Support thread for those diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes

[HighFibreDiet]

Hi, it seems there are a few of us around and I wondered if you wanted to start a support thread? There seemed to be a good thread going through 2010 but I can't find one running at the moment.

My due date is 17 July. I took the OGTT at 30 weeks (not realising that the best time for diagnosis is supposed to be 24-28 weeks). I was only diagnosed last week, given my blood glucose monitor on Thursday and have been trying to tweak my diet to bring down the readings since then. Seeing my midwife today and have to phone in my readings next week to see what they make of them!

My main problem seems to be the fasting blood sugars and the endocrinologist I saw on Thursday said if I couldn't keep them consistently down, I would go on insulin, with 'no negotiation'.

Would love to hear from other pg women with GD, or those who have been through it before. I'd also like to compare how the antenatal 'care' varies with country, as I am in Australia and it seems extremely strict over here (e.g. my fasting blood sugar levels have to be under 5.0 mmol/l).

Looking forward to getting some responses

Hi Eviepoo Wow, lots to think about for you and such an exciting (slightly anxious?) time but it sounds like you have a really good sense of what's going to happen and how you want things to proceed so that can only be positive. I do hope natural labour kicks in soon.
I'm feeling very reassured by your going to term and similarly I am hoping to do so. Thanks for all the details as it's really helpful to have a sense of what might be in store and the different parts of induction.
sleepevader I sympathise with fear of caesarean, also my worry but I guess if it happens it happens and when the baby arrives it doesn't matter how he/she got there.

I'm missing my midwife who is away right now and I'm realising how helpful and reassuring she is. Brilliant feature of GD is more continuous care (I guess dependant on having a good midwife though).

All seems well with baby and she is kicking away but having had some nitrates in my urine last week I was put on antibiotics and I swear it's given me a yeast infection cause it feels really itchy down there.

I see an alternate midwife tomorrow though and hoping she can sort something out for me because I think it's bad for baby if you have an infection when they're born. PITA but treatable.

sleepevader why do you want a sweep so early? Are they threatening induction? You can say no, but of course this is something you weigh up with risks and thinking through it yourself.

Looking forward to happy news of baby next for Eviepoo and hope your hospital stay is alright. Catching up on reading is good....

Eviepoo No worries about essay! It's always good to read how everyone is doing. I am sending you huge labour vibes for today but if that doesn't work then hopefully the induction will work quickly. I think it is good to look at the positives but I also think it's very valid to feel sad that your labour won't be as you envisaged or hoped for.

Re having a section, I can imagine it must seem so scary if you haven't had one before but they are honestly ok. It would not be my choice either (I was in shock for ages last time after I had one with my son) but you would be well looked after and recovery isn't generally too bad as long as you take it easy. I hope you don't have to have one, but just wanted to say that they aren't the worst thing in the world. And this is coming from someone who planned a drug free home water birth the first time!!!

Sleepevader Glad you are getting to grips with everything and getting more information. If you search for 'gestational diabetes' there are threads like this one from the past couple of years which I have read and they are usually also very informative. Please ask if you have any specific questions and hopefully we can help.

Sprite21 How are you doing?

Update from me, just got back from the hospital. I had my growth scan and am 36 + 6 and baby is estimated to be 8lbs and 9oz. Fluid is highish end of normal but within normal range. Baby has been growing nicely. So all is fine, just big...!! Off the charts really :( The sonographer (who is also a midwife) was really lovely and said that they can put on 0.5 lb a week at this stage so by 40 weeks baby would be likely to be near what my son was (10lbs 10oz). I explained that I was booked in for a section next week and was a bit sad that I wouldn't get to labour again and she said that she didn't usually agree with the consultants (!) but in my case she did think I would struggle as baby is big because of the diabetes and not because I just grow big babies. So that was kind of encouraging, if everyone agrees that c section is the best then it makes me more accepting.

Then clinic, everything is fine, levels still the same. Oh the scary bit was that I am now on what is considering to be high levels of insulin and I am overweight and apparently if I had a parent with diabetes then they would basically expect me to be diabetic within 2 years (to generalise). But neither of my parents are diabetic so it should go away but it still seems a bit scary and I do realise I need to lose weight and be very mindful of this in the future. Still, one thing at a time, need to have the baby first and then see what happens after that!

So next thing for me (oh more monitoring on Friday) is to go in for Monday for my steroid injections and then C section booked for Wed. I am feeling more accepting of it all now though and actually starting to get excited about meeting my baby .heart.

Oh and also have been given little pots today to express colostrum into so have started that already. Have been advised to use one pot per day and keep it in the fridge and express about 4 times a day and then put it in the freezer at the end of each day.

See, I have written an essay too! Thinking of you eviepoo and sending labour vibes :)

it's a bit odd actually because I have a theory after talking to my mum last night.

When I had DD I did not get my show until I was well into established labour (so about 3 hours before she was born) I had been having non painful contractions for about 10 hours then 2 hours of painful ones by this point) So I thinking I didn't actually start dilating until in labour. I also had my water broken for me at full dilation 13 minutes before she was born.

Mum said that she was in hospital to be indcued with me (I was born on my due date after induction due to my mum having a PE and DVT in PG...hence why I need blood thinners) They did internal on the Thursday night - no thinning of cervix at all, internal Friday night, still nothing - then on the Saturday morning they checked and mum was well into labour and well dilated and she wasn't having pains at all, then the contraction pain started for her and just over 2 hours later I was there.
My mum said with all three she did not have a show until she was in established labour and she had to have her membranes ruptured for her all three times.

Maybe - when it starts it will start dilating me and everything will happen

Good luck for your sectionMrsZB i do hope that you don't end up diabetic. they said for me it's unlikely. I do need to lose a little weight, but having gained only 1.5stone in PG I'm hoping that losing that and the extra 1.5 I want to lose will be easier BF.
sprite - my MW was on holiday last week and she thought I would have had baby by now and she'd have missed doing my visits, she'll get a surprise. I am pleased though as she is so nice and I would prefer her to do my home visits. I haven't seen her more than normal, as I have been going to the clinic at the hospital, but she is ace.
sleepvader I think the old wives tales are rubbish, if 3 internal examinations haven't brought labour on then sure as hell curry, pineapples and stuff won't. I will kill any more of my facebook friends if they suggest another wives tale. I have horrendous reflux, heartburn and sickness, curry would be hell. I have GD I am not about to eat 8 pineapples. I would prefer that people didn't suggest sex to my poor DH he is so private about that stuff. I have tried to walk a bit every day, the keeping active one is the only one I would hold any weight to.

Can I tag along?

I did a week of monitoring at 15 weeks back in July and all my readings were fine so I was released without charge until the GTT in October. But I decided to do some monitoring as and when to keep on top of anything that develops (am now 21 weeks). So, Sunday after a big meal out my 2hr reading was 9.5 :( which made me panic.

Have been monitoring since (with much restricted diet) and, apart from after lunch yesterday which was 7.8, all readings have been within the range. It doesn't look good, does it?

I'm off on hols and will contact the clinic when I get back. In the meantime, I know what to do as far as diet and monitoring are concerned but I'm pretty pissed off. It's my 40th in a couple of weeks, have booked afternoon tea at the Dorchester and a couple of other nice meals that I now can't do.

Hi GwendolineMaryLacey yes of course, please join in. Always good to have more joiners as people leave to have babies. It sounds like you are being very responsible about your numbers but really they should be supporting you more and if I were you I would ask for the GTT to be moved up so you have a better indication of whether it's a problem or not. 7.8 after a meal is still within range (if you're testing for one hour after) at least by the NICE guidelines, so don't stress about it.

And everyone has 'high' readings once in a while, I really think you need some midwife/dietitician advice to go over these numbers with instead of trying to interpret them on your own.

I found the eating out thing really difficult at first as well because it becomes a chore and even anxiety-inducing rather than the relaxing pleasure it should be. Still manageable with wise choices but for your birthday you just want to indulge don't you?

So I think you're being very sensible thinking about this now.

Why did you do the monitoring in July? Have you had it before or just risk factors?

Eviepoo had to laugh at your discussion of old wives tales and say that I totally agree. Had NCT last night where she referred to a study where they ate three(!) pineapples to induce labour. This would send my readings sky high not to mention make me sick. Oh, and apparently there is also research to suggest that a BJ and swallowing can help induce labour. Really (!?) must have been a man that carried out that study.
Ain't happening, no matter how desperate I am.

P.S. can you tell I'm bored at work? Three days til I start mat leave and I am doing p**s all in the meantime....

GwendolineMaryLacey Hiya, of course you are welcome to join us. I amno expert so don't want to comment on your numbers but sounds as if you are doing the right thing by being cautious and keeping an eye on it.

Sprite Post away! It's nice to have this thread being busy :)

Thanks MrsZB good to read your posts as well.
Sorry to hear you're worried about future diabetes but I do think knowledge is power and at least you're aware that it's a risk and have some idea of how to deal with it. A friend who was recently diagnosed said it took him at least 6 months to get his head around it and that was after being really lethargic and sick for a while before he got the diagnosis.
But by no means does it sound like a given for you and you already know how to eat well and what to do. Sounds like you don't have much weight to lose anyways and I've heard it melts off with breastfeeding (maybe just wishful thinking on my part). Plus no immediate family members with it is a positive side.
I hope you're not worrying too much as there is enough to worry about with GD and labour and baby's imminent arrival. I am currently stressing over the purchase of a nursery set on ebay where the seller is refusing to allow pickup until after my due date, a full 5 weeks after we purchased it!

Totally ridiculous but then I realised I can't let it get to me because there are so many other important things to think about now.
Wishing everyone good readings and happy thoughts!

Thanks Sprite :) I am not overly worrying yet, focussing on worrying about my section ha ha!!

I totally agree with knowledge is power as I had no idea before this that I was at risk from diabetes ... I am quite overweight actually so in one sense that is good as at least I can lose weight and hopefully that will reduce my risk. And what I have been eating the past few weeks has been fine really so I will just continue.

So we will see :o)

How are you feeling?

Mrs ZB Good to hear you're not worrying too much. Yes, section is definitely a more pressing issue at the moment!

I'm doing well, although doctor says my UTI hasn't cleared up and has prescribed me another course of antibiotics, kind of annoying and still doesn't take care of the itching. Looks like I will need to go in for a check and somehow having someone down there whilst pregnant seems worse than usual, though I imagine I'll have to get over that pretty damn quickly.

I also made the mistake of asking the substitute midwife about induction who informed me that the hospital won't 'let' me go over my due date because of risk of large baby. This was after seeing my scan that the baby is at 50th percentile and levels well managed.

She did an eyebrow raise when I replied that it was my body and therefore my choice and I would weigh up the risks around induction.

Thank god my GD midwife is back next week, really miss her!

Hi all! Just popped back to see if any more babies have arrived - congrats 4kids!

I'm dreading having to have another GTT with DS in tow this time. I'd really like just to refuse it since all my readings are normal.

Evie I had a CS and it's really not that bad, especially compared to some of the VB stories I've heard... I was terrified beforehand and was sweating so much that they couldn't even stick the canulas down to my hands! But the aftercare was incredible - the hospital staff couldn't do enough to help and the painkillers you get are mint. It's not the worst option, honest, there's nothing to be afraid of :)

Oh, and Sprite, the guestimates on DS's size were waaaaay off despite having two extra growth scans. I wish I'd put my foot down and let him have an extra week inside, since he was only 6lb 13oz and is still in newborn clothes at 5 weeks. Don't let yourself be pushed into early delivery if there's no real safety issue. Good luck!

Lovely to hear from you hubbahubster and I hope you are enjoying the baby and your diabetes free diet!

Thanks for the reassurances. I agree that I would really like to allow the baby to go at least a week over the due date and then assess from there. I was late as a baby and I have a long cycle so I think she will be late too.
I can see why you want to refuse the GTT test given my own traumatic memories of getting the letter and crying and feeling like I'd failed. Uggh, wouldn't want to go through that again. But if your levels are fine then I'm sure you'd pass.... Might be nice to know for sure. Up to you though and I'm sure you'll figure it out.

Hello, can I join you ladies as well? I'm 29 weeks and just been told my GTT came back high (only tested in the first place because my mum had GD) now have to do finger prick readings till Tues and go to diabetes clinic but its not looking good. Great thread btw it's nice to know there are others out there

Just a quickie,

I had a wee girl yesterday morning at 8.14. Labour was really tough due to the induction I think, but I'll tell you all about that later.

I'm fine and Grace is the most perfect angel of a baby, so content and quiet, best thing is there seems to have been no effects on her due to the GD - ...other than she wasn't so wee at 9lb3oz.

Good luck to the rest of you, I'll post more when I am settled

Congratulations!!!

So pleased for you. Well done. Beautiful name.

Strawberry - welcome. Loads of support here. Hope the pricking goes well.

I'm going to have an Indian takeaway tonight. Expect it will send everything soaring but I'm fed up with being miserable and we have friends over.

Eviepoo Many congratulations!! Wonderful news :) Sorry to hear the labour was tough, hope you are recovering well and glad to hear your little one has had no ill effects from the GD.

Strawberrypenguin Hiya and welcome, sorry you have had to join our club although I can assure you that it is very exclusive and only the best people get let in! How are you feeling? It can all be such a shock at the beginning but you should find your hospital look after you very well. Please do ask if you have any specific questions.

Sleepevader How did you get on with the Indian? We had one a couple of weeks ago (also had visitors!) and I thought I was pretty careful but my levels went higher than usual so haven't had it since!

Indian update levels were 6.2 2 hours after meal, 5.7 before breakfast.

Dont know if that's good or bad. Only been monitoring since Monday and been getting weird readings. 4-5.5 is morning range so not good I suppose.

I had peshwari naan, pilau rice, and shandy with the curry so hardly a big surprise it's a bit high.

I'm feeling really down on the whole diabetes thing. My sickness has returned. All my choices about birth seem to have been made for me due to risks. Fed up!

Thanks for the welcome ladies MrsZB it is a bit of a shock isn't it! Still I'm feeling ok and telling myself that at least it can be controlled now it's just a question of how, guess I'll find out on Tuesday. sleepevader sorry your sickness has returned, that's really rubbish.

Hi, I will have been in some of the previous threads under an old name with DD1, and now I'm back... I'm only 9 weeks, but treated as a diabetic patient again already - and I'm getting high readings again and expect to be back on Metformin by next Tuesday at my next clinic appointment (boo).

So far Quinoa based meals (with veg curry or pesto type dressings) are helping a lot, and Mullerlite for dessert, but we're getting a bit bored and need some inspiration. I've also found Food Doctor pitta breads are much better than regular ones - and thank god for Nairns Oat Biscuits (including the chocolate chip ones) - things are improved this time around.

BTW, previously with my DD I was induced, and she came into the world at 40+1. I like to think we 'beat the system' or something as all the consultants kept telling me I'd not be allowed to go beyond my due date.

sleepevader How are you feeling today? My birth choices have also been changed by having this so I really sympathise. It's ok to feel really pissed off!!

Knittymum Hi and welcome back. Sounds like you are an old hand at this. Did you find it totally went away after you gave birth last time? This is my current fear that it won't go away!

We have had some lovely meals actually. I sometimes just make the usual things but just increase the vegetably part of the meal and massively reduce the carby bit of the meal. One of my favourite meals at the moment is to chuck some veg into the oven (sometimes aubergines, sometimes courgettes and peppers or whatever we have, let it roast, and then add some tomatoes olives an cheese. That gives me a v low reading.

I am going into hospital tomorrow to have my steroid injections, am scared and emotional to be honest. I have read that they can send blood sugar levels high, and I feel rubbish when they go high so not looking forward to it. I don't know yet whether I will have to stay in or not so feel a bit up in the air. Then c section on Wednesday. Eek. Scared about that too! I just keep thinking that the sooner it is all here and happening then the sooner it will all be over and we can start life as a family of four. Trying to think positive :)

Will update thread with news when I can!

Hope everyone is feeling ok xx

MrsZB good luck for tomorrow hope it's not as bad as your expecting and that they let you go home until Wednesday. If you don't make it back on here before hand good luck for Weds too, i'm sure it will be fine just focus on getting to meet your LO

MrsZB Good luck! Your baby will soon be here and it will all be worth it!

Strawberrypenguin Thank you. Had a bad few days with sickness but getting there again.

Knittymum. Hi and welcome back. An experienced voice will add to the wealth of info on here. Thanks for your suggestion of nairns oat biscuits. Tried some ginger ones today. They werent too bad

Hello, and thanks for the welcome - MrsZB good luck - sounds like you're almost there! When DD was born the diabetes went straight away.

I'd been doing colostrum harvesting in case my sugars dropped too much and DD had problems, but fortunately she was fine. I don't know if it's been mentioned on here, but worth asking your midwives about it - I had to start from 36 weeks and did get a bottles worth (you collect it by syringe).

Nairns also do oat bakes, a bit like oaty crisps, in the same kind of packet - all low GI, so are good for those crisps cravings (I need to stock up) - they are lifesavers when you feel like you can't eat anything "normal" for fear of a high reading.

hi everyone, am on my phone so this wont be v long! Had first lots of steroids yesterday, my blood sugars went up more than normal after tea but settled after a few hours and was 6 this morning which is very normal for me. Have come in today for second dose and still unclear about whether i stay in tonight or not... Everyone says something different!

Am scared about my section tomorrow so hardly slept last night. Just keep thinking it will all be over soon.

Knitty, i have done some harvesting and have got a bit!

Hope everyone else is doing ok! X