Pregnancy with Diabetes: My Story

By Amelia Lily, who lives with Type 1

Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional about your diabetes management. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.

20/03/2026
 

Looking back – excitement and fear

I sit here now with my baby girl and look at her and there is no question that I would absolutely do it all over again to be blessed with the most amazing gift in the world. I had always wanted a family for as long as I can remember but I always had those scary warnings about being high risk as someone living with Type 1 diabetes.

When I found out I was pregnant I was full of so much happiness, I felt like I was the only woman in the world who was pregnant. But in the back of my mind I had a sudden urge of panic and anxiety about my diabetes and called my medical team straight away.

A birthday gift to remember

I had my very first antenatal appointment on my 30th birthday; it was definitely the best birthday gift I could have ever wished for.

Throughout my entire pregnancy journey I received the absolute best care, not only from my consultants but from every single medical team member. The care I got from James Cook Hospital was outstanding.

One trimester at a time

My first trimester, I noticed mostly the tiredness, the days felt so long and I have never experienced tiredness like that! Sugar levels were ok, I only noticed a slight increase which I felt I monitored well with the help of my FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor. 

My second trimester I felt as though I definitely had a little more energy but I definitely noticed my sugar levels were on the up. Again, the Libre 2 Plus sensor was absolutely brilliant for helping me keep track of this more closely and make any corrections with my insulin pump when needed.*

By the third trimester - this was intense. I was having to change my insulin pump almost every day because of the amount of insulin my body required, as so much of it was feeding through to my placenta - it was absolutely crazy. 

I really had to keep my carbohydrate intake to the absolute minimum! I also by this point had swelled up so much I had no shoes that fit me anymore!

The new arrival

At 37 weeks I had a planned C-section birth as my baby was breach the entire pregnancy. And then it decided to turn at 36 weeks - at which point I had already mentally prepared for a C-section. Women with Type 1 diabetes are typically not advised to deliver a baby after 38 weeks, and as my baby was running on the larger end of the scale, that’s why I had my birth at 37 weeks. 

I was absolutely terrified before going into theatre, I had never had an operation before so I really didn’t know what to expect. Everyone was so supportive in theatre, I didn’t think I could love my partner any more than I already did; but that day he showed me love and support which I will never be able to express how much it meant to me. 

After convincing myself we were having a baby boy (we didn’t find out the gender) we were utterly surprised when my consultant surprised us when she delivered our baby girl Pearl McQueen on the 23.05.25 weighing 8.12lb. I am now blessed with the most beautiful little girl, and though diabetes and pregnancy is a massive challenge, I actually loved it. 

Now at the age of 31, after all the success I have had in my career, I can safely say my baby girl is my greatest achievement. Pearl is without a doubt the best thing that has ever happened to me.