Supporting your partner with T1D during and after pregnancy
You and your partner are embarking on a very exciting part of life: becoming parents! Learn ways to support your pregnant partner with type 1 diabetes.
Practice open communication
It’s natural for your partner to be concerned about the challenges type 1 diabetes (T1D) brings to a pregnancy. Try to be open to discussing your concerns and listening to your partner’s worries. Open communication, where you actively listen to one another, is an important part of any relationship to make sure you are on the same page (especially when you raise a child together).
Ask how they want to be supported
Ask your partner what you can do that would feel most supportive to them throughout different phases of the pregnancy. Some women might appreciate reminders to check their glucose or take their insulin. Others might not. Talk to your partner and come up with specific types of support that feel good to them.
Prepare your partner for emergencies
Low blood sugars can happen more frequently during pregnancy due to the lower target blood-sugar goals recommended during pregnancy and the ever-changing insulin requirements. Make sure your partner has filled their prescription for glucagon, that you know where it is, and how to use it. Help your partner keep fast-acting glucose in the car, the bedroom, the office, etc.
Parental leave
Talk to your respective employers to find out what options are available (paid and unpaid) to you and your family. Some families take their time off together, while others stagger their days. Explore all leave options and find the most effective way to collectively use your time off.
Enjoy the journey
Don’t let your worries about T1D overpower the excitement and fun of having a baby. Enjoy the journey! Stay positive and remember to enjoy this experience with one another.
More pregnancy guidance
Whether your pregnancy is planned or a surprise, there are a few steps every woman with T1D should take.
Developing a birth plan with your diabetes team can help you feel better prepared for delivering a baby.
Delivering a baby when you have T1D will be similar to that of other expectant mothers but with close blood-sugar monitoring.
Things to keep in mind while you are healing, feeling sleep-deprived, and juggling T1D as a new mother.
Pregnancy support for T1D moms
Connect with others who have gone through pregnancy with type 1 diabetes in the Breakthrough T1D Community Forum.
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