Gestational Diabetes diagnosis

[Rach27]

Hi everyone,

So on Thurs I was diagnosed with GD, which did come as a bit of a shock as I had no symptoms, have a healthy diet am slim and have a low BMI (20.6). I do, however, have a family history (Auntie and Grandma had type 2) and I do experience what I thought might be 'sugar lows' from time to time. I don't favour sugary foods and I find it hard to digest carbs generally so don't eat a lot of either.

My fasting glucose was 4.1mmol/L and the result two hours after the glucose drink was 8.5mmol/L (should be < 7.8mmol/L).

I was referred to the diabetes team at the hospital and given my own testing kit (very cool machine!!) and so far all the results are well below target - when I woke this morning before breaky I was only 2.9mmol/L!!!

I'm happy now it's been spotted and seems controlable but I have a few concerns I hope you can help with.

At an U/S scan yesterday, the baby was measuring a bit small (by about a week). I thought GD could cause the babies to grow bigger than gestation??? The specialist midwife has told me they want me to have the closest to a natural birth as possible but won't let me go overdue. Why is this? When I asked if they induced every GD woman, she said yes and there were a few cases where women had refused and for two of these, the babies were stillborn even though their GD was seemingly under control!

I am happy to have an induction (they think this will happen around 39 weeks) as long as he's ready but I'm not sure how bringing labout forward a week would mitigate the risk of still birth??? Anyone?

Also, can the sugar lows I'm having (like the 2.9 this morning) harm my baby at all? I realise they might if I fainted, although, touch woood, this won't happen.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I see an OB next week at the hospital to talk about delivery options.

Thanks ladies x

 

[Rach27]

Anyone?

 

[xerinx]

Hi everyone,

So on Thurs I was diagnosed with GD, which did come as a bit of a shock as I had no symptoms, have a healthy diet am slim and have a low BMI (20.6). I do, however, have a family history (Auntie and Grandma had type 2) and I do experience what I thought might be 'sugar lows' from time to time. I don't favour sugary foods and I find it hard to digest carbs generally so don't eat a lot of either.

My fasting glucose was 4.1mmol/L and the result two hours after the glucose drink was 8.5mmol/L (should be < 7.8mmol/L).

I was referred to the diabetes team at the hospital and given my own testing kit (very cool machine!!) and so far all the results are well below target - when I woke this morning before breaky I was only 2.9mmol/L!!!

I'm happy now it's been spotted and seems controlable but I have a few concerns I hope you can help with.

At an U/S scan yesterday, the baby was measuring a bit small (by about a week). I thought GD could cause the babies to grow bigger than gestation??? The specialist midwife has told me they want me to have the closest to a natural birth as possible but won't let me go overdue. Why is this? When I asked if they induced every GD woman, she said yes and there were a few cases where women had refused and for two of these, the babies were stillborn even though their GD was seemingly under control!

I am happy to have an induction (they think this will happen around 39 weeks) as long as he's ready but I'm not sure how bringing labout forward a week would mitigate the risk of still birth??? Anyone?

Also, can the sugar lows I'm having (like the 2.9 this morning) harm my baby at all? I realise they might if I fainted, although, touch woood, this won't happen.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I see an OB next week at the hospital to talk about delivery options.

Thanks ladies x

They induce you as the placenta starts to deteriate so they bring you forward to reduce the chance of that happening.

Sugars if low wont effect baby but will you. When mine are below 4 i go into hypo and need sugar asap.

Ive had gd in 4 pregnancies now. My first had abdominal problems which they ended up blaming on undiagnosed gd and she passed away at 19 weeks.
My 2nd i had at 38 weeks via section after failure to progress through induction.
My 3rd i had at 38 weeks via section and with this one they are giving me another section at 38 weeks.

My 2 ended up in scbu after birth due to low sugars, my DS was in for 3 days while my DD was only in for a night.And they do tend to be bigger babies. My DS was 9lb 1/2oz and DD was 8lb 13 1/2 oz.

If you have any other questions i will try to help you as much as i can hun

 

[Rach27]

They induce you as the placenta starts to deteriate so they bring you forward to reduce the chance of that happening.

Sugars if low wont effect baby but will you. When mine are below 4 i go into hypo and need sugar asap.

Ive had gd in 4 pregnancies now. My first had abdominal problems which they ended up blaming on undiagnosed gd and she passed away at 19 weeks.
My 2nd i had at 38 weeks via section after failure to progress through induction.
My 3rd i had at 38 weeks via section and with this one they are giving me another section at 38 weeks.

My 2 ended up in scbu after birth due to low sugars, my DS was in for 3 days while my DD was only in for a night.And they do tend to be bigger babies. My DS was 9lb 1/2oz and DD was 8lb 13 1/2 oz.

If you have any other questions i will try to help you as much as i can hun

Thanks for that. Have to admit I am rather confused!

At my growth scan last week (@ 30+6 weeks), they measured:

- Head circumference
- Abdominal circumference
- Femur length
- Amniotic fluid
- Cord flow

HC and AC were measuring around 30 weeks (if slightly more than gestation) and the legs were at 32 weeks. The amniotic fluid was bang on normal at 12 ish and the cord blood flow was good.

My fundal height had been measuring spot on as well and I'm glad the baby isn't looking huge but I'm confused about the inproportionate measurements a tad. As far as I understood it, a small belly can indicate the baby is lacking in nutrients (as in perhaps if I suffered from low blood sugar??). I was worried my placenta might not be functioning but the output looked great and the result was was neither conducive with IUGR or Macrosomia....

Is the small AC measurement anything to worry about???

 

[xerinx]

They induce you as the placenta starts to deteriate so they bring you forward to reduce the chance of that happening.

Sugars if low wont effect baby but will you. When mine are below 4 i go into hypo and need sugar asap.

Ive had gd in 4 pregnancies now. My first had abdominal problems which they ended up blaming on undiagnosed gd and she passed away at 19 weeks.
My 2nd i had at 38 weeks via section after failure to progress through induction.
My 3rd i had at 38 weeks via section and with this one they are giving me another section at 38 weeks.

My 2 ended up in scbu after birth due to low sugars, my DS was in for 3 days while my DD was only in for a night.And they do tend to be bigger babies. My DS was 9lb 1/2oz and DD was 8lb 13 1/2 oz.

If you have any other questions i will try to help you as much as i can hun

Thanks for that. Have to admit I am rather confused!

At my growth scan last week (@ 30+6 weeks), they measured:

- Head circumference
- Abdominal circumference
- Femur length
- Amniotic fluid
- Cord flow

HC and AC were measuring around 30 weeks (if slightly more than gestation) and the legs were at 32 weeks. The amniotic fluid was bang on normal at 12 ish and the cord blood flow was good.

My fundal height had been measuring spot on as well and I'm glad the baby isn't looking huge but I'm confused about the inproportionate measurements a tad. As far as I understood it, a small belly can indicate the baby is lacking in nutrients (as in perhaps if I suffered from low blood sugar??). I was worried my placenta might not be functioning but the output looked great and the result was was neither conducive with IUGR or Macrosomia....

Is the small AC measurement anything to worry about???

Its not too small hun tbh near enough your dates so i wouldnt worry. I had growth scan today 34+2 and my LOs ac is 40+ weeks, hc is 40+ weeks and fl is 37+ weeks and he is massive!!7lb14 already.

Im having him early due to the pain he is causing me.

But your LO seems to be doing great hun. If they were worried at all they would let you know

 

[Teel]

Hiya

I had undiagnosed GD- my measurements were always fine with the midwife until the final few weeks- I had the GD test and no follow up and my mwife had reassured me no news is good news, so i carried on as normal. This wasnt the case- the hospital failed to send me a follow up letter to discuss my GD- nehows fast foward until 39weeks + 5 days- yep pretty much full term- I went in for a check up and a growth scan. To my utter shock and complete surprise I was told my lil girl would be weghing in between 9.5 lbs to 11.5 lbs- the decision was made for an elective section- everything went as planned- 10lb 7 oz my little girl had weighed in- a heffer of a baby!

The aftermath of the section had raised my blood pressure to stroke levels- my GD follow up was fine but was told i am at risk of developing diabetes at later life. My little girl was tested clear- thank goodness.

There was one thing that happened, but i dont want to scare you.
My little girl had her routine check up and on the day of release to go home, my heart broke. The docs had checked her chest and told me she had a heart murmor- I was devastated to say the least- she had more tests done, hooked up on blood pressure machine- being told this and that about my newborn. Nehws, fast forward a few agonising weeks- returned for a check up- found out it wasnt a murmor in the end- was told that due to my GD it causes one of the arterys not to close up completelty causing a slight murmor. The check up found the artery closed up a little later than normal.
Again its not to scare you, just to share my story.

Hope that gives you an insight

 

[Rach27]

Its not too small hun tbh near enough your dates so i wouldnt worry. I had growth scan today 34+2 and my LOs ac is 40+ weeks, hc is 40+ weeks and fl is 37+ weeks and he is massive!!7lb14 already.

Im having him early due to the pain he is causing me.

But your LO seems to be doing great hun. If they were worried at all they would let you know

Thank you for your words of reassurance I was arriving at that conclusion (just takes me a while sometimes!) We see the specialist tomorrow and then I guess we'll have another growth scan in a few weeks. Bubs seems oblivious too all the fuss any how which is the main thing!

When are you being induced? Bet you're looking forward to have that weight lifted off (so to speak!).

xxx

 

[xerinx]

Im meant to be having a section at 38 weeks on 15th feb but with him being sooo big and me in so much pain i see consultant next week to either have him at 35/36/37 weeks depending on how im managing. I wanna wait til 36 weeks if poss

 

[Rach27]

Im meant to be having a section at 38 weeks on 15th feb but with him being sooo big and me in so much pain i see consultant next week to either have him at 35/36/37 weeks depending on how im managing. I wanna wait til 36 weeks if poss

All the best of luck with everything! Keep me posted

 

[xerinx]

Thanks hun and i shall do

 

[Rach27]

LOL - my blood glucose levels have been so good, the nurse had to double check I'd been eating enough!!!! S'pose that's a good thing. Have another growth scan in just over a week. All the best!

 

[xerinx]

Good luck with that am sure you and LO will be fine hun... I see consultant on tues to see when this LO will be escaping!!

My sugars have been ok last few weeks but i have really bad morning sickness still and can only eat ham sandwiches and drink pepsi... i know exactlty how much insulin i need for that as having it every meal

Cant wait to eat proper again!! Ive tried eating hot food but im sick straight away! Even tho im on anti sickness pills!! This LO just wants to make sure i know hes boss!!!

 

[Laura80]

LOL - my blood glucose levels have been so good, the nurse had to double check I'd been eating enough!!!! S'pose that's a good thing. Have another growth scan in just over a week. All the best!

What have your numbers been like? I'm going for my check up on Tuesday and I'm worried in case my numbers aren't low enough. The highest I had was 8.1 last night, ok so I had a chinese takeaway, but apart from that all the other results have been normal, a few 7.2s but generally 6s.

And how did the nurse get your results? Do they check your meter or just see what you have written down? My DH and my dad have had a few tries on my meter so I'm worried they'll ask about the extra numbers, one of which was very high, my dad was 9.6 at one stage. I hope they don't think I'm lying about my results.

Sorry to bother you, but I have so many questions.

 

[Rach27]

LOL - my blood glucose levels have been so good, the nurse had to double check I'd been eating enough!!!! S'pose that's a good thing. Have another growth scan in just over a week. All the best!

What have your numbers been like? I'm going for my check up on Tuesday and I'm worried in case my numbers aren't low enough. The highest I had was 8.1 last night, ok so I had a chinese takeaway, but apart from that all the other results have been normal, a few 7.2s but generally 6s.

And how did the nurse get your results? Do they check your meter or just see what you have written down? My DH and my dad have had a few tries on my meter so I'm worried they'll ask about the extra numbers, one of which was very high, my dad was 9.6 at one stage. I hope they don't think I'm lying about my results.

Sorry to bother you, but I have so many questions.

Hi Laura,

Mine average around 4.0mmol/L just before a meal and 6.0mmol/L one hour afterwards. They're supposed to be less than 5.8 and 7.8 respectively. The lowest reading I have had was first thing in the morning at 2.9 and the highest after seeing what my sugary cereal actually does to me(!) at 7.2.

The nurse just looks at what I've written but the machine stores them so she could check if she wanted to.

Your levels sound fine. If they were consistantly high then that might mean you need some extra help (i.e. insulin). Try not to worry

 

[RainbowYellow]

so glad someone else wasn't diagnosed to late...I'm 33 weeks today and being sent for my glucose tolerance test on 8th feb (I'll be 34 weeks then).

 

[Rach27]

It's better to catch it and make sure the levels are under control IMHO.

I had a scan today which showed LO was growing perfectly - even had a wee growth spurt (he was measuring a teeny bit small two weeks ago). Fluid, placenta output and heart rate are all normal and he weighs about 2.2kgs (5lbs). So I feel much better about things now. I see the OB in just over a week to discuss my delivery options.

I have never hit my sugar target (although came close after some ciabatta the other night) and I actually like the feeling of control testing my blood gives me.

Best of luck.

 

[littleblonde]

I had my GTT at 28 weeks which i passed. But my baby is growing on the large side now. At 35 weeks she is 7lbs. My consultant said that abig baby along with the fact that my waters are on the high side of normal (but still normal) means i may have GD. But she is not testing me again. I asked if it would cause my baby problems as i had heard about still birth,. She said it wouldnt. Im having a section around 39 weeks due to breach baby. But im really worried now. Even though consultant said not to.

 

[darkheaven77]

i got gd and on insilin and they keep raising it as sugar levels are high baby is big but not allowed to be induced isnt that dangerouse ?

 

[dom85]

Sounds like you're doing well with your sugars.

I was diagnosed with GD at 28 weeks and was induced at 38 weeks. Brady had low blood sugar when he was born, and had to have formula as he was too tired from the birth (very long labour) to BF. He didn't have to go to special care though.

I would just prepare yourself for the fact that you might end up having a c section, the risk is higher when you're being induced early. After 5 days of them trying to induce me my waters finally broke themselves but I only got to 5cm, I just think my body wasn't ready for labour and I had to have a section.

 

[BLONDIE35]

I had GD and needed to inject insulin with my 1st baby. They're not meant to let you go beyond 40 weeks as this could be dangerous. Anyhow I had failed inductions as body wasn't ready and ended up having a C-Section which was fine. My little girl weighed 6lb 12ozs so she wasn't big at all. I know they get very concerned if you have a large baby and are likely to perform a c-section if this is the case.