Gestational diabetes questions - 37 weeks pregnant

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At 36 weeks my baby measured 8lb 5oz. Midwife told me to track my blood sugar for a week to see if I had gestational diabetes - was never tested before. She gave me the kit to do this and a leaflet and said ring on Monday if you get high readings - which I am going to do tomorrow but just wondering if anyone on here has an similar experience.

*I’ve only been testing for 2.5 days. I know growth scans can be off but my last baby was 9lb so I think it won’t be too far off.

My fasting levels on a morning have both been 5. After some meals I get 6-7. I’ve then had a reading of 7.8, 10.2 and 9.5 - hence why I will ring diabetes nurse tomorrow.

But what will they actually do? Will I get put on medication? Offered induction? Diet controlled? I know it’ll be different for every trust but I’d just like to what others options were. I’ll be 37 weeks on Tues.

I do have another growth scan booked in for 38+3.

I assume they would get you on a diabetes diet (low carb, low sugar, high protein, high fat). That’s what they did when I found out I had it about 34 weeks, I was never tested either so probably had before that. My blood sugar came right down with diet

You might be offered induction as 37 weeks is considered full term particularly in diabetics.
I am a diabetic and was induced at 37 weeks, many years ago.
also induction would possibly be considered an effective treatment for gestational diabetes when you are already 37 weeks rather than medication

Diet management probably. Ask the midwife.

Thank you. I am so worried that I have had it a lot longer also and it has just gone undiagnosed - not sure how it can affect baby.

Hi, as I said I will be asking in the morning when they are available. Was just wondering others experiences :)

I’m sure will be ok, don’t panic. They just tested my babies blood sugar a few times after she was born to make sure she was all ok, which she was. Something to do with them getting low blood sugar after birth, but all was fine!

Did you have to stay in hospital longer after the birth for this?

No we only stayed one night, had her at 7am and stayed that night although they did say I could leave same day, I was just too scared and didn’t know what to do with a newborn 🤣 think they just tested when she was born and a few hours later and was normal

Gestational diabetes - NHS
Gestational Diabetes UK | Support, Food & Blood Sugar Guidance

Not much tbh..you are close to FT.

My 2p
Cut out all sugar reduce carbs to sweet potato or wholemeal.

walk for 15mins post meal (this is insanely effective)

When your baby is born make sure the baby gets his blood sugars tested (set timers it should be 2 and 4 hrs post birth).
It'll likely be fine but if they are low and wont come up get face 2 face with a registrar, get your baby examined and into NICU asap.

I was blazé as my first baby was fine despite GD. I was discharged in under 24 jrs and she was super healthy.
Second was a different story... they forgot to take his sugars and we were just jazzed i was alive / dodnt need GA for the ELCS so werent on the ball. It was only.because I kept calling the midwife because I felt.somethong was wrong and one realised theyd missed it. When they checked the blood sugar reading was 0.1... the registrar won't come and said to offer more milk... without a decent midwives advocating for me we'd have been in trouble.
Youngest is absolutely.f9ne too now but nicu was crap ngl....

I changed my diet and that did manage my gestational diabetes, I panicked when I was first diagnosed but they diet really wasn’t that bad at all. The gestational diabetes UK website is so helpful so definitely check that out

If you can control your sugars for a week or so before delivery, then it reduces the risk of your babies blood sugar being low after birth.
Induction is recommended by 5 days after your due date, a little bit earlier than otherwise. You would normally stay in hospital for 24 hrs after delivery.

if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes then you have an up to 50% risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the next 5 years. You should have an HbA1c checked annually via your GP or if you are planning another pregnancy. Ask your GP if you can be referred for intervention to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes after delivery.