Now that I’m at the end of my second trimester, I’ve been reflecting on just how much has changed since I first shared my journey through the first trimester with type 1 diabetes. From stronger baby movements to specialist care with maternal-fetal medicine (MFM), this trimester has brought more peace, energy, and confidence.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes in the Second Trimester
Even as my body continues to change, my diabetes management routine has stayed pretty steady. I’m still using Control-IQ, and with guidance from the diabetes educator at my MFM doctor’s office, I’ve made some small tweaks to my settings.
My insulin needs have increased, which is typical in this stage of pregnancy, but it hasn’t been anything too wild. What surprised me the most isn’t even blood sugar-related — it’s how much pressure I feel when this little guy pushes! He doesn’t kick much but wow, he pushes with strength!
Feeling Stronger, Eating Smarter
I’m feeling such a difference in my energy levels compared to the first trimester. I didn’t realize how little energy I had back then until I got it back. These days, I get full faster, so I’ve been eating smaller meals more often and snacking more than usual.
Emotionally, I’m in a better place, too. I feel so much more connected with him now — especially when he responds to me or Corey. Sometimes when I press on different parts of my belly, he’ll push or kick back. And when there’s live music, like worship at church or Corey playing guitar, it feels like he’s dancing in there.
What My Appointments Say: Baby on Track
At each prenatal appointment, I’ve been told that baby is growing perfectly — all measurements have been between the 45th and 55th percentile. I’ve always heard about diabetic moms having big babies, but my MFM team told me there’s also a higher prevalence of really small babies too. I had never heard that before!
One moment that stuck with me was after the anatomy scan. The doctor took a long time to come in, and I started panicking. But when she finally walked in, she immediately apologized and said everything looked perfect. She even praised my blood sugar control and told Corey and me that we were going to be great parents. I really needed to hear that.
Getting Ready for the Third Trimester
As I prepare for the third trimester, I’ve been leaning on others who have walked this road. I’m part of a Facebook group for type 1 diabetes and pregnancy that’s been incredibly helpful, and I’ve talked to several friends who also have T1D.
If I could go back and talk to myself in the first trimester, I’d say: “You really will feel better! The nausea will go away and your energy will come back.”
I’m most looking forward to meeting this little guy, and my biggest hope is that everything continues to go smoothly with no unexpected bumps in the road.
My Experience with an MFM Team
My OB referred me to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist early on because of my type 1 diabetes and “advanced maternal age.” I had my first MFM appointment at 13 weeks and have been going every four weeks since.
I’ll admit, the first visit threw me off — we weren’t told it would be virtual. After an ultrasound, we were moved to another room where I met virtually with the diabetes educator, and then with the doctor. They both focused a lot on the importance of tight blood sugar control and the potential complications if it’s not well-managed.
Since then, I’ve seen three different MFM doctors. One I really like and have seen twice. Another is nice but keeps things quick. The third felt impersonal — she was virtual and didn’t stay on the call for more than a minute.
Monitoring and Care Coordination
All of my ultrasounds are done at MFM, and they’re much more detailed than the standard ones. I also had a fetal echo, which took about an hour and gave a detailed look at the baby’s heart structures.
I don’t see an endocrinologist — my primary care doctor handles my prescriptions and lab work. But the diabetes educator at the MFM office has been amazing. She reviews my blood sugars and insulin pump data, and emails me weekly with any adjustments. Getting those emails with encouragement — and even congratulations — has really helped me feel supported.
Advice for Other Moms with T1D
If you’re considering MFM care, especially with type 1 diabetes, know that the ultrasounds are longer and more frequent — but totally worth it just to see your baby so clearly.
My advice? Ask questions, speak up, and find a care team that makes you feel heard and supported. Having people in your corner who believe in you makes a big difference.
Looking Ahead
Appointments are about to switch to every other week, and I’m guessing they’ll move to weekly later on — that hasn’t been discussed yet. For now, I’m soaking up every baby movement, every encouraging email, and every little sign that we’re on the right path.
Thanks for following along with my journey — third trimester, here we come!
