Gestational diabetes

[Biscuitsandtea]

Morning,

I just wonders if anyone could tell me anything about GD? Had a scan yesterday as bump was measuring big and sure enough the baby is measuring big too (abdominal circumference above the 95th centile, although femur length and head circumference didn't seem too massive).

Now this could be because DH is v tall. DS was 8lb 3 at 36+6 when he was born and I was never found to have (or even tested for) GD with him. My urine tests have never shown anything (in either pg) and while I'm sure they must have measured my bump with DS it must have never raised enough concerns to get me referred for a scan.

So, back to this pregnancy. I have to go for a GTT on Wednesday, which is fine. But what I'm wondering is what actually happens if I am found to have GD?

In particular, firstly how would it need to be managed? I think mostly it is managed by dietary changes so what would those involve? Is it basically cutting out sugar? So no chocolate etc? Anything else?

Secondly (not necessarily in order of importance) what are the potential implications of having GD. I know it can mean the baby is bigger but is there anything else?

Also, what would they do differently for the baby being bigger? Since DS was early (and I come from a line of women delivering early rather than late) I'm hoping I won't go late. But would they perhaps be more inclined to do a CS or anything? I had a third degree tear and forceps with DS so am a tad (!) anxious about labour anyway and what might happen if it's another big baby.

Apologies for any typos - on phone so it wk t let me scroll back to reread it.

Thanks in advance and sorry for such a long winded post.

My sister has gestational diabetes. She has to test her bloods and has adjusted her diet to limit sweet stuff and cut out all types of sugar (fructose, dextrose etc). She is a great cook so doing fine. As for delivery, they told her they'll probably induce 1-2 weeks early depending on how big baby is getting.
As for chocolate - you can get diabetic everything nowadays so you won't have to deprive yourself! Good luck.

Ooh, I'd not thought of the other sorts of sugar though that would be in things you cook etc. does it have much impact on 'savoury' cooking? Does it mean you can't eat fruit too?

I guess if it comes back that it is GD the hospital would give me advice / 'training' on what I need to do?

You can eat fruit in a balanced diet - you couldn't eat 5 pineapples for instance! My sis hasn't had any probs finding recipes to cook and you will get lots of advice from hospital if you have got GD. Its become part of her daily routine to check her bloods, eat healthily and says she feels better than ever! My dad was diabetic for years - the diabetic icecream is lovely!!

Hi
I measured 7.8 on the Glucose test last week and was told this was borderline for GD - they monitor 7.8 and above at the moment although the midwife told me this is probabaly going to be raised soon. I've been measuring my blood sugar for a week and so far have had only 1 reading above target and all I've had to do is make a few small changes to my diet. The main thing fo rme has been making sure I don't skip any meals and eating fruit as part of a meal rather than a snack. The dietician advised that a banana for breakfast (for example) is a no no - it needs to be eaten with a starch. Also, not drinking OJ at lunchtime when I'm also having a piece of fruit. Luckily I don't really add sugar to anything but porridge so I've switched to a sweetener for that. If you have a reasonably good diet anyway you'll only need to make small changes - the dietician will look at what you eat and make any recommendations. If you have a sweet tooth (like me) go on the diabetes uk website where there are loads of recipes for flapjacks, puddings etc - even chocolate muffins! I was worried sick when I got the call thinking I had done something very bad for my baby but after meeting the diabetes team at the hospital I came away feeling very positive - the changes I need to make are small and are great long term changes for a healthier diet fo rthe family. Don't be worried - I'm sure you'll manage just fine. Sorry for going on - I'm a bit obsessed with my blood sugar at the moment!