The GD thread for the GD Ladies

[CherLW]

Just a little group for the ladies with GD to talk, ask all the questions and be there for each other

@CherLW, @DressyGerbera, @AdventuresAwait, @bewitchingnight thank you all so much for your kind words and help.

I feel a little more positive today just knowing that I’m going to start testing today regardless of what they say. I’ve left voicemails for various people, sent emails to the different options I had, not had any responses from anyone so still feeling very much alone with it.

Thank god for sites like this with women that are actually going through the same thing and are able to pass on their knowledge because without it I genuinely don’t know what I’d do.

I’m going to test today for the first time after lunch. I just feel a bit sad and let down. It doesn’t seem to be important to anyone else, but I want to keep my baby safe and equally do my best to limit my chances of going on to develop actual diabetes.

Honestly, thank you all so so much. You really are invaluable to me right now!

I will try to get the hang of this pairing thing.

This morning for breakfast I had one slice of wholemeal toast with marmite, then a Greek yoghurt.

I’ve just had a snack of an apple and a cheese string. Should I have paired the apple with something else?

For lunch I have 2 ryvita cracker breads with cheese spread, or scrambled egg (but I forgot to bring bread) and I can have a yoghurt, apple, cheese string, freddo chocolate bar, or some walnuts and sunflower seeds. Any ideas out of those things what I should pair?

Hopefully they get back to you soon @Moominmiss it’s crazy how they have left you in limbo with this!

If I have an apple I have it with either yogurt, (full fat) cheese or peanut butter.

I have 4 ryvita, dairy Lea, cucumber, tomatoes and ham for lunch.
If you had the Freddo maybe have that with nuts and seeds.
If I was going to have the scrambled egg on toast I would probably have some grated cheese with it too 😊

We’re all here to help each other ❤️

Thank you @CherLW. That’s SO helpful!

I’m trying to make notes in my phone as I go, so I have ready to go to ideas Of different meal or snack pairings.

Can I ask one more question? I’m aware different trusts seems to do things differently, but assuming I’m going to do the fasting test and then 1 hour after each meal, do you start the hour from your first bite of the meal, or thaw last bite?

@Moominmiss no worries at all 😊

You sound like me, I’ve got loads of notes on my phone!!

I usually do mine just before I eat and then 2 hours after I finish eating my meal. 😊 hope that helps x

@Moominmiss I do an hour from when I finish eating

@AdventuresAwait that was a long morning! Had my appointment today!

I first had a growth scan, all was ok apart from the lady said he’s got a ‘decent’ sized head on him and then starting talking how he could model hats on Instagram! I was a bit taken back by her comments!

I then saw the consultant, who told me to completely ignore what she said about the head as he saw absolutely nothing to worry about and he was annoyed how she would have even said that! I felt so much better after talking to him! He said things are perfect and I’ll see him again in 4 weeks.

Then I saw the diabetic nurse who said she was really happy with how my sugars are and to carry on how I am. She was happy if I wanted to drop from 6 tastings a day to 4 so that was reassuring too!

All booked up again for 4 weeks time when I’ll be 35+5 scary!! But glad all is as well as can be at the moment 😊

I did my first test. 1 hour after eating my lunch and my result was 6.7. I think that’s ok right?

@Moominmiss, I do before I eat and then an hour from when I finish eating. Yes your reading is good... mine has to be below 7.8 after eating xx

@CherLW, I didn't think about having dairylea! Also added to my shopping list :-)
That is wonderful! I'm so glad everything is good. Fab news!

Hi ladies! I just stumbled over this group. I’m 25+6 today with my first baby. All has been great so far but my midwife called and told me my glucose test came back positive yesterday. I’m now anxious about it as I’m sure you can imagine. I’ve been healthy and my baby has been measuring right as well so annoyed about this now. I have been invited to a class this Friday where they’ll give me more info and the home testing kit. I’ll get an additional scan at 28 and 36weeks. Guess I’m just here looking for support and positive stories. Just want my baby to be healthy - that’s my only priority xxxx

I think all of us have that 'oh crap' feeling when we get diagnosed, obviously everyone wants the perfect pregnancy so our babies are healthy and happy. I know I felt like I'd let her down even though there's absolutely nothing we can do to bring this on or prevent it. I've had a bit of time to get used to it now, and to be honest because I know it lies in my hands I'm calmer about it. I still find it hard and still have a high reading now and then but knowing I can control it with food or meds means I know I can do the best for baby. Hopefully you guys that are newly diagnosed will reach this point too. I've found this forum way more helpful than the dr tbh, ok the doc knows the technical stuff but the ladies here are going through it and there's loads of good ideas and support whenever we need it. Hang on in there everyone, in just a couple of months or so we'll be sat there with baby sleeping at our side and a massive slice of pizza on our plates!

Welcome @Firevie sorry to hear about your diagnosis but you’ve got this!! It’s hard at first and you think what could I have done different etc but in time you’ll see there was nothing you’ve done and it’s just one of those things.

I’m the same, everything up until my GD diagnosis had been spot on, nothing that stood out. Once you get your head round it it’s much simpler than it seems… and if not then we’re all here 😊
I don’t know about anyone else but doing my bloods etc just seems normal in a weird way now.
Extra scans and appointments is definitely a good thing and they really do look after you! x

@AdventuresAwait thank you, it was a weird day but glad it’s over. Thinking of you for tomorrow x

@Scotti84 I agree, it’s much better having people going through the same thing to talk to!
Sleeping baby and a massive slice of pizza (and a lovely cream cake) sounds like the dream right now x

Oh brilliant news about your appointment @CherLW that all sounds like it went really well!

@Moominmiss great first reading well done!

@Firevie welcome and sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I found it all very upsetting at first but you can do it and get into the swing of things pretty quickly. I agree with everything @Scotti84 said and really this group has been absolutely invaluable in helping navigate a complicated situation!

I had a catch up phone call with the diabetic midwife today and she's still happy for me to carry on as is which was nice and reassuring! I'm finally meeting her next week when I have the first growth scan and consultant appointment. Sounds like it's going to be a long morning!

Thanks so much ladies for all of your support. Means so much!!! And it’s encouraging to see how well you all are getting on. I’ve only read a few pages of this group so far but have already made some notes eg full fat yoghurt with fruits etc. I love fruits and that’s been my main snack in the pregnancy. I’ve always been very sporty and active but for the last two months or so I’ve been super lazy so I wonder whether it’s an accumulation of my laziness plus fruits and plus a few sweets the last four weeks. Anyway this has given the me the kick I needed and I’m currently writing this msg as I am on my walk! I’m determined to fix this and I guess being a control freak it helps that I’ll be testing myself every day and will be able to adjust my lifestyle according to the results. Is anyone on here who has been able to keep it under control with just the diet or is it inevitable to be on metformin/insulin? I’ve seen some ladies have said they would like to carry on to 39 if possible etc I’m in a similar boat. Obv I want what is healthy for my baby but it’d be nice if I could carry my baby post 39weeks. I’m due 14th Oct which is two days before my birthday but obv let’s see what is best for the baby. Am I also right in thinking GD doesn’t necessarily mean c section? Thanks so much for all of your support!

@Firevie I asked my diabetic nurse if it was anything I had done like having too much sugar and she said no. You’ve got a really positive approach, definitely a good thing!

I got diagnosed at 28 weeks and I’m now 31+5 I had my first review today and I’m diet controlled. They were happy I continue as I am and have an appointment in 4 weeks again… if I had higher readings I would call them but for now they are happy with diet control. If I did need to be medicated I would as I know it’s what’s best for baby. I want to get to 39+5 so he will be a September baby… I think unless the suggest a C section you can be induced instead. I’m hoping for induction over C section 🤞🏼. X

@CherLW sounds like a great appointment with the doctor, well done and fantastic to hear that you can reduce the number of readings you take.

@Moominmiss i test 1 hour after i finish my last bite of each main meal. i wasn't asked to test after snacks but sometimes i do to find out what i can tolerate or not. your first reading sounds great! :)

@Scotti84 when i got diagnosed and went on a googling spree, i actually broke down and cried. because i kept thinking of the potential harm to the little bubba. but i soon learnt, not all googling is great and support groups can be so helpful.

@Firevie welcome to the group too! gestational diabetes isn't really caused by your diet but it's the hormones from your placenta. at the moment, i am diet controlled. I have on average one high reading per week (out of 28 tests per week and post meals!) and so far, my midwife and doctor aren't worried about that. i also know why i get high readings - times when i just crave carbs and didn't do as much pairing as i should. GD definitely doesn't mean C section or even induction. if you and little one are well, NICE guidelines say that you can carry up till 40 + 6

Hi @CherLW thanks so much for your note - so encouraging. Really hope you can continue to be diet controlled and make it all the way to 39+5 which I guess is great! I’m hoping knowing it at 26weeks and starting with the readings at 26+1 will hopefully give me enough time to control diet and lifestyle. But totdally understand your comment re medication too I guess this is something that can be managed either through diet or medication so that’s great. Can I ask a personal question and feel free not to answer I’m just curious. How much have you put on since pregnant? I have put on 8kg since o got pregnant and I’m 26weeks.

@DressyGerbera thank you 😊 even tho they said I can track for 2 meals instead of 3 I think I’ll still do 3 so i feel more in control.

That’s good to know about the NICE guidelines, I didn’t know that! Im hoping that will be a possibility for us all🤞🏼

oh by the way, the talk of pizza reminds me -a GD friendly version would be a wholemeal tortilla slathered with tomato sauce (not ketchup!) plenty of meats (peperoni, chicken etc) and lots of mozzarella and vege to make it healthier. not the same as proper pizza but can satisfy those cravings!

@Firevie thank you 😊 I think it all depends on an individuals insulin levels to needs medication etc.. either way I’ll happily do what’s best for baby.

I’m now 31+ 5 and I’ve put on about 11kg!! I tend not to weigh myself tho as it’s another thing to make my mind crazy but since starting my GD ‘diet’ my weight has maintained. I think I must be loosing a little bit gaining a little so just staying the same.

@DressyGerbera I tried that and had it with a big salad… definitely curbed the craving!

Hi and welcome @Firevie. I was told the same as @CherLW. The Diabetic team told me that Gestational diabetes is not caused by what we eat etc as it is all linked to the pregnancy hormones (and additional risk factors).
Diet can help control it once diagnosed but doesn't cause it.
I am on tablets and one injection of insulin a day. I would rather have avoided medication but needed to and my levels are now under control. I was told this could change as the pregnancy progresses but will try and maintain this for as long as I can.
I was anxious too, and still am sometimes as I just want baby to be unaffected, but like someone else said, testing and now injecting has become part of my daily routine. And I'm finding what my body can and cannot tolerate.
Also, I know of people who had GD and gave birth with no complications.
My trust suggest induction at 38 weeks if you start any medication, however it's all guidance and we have to choose. I will avoid induction as far as possible and will be requesting a section at my appointment tomorrow (for different reasons) if they insist early delivery is best but hoping for 39 weeks (or 38+5) earliest as we would choose to have her in September if possible and I would like to go to 39 weeks which is in line with the NHS website, where it recommends giving birth between 38 and 40 weeks. www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/treatment/
It looks as though you can go longer if not on medication for the GD and no problems.
This group is great and has really helped me.

How's everyone today? I'm starting to feel nervous about my scan & appointment tomorrow. So worried she'll be growing big xx

@AdventuresAwait good luck for tomorrow, let us know how you get on. Will be thinking of you xx

@AdventuresAwait I felt that exact same feeling yesterday. It’s just so out of our control isn’t it! I’m glad I got to see the consultant after my scan as the scan lady didn’t fill me with much hope but the consultant was lovely, made me feel so relaxed! He said at my next appointment in 4 weeks we can discuss any options we need to then x

Well I had my dietician call today & ive now got to take metformin every day after evening meal to help with my fasting levels. I also spoke about being hungry after the smallest sandwich in the world each day & she said I need to make sure if I need to have a yoghurt or something afterwards then I should do that as it's not good to be hungry!

Does anyone know if we can have shop bought coleslaw?

@AdventuresAwait hope tomorrow goes well, my next scan is 19th July, busy until then so hoping it comes round quickly. I'm the same as you, I have zero intention of accepting an induction but will opt for a c section not before 39 weeks if everything is going well.