Is it too late to be responsible about this? Can I change it?

[strictlymoon]

I've name changed because I'm embarrassed about how irresponsible I've been...

I had gestational diabetes in my first pregnancy, sort of managed with diet but a lot of cheating I honestly didn't consider that it would make that much difference, didn't check my blood sugar often and refused metformin. My DD was 11lbs but her blood sugars were fine.

I'm pregnant again and first want to diabetic clinic at 14 weeks and was given a monitor etc, and for two weeks, stuck to the diet religiously, with all good sugars. But since then I've been rubbish, eaten for convenience pretty much whatever I wanted and very sporadically checked my sugars.

I had a growth scan today at 30 weeks and the baby is measuring on the 93rd percentile.

I'm awful, it's like a diet and I just have no willpower but I'm going to make a food plan and stick to it. Is it too late to change the baby's size? Will I just have another huge baby now? Should I ask for metformin, will it make a difference?

[maggiethemagpie]

Why didn't you want to take metformin? I've been on metformin in both my pregnancies, it is safe to use.
I'm also diabetic but when I want to 'cheat' i just inject extra insulin, so that it takes the sugar out of my blood before it can get into the babies bloodstream. I still keep my blood sugar low this way. Is this an option for you? If you tell the nurse/midwife how hard you are finding it maybe they can teach you how to do this.
Alternatively you could exercise if you eat something you shouldn't, if you go for a long walk or something this should bring your sugars down.
I don't know if it's too late to change the baby's size but uncontrolled diabetes is not just about the size, it can affect the baby in other ways and also the placenta so the sooner you get things under control the better.
I know it's hard but the alternative is far harder

Good luck

[midori1999]

I have gestational diabetes and without wanting to be too harsh, ultimately your baby's life could depend on your sugars being under control. Has anyone actually explained the risks of GD other than higher birth weight to you? These include early placental failure, IUGR, placental abruption and congenital problems including heart problems if the sugars are high early enough in the pregnancy.

I normally find it impossible to diet, but I do stick the the GD diet and actually, I don't really crave sweet things that much when I don't eat them. It's not impossible to have the odd 'treat' even if you're not on insulin. Also, I'm on metformin now (and insulin, was just insulin last time) and I actually find its a bit of an appetite suppressant.

If you have a good dietician then they should Taylor your diet around what you want to eat. Metformin and/or insulin would obviously help though, what were your reasons for refusing them? Presumably you've been offered both if your sugars are over when you go for your appointments?

[midori1999]

And it's not too late to change things, but you need to be completely honest with your team.

[Gingerbreadpixie]

I'm a pg type 1 diabetic and to be honest, if I were you I'd ask my diabetes team for insulin. If you can't control your sugars with diet or pills (i don't know anything about metformin so can't comment) then insulin is an effective option if you're shown how to use it correctly.

[pepperrabbit]

I wasn't diagnosed with GD till 35 weeks with my first PG. I went straight on the diet and it was clear to me that even the last 5 weeks could make a real difference. So I would say it's not at all too late.
But you have to take responsibility - no one can do this for you.