Gestational Diabetes Growth Scan :(

[DHMB20]

Hi all,

I’m 32+2 and got diagnosed with GD last week. I don’t fall into any of the usual ‘risk factor’ categories so it came as a massive shock and I couldn’t stop crying all day, terrified of the possible complications and feeling overwhelmed by the changes I need to make to my diet etc.

I’ve now been controlling my diet for 5 days and my blood sugar readings are on target, which apparently is good, but I’ve just had a growth scan and been told that the baby is already 4lb 15oz and if she stays on the same track (which they want her to in order to stay healthy) she’ll be about 9lb by my due date. Right from the start of my pregnancy I’ve been dreading the thought of a big baby and now it seems like my nightmare is coming true! Me and my siblings were all less than 6lb and my sister has had small babies, so for some reason I thought I’d have a small baby too. I feel absolutely gutted and like I’m not even as excited to have the baby now because the birth will be horrible and I won’t have the lovely tiny bundle I’ve been envisioning. On top of it all I feel really guilty for even caring about how big the baby will be, but somehow I just can’t seem to talk any sense into myself.

Any reassurance would be appreciated, feel like suddenly it’s all too much :(

Hi i had GD got told my baby was going to be big had her at 37wks and she was 6lbs 6onz and was 49cm long so was tiny.
Just keep eating healthy ,i did lose over a stone having GD ,i was also upset at having it but i got used to it. I dont have it now since having my baby.

9lb isn’t big - when baby arrives he/she could have 2 heads and you’ll think they are the most beautiful thing you have ever seen.
I had GD and had a small baby, the scans aren’t always accurate (although mine were).

At this stage everyone panics about some aspect of the birth. Yours is focused on the baby size. If you didn’t know the baby might be big it’d be something else occupying your head. It happens when you have no control.
You’ll be fine, it will all be fine. You won’t give it a second thought when baby is here.

Please don't worry. I was diagnosed with my DS and like you I didn't have any risk factors so it was a big shock. I stayed diet controlled and it's great you are being able to so far too.

A big baby doesn't mean a bad labour at all. My DS was 9lb4 and it was a much easier birth than my 7lb DD. Why would a 9lb baby be less 'lovely' then a 6lb baby? They are all gorgeous little bundles!

My DC were 9lb10oz and 8lb 11oz respectively. No GD involved. Easy births (apart from the inductions)

Bigger babies can be easier to deliver.

Don't be a wimp.

Growth scans are often inaccurate but even if not, 9lbs really isn't that big! And bigger babies aren't necessarily more difficult to birth anyway, it depends on a whole range of factors.

Growth scans can be 20% off either way, it's not an exact measurement.
even if your baby is 9lbs it's not that big, a newborn is a newborn and you'll think they are the most beautiful, tiny thing you've ever seen. All the midwives told me bigger ones tend to birth easier too.

I had GD with dc2 and honestly I didn't feel like GD was a big life changing event, I ate well but had been anyway and just swapped some carb heavy things for better options.

Thanks so much everyone. I know I’m being ridiculous getting so worked up about it and I actually just need to man up! Wondering if I can get away with blaming hormones for my overreaction??! I’m already getting used to my new diet for GD and will just have to go with the flow in terms of baby’s size. Have to say MN is a godsend for getting things off your chest! xxx

I had a chunky baby (10lbs 10) and he's great. Could hold his head in the hospital. Not so worried about breaking him. I can't comment on delivery as I Han an ELCS.

My fastest and easiest delivery was my biggest baby. Scans are not accurate at all. With my 1st they told me shed be 5lb she was 7lb 7oz.

I had it too, the scan said she would be 7”12 the weeks before I had her, she came out about 7”2 so try not to worry too much! They are not very accurate at all most of the time!

i had gd which required insuin injections daily and delivered a 6lb4oz baby so don't assume the worst, she was exected to be far heavier