Hi, I'm 31 weeks and was diagnosed with gestational diabetes a few weeks ago. I'm trying to control with diet & exercise but my fasting levels are often very slightly over (5.1, 5.2, 5.3). My hospital has a very low cut off point of 5.0 for fasting. I was prescribed metformin but asked to wait till the results of my growth scan, which I had today, before I started taking it. All baby's measurements were nice & normal except the abdominal circumference which was on the 95th percentile. I am trying to work out the significance of this - obviously it means the sugar is going to the baby, but other than its tummy it isn't 'big'. I hate taking medication when pregnant but am I being an idiot for not? As my levels are so borderline I have been reluctant to start on meds but after today's scan I just don't know what to think. Any advice, previous experience etc. would be hugely appreciated! I lurk on the Jan 2014 thread but haven't posted yet - I'm hoping Tarka will see this!!
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Pregnancy
Gestational Diabetes - Large abdominal circumference
PamRavenscroft · 19/11/2013 08:27
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got to go sleep shortly so apologies in advance when I go quiet 
I can't remember the numbers very well, it was all such a rushed blur. I think it was high, yes, and I know the insulin had an immediate effect. I had to check levels about 5 times as day, and inject ( wasn't too fussed about that, ok with needles) two or three times I think. I hated the finger prick testing much more than the thigh stabbing.
it is scary and stressful suddenly finding out. hope it goes ok tomorrow .
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Hi again everyone, finally had a chance to RTFT, which I hadn't done last night when I just skim-read and was half-asleep and typing on my phone keypad etc.
imnotalone - I have read your first post and can see why you say we have a similar story. I am convinced I had GD in both of my first two pregnancies, DC1 was very puffy when born, as was I for the last few weeks of the pregnancy, and I distinctly remember I was always having ++ in my urine (sometimes glucose, sometimes protein) - I assume that because it was not consistently there, that must be the reason I was not even GTT-ed in my first pg, but in hindsight, it seems pretty negligent, considering I had a 10lb 6oz baby, severe shoulder dystocia with resulting (temporary, thank god) injuries to both me and my DD.
You'd think they'd have been more on it the second time around - tbf I did have GTTs at 28 and 32w, and a scan at about 30w I think (which predicted 8lb baby...), but I know I had anomalies in urine testing after the second GTT, as I remember telling my MW that I had that the first time around too and I joked about it. She didn't refer me for further testing. DS was 11lb, and I did suffer shoulder dystocia again, but this time around I was not on epidural, I could feel everything, which was hellish, but also helpful, as I think the combination of that, with the fact of it being my second birth and my body had been there before, meant he was only stuck for a minute or two at most, and neither he nor I suffered any injuries as a result. I consider it by far my most magical birthing experience (not those two minutes, though ) , and feel so lucky I could have one of my three naturally.
TBH I thought my MW for my third pg was being a bit ott when she wanted me to take another GTT when glucose showed up at 35.5w, since I already had a C-sec booked for 39w, and the GP surgery couldn't fit in a GTT til I was 36.5 (this still pisses me off, in hindsight - a full week without treatment at that stage of pregnancy, when a GTT is so easy to administer). I took the GTT at 36.5 and then early the next morning the hospital called me and wanted me to come in that day, and the rest was a whirlwind - I saw about 8 different people on that day, and the result was I was on insulin immediately, a plan was made for a C-sec at 38.5, to give a full two weeks for DC3 to reduce glucose dependence, but I was told that GD babies are at an increased risk of pre-natal "problems" ( I don't want to write the word in case others haven't actually been told this) so I was freaking out, big style.
HOWEVER, DC3 was absolutely fine, they tested his glucose levels (but only at my insistence! Unbelievable, no? All that to make sure he wasn't glucose dependent, and then they only tested him because I kept on at various midwives that no one had tested him etc.) a few times in the 24 hour period and they were normal. He was pretty big, I suppose, though I refer to him as my titchy one after the size of the other two...
Sorry that's loads to read so I hope you really did want experiences OP 
heartisaspade have you been given a blood test to determine when onset occurred? I can't remember what the test was called - something like a retrospective, but apparently it quite accurately could say when the GD started. It was quite reassuring for me to know it had only been a few weeks (though I sort of knew that from my 32w GTT, it still reassured me).
Also, as a general note, growth scans are notoriously rubbish. Mine was a full 3lb out with DC2. Much better indication is previous baby size.
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Heart atleast you know what is happening, I didn't know about steroids making blood sugar go up that's useful to know as I thought id just be in for day of op then stay while recovering ect, I'm also having elcs but my 36 week appointment isn't till next Wednesday so I won't know a date till then.
I had to have a emcs with my first and was put to sleep so I don't know about the op but recovery I was In hospital 4 days and pain wise it hurt but not too bad, make sure you take it easy and keep topped up on pain relief, I think the more you think about the op the more it freaks you out it does me anyway good luck with everything 
and can I be cheeky 
and ask if you can update us with weight of your little man I'm curious to see if these growth scans are ever right!
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