TYPE 1 PREGNANCY

Just would like to hear other Type 1 pregnancy stories. I have had 1 child and contemplating a second but couple years go a temporary cover doctor in my clinic told me my kidneys were leaking he didnt recommend my kidneys were strong enough to cope with another pregnancy yet my long term doctor who i later saw said the other doctor was probably just being precaucious and the Ramipril drug im on is more a preventative drug and everything "probably" will be fine. I am now at a loss as to whats best to do and what I really don't have is other type 1 mums to hand and hear how they have got on. If you have any stories or things to look out for I would LOVE to hear about it GOOD and BAD!

www.diabetessupport.co.uk has a pregnancy section....

Hi Vickyrees,
I waited a LONG time to have children because I was so concerned about bringing a child into the world who may get diabetes and before I could make the decision to go ahead, I needed to rationalise that even healthy women had babies that were not. I needed to take diabetes out of the mix as much as I could. This is where my control became so important – if I could ensure that my levels were as good as I could get them, that my HbA1C was below 6.5 and stayed there, that I took all the appropriate pills/meds etc, worked with my team and was open and honest about everything (even if I wasn’t sure if it was important), then I was minimising the impact that diabetes could play. Of course I knew that problems could still arise but I needed to go into this feeling that I wouldn’t look back and feel guilty about not doing enough if something did go wrong.
My retinopathy played up during both pregnancies but fortunately for me, after giving birth both times has settled down. I knew this might occur but I decided that having the babies was really important to us as a family and went into it knowing that my eyes may not be as good on the other side.
I loved being pregnant and had two reasonably easy pregnancies - one at age 38, the other at 39 and the babies were born 7ib 2oz and 5lb 9oz so weren't the diabetic 'big babies' that everyone told me I'd have.
Best wishes with your choice - weigh up what the experts have told you and your own desires for your family - good luck with it all.
Trudi

This is such an important area. Good luck to you in making your choice, Vicky. Above all, planning and taking time preparing are the keys to lowering risks to both you and your baby. Until you are sure and prepared, make sure your contraception is sound.

Some information leaflets, which apply to types 1 and 2 diabetes, as well diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) can be found at http://www.pi.nhs.uk/diabetes/projects/leaflets/leaflets.htm
A few of these are more type 1 specific. Which drugs can be used is very important- ramipril and statins in particular, need to be stopped; high-dose folic acid is recommended- 5mg, not the lower 400mcg.

Of course no amount of leaflets/on-line material will substitute for a personal discussion with your medical team. Has this forum had any babies yet?

Vickyrees,
There is a great resource available at this following address.
http://www.d1.org.au/images/stories/Docs/CanIHaveAHealthyBaby2008.pdf

I have been diabetic from 16 years and now having my third baby. I think as long as you look after yourself, continue to monitor your blood glucose and eat sensible Im sure you will be able to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. My first weighed 9.4lbs but that was long ago and my education on Diabetes was pretty poor. She did spend a few weeks in special care. I was only diagnosed as diabetic 3 weeks before I fell with her so I guess I was lucky to have her. My second was born 4 years ago now. I wasnt doing Dafne then but was strict on myself. He weighed 7.9lbs and was extremely healthy. Now 16 weeks pregnant with the third... its going well... im following the Dafne way. My last HBA1C was 7.6... which isnt good accordinging to the specialists but I think differently as 4 months ago it was 8.3. Its heading in the right direction and I know my control is better. Take any advice the hospital/antenatal give you but bear in mind you know your body better than anyone. Good luck if you decide to try for another baby.

Thank you all for your advice - it is greatly appreciated