Gestational Diabetes, C Sections & Stress!

[Sda06]

Hi everyone!

I know there's already a lot about GD on these forums but I'd like some more recent advice/experiences from you all.

I found out today I'm just on the qualifying point of being diagnosed as GD based on my glucose tolerance test yesterday. It's annoying as if I'd have been 1 point lower on the first reading I maybe wouldn't have been diagnosed with GD!!

I don't have any other particular risk factors, I'm not overweight and don't have an immediate family history of diabetes other than the fact baby is measuring as big on the growth scans (I'm currently 33+5 and she's already coming in at 5lbs with her abdominal circumference in the 90th percentile however head etc are all standard).

I think this potentially means I've been diagnosed quite late so I'm not sure what my treatment options will be other than regular blood sugar level tests and maybe a diet plan?

I was also booked in for an elective c section on the 6th Nov (39 weeks) which I'm assuming may now be brought forwards to 38 weeks based upon some reading I've been doing? I'm just a bit worried about going into labour early and obviously reading up that my baby might be at higher risk of stillbirth and also diabetes in the future.

Any advice or experiences with this would be lovely! This is my first pregnancy so it's all quite overwhelming.

I wouldn't assume your section will be brought forward - I had gestational diabetes and was on metformin and insulin for most of my pregnancy but they still booked me in for section at 40 weeks! I ended up having her at 39+2 due to a cancellation. That being said - she was measuring bang on average at growth scans and not causing much concern to the consultants.

She was born weighing 7lbs 1oz x

Check out gestationaldiabetes.co.uk and the Gestational Diabetes UK facebook group for some great advice.

Some mums can remain diet controlled and there is tons of great tried and tested advice on that site. A lot of mums end up on meds for fasting levels, as that's the one you dont have a lot of influence over, just what your hormones get up to when you're sleeping! I was diagnosed at 28 weeks, was able to get all my post meal readings in line with dietary changes, but just couldn't get my fasting within range, so was put on overnight insulin from 30 weeks.

Some trusts treat GD mums like Type 2 diabetics, and unfortunately that dietary advice isn't great. General rules for GD are never eat a naked carb, make sure you're getting good protein and fats with every meal. Don't skip snacks, eating little and often maintains blood glucose levels better.

No reason for your ELCS to be moved unless your levels go uncontrolled and you suffer some of the complications of GD. Placenta can begin to fail, baby can have restricted growth.

I'm going in tomorrow at 39 weeks for ELCS, as well as GD, baby is breech!