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

@Moominmiss full fat is usually the best way to go but check the nutrition info to be sure until you get familiar with shopping staples.

I was put on insulin within a week unfortunately for my fasting levels, the consultant was confident as my post meal readings were all ok I was being sensible and it wasn't good choice but just hormonal. However as I say 4 weeks later and I'm still just increasing the insulin to try and find the magic number that keeps my fasting down. This stresses me out as effectively it means I've had 5 weeks of consistent high readings. However they reassured me they are only just over usually so it's not actually a danger zone or likely to be causing baby any issues.

I'm the other way, my fasting readings are OK mostly, then the highs are after eating, usually in the evening when I see if i can have something I'm unsure about. I just explained why the highs were high to the dr and he didnt seem concerned, I think they know it takes some trial and error and account for that. As long as they're not all consistently over I think its OK. He also asked for the info from my scans and as baby is the right size for the week of pregnancy he's he's worried. I would imagine if she was too big that may make a difference.

@Moominmiss low fat yogurt usually has more sugar than full fat ones so agree that need to check the nutritional values. Dont cut out carbs completely though as you might end up with high ketones instead.

Does anyone know if stress can mess with your readings?

I was 8.1 after lunch today but was having a very stressful, time pressured hour at work! Tried again after 20 mins when I'd calmed down and it was 7.0. I'm gutted, I was having a good run of days for a while there.

Ladies, when are you guys eating your main meals and snacks? As in what time in the day?
@bewitchingnight I’ve read that stress can have an impact on sugar levels. Perhaps try meditation or yoga? I’m getting back onto my yoga routine and regular walks after lunch and dinner. I’m hoping exercise will help
Xxx

@Firevie yeah good point, I go for a walk after dinner every evening but maybe I should try after lunch as well

@Moominmiss I would say definitely full fat as low fat things have more sugar in.

It’s hard to adjust to that as I’ve always gone for low fat things like cheese etc but now it’s best for full fat

@Moominmiss I got given my testing kit on a Tuesday and then they called me the following Wednesday so discuss my readings.. that she was happy with how it was she let me carry on and said to call if need be. So I guess they gave me a week before seeing how it was going.

I just put less sugar Heinz beans, cooked bacon and cooked scrambled egg in my lunch box for tomorrow.. I’ll heat in in the microwave and have some grated cheese on top when hot! Something different!

@bewitchingnight I’ve also heard stress effects your levels…. That abs also lack of sleep.

@Firevie I try to get up about 8 and do my first reading then, then brekkie about 8:30 or 9, lunch about 1 and evening meal about 6 or so depending on what we've got on. I find snacking hard, well I find eating meals in the day hard, before the diagnosis i wouldn't really have meals, I'd just graze when I was hungry but needing to take readings im trying to be stricter. Still have days like today tho when I just cant face lunch, so i just had Yoghurt with a few nuts. If I do snack it's when i have a craving for something sweet, then I have something, I don't know if you have them in the UK, its called a Milchschnitte, it's like two thin slices of Sponge with a creamy milk filling, they're OK as they're more fat than carbs and not much sugar so it's the highlight of my day being able to have that, but i try to have that two hours after lunch so it's not too much at once n it hopefully keeps things more stable, or thats what I hope anyway! Sorry I rambled a bit there, hope that helps!

@bewitchingnight i'm not sure about stress levels to be honest! i hope your work days calm down as you get later in your pregnancy!

@Firevie my breakfast is usually between 8-9, lunch between 12 to 1 and dinner usually 7 to 8 - no fixed time on snacks! i think exercise does helps, i noticed on days when i don't go for a walk, the reading tend to be higher even on 'safe' foods.

@Scotti84 and @DressyGerbera thanks so much for your timings - super helpful. I get up super early because I can hardly sleep but I usually stay in bed reading until 7am and have breakfast around 8am. I’m just sending my hubby to Tesco now to get food. I’ve made a preliminary list of things I have read since I found out yesterday like veggies, cheeses, full fat yoghurt, berries, chicken, salmon, tofu, eggs. Will start experimenting as soon as I get my kit tmr but it’s my hubby’s birthday on Saturday so I had planned a romantic Friday night in and have booked for our favourite foods to be delivered from our fav restaurant. So May have to allow myself that tmr eve as it has been pre booked and was pretty expensive. But then healthy diet all the way from Saturday. Xxx

@AdventuresAwait how did today go? X

Today's find! Less than 9gms carb per 1/4 bar. With a dollop of clotted cream I think it will be delicious 😋

@Bubbles1st ooh nice one just taken a pic ! Let us know how/if it impacts readings xxx

Ooh nice @Bubbles1st I'm going to look out for that as well

@Firevie will do, definitely it going to be an evening treat as I struggle with fasting readings as it is!

Quick question….what could I pair with chicken chow mein from the Chinese? The power on our road and others this side of town is out and so we have no cooker, oven, or microwave 😩 estimated time for it to be back on isn’t until 11.30pm. The Chinese on the other side of town. But what could I pair it with to hopefully make it tolerable?

@Bubbles1st, that looks nice! Haven't seen it before so will have a look for it xx

@CherLW, thanks for asking about today. It was fine. Baby is looking good and, though on a higher percentile, she's in range and they aren't concerned at all at this point. Said everything was good and estimated current weight is 4lbs.
We met the consultant, dietician and nurse together. Went OK. Consultant suggested an induction between 38 and 39 weeks as they don't want treated GD pregnancies to go past 39 weeks. I explained why I want to avoid an induction and my reasons for a c-section (due to other medical reasons too) and she scheduled one. So we have a date in early September!
After the meeting, the midwife was scheduling our next appointment and I got a bit emotional as I felt maybe we were going against medical advice (as the consultant said that she recommended an induction but would do a cesarean). The midwife talked things through with was lovely.
I feel so relieved as we have a date for a c-section but can cancel and opt for an induction if we change our minds. I don't think we will but we can see how things go and look into things a bit. Looking at advice... They said an induction around 38 weeks as they want baby out by 39 weeks & the NHS website recommends delivery between 38 and 40 weeks, so I feel this is a good compromise as it's around 39 weeks.
I have another growth scan and appointment in 4 weeks.

@AdventuresAwait sounds like a good compromise and it gives me hope that I can get the same outcome. If you start to doubt yourself look up or ask for statistics about positive induction which doesn't result in c section or instrumental delivery. I intend on doing so and I'm sure they will stumble as the figures are not that great!

Just think you can enjoy your remaining weeks
Knowing when baby will arrive and plan for that! Exciting :)

@AdventuresAwait I'm so pleased for you, that sounds like it went really well and I know you were really worried about it x

@AdventuresAwait so pleased for you and that you little girl is doing perfectly with her size, weight and being in range!

That’s really good that they have booked you in for one, at least you know you’ve got that there and if you change your mind before hand then that’s ok too!

I was pleased my next appointment is 4 weeks as that seems like the norm… any sooner and I would have worried!

I don’t want an induction or a c section really but i know it will have to be one of them!!

Really great news for you 😊

@Moominmiss sorry I don’t know much about Chinese take away. What did you go for? I haven’t braved a Chinese yet! I did have fish and chips tho and that was good… (I only had about 8-10 chips) with a big bit of fish with salad

Thanks @Bubbles1st! Yes, I was really clear about my reasons for not wanting an induction as well as my own risks for an emergency section. I also explained that I didn't start the pregnancy wanting a cesarean (I've always wanted a natural, water birth) and did not think it was the easy option but that it seems best for me now with the addition of the GD diagnosis. Also that I understand that induction can result in a natural birth but with my risk factors of an emergency c-section (GD, family history, age, BMI and induction) that I would rather have an elective that is planned and calm with maybe some of my wishes incorporated where possible.
My husband said afterwards how he felt I'd explained myself well with personal thoughts as well as facts, which was lovely!

Thank you @bewitchingnight! The consultant definitely would have gone for an induction but quickly said a cesarean was fine & the fact she was OK to schedule it there and then makes me think she was happy to do so. And I'm still doing it in their time frame so I think we are all happy. Just starting to have some nerves about a c-section but I have to go with what feels right and I've got 8 weeks to consider things & talk it through with different people.

At the end of the day, we all want baby to arrive safely and that's the priority. They said they're happy to talk things through like today and to make the best decision for people individually. I'm happy to think things through in the next four weeks and have another chat with them.

But currently feeling it is the right decision for us & if not, it will become clear.

Thanks @CherLW!

Really appreciate you all replying 😊

@adventuresawait, it sounds like a really good appointment and well done on getting your wishes heard and your points across. It's definitely not the easiest esp when speaking to medical professionals.

@Moominmiss you might have your dinner now! But for chow mein, the chicken in the dishes should be enough for pairing but would suggest have less of the noodles itself and maybe some plain vege on the side?