Diabetes in Pregnancy

The Diabetes in Pregnancy Program at Greenwich Hospital serves women diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type II diabetes prior to pregnancy. The programs also serves women diagnosed with gestational diabetes during their pregnancy. The team provides information, support and guidance to help women manage their condition throughout their pregnancy. The program also works with the patient’s obstetrician and endocrinologist to support those who have type 1 diabetes.

Our Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians, the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) and our nurses are committed to the healthiest outcome for mothers and babies. The program teaches you how to monitor your blood sugars, manage your diet, utilize light to moderate exercise, and, if necessary, use medication to keep your blood sugars in target range.

The program is directed by a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, who is also a master’s prepared nurse. The nurse consults with Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians for situations requiring medication. The nurse works with your obstetrician and, if needed, your endocrinologist to develop an individual plan of care. The experience and expertise of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Program are with you throughout your pregnancy with the highest-level consultations and ultrasound evaluations.

The patient is typically referred to the program by her obstetrician or endocrinologist. The patient then works with a diabetes educator until the end of her pregnancy.

Pregnancy Exercise and Nutrition Initiative Program (PENI)

The PENI Program at Greenwich Hospital provides coordinated, multidisciplinary care to women with a BMI at or above 30 who are pregnant or are working with a Reproductive Endocrinologist to become pregnant. The purpose of the program is to help women have a healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.

How the PENI Program works

• Patients are seen from pre-pregnancy through post-pregnancy and can enter the program at any time.
• The PENI team consists of board-certified Perinatologists, Registered Dietitians, Physical Therapists, an Exercise Physiologist and a Coordinator who will help schedule appointments, answer questions and coordinate care.
• A health plan is tailored to help each woman meet her personal goals and provides her with the resources and support she needs to accomplish them.
• Women enrolled in the program can expect to go to Greenwich Hospital at least once a week for an hour to attend a nutrition class, meet with a Perinatologist or a physical therapist, use the hospital’s fitness equipment or participate in a supervised exercise program.

Contact the Certified Diabetes Educator at 203-863-3674.