OB Homecare

Diabetes in pregnancy is a common problem. In the U.S., almost 10% of pregnancies are affected by it every year.¹ Unless diabetes is preexisting, diabetes in pregnancy is usually first seen in the second or third trimester.

Diabetes happens when your body can’t make enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar to enter the cells where your body turns it into energy. Due to the ongoing changes in hormones levels, managing insulin needs during pregnancy can be challenging. 

If you don’t have enough insulin or the insulin your body makes isn’t working, sugar can’t get into your cells. This causes high levels of sugar in your blood.

High sugar levels can affect the baby which is why those levels must be watched closely every day. When diabetes isn’t treated, it can cause damage to organs, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys.

By keeping sugar at normal levels, the chance of a successful pregnancy is about the same as it is for a non-diabetic pregnant person.

Your doctor may refer you to Optum OB Homecare. Throughout your pregnancy, we’ll talk to you and your doctor often about how you’re doing. We’ll make changes to your medicines and diet as needed.

Our nurses have been specially trained to care for people with diabetes in pregnancy. Your care includes:

• Medical supplies, equipment and insulin, as needed
• Education about insulin shots and pumps
• A meal plan that works for you
   

To learn more about diabetes in pregnancy, visit American Diabetes Association.

Preeclampsia is a health problem that only happens during pregnancy and postpartum (after delivering your baby). It’s common, affecting 5 to 8% of all pregnancies.²

When you have preeclampsia, if affects you and your unborn baby. Symptoms include high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Finding preeclampsia early can save your life.

Your doctor may refer you to Optum OB Homecare if you have greater chances for preeclampsia or have it already. Our nurses will teach you about preeclampsia and what to watch for.

We’ll send you a wireless blood pressure cuff and tablet. The information collected is sent to our nurses to look over. We’ll talk to you and your doctor often about how you’re doing.

To learn more about preeclampsia, visit Preeclampsia Foundation.

Around 70% of pregnant people experience morning sickness.³ It’s not understood why NVP happens.

While it’s often called “morning sickness,” NVP can happen anytime of day and can last from a few minutes to many hours. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you or your baby.

While mild morning sickness is normal in pregnancy, severe nausea and vomiting isn’t. Up to 3%⁴ of these pregnant people will have hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). With HG, you have weight loss and aren’t able to do normal activities.

Your doctor may refer you to Optum OB Homecare. Our nurses will help you learn about using a small pump device.  

This device allows the medicine to be better used by your body so you don’t need to swallow a pill. This isn’t  an IV (a needle in your arm). The medicine goes just under your skin through a soft little tube and doesn’t hurt.

This pump will give you medicine to help you feel better throughout the day and night.

When you’re using the pump, we’ll talk to you and your doctor often about how you’re doing. We may also make changes to your medicines as needed.

To learn more about hyperemesis, visit HER Foundation.