Have you been wondering how in the world you’re going to juggle pregnancy and cystic fibrosis?! Here are a few tips to help you navigate pregnancy with CF and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD).
Go on a brisk, 10 to 20 minute walk after meals. This will help keep your lungs strong, your digestive system “moving”, and your blood glucose levels stable. A treadmill is a great investment for those times when you’re too tired to go outdoors or during inclement weather. Small, compact treadmills are usually available at your local sporting goods store; you may also find them on Facebook Marketplace.
Measure your carbohydrates. Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels during pregnancy is incredibly important. I know it can be a pain, but using a measuring cup for accurate carb counting will help keep your blood sugar levels in range. When I was pregnant, I had to take insulin for every 5 grams of carbs that I ate. It was beyond maddening at times, but completely worth it in the end!
Experiment with prenatal workouts. Exercise is extremely important during pregnancy, especially when you have cystic fibrosis. Gentle stretching such as yoga or other forms of light exercise not only keep your lungs strong, but can also be helpful for back and hip pain that is often experienced during pregnancy. Many online instructors offer videos for specific trimesters. One of my favorites is Pregnancy and Postpartum TV.
Invest in home delivery or grocery pickup. Since the pandemic, a lot of us are doing this already. But when you’re tired, pregnant, have CF and possibly CFRD, any task that you can get assistance with is a win! Lighten your load, give yourself a break and hire help if necessary.
Join a support group. The online community has blossomed in the past year due to COVID-19. This has led to a wide range of options for people looking to engage with others on social forums. If you’re feeling isolated or alone, I encourage you to reach out to others- whether that be in person (of course using caution and taking into consideration the current situation with COVID) or online.
Plan a few freezer meals for the month. If you can handle cooking, (I know a lot of us have a difficult time during the first trimester; I couldn’t even empty the dishwasher without gagging.) freezer meal prepping will take a huge load off of your weekly “to-do” list. Prepare and freeze a few of your favorite casseroles or marinate and freeze small portions of meat to quickly add to fresh (or frozen) vegetables and rice or beans. Happy Money Saver and Family Freezer offer free meal plans and pre-made grocery lists!
Be prepared for middle-of-the-night lows. Because your insulin dosages are constantly changing during pregnancy, you may experience the occasional low blood sugar when you least expect it. This is why it’s important to keep a snack near your bed. It’s much easier to reach over and have a few sips of juice or eat a small piece of dried fruit when you’re having a low than get up out of bed and dig through your fridge or pantry for something to kick your blood glucose levels back up.
Give yourself grace. Your body is providing the little one(s) in your womb with what it needs in order to grow. That in itself is a beautiful miracle! You are balancing a chronic illness combined with pregnancy and possibly diabetes; that’s an enormous load to carry! Remember to take time for yourself, laugh and rest when you can.