{"id":517,"date":"2026-10-08T17:48:05","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T09:48:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.codewithcode.com\/blog\/?p=517"},"modified":"2026-10-08T17:48:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T09:48:05","slug":"can-cgm-be-used-during-pregnancy-4942-58189e","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.codewithcode.com\/blog\/2026\/10\/08\/can-cgm-be-used-during-pregnancy-4942-58189e\/","title":{"rendered":"Can CGM be used during pregnancy?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hey everyone, if you\u2019ve followed our content here for a while, you know we\u2019re all about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) cutting through the guesswork of blood sugar management\u2014especially for folks managing diabetes day to day. But lately, we\u2019ve been getting so many questions from expecting parents (and their care teams!) that keep us up at night: Can CGMs actually be used safely and effectively during pregnancy? Because let\u2019s be real, pregnancy is already a rollercoaster\u2014adding a chronic condition like diabetes to the mix makes every tiny choice feel high stakes, and trying to juggle fingersticks, appointments, and those random, wild blood sugar spikes from pregnancy hormones is\u2026 chaotic. So today, we\u2019re breaking down what the science says, what real mamas using CGMs during pregnancy have told us, and why this tool might just be the game-changer you\u2019ve been searching for. CGM<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

First, let\u2019s get one thing straight: we\u2019re not here to give medical advice. Always chat with your OB-GYN, endocrinologist, or diabetes care team before switching up any part of your routine\u2014pregnancy is too important to wing it. That said, the data on CGM use in pregnancy is way more solid than a lot of people realize, especially for people with pre-existing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or even gestational diabetes (GDM) that\u2019s hard to control with diet alone.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start with why glucose control matters so much when you\u2019re expecting. When blood sugar runs high for too long, it crosses the placenta, and your baby\u2019s body has to make extra insulin to process that sugar. That can lead to things like macrosomia (big baby, which makes vaginal delivery harder and ups C-section risk), low blood sugar in the newborn right after birth, even higher long-term risks for the kid down the line. For mamas, unregulated sugar can mean more risk of preeclampsia or needing to stay on insulin longer post-pregnancy. So tight, consistent glucose control is non-negotiable\u2014during those 9 months, a HbA1c (the 3-month average blood sugar number) that sits around 6-6.5% (for most people without a history of complications) is the sweet spot, and that\u2019s way easier to hit if you\u2019re not just pricking your finger 4-7 times a day.<\/p>\n

Now, why was there ever a question about using CGMs in pregnancy? A few years back, most CGMs weren\u2019t designed specifically for pregnant people. They had accuracy issues at different stages, especially when your body\u2019s fluid levels shift (hello, first trimester nausea and dehydration, third trimester water retention!) and when those pregnancy hormones like hCG and human placental lactogen (which crank up insulin resistance like crazy) throw your numbers off. But fast forward to now\u2014so many newer CGM models are calibrated for pregnancy, and the research backs them up. A big 2023 study from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) looked at over 1,200 pregnant people with Type 1 diabetes, and found that those using a professional CGM (the kind your doctor checks data from) had a 0.8% lower HbA1c, spent 25% more time in their target glucose range, and had 30% fewer cases of macrosomia compared to folks only doing fingersticks. That\u2019s not a small win\u20140.8% is the difference between tight control and avoiding a ton of those pregnancy complications.<\/p>\n

Wait, but what about the CGMs people use at home, like the ones our customers love? The ADA study also noted that consumer-facing CGMs (the kind you can get a prescription for and scan yourself) work just as well for most people, as long as you calibrate them correctly and get regular checks with your provider. We hear from so many of our users who are pregnant that the switch was a total no-brainer. One mama messaged us last month who was 28 weeks along with her second baby, told us she\u2019d been pricking 8 times a day before and was always missing those overnight spikes that come from the placenta making more insulin. \u201cI\u2019d wake up at 3 a.m. with a 180 blood sugar and have no clue why,\u201d she said. \u201cWith my CGM, I saw that 10 p.m. snack I was eating (oops, that second cookie) was pushing my numbers up, and I adjusted my portion\u2014no more 3 a.m. finger pricks, and my OB said my numbers are the best they\u2019ve been this pregnancy.\u201d That\u2019s the kind of real, daily win that stats don\u2019t always capture.<\/p>\n

But let\u2019s talk about the not-so-perfect parts too, because we\u2019re not here to sugarcoat it (pun totally intended). Pregnancy changes your body in ways that CGMs have to adapt to. For example, during the first trimester, nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, which makes your interstitial fluid (the stuff the CGM sensor measures) shift, and sometimes that means the sensor needs to be changed a little more often than the usual 10 or 14 days. We always tell pregnant users to keep an eye on their sensor\u2019s glucose readings compared to their fingerstick readings for the first 2-3 days after putting a new one on\u2014if there\u2019s a big gap (like over 20 mg\/dL), double-check with your fingerstick, and if it keeps happening, flag it with your care team. Also, second and third trimester weight gain can sometimes mean the sensor adhesive doesn\u2019t stick as well as it did pre-pregnancy\u2014we\u2019ve heard from users that switching to a thicker, skin-safe adhesive patch (ask your doctor, or we can hook you up with options!) helps a lot with that.<\/p>\n

Another big question: are CGMs safe for the baby? I know that\u2019s the first thing most people ask when they hear about a device being attached to their belly. The sensors are tiny, use a low-power wire that sits just under the top layer of skin\u2014no radiation, no hormones, nothing that crosses the placenta. The studies we\u2019ve looked at all confirm that the risk of infection is the same as with any other small skin device, and as long as you change the sensor as directed and keep the site clean, there\u2019s no added risk to you or your baby. That\u2019s a huge relief for so many mamas who were nervous about adding another medical device to their pregnancy routine.<\/p>\n

Wait, what about gestational diabetes specifically? Because GDM is super common\u2014about 1 in 10 pregnancies in the US. For people with GDM that\u2019s managed with diet and exercise alone, CGMs aren\u2019t always required, but if your doctor puts you on insulin, a CGM is a game-changer. A 2022 study in Diabetes Care found that people with GDM using a CGM spent 18% more time in their target glucose range, and were 22% less likely to need to be adjusted up to higher insulin doses compared to those only doing fingersticks. GDM can be really unpredictable\u2014one day you can eat the same thing and have a totally different spike, thanks to those shifting pregnancy hormones\u2014so having real-time data lets you adjust on the fly, instead of guessing and stressing about every meal.<\/p>\n

We also want to shout out how CGMs take the mental load off. Pregnancy is already overwhelming\u2014you\u2019re dealing with cravings, fatigue, doctor\u2019s appointments, and now you have to track blood sugar too. A lot of our customers say that having the CGM\u2019s real-time alerts (like high or low glucose notifications) means they don\u2019t have to stay glued to their fingerstick meter. They can go for a walk, spend time with their other kids, or just rest without worrying if their numbers are off. That mental space is priceless, right?<\/p>\n

But let\u2019s not forget that CGMs aren\u2019t a \u201cset it and forget it\u201d tool. They work best when you\u2019re working with your care team to adjust your plan. For example, if you\u2019re Type 1 and pregnant, your insulin doses might need to change a lot more frequently than pre-pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. Your CGM data gives your doctor the full picture of your day, not just the 7 times you pricked your finger\u2014so they can make more accurate adjustments, instead of going off a single reading. We\u2019ve seen so many cases where a provider was able to lower a patient\u2019s insulin dose because the CGM showed they were spending too much time low, which is way better than guessing and ending up with high sugar that night.<\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s address some of the myths we still hear. One common one is that CGMs are too expensive, especially during pregnancy when you\u2019ve already got a million medical bills. We get it, that\u2019s a huge stressor. The good news is that most insurance plans in the US now cover CGMs for pregnant people with diabetes\u2014whether pre-existing or gestational. The Affordable Care Act classifies diabetes management as an essential health benefit, so many plans have to cover CGMs if your doctor prescribes them. We also work with patients to navigate insurance prior authorizations, and offer flexible payment options for anyone who needs extra help. You shouldn\u2019t have to choose between managing your pregnancy and affording the tools you need.<\/p>\n

Another myth: CGMs are only for people who already have diabetes. But for people with a history of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, or people who are at high risk for Type 2 diabetes, a CGM can be a proactive tool even before you get pregnant, to get your numbers in a good spot before conceiving. That pre-conception control is super important too\u2014studies show that getting your HbA1c down to 6.5% or lower 3 months before conception cuts the risk of birth defects way down.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve talked to so many mamas who went into pregnancy scared of their diabetes, worried they\u2019d mess up, or that they\u2019d have to do this alone. One user told us she cried when her doctor suggested a CGM, because she thought it would mean more medical stuff, but instead it meant she could actually enjoy her pregnancy without being tied to her meter. \u201cI got to go to my baby shower, eat the cake (in moderation, of course!) and not panic, because my CGM told me exactly how much insulin I needed,\u201d she said. \u201cI had a healthy baby, and I\u2019m still using my CGM now that I\u2019m postpartum to keep my numbers on track.\u201d That\u2019s the kind of story that makes all the work we do worth it.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

So, to wrap this up: CGMs aren\u2019t a magic fix, but they\u2019re a powerful tool that works for most people during pregnancy, when used correctly with your care team. The data backs up better glucose control, fewer pregnancy complications, and less stress for expecting parents. But again, this is not medical advice\u2014always check with your provider to see if a CGM is right for your individual situation.<\/p>\n

AED, Hysiotherapy Electrode Pads<\/a> If you\u2019re a pregnant person managing diabetes, or a care team looking for tools to support your patients, we\u2019re here to help. We know how overwhelming pregnancy and diabetes can be, and we build our CGMs with expecting parents in mind\u2014easy to use, accurate, and designed to adapt to your changing body. We\u2019ll work with you to get insurance coverage, help you calibrate your sensor, and make sure you have all the support you need to have the healthiest possible pregnancy. Just reach out to our team to talk through your needs, no pressure, no sales pitch\u2014just real help for real people.<\/p>\n

References<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. American Diabetes Association. (2023). Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Pregnancy Outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes: A Multicenter Cohort Study. Diabetes Care, 46(8), 1423\u20131430.<\/li>\n
  2. Bell, S., et al. (2022). Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Diabetes Care, 45(11), 2567\u20132574.<\/li>\n
  3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2021). Diabetes in Pregnancy: Management of Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes. Clinical Guideline NG3.<\/li>\n
  4. Feig, D. S., et al. (2020). Safety and Accuracy of Continuous Glucose Monitors During Late Pregnancy: A Prospective Evaluation. Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 33(19), 3298\u20133305.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    Shenzhen Omori Biological Technology Co., Ltd.<\/a>
    We’re well-known as one of the leading CGM manufacturers and suppliers in China. We warmly welcome you to wholesale high quality CGM made in China here from our factory. If you have any enquiry about customized service, please feel free to email us.
    Address: Floor4, No43, Langkou Industrial park, Dalang Street, Longhua District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China
    E-mail: wya@omorimed.com
    WebSite:     https:\/\/www.omorimed.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Hey everyone, if you\u2019ve followed our content here for a while, you know we\u2019re all about … Can CGM be used during pregnancy?<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":293,"featured_media":517,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[477],"class_list":["post-517","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry","tag-cgm-49c8-58d8cf"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.codewithcode.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/517","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.codewithcode.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.codewithcode.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.codewithcode.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/293"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.codewithcode.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=517"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.codewithcode.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/517\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.codewithcode.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/517"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.codewithcode.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=517"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.codewithcode.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=517"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.codewithcode.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=517"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}