Experiences of Gestational Diabetes

[MissHoney85]

Posting here for traffic!

I've just been diagnosed with GD at nearly 35 weeks pregnant. I've got low end of normal BMI, a small bump, healthy diet, and am physically active so wasn't really expecting it. Baby measured 97th centile for abdominal circumference on a growth scan last week though (ironically requested by the midwife because my bump is small) and I got tested yesterday.

I have an appointment on Friday to discuss management but obviously I'm worried and guilty that it's been uncontrolled all this time. DH is frantically googling and is stressing out about long term effects on the baby, especially in terms of her future weight and cognitive development.

Can anyone who's had GD, particularly uncontrolled or diagnosed late, provide any reassuring stories?

First, tell him to stop googling. Dr Google has never passed a medical exam.

Secondly, whilst it’s not what you wanted to hear, you know now, and you can get it under control before the baby is born. It’s nobody’s fault, it’s just the placenta being a dick with your hormones.

Thirdly, you will get extra monitoring now, including some additional scans. If they think the baby is measuring big or something, it’ll be spotted.

Finally, whilst it’s not ideal news to be given, it is more likely that it has only developed recently. If you had been at levels that would do damage, chances are it would have been flagged up at some of your standard checkups, eg glucose in your urine.

There are some really good resources for gestational diabetes, including www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk. Have a read around there and pick up some tasty and healthy lower carb recipes so you don’t feel deprived in the last few weeks.

@eyesdownlookin thanks for that! I've tried to tell him to step away from Google but he can't help himself. He's now at least read a few semi reassuring studies which suggest there's not too much risk and he's feeling a bit better about things.

I think I might have had it for a while - I did ask ages back if I should be tested as I keep getting thrush, but was told it's just one of those things. I guess because I don't fit any of the other risk factors the midwife thought it wasn't worth doing. Slightly annoying. I've had plenty of urine tests though so hopefully my levels haven't been too high.

Thanks for the link!

As above www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk and also gestational diabetes uk on Facebook.

I was diagnosed at 26 weeks, changed my diet and remained diet controlled.

Again as above i It is nothing you have done it is your placenta which is blocking insulin production.

Noone ever mentioned cognitive development to me and although my baby is 3 months old he seems to be hitting milestones just fine. I think there is a higher risk of type 2 for your child and yourself.

Its important now to get them under control even though you are close to the end so that the baby doesn't need to keep over producing insulin as this can cause their sugars to drop when they are born.

My baby had to pass two sugar tests before feeds when he was born.

Its also worth mentioning ing that the dietary advice the NHS provide is quire outdated. They recommend some cereals but from my experience very few women with GD can tolerate cereal.

The website above will tell you everything you need to know about food pairing (never wat a naked carb!)

Try not to worry the main thing is you can get it under control now.

I was diagnosed at 26 weeks and diet controlled.

Induced at 38+5. They dont let you get to 40 wks.

Avoid carbs and sugar.

I lived on cheese, chicken, eggs and mushroom soup. I stuck to it rigidly because I wanted to avoid meds.

The only bad bit was baby having heel prick sugar tests in hospital. Not allowed out till 2 good ones in a row.

Baby is almost 9 and perfectly fine. On the other hand, my 2nd pregnancy, no Gd and baby is 7 and autistic.

Don't worry, extra monitoring is always good.

I was diagnosed at 34 weeks. The diet is hard going but doable. DS was born by c-section (for reasons totally unconnected to the diabetes) at 39 weeks. He was 8lb 12. Above average weight yes, but not massive by any means. He’s now 9 years old and doesn’t appear to have suffered any ill effects.

I had it with both of mine about a decade ago. No long term ill effects. DS had low blood sugar just after birth but that may have been partially to do with a v v long labour and Cs at the end. He was in special care for about 12 hours for monitoring but honestly it was completely fine. As a pp said, it's not so much the obvious sugar you need to avoid. Its carbs, cereal (except weetabix) , garlic bread etc

I was diagnosed at 28 weeks and went on insulin the week following, as it couldn’t be controlled through diet. I have PCOS, so insulin resistance played a large part in that, as at the time I was only 8.5 stone at 5’7.

I was put on a strict low-carb diet. I only gained 1.5 stone during the pregnancy. My baby was completely healthy, if a bit small at 6 pounds 6 ounces full term.

I did find managing it quite stressful. I had a weekly ultrasound and non-stress test, plus a visit to the diabetes clinic at the hospital. This is America, though, so it may be different. I was induced at 39 + 6 and had an uncomplicated vaginal birth, quick recovery, and my little guy is now almost seven, smart as a whip, high energy, and no diabetes.

Best of luck with everything. It is stressful, but can be well-managed.

Insulin resistance increases as your pregnancy progresses- I managed by controlling diet to begin with but then went on metformin later in my pregnancy- so it’s it necessarily the case that you’ve had uncontrolled gestational diabetes for 35 weeks but it may have developed later in your pregnancy.

I agree that the NHS diet recommendations are crap- mine had stuff like cereal and baked potatoes on it which would have spiked my sugars through the roof. The info on the gestational diabetes website a pp linked is much better. Oppo ice cream is nice if you want a treat!

They told me my DD was measuring as enormous with a massive tummy too and she was a perfectly reasonable size when she was born, 7lbs 2. She’s 2.5 now and a perfectly healthy weight, no cognitive issues at all.

*its NOT necessarily the case, stupid autocorrect

I was diagnosed 28 weeks with first and had lots of scans- all said he would be HUGE! So at 40 weeks I was induced, didnt work. Had ventouse then emergency section he was 7lb 14! The next two I was diagnosed at 16 weeks and 13 weeks. Did diet controlled as I wanted home births after the shit show that was no 1. For me I basically just didn’t eat carbs- 5 strawberries was my limit around weeks 33-35 ish I think I’m right in saying this is when it will peak. Then as placental function declines naturally you get a bit more wiggle room. Went to 41+ 5 with second and 42 +1 with third. I maintain my first just wasn’t ready. Although, I accept that the research shows an increased risk of stillbirth in later pregnancies (+41 weeks) as I had controlled my diet like a fiend I felt more confident. Although to be fair I would often have a wobble and cry about of i was doing the ‘right’ thing for my baby. I also had placental function/ liquor and monitoring every other day after 40 weeks as this can decline but mainly skipped ‘growth scans’ as in my personally experience they are an absolute joke- I’m aware for others they may be helpful. I just didn’t eat carbs, did a shed load of exercise and monitored my bloods a million gazillion times a day. Kids are now 4,3 and 1 and doing absolutely fine 👍 I’m not aware of any issues of cognition linked to GD however they do however end up with a 50% increased risk of developing diabetes themselves as they grow older.
GD majorly sucks. The clinics, the scary stats- all of it. So far from ideal it’s not true. However, once you get your head around it, while it’s still utter shite, it’s manageable and sortable, and I’m aware that not all ladies are as lucky with their babies/ conditions.
You should get familiar with the NICE guidelines as it’s empowering to know what the recommendations actually are. And as another poster said I’d take the NHS guidance on diet with a large pinch of non- carbs 😂 if I’d have followed my hospital guidance ( glass of fresh orange, cereal, jacket spud) I’d have been on medication in the first week!
At the end of the day do what you feel comfortable doing. Don’t be forced into a pathway, ask questions and ask for time to consider them. In my experiment the GD clinics clearly want the safe delivery of babies- no doubt in my mind. The way in which they have gone about it, in my experience at two different hospitals, I would label bullying. You may well have a different experience and I hope you do. But do be aware there are many different pathways out there for you to explore before committing on one.
Sorry if I sound negative. I don’t want to be- I just feel very passionate that maternity care should be co created between you and the professionals, not enforced or dictated. Best of luck with your journey and focus on the baby snuggles. It’s worth giving up toast, for a while, for!! X

I had it. It went away right after the birth. Type 2 reared its ugly head when the child was 14 which is common. I've been type 2 for 12 years now. Have to take meds. My advice to you once the baby is born and you are on your feet is to watch your diet and exercise as much as you can. I wish I had. I am doing what I can now but it's hard. Take action while you are younger. The child is not affected at all btw they are perfectly fine and a good healthy weight. Good luck with the baby x

Everything that Wellpark said. My GD DC is absolutely fine. I am borderline T2 many years later.

I read somewhere that pregnancy effectively stress tests your body for how it will be in your 50’s. For some people this means less ability to metabolise carbs, sadly. Sucks to be us

Mine went undiagnosed because GP did not call me with result- ended up emergency c-section and baby on icu with meds for a month to keep sugar up before DS began to regulate his own sugar levels- we were warned about cognitive impairment etc and remained under paediatric monitor for a year- now 3 yo and no cognitive problems- think that was pure luck. Main thing is someone knows to monitor you! Trust your instincts about baby movements and don’t be put off asking for scans and monitoring - It will be fine I’m sure. All the best xx

I was diagnosed with it at 24 weeks with ds 2 (extra scans as first ds was small) but I never really had symptoms. Had the glucose test and I was right on the line. I was scared and really sensible, so much so my sugars were always low. On the day of c section their were 4 of us and I was last, even though I couldn't eat anything before. I had lots of hot tea with sugars in and didn't tell them beforehand just to get me though, had to finish eating and drinking at 8pm the night before, but didn't have section til 2pm. My HUGE baby was 7lbs and I was probably not suffering with gd I think. All this time after me and son, now 6 are fine by the go tests. Just eat the diet the dietician gave you, (your allowed teacakes with butter!) and I bet when you go for your check you'll be fine and if not you'll already know what to do and can maybe even reverse it

I had GD with both DS. I am not now diabetic in any way and my recent Hba was dead on. Both DC are absolutely fine. Ds1 does have some extra needs but there is a crystal clear genetic line with that. I absolutely promise every Male child in the family on one side had the same thing so nothing to do with GD.

I will word this carefully because I want you to hear it was really absolutely fine even when severe. I was on insulin within days of diagnosis both times. It was a bit hairy in terms of how I felt and at the end of one I was on an insulin drip....the reason I say this is I promise both DC are absolutely fine and thriving. They both cleared any sugar concerns immediately and so did I.

In my case there is a lovely variety of historic genetic issues related to metabolic disorders that pre warned I was likely to be walloped by it and we all came out fine.

Ds2 just tried to hide three trains and a Halloween torch in his bed when I switched off his light tonight. Ds1 is currently obsessed with stars and had to be persuaded off of his telescope to go to bed at switch off time and he started to nod off mumbling about Jupiter (bloody space advent calendar facts to thank for that ) . I had bloody awful GD but as you can see above both DC are fine.

Thank you so much everyone! It's been really helpful to read all about your experiences. I thought my diet was pretty good but now I'm kicking myself for every bowl of porridge, slice of toast and bagel I've had for the last 3 months... Oh well, onwards and upwards. Thank you all!

I had GD with my dd, diagnosed at 28 weeks. I tried to control it with diet for a week but I was having ketones in my urine and hypos every morning, so I was on metformin for the remainder of the pregnancy. I was told that due to GD I would be induced at 38 weeks. My baby was measuring small and her weight gain had slowed so they had me in at exactly 38 weeks. During labour my blood sugars were monitored and I started to head towards a hypo so I ended up with a glucose drip on a sliding scale. My dd was only 5lb 6oz but her blood sugar levels were thankfully just enough to keep her out of special care. I was told I couldn’t breastfeed her at first as she needed to have a bottle of formula to get her sugars up. Thankfully, her levels were fine and we were home less than 24 hours later. My GD disappeared almost immediately.

Thinking back, before I had my diagnosis, every time I did a urine sample for an appointment, it showed up glucose/sugar so you may find that you haven’t had it that long if yours haven’t shown anything. Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy xx

I had GD in my first pregnancy controlled from 18 weeks, all ok spontaneous birth at 36 weeks and tiny 5lb baby.
Second pregnancy no GD ( 12 month gap).
My third pregnancy I had gtt tests from 16 weeks until 28 weeks but all came back fine. However at 38 weeks I was called to say there had been an error and I had GD. I had been active and had followed a less strict GD diet throughout and fortnightly growth scans ( due to two tiny babies) showed DC3 was small but following her centile.
I went to clinic at 38+6 and midwife doing checks prior to consultant meeting wasn’t happy with bump size or Doppler reading. Taken immediately for a scan and to be told baby was measuring approximately 33 weeks in size and cord flow was reduced. Induction and she arrived weighing 4lbs10oz at 39+4. DC4 was GD controlled from 28 weeks born following induction weighing 6lbs at 38+4 weeks.
My last blood test came back high but was expecting as I had stuffed my face with junk for 12 months and did little exercise, piled on pounds etc. Lost weight and diet improved so hopefully be back down. I know I will have to be careful forever more as at much higher risk, high quantities of carbs are very bad for me and my health.
All 3 DC that I had GD and the DC without were born tiny, long and skinny. They are all still tall and skinny, very healthy and active.

It was a positive for me, ( didn’t think it at the time), made me aware of my diet and I am very on it with the kids diet wise and keeping them active.

Take any NHS diet advice with a pinch of salt, get on the gestational diabetes UK group Facebook page and read some of the NICE guidelines.

@MissHoney85

Thank you so much everyone! It's been really helpful to read all about your experiences. I thought my diet was pretty good but now I'm kicking myself for every bowl of porridge, slice of toast and bagel I've had for the last 3 months... Oh well, onwards and upwards. Thank you all!

Please, please don't blame yourself! I'm obese, 35 and 31 weeks pregnant. My diet is far from healthy at the moment, though it was was even worse in my first pregnancy, due to NVP that never went away and only felt better if I ate. Despite being a prime candidate for GD, my blood sugars have never been anywhere near the danger zone. Just to be clear: I'm not saying this to be smug, but to show that an awful lot of it is down to luck. Unfortunately, you have developed GD despite not having any risk factors, whereas I've had a lucky escape given my risk profile. Please don't blame yourself!

I agree with @Notthissticky, don’t blame yourself. I have pcos with insulin resistance but didn’t get gd with my ds when I was classed as overweight. With my dd I was a size 10 and yet I did get gd with her. So it proves it’s not always down to diet and weight. All you can do is focus on doing the best you can over the next few weeks now that you know. Good luck!

Don't stop with the bagels! They were my life line lol... Probably still are 😂 have you seen a dietician or anything? Don't feel guilty, you said you had a healthy diet

@MinnieJackson I'm seeing the GD nurse on Friday. I'm glad bagels might be ok, they were on the high GI list I looked at! I think my diet is pretty healthy but having read a bit about it now, it seems my banana porridge for breakfast and jacket potato for lunch might not have been very diabetic friendly. Oh well, hopefully I'll have a few weeks to make up for it!

Breakfast is by far the hardest meal. I found I couldn’t have any carbs at all really at breakfast, whereas by lunchtime I could get away with far more. Eggs, mushrooms, meat, cheese, all fine. You need to swap out most of the carbs for protein and veggies and some fat. For example have scrambled eggs and portobello mushrooms instead of toast; have a “pasta bake” with aubergine and courgette chunks instead of pasta. The trick is to focus on all the things you can eat, not the things you can’t, then it doesn’t seem quite as hard.

Diagnosed with GD early with DD3 and it was well controlled and she was small. But I'm pretty sure I had it with dd2 who was 10lb 4oz when she was born. She didn't have any issues, although she was and Is hungrier than a lot of babies/girls the same age. I bf her but supplemented with a bottle occasionally, as she was starving (especially when my milk was slow to come in after the section). Although she's on the larger size for her age she isn't fat, she's sadly inherited that less favourable parts of both of her parents (and sadly my appetite and love of food), I feel she may have weight problems when she's older and we can't control the snacking as we do now.