Gestational Diabetes?

[juhnayrae]

I posted this in 2nd trimester, but thought maybe you ladies in 3rd tri would have some insight as well. I just took my one hour gestational diabetes test yesterday and my midwife office called to tell me that I failed it. I have to go in again on Tuesday to take the 3 hour test and get 4 blood draws. She said if I fail 2 of the 4 blood draws then I'll be officially diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

This came as a bit of a shock and she didn't really explain anything other than instructions for taking the test (where to go, who to call, how long to fast, etc.) but not what will happen if I am indeed diagnosed.

Has anyone else been diagnosed in the past or is currently dealing with this? I read general information that I'll have to change my diet, excercise more, check my sugars, and manage my insulin, which is all fine, let's be honest it's healthier and my mom is actually a diabetic, (I'm adopted though, so no correlation there) so I'm very familiar with everything to do with the diabetic lifestyle, but not when it comes to pregnancy. Will I be considered high-risk? What does it mean for my baby? Will I still be able to deliver naturally?

I'd appreciate any information you might have! I know there's the chance that I might not be diagnosed, but I'd really like to start mentally and emotionally preparing for it if I am.

 

[anamchara]

I had GD with my last pregnancy. The MW told me it was borderline and I didn't have to go on a special diet or anything, which was bad advice. I know with GD you have to stay away from sugars and carbs, eat healthy, exercise. I had my son at 37 weeks vaginally but he had complications from the GD because it wasn't controlled. He ended up being 9 lbs and very bloated looking at birth. He spent five days in NICU for low blood sugar because of my GD, then developed jaundice after they got his blood sugar under control.

If you do have GD, just make sure to follow all of the doctor's instructions, see a nutritionist, and all should be ok. I've heard of complications even from well controlled GD tho so good luck.

 

[Harley Quinn]

I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago. My numbers were borderline, but they still sent me to a diabetes clinic for a "workshop" where we learned how to test our blood sugar and what to eat and not eat, that sort of thing. It's really not too bad. I knew I needed to start eating better and exercising anyway, so it's really good motivation for that. Ha!

Anyway, as far as what it means for the rest of the pregnancy and delivery, my doctor has said I will only go for another u/s if I start measuring really big or really small. I suppose every doctor is different, but I'm glad mine isn't being alarmist about it. She also said that if I gain 5-10 more pounds for the rest of the pregnancy, that's okay; but if I stay the same or even lose a few pounds, that's okay too.

Basically, if you are diagnosed and you change your diet/lifestyle accordingly, you probably won't be considered high-risk unless something suddenly indicates otherwise (your measurements or weight, etc.). You should be able to deliver naturally as long as the baby doesn't get too big (and women with GD do tend to have bigger babies, but that doesn't mean they can't come out naturally).

The baby should be fine as long as you eat enough good food to provide it the nutrients it needs. And they might check his/her glucose levels at birth. Apparently kids whose moms had GD are at higher risk for getting diabetes, so that's something to be aware of.

And lastly, women with GD are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, so you will be sent for another GTT between 6 weeks and 6 months PP.

Phew! I think that's all I know. Oh, and don't go researching "Gestational diabetes and complications" or anything like that! No need to freak yourself out. If you are diagnosed, you can discuss all of that with your doctor.

 

[Amberyll23]

I had GD with my first pregnancy (and I don't have it with this one).

After my diagnosis, I was assigned a personal dietician whom I met with and spoke to on a weekly basis. I had to test my sugars 4 times a day and report the readings once a week to the dietician. At first I was able to control my levels with diet alone; however, as the pregnancy progressed, my fasting levels got out of control, so I had to do insulin shots (there is a pill option as well, but I declined it due to the lack of adequate testing and possible risks). My insulin was then adjusted accordingly as my levels required.

I also had to follow along with Maternal/Fetal Medicine (specialist doctors for risk pregnancies), and had a few appointments with them on top of my obgyn appointments.

At week 32, I had to start going for bi-weekly NSTs to monitor the baby's heartbeat to make sure it was ok, and I also had ultrasounds every 3-4 weeks starting at week 26 or so to monitor the baby's growth (as GD babies can be large, especially if the GD is not managed properly).

They also induced me at week 39 instead of letting me to go week 40. My little girl was born perfectly healthy, weighing an average weight of 7lbs, 14 oz. They tested both her sugars and mine after her birth, and we were both back to normal.

3 and 6 months post-partum I had to be checked to see if I developed Type II diabetes, and I had not. There is also an increased risk that you will have GD with future pregnancies but, as I said above, I did not get it with this pregnancy, and I have been tested multiple times for it!

Good luck to you and I hope you pass your 3 hour!!

 

[Barhanita]

I failed my 1 hour tests, but passed the second. So it really doesn't mean that you gonna fail it!

 

[chulie]

I just wanted to be a very positive GD story for you in case you do have it.

I was a super healthy BMI of 22 when I got pregnant. I was a runner, ate healthy..did it all right. My whole pregnancy I only gained 30lbs...so when I failed BOTH sugar test..not just borderline..totally BOMBED my numbers my dr was beyond shocked because she assured me I would pass the second one.

Anyways, I went for regular monitoring..always had super low blood sugars..but still. I monitored religiously, kept eating the way I did and added extra walks as I got bigger after dinner to help with digestion just in case. I didn't have to change much because of how I already ate but I still kept on top of it and went for regular monitoring

I gave birth to a tiny 6lbs 10oz peanut. I was 2 days overdue. Delivered on my own with no intervention and my daughters sugars were tested every 3 hours and she was totally healthy. I had no lasting issues and no diabetes post baby.

Do not stress. Learning you have GD is what you make it. It can be a great tool to ensure you have a totally healthy baby!!!