in the second trimester. So, if you’re not seeing the classic baby bump yet, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Embrace the diversity of experiences and trust that your body will reveal the miracle in due time.

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with physical changes, emotional roller coasters, and a profound connection to new life. As we navigate this transformative time, it’s crucial to approach our bodies with compassion and understanding. Weight gain during pregnancy is a natural part of the process, and it’s important to remember that it doesn’t define our worth or beauty. However, while we don’t want to obsess about food, it’s important to know that we aren’t exactly “eating for two” during this time and that our overall calorie consumption still matters, somewhat. Let’s celebrate the amazing things our bodies can do and embrace this chapter with love, acceptance, and a sense of awe.

Share your experiences:

I would love to hear about your own journey and when you first started showing. Remember, your story is unique and valuable, and by sharing it, we can support and uplift one another on this incredible path to motherhood. Together, we can navigate the ups and downs with grace and resilience.

The post Your Body During Pregnancy appeared first on More Than Just a Type.