Gestational diabetes

[MarthaMe]

I've just found out I've got GD. I'm going to the hospital on Friday to find out what I need to do but I wondered if anyone can advise?

I'm a bit confused as I'm only 8 stone at 17 weeks pregnant and don't really eat sweet stuff so if they tell me to manage it by diet then I'm not sure what I could change?

I'm probably sounding a bit naive but I don't know much about it yet.

How did you find out you had gestational diabetes? I thought it was only tested for in the 3rd trimester?

Mine was tests at 18weeks. Although I hadn't put on much weight, my bump was huge. It was excess fluid (polyhydramnios) It was managed by checking my blood sugars 6 X a day (before and after meal 3 times a day) and being careful with all sugars but mainly carbs. I had to emai l my results to the diabetic nurse once a week and she advised. The non alcoholic beers really messed it up

The baby is tested for blood sugar levels carefully, IIRC, after birth for a day or so. (DD was, but she didn't feed well for the first 24hrs)

On the plus side, there was little baby weight to lose afterwards!

If you have a history of diabetes in the immediate family they can test earlier as you are considered in a 'risk group'.

No advice sorry OP. Hope you manage to get it under control x

I have a test next week as my BMI at booking was 32.
Are there any symptoms I should be looking out for!

Was supposed to be a? Not a !

Have a look at gestational diabetes uk website. GD is a hormonal problem with pregnancy nothing to do with weight or what you ate previously. GDUK is a great resource and advocates a pairing diet so basically high protein, high fat, low complex carbs. There are also recipes free and membership ones so you can get a sweet hit! The chances are you will need to take your nhs dietician advice with a pinch of salt as this is based on type 2 diabetes which IS often a complication of weight they can't justify telling T2 diabetics to eat fried bacon and eggs for breakfast. Cheese, cheese and more cheese are your new friends, eggs too, and seeds/nuts etc... avoid Weetabix!! I was diagnosed at 26 wks now 35 wks and still diet controlled I also weigh less now than I did before I was pregnant. Happy to answer any questions!

Typical, since being pregnant I've gone off eggs, cheese & meat!!!

What do you eat for breakfast? I normally have porridge or muesli

I am getting tested tmrw at nearly 18 weeks because my first baby was so huge. They tested me at this stage in my second pregnancy too (all clear), so I am crossing everything that number 3 will also be clear.

Op - they will advise re diet and, if needed, medication.

Seriously be wary of the NHS advice! It is not based on GD. I eat strawberries with hugh protein yogurt or double cream, specific recipes from GDUK website like the breakfast muffins, or boiled eggs with seeded bread and a bit of cheese. If I'm rushing Nature Valley protein bars are ok for me but some don't tolerate without additional pairing of seeds/nuts. Porridge and cereals are only tolerated by around 9% of GD mums. It feels scary but looking at GDUK and the facebook group is my big tip!

Im a size 10 and was diagnosed with Gd. Its got nothing to do with weight and sweets. Its down to the hormones released by your placenta stopping your body from making insulin. Thats why as soon as your placenta is delivered the GD goes away and you can eat normally again.

When i was first diagnosed i was brought in for a 2 hr class with a dietitian. There was a group of us.

She explained what we could eat, what we should avoid etc. Tbh i hadn't a clue until that class.

Carbs turn into sugars in your body so you need to limit those in your diet. Porridge or muesli for breakfast is a hugh no no for GD. You blood sugar will go through the roof.

Its basically a high protein, low carb, low sugar diet. But you still need to eat some carbs. My dietitian suggested 30g of carbs for breakfast and lunch and 50g for dinner.

Ive been diet controlled for the last 6 weeks and it is hard sometimes. Things i thought were healthy to eat are not good for GD. Example weetabix, Porridge etc, some fruits and vegetables, milk, some yogurts..

There is a Facebook group called Gestational Diabetes uk which is very good for advice and support.