Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and for mothers with Type 1 diabetes, it comes with its own set of considerations. One crucial aspect is staying on top of your medical appointments. Here’s your comprehensive guide on what to expect during these crucial visits to ensure a smooth and healthy pregnancy.
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.
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