Just been told I have Gestational Diabetes

[LoisLame]

Had the GTT yesterday as well as finger pricks which read 10. something 1 hour after lucozade and 6. something 2 hours after. Have to go see the diabetes midwife tomorrow and was hoping someone can tell me what to expect?

I had GTT last pregnancy due to family history on both sides but was all clear, and DD was still 9lb6. Had the test this time due to BMI but was confident as never had any indication of sugar in urine.

Well I guess that's my water labour/birth out the window (along with the chocolate cake!)

I had GD with DS1 who is 3, discovered at 30 weeks, meant testing my bloods before and after meals, and injecting myself with insulin twice a day. Led to a (failed) induction and EMCS at 38+4. DS was meant to be big but only 7lb 3.5 though! Have it again this time 33+3, was clear at 18 weeks but present at 28 weeks have been same treatment but drastically more insulin and not under as good control this time. It adds to tiredness and means considering what you eat and when, for me anyway. Im having ELCS this time so not sure of your birth options but I know during labour I had to be on a sliding scale drip, so dont know if that is compatible with a water birth.

(That should say im 33+3 today)

Re what to expect, if your health service operates as mine does then you can expect friendly lovely personal care from people who understand the whys and wherefores of the condition, regular growth scans, advice on how to manage the condition and just more frequent monitoring. The team I'm under were same as for DS, and are really lovely.

Hi Lois how many weeks are you?

I was diagnosed at 28w. They should give you a little home testing kit to check your sugars 1-2 h after every meal. You'll also probably have to attend diabetes clinic once a fortnight and you'll see:

• Sonographer - to get growth scans to check that the baby's not too big and that placental blood flow is okay (best bit an extra few peeks at your baby )

• Midwife/obstetrician - blood pressure, urine, couple of questions about baby movement etc. Discussion about being induced early (38-40 w depending on level of treatment you need)

• Diabetic consultant/nurse - check your sugars have been okay, review your medication

I have managed to control via diet and will be induced between 39-40 weeks. I will not be allowed a water birth as the baby may need monitoring and they don't have a waterproof monitor. Your hospital may have though so it's worth asking the obstrician when you see them.

Any more questions just ask

Thanks for all the lovely replies.

strawberries hadn't considered it being a cause of extra tiredness. Already trying to consider my diet to get a head start. Just sitting in Starbucks with a filter coffee with sugar free vanilla syrup unfortunately can't un-eat the 2 chocolate orange cookies I had earlier! Glad to hear there are nice care teams out there. I always expect to just be treated as if I'm stupid and it's all my own doing because I'm too fat.

fandango I'm 26 weeks. Please tell me you get used to the finger pricks - they really hurt yesterday! It will be nice to get some extra scans though, even if I am dubious about the accuracy of growth scans. Will just have to keep a very open mind about birth options as I really don't want an induction or cs, but if either is necessary to reduce risk, then so be it.

You will be inflicting them on yourself and get very blase about them. I leave a little trail of blood everywhere I go though

Hi Lois I had GD through my pregnancy and now have a healthy 8 week old DS following a partially induced birth at 38+5 (he was already on his way so all they did was break my waters)...we had a support thread on here towards the end of my pg which I found really useful and although all on there have now had their babies, it may give you some tips www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pregnancy/1554832-Anyone-else-got-gestational-diabetes-Top-tips-welcome

It is a PITA, but it can be managed and isn't the end of the world. I had great care and fandango sums up well what to expect. Oh and as a result of the diet, I was back in pre-PG jeans 2 weeks post-birth, which is no bad thing!

Thanks for the link Smicha was a great thread to read with lots of good info. Went to see the diabetic specialist mw yesterday. Two blood tests were fine, but one was marginally higher than they want it to be. Was given all the testing kit there and then and advised to check glucose levels 4 times a day. Got plenty of advise about diet too.