Please come and reassure me about Metformin.

[nobodysfool]

I'm 36 weeks tom and have got gestational diabetes I'm having a planned section at 39 weeks.
So far i have been able to control it with diet but my levels have started creeping up and my consultant is keen to put me on Metformin for the final two weeks to lessen the chance of lo going into shock after they are born.
I have to go back and see her next week in the vain hope that it has been the virus i had making the levels go up.
I would prefer not to have medication as i'm a little nervous about taking anything whilst pregnant but if its best for the baby it goes without saying i will do it.
Do you have any words of advice please to put my mind at rest that it really wont do the baby any harm.

I don't know about that particular medication. However, no-one wants to take any type medication when pregnant (or when not pregnant for that matter) but unfortunately life isn't that simple. If a consultant thinks it is the best thing for you and baby then you need to follow their advice.

Hi. I was on metformin for 8 weeks at the end of my pregnancy and have just given birth a week ago to 7lb 2oz Fraser. The most important thing is to get your blood sugars under control before going into labour, then keeping them under control whilst labouring. If you can do this, it means that the baby is less likely to have any problems when born. My wee boy had heel prick tests (like our finger prick tests) before and after every feed in the hospital for 24 hours to make sure that his blood sugar levels were over 3.0 - which they were. The key for babies is apparently frequent feeding to stabilise their sugar levels.
If it means taking metformin for a couple of weeks to keep you both healthy, then go for it. I've certainly not had any bad experiences from it (although I appreciate that others might have) and Fraser is a very healthy wee boy.

Brettgirl2-Thanks for replying.
Thanks heathersmummy-congratulations on your ds.
It's reassuring that you have had a healthy baby and there were no problems.Did they mention to you if bf or ff was 'better' for the frequent feeds?
You must be over the moon to have a new baby for christmas-i hope you have a wonderful christmas and a very happy new year.

Anybody else got any positive stories please?

Hello

From a slightly different perspective, I was taking Metformin when I conceived (for PCOS) and wanted to keep taking it as it allegedly reduces the risk of miscarriage in 1st trimester with PCOS women. Doctors wouldnt let me but I know it is often used for this reason in US and by some UK doctors.

I'd say risk of GD is worse for you and baby than any side effects from the metformin for you and baby...The doctors do sometimes know what they are doing

The only thing you may find is that it gives you an upset stomach or nausea but can live with that...

Good luck

PS I took it for first 6 wks with no issues...

Hi -

I took Metformin for the same reason as GYo, up until 12 weeks (I'm now 32 + 3). If you do take it, watch your diet as it can cause icky side effects (reduce carbs, and if you take more than one tablet, spread them out through the day).

I'm sure it's fine. After all, some women have to inject throughout pregnancy due to diabetes - and taking Metformin is definitely a better alternative than not taking it and having complications...