Help! I have Gestational Diabetes

[_Hope_]

Hi ladies

I've just opened a letter from my ANC informing me that I have gestational diabetes and to go to an appointment today at 10am! The post has only just come and the letter is dated yesterday!! Anyway, I have phoned ANC and rearranged for the next available appointment on Monday.

I am absolutely gutted, upset, petrified........ you name it. I'm in bits, I NEVER expected this. Now i'm thinking that it's no wonder my babies were referred to as 'chubby' by the consultant at our 4D scan earlier this week!

Because I am having twins and have previously had surgery on my cervix I am already at risk of pre term labour and GD comes with that risk too. I'm so scared my babies are going to come way too soon

Sorry to go on but I really do feel beside myself with worry, can anyone offer me any advice/help please xx

 

[mimiproud]

HEY hun i dont have any advice on gd but didnt want to read and run just wanted to try and bump this up for you hope you get some answers xxx

 

[belladonna]

First of all- dont worry! I got myself into such a state when I found out I had GD, and really didn't need to!

At your first appointment you will probably see a special diabetic midwife who will explain everything to you and show you how to monitor your glucose levels, then you may see a dietician who will go over your diet and tell you what changes you will need to make.
After about a week you will see a consultant who will look at the levels and see whether you will need to have insulin or if you have managed to keep it diet controlled.

The consultant I saw was really nice and completely put me at ease- I was worried about being induced or having to have a c-section and he said that as long as my glucose levels stay stable and the baby doesn't get too big then they will leave me alone basically

You will be offered extra growth scans at 32 & 36 weeks (I don't know if this will be different for twins) just to make sure the babies are growing exactly as they should.

The diet is pretty easy too. You will learn what foods are right for you- not all that you think will be ok are!

• Swap white bread (includes naan, pitta & any thing from white flour) for wholemeal
• Pasta and rice are fine- but limit amounts (basmati rice is best if you still want white)
• Potatoes- fresh are fine- again limited. AVOID processed such as smash, chips etc. If you have crisps have walkers/kettle chips instead of pringles, monster munch etc
• Limit fruit- AVOID fruit juice

Thats about it really- its not too bad, it does get annoying having to test an hour after food all the time, I usually set an alarm on my phone so I don't forget.

 

[_Hope_]

belladonna thank you sooooooo much for your reply

I'm sure I will find out everything I need to know on Monday but until then you have made me feel much better.

I was worrying earlier about what to eat now I'm aware that fruit had natural sugars but I didn't think I would have to limit the amount I eat. I have been eating LOADS of fruit. Just goes to show and glad you have made me aware of this.

I'm having a growth scan on Monday as I was originally booked in for this anyway and as for the c-section, it's looking like I will be having one anyway as both my babies are laying in a transverse position and it's looking like they are staying that way! It was the pre-term labour that worries me the most, but as I have now learned from the posts I have received, lots of ladies have carried to full term or near enough anyway.

Good idea about setting the phone alarm I will keep that in mind!

Once again, thanks for your reply and all the best with your pregnancy

 

[belladonna]

Thank you- and you too!

Don't worry about the pre-term labour, I think the reason most GD babies are early is that they have been induced due to their size, but if you have a c-section booked you know when they are goin to arrive anyway.

I had made exactly the same mistake as you eating loads of fruit ang getting through at least a litre of juice a day. I now snack on raw carrots, sugarsnap peas & peppers

 

[sarafused]

Dont worry! Its really normal to be upset! When my midwife called me in the first pregnancy I burst into tears after hanging up!

Usually its controlled with eating and exercise. I was induced at 38+1 weeks and had a easy birth.

I know Ive got it this time as Ive checked my sugar levels once in a while. I have to go for my glucose test in 3 weeks and honestly thats the worst thing as far as Im concerned with my experince last time.

 

[_Hope_]

Hi Sarafused

Thanks for your reply. I'm feeling much better than yesterday, couldn't stop bursting into tears for most of the day! Think I can put some of that down to the hormones though!

Congratulations on your pregnancy and hope everything goes OK for you

 

[sar35]

sorry i dont know much about this, im sure you are being looked after well though.... and sorry i didnt realise you were going through all this, you have been very supportive of me xxx

 

[_Hope_]

sorry i dont know much about this, im sure you are being looked after well though.... and sorry i didnt realise you were going through all this, you have been very supportive of me xxx

Hi, that's OK you wasn't to know, no need to apologise. I'm sure I will be fine, I just got a panic on at first that's all. I'm always here for you

 

[PurpleHaze]

I agree with Belladonna and sarafused, it can be upsetting when you first find out but it's really nothing to worry about. As long as you eat sensibly and look after yourself, I'm sure your babies will be fine, and there's no reason GD should make them come early.

I found out I had it it 29 weeks and so far I've managed to control it by changing my diet. Hopefully you'll be the same. The way I see it, it means we get to have more scans so we can see the LO lots before he's born, which helps break up the waiting! Good luck with it, let us know if you have any more questions.