Pre pregnancy appointments. Nervous

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Daisycoo

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hey guys

I’m being sent for pre pregnancy appointments. Don’t know what to expect.
Has anyone been through these kind of appointments? Do they involve anything different to the usual DSN appointments?
 
Daisycoo said:
Do they involve anything different to the usual DSN appointments?
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I don't have personal experience, but I imagine they'll be stressing the importance of really good control and offering a slightly better CGM (Dexcom G6 or G7) presuming you're not already using one. Maybe also offering HCL (again, if you're not already using it).
 
I’ve only been diagnosed 2.5 yrs. Control was a little off since taking unwell last October. I have the libre and waiting on being called for an insulin pump.
It was just something mentioned at the beginning of the year that ‘could be a possibility”.
Suppose I’m a little curious about what to expect from it is all. Think my anxiety is a little high with the “new” appointments coming up
 
I’d imagine so. The email for the appointment says referred to the pre pregnancy DSN. I’m imagining it’ll possibly be a bit of both, in a way.
 
Ok 🙂 If you’re planning on trying to conceive, then you’ll be helped to get your HBA1C at the correct level. You’ll also be prescribed high dose folic acid tablets that you need to take for at least 3 months before TTC. You can take them longer than that - basically you take them until you get pregnant but don’t try to conceive until after the 3 months and when your HbA1C is ok.

You’ll also have normal things like your weight and blood pressure checked and be given information about pregnancy with diabetes. I was given the name and number of the pregnancy DSN and strict instructions to phone as soon as I got pregnant. The care you receive is excellent. I’ve had three pregnancies with Type 1 and my pregnancy DSN was fantastic.
 
Think of it as something to help you. I never felt criticised or pressured or anything. They were lovely. The main focus is on control and reducing risks (hence the special folic acid). You might be upgraded to a different CGM when pregnancy; pumps might be talked about, etc.

Good luck 🙂
 
These appointments will look at how you are getting on now, and what you can do / can be changed for a smoother pregnancy.
When is your appointment?

Might help your nerves to jot down any aims you have and any questions.

These appointments are to help you be ready for the pregnancy, there will be no judgement. And it will be the first of many as they like to keep a close eye on diabetics mums and their babies, so you will see the team a lot.
 
Thanks. It’s not for another couple of weeks but I suppose having better control all round is always a good thing. I definitely need my A1c down, been awfully high and control has been hard since taking unwell last year.
Back in the gym and running again has been nice. I’ll have a think and note somethings down before the appointment.
Much appreciated
 
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You might need to take a urine sample each time too, I had my first one a few weeks ago and it had said on the letter, I didn't have a sample pot so didn't go to the toilet before setting off so I could ask reception for a pot and fill it there. I got given one at the end for the next time.

Obviously slightly different for me as I'm type 2, but they were looking at HbA1c results, asked about my finger prick results as I do some testing and gave some advice. And prescribed the 5mg folic acid as said above even though I said it was more than 3 months at that point before my earliest planned start point. They also checked that I had kidney function tested within the last year, not sure if that was because they wanted to start me on metformin or something they do for everyone.

I actually saw pregnancy specialist DSN and dietician together so it's possible your area might do that too. They told me that when I do conceive to let them know, and pregnancy clinic will be the same day of the week but the morning instead of the afternoon. And set up review appointment with pre-pregnancy clinic
 
Yeah I’m expecting the urine sample as I have to take one with me to any other appointment. Luckily my own gp gave me a few bottles when collecting a prescription. I’ll mind to take one.
Thanks for the info, it’s really helpful and appreciated
 
Daisycoo said:
Yeah I’m expecting the urine sample as I have to take one with me to any other appointment. Luckily my own gp gave me a few bottles when collecting a prescription. I’ll mind to take one.
Thanks for the info, it’s really helpful and appreciated
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Yeah you will need a pot every appointment better to have a collection of them and take one every time.
Definitely getting back into your exercise will help, keep that up if you can as it will help you mentally as much as anything.

Keep us updated and we are here for any questions and support
 
Thank so much.
Yeah I lift heavy circles to clear the head but getting back into the cardio side too now. Love/hate relationship with the gym haha.
I will do!
 
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