Update on Type 1 Pre-Conception Consultation

obxlaurak

The hubs and I went to see my newest medical BFF, the high risk OB who will be holding my hand throughout future pregnancy. On the urging of my endo, the husband accompanied me and I am glad he did. He had an opportunity to get his questions answered and learned some medical stuff about Type 1s and baby building.

I had built up the appointment a lot in my head. I expected a lecture about my weight (she said I’m “Only mildly overweight”, love her!), about my BG swings (“You swing, yes, but you stay in a good range, I’m pleased”), and I kind of thought there would be a physical. (Luckily there wasn’t, yay!).

She answered all of our questions and gave us a bit of a “What to expect when I’m finally expecting” rundown. A lot of info about why my insulin needs will increase and decrease, the risks of birth defects and miscarriage and one statistic that she provided that surprised me. She said that our future child has a 1/10 chance of becoming Type 1. However, everything I’ve read is that our child has a 1/100 chance due to me having him/her way after the age of 25. I told her that is what I had seen on the interwebs and in some books so either she’s wrong or I need to learn how to use the google better.

Either way, it doesn’t change anything. Yes, my pregnancy will be more risky. Yes, our kid may have a higher risk of XYZ, but I am fully confident that with some discipline on my part, support from our friends and family, and careful guidance by an awesome medical team, we will have a healthy baby.

She also said that from 30-32 weeks on, I will be visiting her office twice per week(!!!) to measure the baby’s growth and progress and make sure everything is good. Yikes. Luckily I started a new job where I have a lot more flexibility (including Fridays off!) but this still was like “WHOA!”. I wonder if they offer housing for their patients, seeing as I’m going to be living there?

That’s about it. It was a good appointment and I’m glad we had it, however she didn’t really tell me anything I didn’t already know. I would definitely recommend a consultation for those thinking about a pregnancy, if anything just to get you established as a patient of the practice so you aren’t scrambling to find a good OB once you get the positive pee stick.

kks4471

Thanks for sharing!  I'm T1, TTC, and am trying to not be a nervous wreck.  I'm spoiled though, because I'm a sonographer and work with wonderful MFM doctors.  I already told them to do my ultrasounds lol.  I also work with a genetic counselor... and she told me that my future child has no more chance of becoming T1 than the rest of the population.  I haven't researched this at all yet, but it's interesting that your doctor told you 1/10... hmm...

kneenah1231

I am so happy your consult went so well.. You sound more calm and excited to get the ball rolling. Don't get nervous about seeing the Dr twice a week. I see mine twice a week and have a ultrasound every week. Even tho its for different reasons just knowing you get to see your little one more is awesome and they will catch something early if needed. About the 1/10 chance your baby develop T1, remember every Dr grabs their information from different statistics or studies. Dont let that float over your head. Just like you said, You do your part and all will go well.. Best of luck..

mmooki

Glad it went well.

I asked my endo was dd's chances of getting type 1 were and she said there was no more chance due to me having type 1. That made me feel better.

orriskitten

I'm glad it went well, and I have to agree having a great team makes pg soooo much easier! Last time around I got thrown into a crappy team without even realizing it until after I delivered my DD and got an endo and a great team behind me (was dx'd as GD, found out after pg that I am T2).

The 2x/week sounds daunting, but its really not so bad. And to make you feel a little better, it is fairly common for ladies who are GD and other kinds of high risk, not just because you are T1

obxlaurak

Thanks everyone!  I'm excited.  It's going to be hard work but worth it!

I'm mainly nervous about the 2x/week work-wise.  My endo/OB are 45 minutes away so each appointment is going to be a few hours deal.  Hopefully I'll be able to get into a good rhythm with either early morning or late afternoon appointments to minimize impact with my job.