Gestational Diabetes....

[Pixelle]

Thank you!

I've been up since 4am as I couldn't sleep. Got sooo many things on my mind but didn't think I'd be worried about the scan as the last one was ok. Seems I have a mixture of stuff in my head and need to get a grip!

 

[Pixelle]

I had my scan. The last one as they don't want to scan me again as baby is measuring well. He's slightly lower than average at the moment, but all his measurements are good
I've got to see the obstetrician at 36 weeks for an induction date, which will be around 39 weeks, if baby isn't here before then!

My morning insulin has been put up to 5ml but they're very happy with the way I'm managing the GD.

Hope everyone else is ok

 

[bexyd31]

Hey Everyone,

Sorry I've been a bit quiet - been having a really busy couple of weeks and today is the first time I've had an opportunity to write anything.

I'm ok - well actually, no I'm not, feeling very tearful today!

I went to my diabetes clinic yesterday. My first appointment with diabetes consultant went well - she seemed happy with how I am managing so far by just upping the insulin (which seems to be every 3/4 days or so) everytime my tolerance lowers. I'm still injecting 3 times a day and am now taking 30mls at breakfast, 10mls at lunch and 22mls at dinner. I'm still having random highs every couple of days, but the consultant said this was normal and just due to my placenta hormones increasing as my pregnancy progressing. And unless I have another couple of morning fasting highs she did not want me to start on long lasting insulin.

Then I had to wait to go onto my growth scan...... My baby girl is sooo chubby we could see wrinkles on the back of her neck They are estimating that she is weighing in at a whopping 6.5lbs - thats a 2.4lb growth in 3 weeks The scan lady was a bit panicky as all her measurements were off the centile scale (apart from my amniotic fluid which has decreased thankfully) and I had to go back and see the obstetrician straight away. They have decided to bring me in for CTG monitoring twice a week from 36 weeks to make sure she is doing ok in there....but are still keeping my c-section date as 39 weeks as they feel the longer we can keep her in the better. They are also going to check my liver function weekly as my last lot of blood tests came back ok, but borderline for Obstetric cholestasis.

I, on the other hand, don't feel like the longer we can keep her in the better. I feel like I am failing her and I'm not doing a good job looking after her in my tummy. I honestly can't do any more with my diet, exercise and insulin - I hate GD, its awful If she carrries on growing at this rate I am expecting to have a 11.5lb baby. I know it is my hospital's policy to induce/c-section at 39 weeks, but if I was living 20 miles away she would be coming at 38 weeks, and I know some trusts don't let GD women go past 37 weeks. And today, I just keep freaking out about her lung development, placenta calcification and all sorts. I know that all the things I am thinking are very rare, but I think my blinking hormones are stopping me being rational! I don't think it helps that I am not sleeping well either.

So, feeling really crappy today.....hopefully I will feel better as the day goes on!

Hope everyone else is ok...... Glad your scan went well Pixelle - thats fab news!! (I might have been sat next to you waiting for my scan yesterday....I was in there at about 4.20pm??) and welcome to the new ladies

Sorry for the rant, hope to be more positive next time I post

Bexy x x

 

[Pixelle]

Awww Bexy
Sorry you feel so down. GD is a nightmare, I guess I'm lucky that I'm on minimum insulin etc.

It probably is better for baby to stay in as long as possible, I know it might not seem that way due to potential complications etc but I guess they know what they're talking about. If you're really concerned, maybe you could speak to the obstetrician again? Tell them your fears and maybe they can help you?
I'm probably not being much help, sorry

You're not failing your little one at all. You're doing everything you can to help her as far as I can see. It's just the stupid GD, which you don't really have any control over as far as your body is concerned! I guess at least they're trying to help you and upping the insulin should help too.
Also remember, the weights and measurements etc are a guideline, they're in no way exact. I know that might not help much but lots of ladies are told they're going to have a big baby and it turns out they don't.

I'm being checked for liver function because of severe itching, I'll get the results soon for Obstetric cholestasis, so I know what you're going through there.

I was with my mum yesterday, we arrived about 4.20 so you probably did see me! I was in such a rush to get there, I forgot my notes So was slightly stressed out! My mum isn't the most reassuring person in the world so that was stressing me out too As it was, I had to wait 40 minutes to be scanned so needn't have rushed about trying to get through traffic!

I hope you'll be okay Bexy. If you ever want to rant/talk, you can PM me. I can't promise I'll be helpful as I'm crap at advice etc but I'll listen to you

----------------------------------------------------------

I feel a bit bad about my happier news as I know others aren't as lucky as me. Though to be honest, the past month has been the worst for me. I'm still being monitored for hypertension/pre-eclampsia, have had protein in my urine for 5 weeks, have SPD (finally been referred to physio today) and now being tested for Obstetric cholestasis! I'm still worried about the GD as it can get worse but I'm trying to stay stress free!
Our buying a house has fallen through so we won't be buying for at least 6 months now. I may have to move out temporarily for 2 weeks with baby when he's born, as our flat needs doing up and the guys coming to do it might not be here before baby is born.....moan/whinge/moan! I know it's all inconsequential when it comes to health of baby but it's one of many things on my mind. Just got to try and see the positive things I guess

Hope everyone else is okay

 

[bexyd31]

Hey Everyone,

Sorry I've been a little quiet lately - I think I have been really struggling these past couple of weeks and haven't really felt in a BNB mood - I feel more like I'm a medical experiment than a pregnant lady lol!

Thank you for all of your support and your lovely reply Pixelle . Poor you too, sending over some big big, you sound like your having a really difficult time. So sorry to hear about your house falling through, thats really pants. Any news on your OC and PE?? I hope the physio is helping with your SPD too. Hopefully your GD is still being controlled? The good news is we don't have too much longer to go And, it was you then last week at the scan, I was sat right next to you with my mum too....maybe I should have said Hello! x x

My GD is still all over the place - I've had two hypo's one on Sunday and one when I was in town on my own yesterday (very scary) so have decreased my morning insulin today from 42mls to 40 mls and guess what....I have had a high after breakfast again (which was one slice of soya and linseed toast with hummous on it - random for brekkie I know but its what I fancied)!

I can't get hold of Penny (Diabetic midwife) so have left a message for her to call me. And from now on I am carrying dextrose tablets with me everywhere!!!! I am still getting at least one random blood sugar high each day (??) and I know I can't eat enough for what my body needs right now without having highs. The last two nights I have woken up at 4am starving and had to get up and eat a banana and have a glass of milk!! I am seeing Diabetic Team next weds at clinic, so maybe they will have some bright ideas of what to do next.....

Also my hands started to REALLY REALLY itch from yesterday, so am just about to go to the GP's and get another blood test to see if I know if my ALT levels have increased and I whether I now need treatment for Obstetric cholestasis.

Still, being postive after my trip into town yesterday, I know have all that I need to pack mine and LO's hospital bags so will do that this PM and I sorted out LO's nursery this week too, washed all her clothes (and packed away all the little newborn vests etc as I know they wont fit her LOL!). I still need to find curtains/decoration for her room though - I can't seem to find any I like.

So I am feeling a little more organised for her arrival, I really can't wait

Hope everyone else is doing ok

Bexy x x

 

[Pixelle]

Hey Bexy

Sorry you're still not feeling great
I was at clinic yesterday and on the board it said Penny was away....so maybe that's why you can't get hold of her?
There was someone else in covering for her though, so maybe you could ring the main number and speak to someone?

With regards to hypos and highs, I've had a few hypos and some highs but they've just discharged me from clinic! The consultant did say that if I was concerned I should phone Penny but that all in all, my Blood Sugars are ok on average and that a hypo or high here or there isn't going to harm baby. I have had high results at least once a day but with my insulin being put up that has sorted it out, then I got hypos and had to eat chocolate! She did explain that sometimes body needs more sugar etc and to up insulin by 1 or 2 ml's at next dose to counteract the high. Not sure I'm making sense but that's what she's told me to do now I'm not going to clinic anymore.

I understand how worrying it is but I've rationalised it in my mind now. It's not like I'm eating KFC and McDonalds every day....or even anything high fat/sugar etc. A high once a day isn't going to make much difference, as long as the rest of the readings are ok and I'm getting enough to eat. Now I'm more aware about what I can and can't eat, I try to stick to it but sometimes something "safe" will shoot my readings up....and there's nothing I can do about it except plan the rest of my days meals properly. Maybe I'm not being much help to you but in my mind, it helps me get through the highs and days

Good luck with the clinic and with the Obstetric Cholestasis

Really glad you're feeling positive about your baby's arrival and have things ready I'm trying to find curtains too but can't seem to see any I like!

As for me, like I said, I've been discharged from clinic so that's a positive. I still need to see the obstetrician in 2 weeks time to sort out an induction date.

I had my blood results back on Friday and my midwife called me telling me I had to go to the hospital straight away. That really scared me!
I was strapped to a monitor for an hour and they asked me loads of questions etc. Baby is okay though and they wanted me to have repeat bloods this week, which is what I've been doing today.
My bloods last week did show raised ALT or something but they wanted to wait a week before testing again.

Had a complete meltdown when seeing the midwife today. 2 of them tried both arms to get blood but they couldn't do it so told me I had to go to the general hospital to get them done, today. Baby has also moved position and is slightly back to back....not great but there is time for him to move

I was crying like an idiot at my appointment! I think I've had enough of problems now and just want everything to be ok, just for once!
I really hate going to the general. My Dad died there 18 months ago after a long battle with cancer, so I was there every day for nearly a year and going there now just brings it all back....I very nearly didn't go but had to put on a brave face for the sake of my baby.
Anyway, I get my results tomorrow, so we'll see if I have OC then.

Pre-eclampsia is still being monitored, though my BP has come down, so that's another positive!

Still not been contacted by physio yet. SPD is really hurting me now! My friend is bringing over some crutches for me to try tomorrow, so hopefully that will help.

I can't wait for baby to arrive! Still no where near organised. I'm doing my hospital bag this weekend and getting the last bits and pieces but the flat is still a complete mess as we're still waiting for the work to be done. I just have to try to be patient I guess!
Really, really want baby's room sorted though. Might suggest to OH that we finish it this weekend, workmen or no workmen!

That was an epic post! It's made me feel a bit better though, getting it all out

 

[kazzywazzy]

Hi All,

I have been following this thread for a while as I have had mild GD which i have been controlling through diet.

I havent read the postings over the last week or so, as i have given birth to a beautiful baby boy called Thomas! He arrived a little early at 36.4 weeks but is doing really well. He had a number of blood sugar tests since birth and these have all come back fine. I just wanted to share some positive news with you all, as i can remember how worrying GD can be. It wasnt easy controlling my diet, but it all turned out good!

Good luck to all you ladies and stay positive! xxxx

 

[bexyd31]

Hey Bexy

Sorry you're still not feeling great
I was at clinic yesterday and on the board it said Penny was away....so maybe that's why you can't get hold of her?
There was someone else in covering for her though, so maybe you could ring the main number and speak to someone?

With regards to hypos and highs, I've had a few hypos and some highs but they've just discharged me from clinic! The consultant did say that if I was concerned I should phone Penny but that all in all, my Blood Sugars are ok on average and that a hypo or high here or there isn't going to harm baby. I have had high results at least once a day but with my insulin being put up that has sorted it out, then I got hypos and had to eat chocolate! She did explain that sometimes body needs more sugar etc and to up insulin by 1 or 2 ml's at next dose to counteract the high. Not sure I'm making sense but that's what she's told me to do now I'm not going to clinic anymore.

I understand how worrying it is but I've rationalised it in my mind now. It's not like I'm eating KFC and McDonalds every day....or even anything high fat/sugar etc. A high once a day isn't going to make much difference, as long as the rest of the readings are ok and I'm getting enough to eat. Now I'm more aware about what I can and can't eat, I try to stick to it but sometimes something "safe" will shoot my readings up....and there's nothing I can do about it except plan the rest of my days meals properly. Maybe I'm not being much help to you but in my mind, it helps me get through the highs and days

Good luck with the clinic and with the Obstetric Cholestasis

Really glad you're feeling positive about your baby's arrival and have things ready I'm trying to find curtains too but can't seem to see any I like!

As for me, like I said, I've been discharged from clinic so that's a positive. I still need to see the obstetrician in 2 weeks time to sort out an induction date.

I had my blood results back on Friday and my midwife called me telling me I had to go to the hospital straight away. That really scared me!
I was strapped to a monitor for an hour and they asked me loads of questions etc. Baby is okay though and they wanted me to have repeat bloods this week, which is what I've been doing today.
My bloods last week did show raised ALT or something but they wanted to wait a week before testing again.

Had a complete meltdown when seeing the midwife today. 2 of them tried both arms to get blood but they couldn't do it so told me I had to go to the general hospital to get them done, today. Baby has also moved position and is slightly back to back....not great but there is time for him to move

I was crying like an idiot at my appointment! I think I've had enough of problems now and just want everything to be ok, just for once!
I really hate going to the general. My Dad died there 18 months ago after a long battle with cancer, so I was there every day for nearly a year and going there now just brings it all back....I very nearly didn't go but had to put on a brave face for the sake of my baby.
Anyway, I get my results tomorrow, so we'll see if I have OC then.

Pre-eclampsia is still being monitored, though my BP has come down, so that's another positive!

Still not been contacted by physio yet. SPD is really hurting me now! My friend is bringing over some crutches for me to try tomorrow, so hopefully that will help.

I can't wait for baby to arrive! Still no where near organised. I'm doing my hospital bag this weekend and getting the last bits and pieces but the flat is still a complete mess as we're still waiting for the work to be done. I just have to try to be patient I guess!
Really, really want baby's room sorted though. Might suggest to OH that we finish it this weekend, workmen or no workmen!

That was an epic post! It's made me feel a bit better though, getting it all out

Hey Pixelle,

Thats fab news about being discharged from clinic, you sound like you are doing so well with your GD. You really did make me feel better when I read your post this morning Your right, it is about putting GD into context, I can't help it if a banana sends me high when its been fine the day before!....I need to stop flipping out so much . I'll bet you'll pleased to have the whole of your wednesday afternoons back!

I do remember that Penny said she was going away now, I'll call the office number to see if I can have a chat with someone else. After having another hypo yesterday lunchtime, I seem to have managed to level my blood sugars out today - ok, the reduction of my insulin meant I had an 8.1 after dinner last night and a breakfast reading of 8.7 but I just have to think thats not major highs and what else am I meant to do??

I wonder when your induction date will be , I'm already booked in for my c-section on the 10 Nov, unless they decide that I need to go in earlier or my LO decides to make her own entrance into the world! (although I can't see that happening ) Don't worry, you have plenty of time for your LO to move around - if your SPD will allow you too try and spend some time on all fours, that can really help them to turn around.

It must of been a day of not getting blood out as the practice nurse at my GP's butchered me yesterday! Not nice is it, considering all of the other pricking and injecting we have to do anyway lol! I think its completely normal for you to have a day of tears, especially as you have so much going on for you right now I hope your midwife were super supportive and kind to you. And I'm sorry the general has such painful memories for you

I cant imagine having SPD on top of everything else, I hope you get to see physio soon and crutches help a little

My nursery curtains/decorations are still proving a challenge...after a morning searching online there is nothing I like (that does not cost over £200!) I thought because I already have two boys I would love decorating my little girls room.....but I've realised I am really not too keen on pink lol! And everything is blinking pink! It is quite nice though sorting through her bits and getting everything ready, and if you are looking for some nice bargains you might want to have a look in TK Maxx.... I picked up a babasling I wanted for £17 instead of £49.99 in mothercare! I also picked up a changing mat and some super-cute bibs too.

Its really not long for us both now I've told my hubby I want him to feed me a galaxy caramel as soon as the cord is cut LOL!

Take care,

Bexy x x

 

[bexyd31]

Hi All,

I have been following this thread for a while as I have had mild GD which i have been controlling through diet.

I havent read the postings over the last week or so, as i have given birth to a beautiful baby boy called Thomas! He arrived a little early at 36.4 weeks but is doing really well. He had a number of blood sugar tests since birth and these have all come back fine. I just wanted to share some positive news with you all, as i can remember how worrying GD can be. It wasnt easy controlling my diet, but it all turned out good!

Good luck to all you ladies and stay positive! xxxx

Thanks Kazzywazzy, and congratulations! I bet he is scrummy and you are on cloud 9 Thanks for updating us, its lovely hear that all is well with you both.

Bexy x

 

[sarafused]

Congratulations Kazzy!

Sorry to hear you other ladies are having a few problems. On the plus side this GD is short term and will all be forgotten once baby arrives. They are worth it!

Im getting on well with my night time insulin now. Ive learnt the art of checking my blood sugar just before I have it, then adding an extra 2 units if its a bit higher. I only have to check day figures once a week which my fingers are thankful for, Im doing it today but I have a feeling my daytime figures may just have started sneaking past the limits.

Ive got another hospital check tomorrow. I wonder how much little monkey has grown in 3 weeks. Ill be asking the doctor for another internal check, Ive had constant period and backache since yesterday morning thats not shifting with paracetamol. I was 4cm at 32 weeks and Ive a feeling Im going to pop early. If I dont Im probably looking at an induction at 38+4, as Ill get another hospital check the day before. Thats what they did with my first son, checked over one day and in the next.

 

[Mystique26]

Hi ladies. I hope you dont mind me dropping by. I was tested for OGTT yesterday because of sugar trace of +3 in my uring test 2 days ago. Im going back to the doctors next week for a follow up. WHat also worries me is that diabetes runs in my family which maybe made me more prone to GD.

 

[andrea675]

Hi,

Hope everything is making a bit more sense for you now and you feel a bit more reassured. I was diagnosed with GD with my daughter, who is nearly four. I was a really late diagnosis at 35 weeks and only did sugar monitoring and diet for a couple of weeks ( I was induced just before 39 weeks due to BP which had been a problem throughout pregnancy). I'm only 5 ft tall and was terrified that dd would be HUGE- she was a rather nice 7lb 3oz!

One of the worries mentioned was about only being diagnosed late in the 2nd trimester. GD only tends to develop later in pregnancy as the hormonal changes cause increasing insulin resistance and too much sugar can get over to the baby. Insulin resistance is normal in pregnancy, just for some of us we already have risk factors for diabetes (I have PCOS and a family history).

You might only need to make minor changes to your diet to control ( I mourned the loss of chocolate badly with dd! But that was the only thing I changed and I was diet controlled).

I am pregnant again, 36 weeks now and this time I was captured early by the diabetic midwife who imposed the chocolate ban at 16 weeks! I needed insulin this time from 24 weeks and this largely controlled my sugars, although baby measuring a bit bigger this time. The diabetic team that I am under have been great, really helpful and reassuring.

As for big babies, the key is to stop too much sugar getting over to the baby. Most women with GD have regular growth scans in the 3rd trimester to check the babys growth - my hospital do them every two weeks from 28 weeks. I am booked for induction at 38 weeks as baby is measuring big - I was also keen to be induced early and have pushed for this. Many women with GD have normal size babies and natural births.

Hope this helps!

Andrea

 

[andrea675]

Edit - being dumb newbie and replied to old post - d'oh - sorry!

Andrea

 

[CelticNiamh]

Good post though

I had my appointment on Tuesday and was kept in after my blood sugars came back high, so they had me check my sugars my self and they took blood before and after meal over 24 hours my poor arms luckily enough bloods came back good but as this is my 5th pregnancy and I was on insulin at 24 weeks last time and my diabetic midwife thought that I will be on insulin at my next appointment she has me ready to go.

Im doing ok on the diet, but it is hard work! I was so hungry in the hospital the meals were so tiny and spaced apart. kinda think thats why they were so good LOL

strange thing was my monitor read higher readings than what blood showed, but they do say blood test is more acurate. Im just hoping they did not mess up as there was about 6 of us all having the same blood test!

Im really excited though, just booked a 3d scan for the 5th going to find out gender as well.

 

[andrea675]

Hi Niamh,

We found out at 20 weeks this time, took our dd who burst into tears and told the sonographer that she didn't want a boy! Thankfully she is getting used to the idea - keep telling her she won't have to share her clothes, more bathroom time as a teenager etc etc

I've found I've been a lot more hungry this time, altho this week I've just felt fairly nauseous with food, am so big and uncomfy now, but much more chilled for finishing work and not having to rush! Not long now.............

Andrea

 

[Pixelle]

Hello ladies

Just thought I'd pop in this thread to see how everyone is doing?

My levels seem to have gone way down in the last week or so. I saw the diabetic team last week and they said it's normal for levels to go down in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Had a few hypo's but just have to make sure I carry chocolate or something around with me.

I got my induction date last week. I'm booked in for 3rd November....so less than a week to go!

Really, really scared but hoping baby is going to be okay and there are no lasting effects from the GD.

Hope everyone is okay

 

[CelticNiamh]

Hi Niamh,

We found out at 20 weeks this time, took our dd who burst into tears and told the sonographer that she didn't want a boy! Thankfully she is getting used to the idea - keep telling her she won't have to share her clothes, more bathroom time as a teenager etc etc

I've found I've been a lot more hungry this time, altho this week I've just felt fairly nauseous with food, am so big and uncomfy now, but much more chilled for finishing work and not having to rush! Not long now.............

Andrea

ooh I did that when my mum had my brother, but it didnt last long we loved him after that I have been given 2 more weeks diet controlled and if my levels dont come down then insulin, Im ok with that what ever is best for baby makes me happy. Im am still starving, I eat very little and often and if I dont have my snack before bed I wake up in the middle of the night starving. Im trying to advoid keytones and I know if I get any strictor on my diet I will get them, its a hard balancing act.

I also ordered a new meter my old one might be reading a little higher than it should best thing is it was free as well whoo hoo.

Hello ladies

Just thought I'd pop in this thread to see how everyone is doing?

My levels seem to have gone way down in the last week or so. I saw the diabetic team last week and they said it's normal for levels to go down in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Had a few hypo's but just have to make sure I carry chocolate or something around with me.

I got my induction date last week. I'm booked in for 3rd November....so less than a week to go!

Really, really scared but hoping baby is going to be okay and there are no lasting effects from the GD.

Hope everyone is okay

very best of luck with the induction, hopefully cervix is ready to go and it wont take much to get labour going, try not to worry about effects on baby you have controlled your levels and followed the diet so baby will be fine, this is my 5th pregnancy and I have had GD on all of them insulin on two and apart from some low sugars after birth which were easily fixed they are fine healthy children.

 

[sarafused]

I got my induction date last week. I'm booked in for 3rd November....so less than a week to go!

Really, really scared but hoping baby is going to be okay and there are no lasting effects from the GD.

Hope everyone is okay

Ohhh we are likely having our babies on the same day!

I had a hospital appointment on Wednesday and they estimated baby was about 3.7kg already. So they had me in today just to monitor the heartbeat and activity for half an hour. I go back on Tuesday for another monitor and doctor follow up. Ill be induced Wednesday or then Thursday if they have no room. Im really ready for it now!

The induction bit doesnt worry me as I was induced last time and had my son the first day with no intervention or heavy medication/epidural!

 

[Newky]

Hi ladies, for those of you who tried diet control before being put on metformin, at what point did they decide that you should go on the tablets? This is my tenth day monitoring my glucose levels and so far I have had 3 high readings (been monitoring 4 times a day). They arn't terribly high (7.2, 7.4 & 8.2), and I can guess what's caused a couple of them (too much bread!). I have an appoinment with the diabetic midwife and dietician on Tuesday, do you think they will suggest trying metformin? I know being put on the tablets isn't exactly the worst thing that could happen, but it will restrict my labour choices and mean that I won't be able to go over my due date. I was really hoping that I would be able to control this by diet only. Every time I get a high reading I feel like a failure

 

[CelticNiamh]

Hi ladies, for those of you who tried diet control before being put on metformin, at what point did they decide that you should go on the tablets? This is my tenth day monitoring my glucose levels and so far I have had 3 high readings (been monitoring 4 times a day). They arn't terribly high (7.2, 7.4 & 8.2), and I can guess what's caused a couple of them (too much bread!). I have an appoinment with the diabetic midwife and dietician on Tuesday, do you think they will suggest trying metformin? I know being put on the tablets isn't exactly the worst thing that could happen, but it will restrict my labour choices and mean that I won't be able to go over my due date. I was really hoping that I would be able to control this by diet only. Every time I get a high reading I feel like a failure

Those are not to bad of readings, if you know they are a little high because of eating too much bread then tell them, ask for another week and be really strict and see how it goes, you may be lucky and just stick to diet or as the pregnancy progress your body may need extra help it wont be your fault its those hormones

as far as birth choices go, try not to worry I would love to get a chance and go in to natural labour rather than induced this time slim chance I know as have a feeling baby will be big, but that all depends on baby size, I think once baby is happy and not bigger than should be, you could be let get to your due date, I would talk to them about that and let them know what you want.