Gestational diabetes. Experiences please?

[belindarose]

I haven't been diagnosed with this yet, but had high glucose levels in urine this morning and midwife concerned (24 weeks). She's said to cut out sugar and has booked the tolerance test for 28 weeks. I'm just worried and scared - felt like everything was going so well. Can anyone tell me more about the condition? I'm not googling but read the NHS choices info on it, which was quite scary. Second baby by the way - didn't have anything like this with DD.

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Hi there - this thread is a little old. [[https://www.mumsnet.com/pregnancy/gestational-diabetes
If you want to read more about gestational diabetes, we’ve got some information here]]. MNHQ

I had gestational diabetes with No2 that was diagnosed quite early in my pregnancy. Once I was formally diagnosed I had to test myself, initially about 6 times a day so that I could see for myself what food raised my levels, how long that lasted etc. Once I got the hang of what to eat and what not to, I was only testing myself 1-2 times a day. I found white bread was very bad for me, much worse than sugary things, but I think it is all very personal to the individual.

I saw the midwife a few extra times, as well as the diabetes nurse attached to our ante natal unit. I think I only saw the consultant twice - once on diagnosis and once 6-8 weeks after delivery. I got lots of reading material from the diabetes nurse, which was very helpful.

I was fortunate that I was able to control my diabetes with my diet and because I knew it wasn't just for me but for my baby as well I was very good (i.e. strict!!) I also didn't put on too much weight, and it must have worked for my DD2 as well who arrived a little short of three weeks early weighing a tiny 6lb 1oz, so no worries about her being a big baby.

It is a while ago for me now - but ask if you have any specific questions and I'll help if I can.

Thanks for that. No specific questions yet, but I'm sure I'll have some later. I suppose I'll just be really careful the diet now until the test. I can't see a huge amount to cut out though. The odd biscuit and maybe too much fruit juice. And I'll change from white bread, thanks.

I got it in my first pregnancy at about 32 weeks and haven't got it as yet in this pregnancy. I was told to test my blood before each meal and record it in a diary.

You need to follow a low GI diet; there's loads of websites you can look at.

Essentially you need to cut out sugary processed foods; no fruit juice, small portions of pasta, bread, rice etc (and even then NOT white). Also, cereals tend to be very sugary, as is milk (the lactose) so keep that to a small portion or choose a very boring bran cereal.

Also your portion sizes really matter; when I was diagnosed I was asked to keep a food diary and they were puzzled as I was eating well, they concluded it was my portion sizes that was the problem.

Also, 20-30 minutes walk each day for exercise should help.

I was induced at close to 39 weeks as they said my baby was on the large side, which she wasn't when she appeared, but the induction was fine and if you have to go through it, don't panic.

There used to be a GD support thread on here, not sure if it still exists, but if you do an AF you can even read the old one. There are lots of tips on it about what to eat.

I was diagnosed with GD at and am due to be induced next week at 38 weeks. I would second Foxy's advice and go for low GI. Talk to the dietician at the AN unit and be very honest about what you eat. I didn't eat any processed foods but found that portion sizes and combinations were my issues - i.e having fruit and an OJ for breakfast, always making sure you eat a protein with a carb. Its only been small changes to make and I've controlled it through diet - you'll find the first week a bit trial and error as you work out what works for you but its honestly not as bad as you might imagine at the moment. Its a great diet to follow anyway after you've had your baby and my OH says he feels much better by making small changes too. I honestly believe all pregnant women should get the advice from the dietician as its a great healthy way to eat and doesn't feel at all like a diet! If you have a really sweet tooth look up the diabetic flapjack recipe or go on the splenda website and check out their dessert ideas. I've been having sponge cakes and scones and still only put on 9lb. Just approach it as a healthier way to eat rather than an illness.

Good luck!

Hiya,
There are a couple of us dealing with this at the mo - you'll find more info on this thread and some good support here.
Come and join in - when I first found out it rocked me loads, but I've come out the other side positive and fighting! I also had nothing like this with my first pg so I understand the shock. Main thing to understand is that it's NOTHING YOU'VE DONE! It's all hormonal.
It feels like everything is being taken away from you at first, but don't panic - that's not the case, you're still in charge, and with some positive tweaks you can stay in control and still get what you want out of your birth experience.. Good luck!

I was diagnosed with it at 28 weeks with my 4th baby. Very upset at first but also controlled it with very strict diet - low GI so strict but not silly. I found some great recipes in Antony Worrall Thompson's Diabetes cookery book and Low GI High energy by Rachael Ann Hill (I think). Totally cut out white bread and cereal. Had ham and eggs for breakfast - no carbs at all at breakfast and lots of protein. Also no fruit juice. Got the hang of it quite quickly. And actually began to enjoy it because I really did feel the benefits of more energy very dramatically. Also lost weight around my face despite being pregnant and after the birth got bak to pre pregnancy weight in 6 weeks. Took me 3 years last time! Am sure the healthy eating made a difference. I felt so good I still eat in a similar way although a lot less strict about it now it's just me. But Low GI really suited me and gave me loads of energy. A revelation really and really helped me see it as a positive thing in the end.

It did limit my birth choices. I had wanted a home birth, as I'd had before, but instead agreed to be induced at 39 weeks (they suggested 38 as the norm for GD mothers) but due to close monitoring and all being well we compromised at 39! Was induced and had at my boy in 22 mins. He was the smallest of all 4 and is now 3 months old and thriving. All blood sugar - him and me back to normal although I haven't been for the recommended fasting test after the birth yet but still have the monitoring kit and have been checking it at home.

You do have to do the needle thing which is a bit tedious, but you get to know what food makes a difference and I had a fantastic team (in Norwich) who were very human about it. Happy to talk more details if you find it become necessary - but don;t panic. Really not as bad as it feels at first!

Oh yes - exercise has big positive effect on blood sugar. So keep busy!

Thanks very much, all of you. I'll check out the other support threads too. I may not have it, but midwife couldn't think of any other explanation for the 3+ glucose today. I'll go for low GI anyway, and wait until the test. I think I'm exercising okay (toddler and a dog) but maybe I'll feel able to do more if I have more energy. Would like an excuse to fit in an evening swim sometimes!

Ive just had an off the scale wee stick today as well, getting a repeat on Friday and then a GTT next week if its still there - good to read all of this and get some ideas!

Ive got lower stomach pains, and symptoms of a UTI as well, it never rains but it pours.......