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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Recently diagnosed with GD - so sad

28 replies

Lndnmummy · 21/04/2018 08:37

I’m 28 +3 and got my formal diagnosis yesterday. I’m so scared and feel so guilty. What happens now? Baby was growing fine at 24 week scan (not too big or small) and I am measuring fine (-1week) on my FH.

I’m so sad and feel so guilty. I am so worried about the baby. Also about the logistics of things. I need prick test 6 times a day and also need to go to the clinic for monitoring every Tuesday, plus additional scans. But I work full time and have a six year old. I don’t understand how this is going to be achievable? And the metformin is causing havoc with my stomac and I spend half the time in the bathroom.
Can someone please share their experiences with me? Many Thanks

Rgds

Caroline

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Wellthisunexpected · 21/04/2018 08:45

Don't feel guilty. There's virtually nothing you can do to cause/ prevent it (unlike most cases of type 2 diabetes).

You'll get used to the prick testing. It does get easier. And work will have to give you the time off as it's pregnancy related. If you think they'll be difficult don't ask, just state that's what's happening. Legally they can't do anything.

As for the 6 to, involve them if they ask questions. Show them the machine, what it does, that it doesn't hurt and explain its to look after the baby. That way they won't worry like they might if they see you doing it secretly.

Original poster

Lndnmummy · 21/04/2018 09:11

Lovely useful advice, thank you!

OP posts:

bathandpjs · 21/04/2018 09:13

I feel your pain but it really isn't as scary as it sounds. There's nothing you could have done to prevent it. And on the bright side at least once the baby is here you don't have to think about it again.

Are you sure it's every Tuesday? Ive been offered phone appointments to check everything is going ok/to ask questions. It's less disruptive - could your place do that?

I cannot stomach metformin. My consultant said there are others like a slow releasing one. Might it be worth asking about that?

Shutupanddance1 · 21/04/2018 09:18

Hi there! I’m around 32 weeks and got a borderline result with my GTT test.

Please try not to worry - you haven’t done anything wrong, it’s due to your hormones, nothing else regardless of what people say. This is my second pregnancy and I can honestly say I’ve been much better food wise in this pregnancy and still got a borderline result! The gestational diabetes website is very good.

It’s taken me at least 2 weeks to get it into my head that this is actually happened and have only started a ‘GD’ diet in the last few days . I don’t test (as my doctor wants to see if diet will improve my numbers at my next check up). As for the extra scans, I’d try to think of it as extra times seeing baby. After 32 weeks you usually have a check up every 2 weeks anyways, and pregnancy related appointments are covered by law so try not to fret too much!

Original poster

Lndnmummy · 21/04/2018 09:59

Thanks everyone, really appreciate your thoughts. Did your gd impact the size of the baby at all? My last ds was smallish at 6lb 8 full term. Will have a c section this time for other issues but concerned obviously about issues for the baby.

OP posts:

KitKatCHA · 21/04/2018 10:07

I've had GD three times, it does get easier! Besides staying away from sugar, carbs affected my levels really badly, possibly more than sugary things. All my three were small than average - 5lb1, 6lb13 and 4lb15 but the consultant did say that was unusual and perhaps I just make small babies!

Prepare for your section to be 2 weeks early and to stay in hospital for a couple of days after the birth to monitor the baby's blood sugar levels.

Bring a doughnut for after the birth

switswoo81 · 21/04/2018 10:27

My baby is 8 days and I had gd in this pregnancy. You will get used to the pricking, it’s a pain in the bum especially when you’re scheduled is thrown off. Always have a snack in your bag can be hard to find gd suitable snacks. The nature valley protein peanut bars are perfect and actually taste lovely.
I took the metfomin halfway through my meal and that settled my stomach.
Baby was 7 lb 1 at 39 week induction. She was measuring off the scale at 29 weeks but by controlling my diet she was 50 th centile at birth. Her blood sugars were tested after birth and were perfect.
I remember when first diagnosed I was so upset as it is an inconvenience however the diet is really healthy. I don’t mean to sound flippant but I wore my jeans the day after coming home from hospital as I was lighter than pre pregnancy by 5 days post partum.

TurquoiseDress · 21/04/2018 10:48

How did you get diagnosed with GD? is there a test that they do at a certain point in the pregnancy? I don't remember it being done during my first pregnancy.

I'm pregnant with baby number 2 (3rd pregnancy) this time I feel like I've put on a lot more weight at this point (25 weeks) than I did with my first baby. So it's on my mind that I might be at risk of GD.

Lots of good advice on this thread, good luck with things OP.

Fakingit36 · 21/04/2018 11:01

This is really helpful. I failed the first screen last week (i’m 29 weeks) and so have to take the 3 hour test today. Have spent the week avoiding all sugar and grains, really strict, and walking every day. Finding I need to plan carefully and really have a lot of protein in the morning especially. Fingers crossed for today. I felt stricken by the first result too since I knew i’d not been doing so great on diet beforehand. Regardless of this result may try to stay really low sugar for rest of pg ... and who knows, maybe longer. Have been wanting to work on this for a while anyway. Best of luck to you op - as others say it will be ok.

gryffen · 21/04/2018 13:09

Turquoise - a GTT test is offered to anyone no matter size, shape, weight etc as GD hits anyone pregnant no matter the above.

Normally Consultant led get 1-2 tests booked at 28 and 36 weeks in our area and midwife will check urine at each appointment and any concerns will refer for a test etc.

It's one of the joys of pregnancy.

SarahSiddons · 21/04/2018 13:15

I understand how you feel. I felt guilty too.

Work will have to give you the time off for appointments. Depending on your job can you work from home those days. I found the diabetes midwives helpful. I also had an appointment with a dietician which was very helpful.

I was able to control my blood sugar levels with diet. The diet was hard at first but I did get used to it. But if you need medication too (whether metformin or insulin) that’s not your fault either. I was lucky.

It does feel devastating but you will get through this. Neither of my babies were large but my eldest did struggle with his blood sugar levels. With my second I made sure I offered him the breast very frequently (like every hour) for the first day or two. Hard work but he slept on me. I also practiced manual expressing of colostrum in the latter weeks of pregnancy - I actually didn’t manage to express much/any to freeze but it did mean I was able to manually express pretty easily when the baby was born which was helpful for me feeling like he was ‘getting enough’.

SarahSiddons · 21/04/2018 13:18

gryffen - a GTT certainly wasn’t standard when I was pregnant with my eldest. Which is why I didn’t find out until a 32 week blood test showed sugar (which must mean my blood sugar levels were sky high) and not confirmed until 34 weeks. I was tested much earlier in my second pregnancy because I’d had it before.

Of course things may have changed.

SarahSiddons · 21/04/2018 13:18

“A 32 week urine test”

Buxbaum · 21/04/2018 13:28

Turquoise - a GTT test is offered to anyone no matter size, shape, weight etc as GD hits anyone pregnant no matter the above.

It varies between trusts but usually a GTT isn't offered as routine unless the woman meets one or more criteria which places her at higher risk - e.g. higher BMI, higher maternal age, previous GD or family history, or sugars in the urine at routine mw checks.

Ninjamilo · 21/04/2018 13:56

GTT is definitely not routine here. I only had one because I didn't realise my blood test should have been fasting, and had had cake for breakfast, so my glucose was high at my normal 28 week blood test.

Good thing too, as I was diagnosed and it wouldn't have been picked up otherwise.

Original poster

Lndnmummy · 21/04/2018 14:49

It is routine where I live. Does anyone know how many extra scans I’m likely to have?

OP posts:

SarahSiddons · 21/04/2018 15:48

From memory I think I had growth scans at 32 and 36 weeks in my second pregnancy.

Fakingit36 · 21/04/2018 17:11

I’m in the US and here everyone has the 1 hour test too. Several moms I know have failed it and had to do the 3 hour . In my previous pg I failed the 1 hour and passed the 3 hour... so hoping that it goes the same way this time. Just back from the 3 hour all shaky and DH is downstairs making me bacon and eggs

Original poster

Lndnmummy · 21/04/2018 20:59

If there are any fellow sufferers out there that are willing to share their journey I would really appreciate it. What worked for you? How does it work in practice with all the monitoring at work etc?

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Pepper1980 · 21/04/2018 21:15

I was diagnosed at 30 weeks it helped to 1) let work people know, so they understood if I needed to test or eat at certain points 2) look at the gestational diabetes website. The hospital dietition seemed to assume we were all on mars bars for breakfast. Website much more useful with good diet advice 3) see scans as another opportunity to see the baby. Mine only latest 5 mins each time so not onerous. 4) be prepared to be induced. It’s unusual to be allowed much beyond due date so it’s good to recalibrate your expectations if you were hoping for a particular kind of birth.

I also felt awful, but there is nothing you could’ve done differently. Good luck xx

Chocness · 21/04/2018 21:23

It’s not a routine test here either. I was given it due to diabetes running in my family plus my bmi was a bit high.

UniversallyUnchallenged · 21/04/2018 21:23

Best wishes, I have nothing to offer, other than wishing things well to you

freddiepurrcury · 21/04/2018 21:29

I was diagnosed at about 32 weeks. Please don’t feel sad or guilty, it’s not your fault. I only had one extra scan but had regular meetings with the dietician and consultant. I was on maternity leave so not sure how the monitoring would be dealt with at work, however they would definitely have to sort something out for you, they have to accommodate it. I managed to control my sugars with a low GI diet and my baby was only 6lb15oz. I found it easy to follow the diet because of the idea that eating badly would have an effect on my baby. The dieticians at my hospital were amazing, I got so much from my appointments with them and eat better now as a result. If there’s anything in particular you’d like to know, feel free to send me a message 😊

Ninjamilo · 21/04/2018 21:57

The gestationaldiabetes.co.uk website and Facebook page are a great help.

Also the AIMS book on GD is great for stats around risks etc.

I have remained diet controlled and am aiming for a home birth - currently 39 + 2 - I was offered induction but have refused, and have said I will reconsider at 42 weeks (unlikely to go for it to be honest if I make it that far!)

Original poster

Lndnmummy · 21/04/2018 22:00

Thanks everyone. I am having my fingers crossed that I will manage to control this with diet and metformin. I asked if I could try just diet at first but my numbers were too high so it was advisable to start metformin straight away.
I’m scheduled a c section at 39 weeks for another issue so we will see if we make it that far.
I’m sure I’ll get my head around it. Worried about work and the eating and monitoring. I’m not allowed to eat at my desk and the kitchen is two flights of stairs down due to building work and I have spd and really struggle with it. It feels abit daunting but I’ll get there.

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