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

@bewitchingnight she did yes however,,,, she then said she was on annual Leave in 4 weeks so it won't be here I see at 36 weeks! So let's hope she either writes up in my notes well or that the other consultant is as responsive.

Hope anyone else who has scans coming up for GD reviews have good visits.

@AdventuresAwait time is going too fast now! I wish it would slow down! Even tho I worry so much I’m going to miss my bump and being pregnant!

@Bubbles1st that’s all really positive! I had a similar kind of wait as you! I see all three people separately so I guess that what takes the time too.
That’s good to know about the 11oz leeway either side too! My little one was 4lb 10oz at 31+5 which to me seemed huge but they weren’t concerned at all!

I’m hoping my next one I’ll be able to talk about the birth and preferences a little as there has been nothing like that with anyone yet!

@Bubbles1st

I had my 32 week growth scan today.

Estimated weight 4lb 11oz but they said there is an 11oz leaway either side of that!

His belly is a bit bigger and out of proportion for the rest of him but not concerning, as overall he is just above the 50th percentile and on a good curve based on 28 weeks.

The GD consultant has prescribed me
Insulin to take a breakfast as my readings are creeping up there and he thinks my tolerance will only get worse. I don't need to start taking it yet but stay in touch with the GD nurse and at least I have it ready and can avoid another trip to the hospital.

Back again for 36 weeks when his size and progress will determine their recommendation for delivery. I made it clear today I didn't want inducing and I was reassured it's my birth and my choice and that if I don't follow their guidance which everyone is offered then I will be alternative options to suit my preference, including a further growth scan at 38 weeks to keep a close on eye baby if I want to get as close to term as possible before intervention.

I hope mine say similar. I absolutely do not want an induction.

To be honest, I’ve lost that pregnancy feeling. I feel completely disconnected about it all now. I wanted another water birth and spontaneous Labour like my first two. Now it feels like I just have a medical issue that needs controlling and monitoring until a doctor decides enough is enough and it’s time for removal.

@AllTheUsernamesAreAlreadyTaken
Fingers crossed for you. She essentially said the guidance was for the masses as 7/8 out of 10 women just go along with what the guidance says but the women who speak up and want something different will follow their own care path.

Just hope the walk is as good as the talk!

A friend of mine had a baby last year and she had GD, she wanted a water birth and they told her no chance after the diagnosis, wouldn't be possible. She pushed for it, got it and had her son without problem. I guess they have to go with the guidelines incase anything happens and the mother blames them but I think if you take all the info and are aware of any risks etc, then at the end of the day it's your body, your child and your choice.

@AllTheUsernamesAreAlreadyTaken so sorry to hear you feel like that, this is my first so i don't know any different but it did shake me a bit at first, made me think more over certain things. I hope you have some positive check ups and things get better for you.

@Bubbles1st, that is a long time. Ours is about 45 mins (As long as they're on time!).

@CherLW, I'll miss being pregnant very much too. We're not planning on having another either so sometimes I feel sad I won't experience this again and don't want it to end. Though I'm just so grateful too xx

@AllTheUsernamesAreAlreadyTaken, I feel the same. I really wanted a water birth and was upset when they said induction at 38 weeks. I refused an induction and now have a c-section booked for 39 weeks. I don't want a section either but for me, it is much more preferable to an induction. Glad they said yes but would have hoped for a natural labour.

Can I ask those of you on insulin, what doseage are you taking and when?

Also how long until you ‘should’ see any improvement?

I had already been taking 2g metformin every evening, but last night was started on 2 units of insulin to try and sort my fasting readings.

I’d been told that 2 units is a low dose and very likely I’ll have my dose increased from Wednesday.

I currently only have to inject once before bed, and use humulin, but have also been given lispro to put in the fridge in case they decide they want me having insulin before each meal.

@Moominmiss
I've been on insulin for about 5 weeks, started on 2 units, told to increase by 1 unit every 3 days if no improvement.

I'm now on 13 units and was told yesterday to go up 2 units every 2 days until my reader gets lower.

I feel like I'm chasing my tail and my tolerance is changing daily and like I'll never get the right number of units to balance the readings out. They are never super high, today was 5.4, they range up to 5.8 depending on my sleep and water intake.

@Bubbles1st are you taking it just in the evenings for your fasting readings?

You must feel so frustrated!

My reading this morning was 5.6 so one of my better readings, but not good enough.

I probably sound really stupid now, but on the pens how many units do they go up to?

Or does it get to a point where if you need so much you’d have to give 2 jabs?

Yes currently just for fasting but I have been prescribed the other pen for after breakfast as
My consultant things I will need it before my next appointment.

I think each pen has 300 units in it. I've o it just started a new one but I have seen some ladies on FB say they are on over 100 units at a time.

@Moominmiss, I'm on insulin every evening. Started on 8 units and was told to increase to 10 units if readings still high after 2 doses. Increased to 10 units after the two days and immediately my fasting readings went below 5.3. Still on 10 units before bed.

Thank you @Bubbles1st and @AdventuresAwait, you’ve both been super helpful.

With most doses seemingly much higher than 2 units, I won’t hold my breath for my dose doing anything as it is!

@CherLW I can categorically say I will not miss being pregnant. Until the gd diagnosis it hadn't been too bad, at least I could eat & drink well. Now it's a minefield & all I think about is whether im able to eat something or not. It's taken the joy out of being pregnant for me, and baby can't come soon enough!

I've got my second growth scan today & then first app with consultant. I was hoping for some idea as to when they think I'll give birth, but from what you've all been saying sounds like that conversation will be for another day in a few weeks. Im 33+5 so time is ticking on!

@GWhiteley
I feel exactly the same. I have no excitement for the pregnancy anymore. It’s just something I’ve got to get through now.

I’m also worried our “surprise” will be ruined by someone in one of the many scans I’ve got to have and we’ll be told the sex.

Sorry to hear you feel like that @GWhiteley. The GD is certainly something I have to think about a lot now too so it definitely could become a bit of a focus. I'm really trying to focus on the parts I do enjoy... baby's movements and getting things ready for her arrival. But I do agree that the GD changes things a lot...
We discussed and decided on birth options at my first consultant/clinic appointment at 31 weeks so, you never know, you may get to do that today. Hope your scan goes well. Enjoy seeing your little one xx

I've got my next scan tomorrow, first one OH can come with me so that will be nice, even at this late stage! I'll make an appointment with the hospital for the estimated due date and then I can go in to see how it all works. I think I'll still be left to have a natural Labour, they're big on that here, unless there's any problems but thankfully my hospital is at the end of my street practically so I'm not too far away if anything changes.

Six weeks feels so quick on one side of things, but so long on the other!

I've also worked out, I get high ratings in the morning if I eat carbs after about 8pm. I made some gd cheesecakes yesterday, small ones and had one at about 9pm last night, they still have flour in the base, so i think that gave me a higher reading today, I was exactly on target. Its frustrating how 4 weeks in its still a game of try and see.

@GWhiteley I hope your growth scan goes well today, I found it helpful to see the consultant, he put my mind at rest about a few things even tho we didn’t talk about anything to do with the birth.
It seems like everywhere is different as with everything else so hopefully you’ll be able to chat about a few things on your mind with them. 33+5 oooff time is going so quick isn’t it!! My next appointment is 2 weeks today!

It’s sad that GD is ruining things and making them not so easy. It will all be worth it tho when we see those beauties in our arms 😍. X

Hi, I had my GTT test on Friday- got my results yesterday I have gestational diabetes.
My fasting level was fine but my 2 hour reading was 9.8 - I haven’t yet spoken to anyone in detail other than to be told I have it and to collect a pack from reception.
Must admit it was a shock and I had a cry.
I was scared to eat breakfast this morning and few a bit scared that I won’t be able to control it.

What should I expect in next few weeks?
I’m currently 27+3

@Kona84 welcome to the thread. I think we all got pretty down after diagnosis, it's not nice to hear but it is manageable and you will start to feel better when you start testing and have more control. The first few weeks are pretty much a trial and error to see what foods raise your levels and what brings them down. I'm 4 weeks in and know now what I can and can't eat but still have days when i think ooh ill give this a go and see what I get, normally when when get bored of eating the same safe foods. I think tolerance is different for all of us, for example i can't eat cereal or anything carby on a morning, my levels are super high if i do, so i stick with apple and yoghurt with a few nuts for crunch. But i can eat all forms of potato without a problem as long as it's a reasonable amount. For me pairing carbs with fats helps loads too so I allow myself cheesy chips when I'm having a bad day and know I'll still be under the limit. The same with chocolate, two squares of dark chocolate doesn't effect me, its not my favorite but its better than nothing.

If you're struggling for ideas or tips just ask here, this thread is a lifesaver and remember it's not forever. When baby is here we can all gorge on pizza and burgers washed down with a glass of wine (classy!).

Keep your head up, and try not to worry too much, you've got this.

Hi @Kona84, I know that feeling. I got diagnosed at 28 weeks and felt so shocked and upset.

This thread and the Facebook group have been so helpful though and are full of ideas about foods to eat and snacks etc.

Like the poster above I’ve found I can’t tolerate cereal at all no matter what I pair it with.

I’m now on metformin and insulin as I haven’t been able to get my fasting reading under control. Thankfully so far my after meal readings are ok though.

My advice would be to take your time reading some posts on the Facebook page, the gestational diabetes uk site has some fab recipe ideas too.

I think it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed after the initial diagnosis. I felt like id let my baby down and done something wrong, but the diabetic team at hospital and the ladies here have been amazing in helping me see that that just isn’t the case.

@Kona84 welcome to the group. Totally agree with everything @Scotti84 has said. It’s daunting but you get the hang of it!
Ladies, non GD related question and a little TMI - have you noticed that your panties are wet in this heat? I have gotten myself worked up about fluid leaking 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ Xx

@Firevie yes. I'm in your club to the point where I've just given up and use panty liners most days now. I love this delightful side of pregnancy 😂

Yep @Firevie! Me too! Xx

@Firevie soaked every day this week by the time I get home from work. It's gross but I know it's mostly sweat, though still get a reasonable amount of discharge. Sorry tmi!