Diagnosed with GD at 32 weeks

[HBiz]

Hi all,

Posting for advice/reassurance really. Had a gestational diabetes test at 28 weeks which came back negative. Had my 31 week midwife appointment and midwife advised high glucose levels in urine so referred me back for a 2nd gestational diabetes test which was this morning. Midwife just text to say I’ve got it :( feeling really shocked and upset as only 4 weeks ago results were fine.

I’m worried that some damage could have been done to baby in last four weeks between tests as know that negative effects of GD on baby are worse whilst not being actively treated. I should have an appointment with a consultant in the next week or so but can’t help feel I’ve done something to cause this and it’s been impacting my baby for the last month without me realising.

Midwife mentioned that even my fasting blood sugar was high. Does this mean it’s more difficult to control with diet?

I really want to avoid induction if I can and just feel really disappointed this has happened well into my third trimester as I’ve been low risk up until now :( all I keep seeing is how GD can increase loads of risks including stillbirth so just feel terrified now to be honest

I understand you're gutted, when I was told in my first pregnancy I burst into tears! It's caused by your hormones so don't feel guilty.

I don't know if the high fasting results means it will be harder to control with diet but all I can say is I've found it quite easy to control with diet the first and second time round. I ate quite a 'gestational diabetes friendly diet' anyway so only needed a few tweaks. Don't feel petrified, do your best with diet and do everything the medical professionals advise and you'll be fine!

I got diagnosed at 38 weeks, low risk before that and test was also clear at 26 weeks but belly measured a bit bigger at one appointment. I stressed so much in the final weeks, a bit like you thinking what damage I could have done in the time I didn't realise I had it, but all was fine, and baby was a healthy 8.3 lbs so not off the scale as they had concerns about initially, he is beautiful, fit and healthy too so no damage done. They have to mention the risks which sound very scary when you hear them ( one conversation with a Dr when stillbirth was mentioned and I couldn't continue the conversation so I know how upsetting it can be) but just try follow the guidance on diet and work with the consultant and all should be fine. If anything I was happy they were keeping a closer eye on me towards the end, had an extra scan and appointments. I hope all goes well for you!

I completely understand but do you know what you'll be absolutely fine I had this can't remember what week but they really support you, give all the advice/medications you need, weekly appointments and regular scans, I had every 2 weeks. If there is anything at all they will catch it quick and fix it, don't worry

If you listen to podcasts, have a look at 'The midwives cauldron' and the episode is called 'Gestational diabetes: The pregnancy perspective'.
A really good podcast for evidence based information!

A few years since I had it but there was a brilliant fb group and website called Gestational diabetes UK which gave diet advice. I was diagnosed at about 32 weeks too, went on insulin and the low carb high fat diet very quickly and blood sugar was pretty well controlled from then on. Baby was fine when born and no bigger than baby no 1 had been.

I also felt a lot better when it was under control, I hadn't realised how truly awful it was making me feel.

Wish you best of luck and don't worry too much - there's plenty of time to get it sorted with the right treatment.