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Post by rebelyelle on Jun 20, 2016 13:29:13 GMT
I'm pregnant with my second kiddo, and it's basically been the pregnancy from hell. I'm just not a very good pregnant lady We've now added gestational diabetes to the mix, woo-hoo! Ha. I'm seeing a maternal fetal specialist this week, but would love some real world feedback as well. If you had GD, how difficult was it to manage? Did you carry to full term? Any complications? Anything I should be aware of going into my appointment? I would also be curious if any of you who had GD also developed pre-eclampsia? I'm at an increased risk as is (I had it with my first), and my blood pressure shot up 25 points last week, so they are watching me pretty closely. Apparently GD and pre-e are linked, which I only just learned, so I'm getting kind of edgy of about developing both. Would love any feedback you ladies might have.
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raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095
Jun 26, 2014 20:10:29 GMT
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Post by raindancer on Jun 20, 2016 13:32:48 GMT
I had to really strictly manage my diet and I walked after every meal. I managed to avoid insulin for the entire pregnancy. At 36 1/2 weeks I started struggling keeping it managed, so they did an amnio to determine lung development for an early induction. That was on a Friday. They determined his lungs were healthy, and we scheduled for Tuesday 37 weeks. My water broke at 2am on Monday and he was born 6 hours later. He has always done things on his own terms. He was still good sized though, at 37 weeks he was 7lbs 12oz. Just a few ounces smaller than his sister who was born at 38 weeks.
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Post by malibou on Jun 20, 2016 13:37:08 GMT
Dang, ain't nobody got time for GD.
I had it with my son, and was able to control it with diet. Not fun when you are busy trying to grow a human. Though I only gained 28 pounds, I looked huge. Dr said it was the GD. They were very concerned about any swelling I had. Broke my heart watching them poke my baby's foot over and over the first few hours of life. Oh and after I delivered, full term, I swelled up like crazy, they didn't care by that time though. I was in for 5 days, and still had to go home in my dh's socks because I couldn't get my shoes on my little pig feet.
J
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Post by Rainy_Day_Woman on Jun 20, 2016 13:52:48 GMT
I had GD with my second, but managed it pretty well. I took a few units of insulin at night to keep my fasting levels down, but never had a problem controlling my daily levels with diet. It kept me on track actually, and I only gained about 7 pounds. (I was overweight to begin with.)
They induced me at 39 weeks, and DS was 8 lbs 15 oz, one ounce bigger than my first DD. Now the induction, that sucked and took 3 days. But otherwise it was a fine pregnancy.
Good luck! The biggest pain about it was the weekly appointments. I used to have to book off work, wait two hours so I could tell them my glucose levels were fine, and then they would send me on my way. Eventually, I just started emailing them my log of glucose levels and no one said I couldn't, so I kept up with that unless I had a problem.
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Post by monklady123 on Jun 20, 2016 13:53:03 GMT
I had it with my dd. I just told her that you posted this and she said she already knew. lol. Social media.... Mine was easy enough to control with diet alone, although I remember being surprised by how much food I felt they were telling me to eat. Especially the before-bed snack. But hey, we do what we have to do. But ick. Anyway, it earns you a weekly trip to the doctor which is good. I always felt better knowing they were monitoring regularly. I can't speak to the pre-eclampisa thing since I didn't have that. Hopefully you'll escape that this time. GD usually makes the baby grow faster. Dd was projected to be about 10 pounds had we let her stay in. So they scheduled me for a C-section on a Tuesday (C-section because she was breech). Ever the graceful dancer, she managed to turn herself that weekend and was facing down on Monday when I went to the doctor's. lol. So they induced her the next day. She was 8 lb 5 oz even two weeks early (bigger than her brother who was 8 days late) so it was a good thing they took her early. It was August in DC, believe me I wasn't too sad about that! So be prepared for the same thing in your case. I'm sorry my dd is out of commission and can't come help you when your ds is out of school. As soon as she's able to get around better I can drop her off though, so we'll let you know. Meanwhile, if you need any last-minute help for doctor's appointments or anything just let us know. I could always come help. I could even bring your ds here to visit with dd.
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janeliz
Drama Llama
I'm the Wiz and nobody beats me.
Posts: 5,633
Jun 26, 2014 14:35:07 GMT
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Post by janeliz on Jun 20, 2016 14:08:22 GMT
I had GD with my second pregnancy. I kept to the strict diet, went in every week for my checks, and stuck my finger with that little needle like clockwork each day. It did get harder to manage as I neared my due date---my morning numbers were always way too high. They put me on some medication (the name escapes me) and I was induced a week before my official due date. All was well. She was a perfect 7 lbs. 12 ozs.
I will say that the GD diet really suited me. I looked terrific by the time she was born, lol. It's probably the way I should eat all the time.
((Hugs)) to you. I felt really stressed out about the diagnosis, but it is really a very manageable condition as long as you follow the plan.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jun 20, 2016 14:35:32 GMT
I had it too. Mine was managed well with diet, although it really sucked not being able to eat any chocolate over both Valentine's Day and Easter. Boo! They'll likely give you a recommended diet to stick to that keeps your blood sugar level day and night. Honestly for me the hardest part was that I felt like I had to constantly stop whatever I was doing to eat and that drove me nuts. The other weird thing was that even though I was eating all the time, I was starting to lose weight which they didn't want. I probably should go back on that diet now, LOL. The doctor moved my due date up based on the ultrasound pretty early on, but I know almost to the day when I conceived and by my calculations I was at 40 weeks when I delivered. DD was just under 7 lbs and perfectly healthy. And like Malibou, I blew up like a balloon and left the hospital even more waterlogged than I was when I went in. Depressing doesn't even begin to describe it. I could barely get my untied shoes back on because my feet were so swollen. I didn't have pre-e, but they were watching my blood pressure fairly close toward the end because it had been inching up. The other thing you have to be mindful of is that after having GD you are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on.
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Mary Kay Lady
Pearl Clutcher
PeaNut 367,913 Refupea number 1,638
Posts: 3,073
Jun 27, 2014 4:11:36 GMT
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Post by Mary Kay Lady on Jun 20, 2016 14:37:56 GMT
I've had 2 babies and with each pregnancy developed GD. I was able to control it through diet & exercise. DS #1 was born 1 week after his due date. He weighed 8 lb, 4 oz.
DS #2 was born 2 1/2 weeks early and weighed 8 lb. 0 oz.
I didn't have any issues with pre-eclampsia. Though I did have issues unrelated to the GD which caused then DH to decide not to have more children.
Fast forward about 12-13 years and I have developed Diabetes. I have a family history of it and my understanding is that women who develop GD can develop Diabetes.
Have you met with a dietician? I had a consultation with one and it was very helpful in managing my GD. She gave me tips and pointers on foods to include and foods to avoid.
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Post by OntarioScrapper on Jun 20, 2016 14:41:26 GMT
Both times. It's not really a diet in the sense of those fad diets. You just will have to control how much you eat at a time and add some snacks in. So smaller meals and you'll learn all about carbs in a different way. You may get a diabetic chart and some help with examples on what you can eat for the day. I had a meter and keep my sugar levels down. I lost weight with both pregancies. The second on I was with a different doctor and it was a team of doctors. There were way more fussy! But the Diabetic doctor who I always saw last would look at my numbers and say I was fine. They sent me for blood work even though I said I lost weight with the first kid also. I have always been overweight but once I started on the diabetic eating and moving more, I'd shed the pounds. At one point, I said Look, I am just not being lazy right now!
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Post by Basket1lady on Jun 20, 2016 14:42:56 GMT
While waiting to see the specialist, the best thing that you can do is walk. If you aren't currently working out and your BP is high, I wouldn't do anything more strenuous than walking and I'd monitor my BP at home in the meantime. The exercise can help you process the carbs more efficiently.
Try to eat smaller meals with fewer carbs and make sure you are eating protein with the meals. I ate three smaller meals and 3 snacks a day. And yes, you should eat before bed, but it can be as simple as a glass of milk. 15 carbs and 5 grams of protein is a snack. A serving of protein for a meal is about 3 oz, which is generally 21 grams of protein. I stuck to under 30 carbs with a GD meal, you probably don't want to go lower than 20 carbs for a meal. Try to choose foods with a high glycemic index--more whole grains and fewer refined carbs. Carbs don't just come from sugar, so don't think it's just desserts that you have to give up.
And don't think that you have to give up dessert. You just have to put it into your meal plan and choose better options. Your dietician will help you with that.
It's been 17 years since I had my last and I know some of the meds and protocol has changed. Some drs are prescribing oral meds now, rather than insulin. But if you do need insulin, it will be ok. Whatever it takes, right? You can do this.
My problem pregnancy was my first. 15 weeks of bedrest, GD, spotting, kidney issues. But he came out fine. Big-born 9 lbs, 2 oz by c-section on his due date, in spite of strictly following my diet. He was just too big for me. But he was only in the NICU for a few hours (protocol back then). DD was 8 lbs, 3 oz at 37 weeks in spite of a stricter diet. She was a VBAC. She was severely jaundiced, which can be common for babies of GD women. But she was also born above 7,000 feet and was 3 weeks early (all contributors as well.)
I wish you nothing but the best. Growing a human is hard.
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Post by rebelyelle on Jun 20, 2016 15:13:50 GMT
Thanks all for your input. I am trying not to stress too hard, but it's inevitable that I will given that my blood pressure has gone up. I'm honestly more worried about pre-eclampsia. I hope that I can keep it all in check with diet, because I'm a wuss about needles and don't think I could deal with insulin injections. Thanks monklady123. I hope DD is on the mend! Will send you guys a message soon.
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Post by pierkiss on Jun 20, 2016 15:28:32 GMT
I didn't know you were pregnant! Congrats! I've got nothing on the GD though. Good luck managing it!
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Post by pierkiss on Jun 20, 2016 15:44:38 GMT
Oh, I did develop pre-e with my first around 36 weeks. My blood pressure had been highish the whole time but around 32-33 weeks it really started creeping up. Then there were the weekly and then twice weekly non-stress tests and ultrasounds to check on her and my fluid levels. At one point the amniotic fluid dipped dangerously low and I was hospitalized for 24 hours and on iv fluids until it came back up. When the blood pressure really shot up at 36 weeks and the protein was in my urine they decided that was enough, and they induced me. That induction lasted 2 days and it failed. So I had a c-section, and all was well. She was 6lbs and some odd ounces and perfectly healthy. My doctors had hoped that my bp would come down shortly after delivery but it didn't. It actually went higher. So they had to put me on a magnesium drip for a day or two. And I had to lay on my left side for the entire time and it really sucked. The magnesium made me swell up like a sponge. They said it was normal. Anywho, it worked, and my blood pressure came down to an acceptable level and I got to go home a few days later.
2nd pregnancy, no issues.
3rd pregnancy, blood pressure was fine for most but it started to creep up here at the end and by 36 weeks it was very high. The day I had my son I went to the doctor because I had had an extremely bad headache and I knew my blood pressure was high. I was admitted on the spot, and had my c-section 6 hours later. My doctors knew my history with my first and were very concerned I was headed towards pre-e again, and they wanted to avoid all of that. Fortunately that time my blood pressure came down about 12 hours after I had him.
Not sure if all that info helps? Anywho, good luck!
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Post by gryroagain on Jun 20, 2016 16:00:17 GMT
Congratulations! It's been a very long time for me, my oldest that I had gd with just turned 18. Insulin is not that big of a deal, I remember being terrified of it but it wasn't. She was certifiable (I knew the conception date 100 percent) 2 weeks late but not too ginormous, and I am a small lady and she was breech- our bodies are pretty freaking amazing in that regard! I did have a lot of stress tests, ultrasounds, etc- I was at the hospital almost every day but they did let me go late because everything was managed ok. you do have to keep on top of everything very seriously, because the risks are real, and that was a bummer for me, but it's not so hard really.
My blood sugar has never had a problem before or since except for being the opposite, hypoglycemic, so don't worry it means a lifetime of diabetes. Type 1 runs in my family- my dad, 2 cousins, a nephew, so I feared this was it making itself known- it wasn't. GD is very different.
Watch your blood pressure, the machines at pharmacies are free and can alert you to a problem. You can go in daily or more and just check- being proactive is your friend.
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newlywoods03
Pearl Clutcher
Blessed Beyond Measure
Posts: 2,828
Jun 26, 2014 3:09:09 GMT
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Post by newlywoods03 on Jun 20, 2016 16:13:05 GMT
I had GD with both of my pregnancies. Both times, it was diet controlled thank goodness! I did have to check my blood sugar 4 times a day for a bit and then after a few weeks my OB let me do one time a day alternating times each day.
I walked a lot. Tried to get a walk in after every meal. Also, make sure to pair a protein with a carb. The protein helps slow down the absorption of the carbs. My snacks were always under 15g. Lunch was 30g and dinner was 45g. Try to have a healthy snack before bed as well. I usually had peanut butter toast.
I only gained about 20 pounds each time and I'm sure that the GD diet helped with that! I gave birth a couple of days shy of my due dates and had no complications at all. My boys were 7/11 and 8/2 - even though the Dr thought they were going to bigger.
Good luck and congrats!!!
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Post by mrsscrapdiva on Jun 20, 2016 16:40:05 GMT
I strictly followed the diet the ob/gyn nutritionist on staff gave me. It limited carbs but was clear how and when I should eat. It worked out fine because I didn't have much of an appetite. I had to keep track of my blood sugar numbers and call every Monday morning with them. As my pregnancy progressed, it was getting harder to control my waking blood sugar number. I ended up taking medication (pill form) for a short time, but I delivered early because I fell and my water broke.
My son though was 6lbs 13 ounces at 34.5 weeks. While I wasn't happy he was premature and in the nicu, I wonder how big he would have gotten being full term. His blood sugar was fine though when he was born.
At my 6 week appt, I had dropped 31 lbs. Unfortunately I think the quick weightloss (not intentional) and early c-section effected my milk supply. idk...
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Post by mamastone on Jun 20, 2016 17:50:38 GMT
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I had GD with both pregnancies...we nicknamed it the GD-gd (g&d dam&@d - gd)....lol. Through both pregnancies I managed it with diet, walking, and the lowest dose of a pill at night. I have always had higher sugars in the morning. I liked the dietician, it was very informative, and the only time in my life I was very good at watching what I eat. After both pregnancies I fell off the wagon a bit and ate more sweets, after being deprived of Christmas cookies, etc. Try not to stress, and just do the best you can! I was making myself crazy about the "what if"'s and it drove up my sugars. The midwife forgot that I am VERY type A, and had to tell me to stop checking my sugars so much
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Post by Zee on Jun 20, 2016 18:51:12 GMT
Mine was so hard to manage that while I was pregnant with #2 I asked if I could have my tubes tied the day I gave birth. I was 25. My Dr said not only would it be a good idea, he was glad I brought it up because he didn't recommend a 3rd pregnancy.
Usually I sail through medical things, but pregnancy and I just weren't meant to be. I hated every moment, I required more and more insulin each week, and by the end I was on massive doses and looked like a manatee. I felt like a prisoner in my own body and a slave to insulin and food.
Unlike most other people, who take a few months to develop GD, mine started probably right as soon as the pregnancy hormones started. It's like my pancreas just shut down insulin production altogether, or suddenly I couldn't use what my body was making. With the first baby they didn't find out until the usual testing, at around 7 months? With baby #2 my dr wanted a GTT done sooner, and at 7 weeks I was already sky-high. He thought I must have Type I diabetes and had for some time in between babies, but that wasn't true because I'd had my sugar periodically checked beforehand. So, I'm just unlucky.
Diabetes runs in my family so I wasn't at all surprised. I was not overweight and was quite active as pregnancy would allow but in no way could I get by with diet control. That sucked. My youngest just turned 18 and I know things are different now and some people can take oral meds. I don't think that would have worked in my case but I don't know that for sure. Don't be worried about the needles if you should need insulin. They're so thin and fine that you barely feel it. I tested my sugar 6x per day and that hurt far worse than the 4 shots of insulin daily. None of it was as bad as being ravenously hungry all the time though. And with DS I became what they call a "brittle" diabetic, with huge swings in blood sugars that would go from 200 to 30 at times. I also saw an endocrinologist because my OBGYN felt I was out of his comfort zone for treating the diabetes. Hated, loathed, despised being pregnant.
DD #1 was born 4 days early, weighed 7 lbs 2 oz, quite healthy. DS #2 was 10 days early, weighed 9 lbs, thank god he was early because they kept telling me I'd have a 10 lb baby and he would have been. Also healthy other than some fluid that lingered in his lungs and kept him in the NICU for a day.
My BP was thankfully never an issue, they kept predicting I was going to have pre-eclampsia because it can accompany GD but in that respect I was just fine. My BP rarely went over 100/60.
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Deleted
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May 14, 2024 21:27:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2016 19:53:51 GMT
I was unable to manage my gestational diabetes with only diet, so I had to give myself two shots a day, but I only gained 30 pounds the entire pregnancy and most was before I was diagnosed.
The shots were nothing....I hated the pricks to test my blood worse, but I only had to do it for about 2.5 months. It certainly gave me a healthy respect of the disease.
Our son was two weeks earlier and weighed 7 lb. 3 oz., pretty average and the diabetes went away after birth. My OB/GYN did have me do another 3 hour glucose test a couple of times over the first couple years after giving birth but the disease has not reared it's ugly head again.
You do have a much higher risk now of developing late onset when you get older, but my doctor said as long as you keep your weight at a manageable level, you can avoid it.
I never had a blood pressure problem during my entire pregnancy.
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Post by threegirls on Jun 20, 2016 20:58:05 GMT
I had gestational diabetes with all three of my pregnancies. With my third pregnancy I told the doctor to not test me for gd as I would just go ahead with the diet and four times a day testing.
I went to a dietitian the first two pregnancies. Do as they tell you! I measured everything I ate for the first two pregnancies. By the third I could eyeball the amount of food and get it right. Gained 12 pounds with the first, 15 with the second and 0 with the third.
Walk, walk, walk - especially after eating. It made a big difference for me.
Test, test, test - I rarely missed a finger prick. My doc always said I won the "most compliant" patient award!
I had healthy, normal weight babies and other than the gd didn't have any other pregnancy complications.
Follow the diet, measure food, walk and test!
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Post by rebelyelle on Jun 20, 2016 21:01:37 GMT
Mine was so hard to manage that while I was pregnant with #2 I asked if I could have my tubes tied the day I gave birth. I was 25. My Dr said not only would it be a good idea, he was glad I brought it up because he didn't recommend a 3rd pregnancy. Usually I sail through medical things, but pregnancy and I just weren't meant to be. I hated every moment, I required more and more insulin each week, and by the end I was on massive doses and looked like a manatee. I felt like a prisoner in my own body and a slave to insulin and food. Unlike most other people, who take a few months to develop GD, mine started probably right as soon as the pregnancy hormones started. It's like my pancreas just shut down insulin production altogether, or suddenly I couldn't use what my body was making. With the first baby they didn't find out until the usual testing, at around 7 months? With baby #2 my dr wanted a GTT done sooner, and at 7 weeks I was already sky-high. He thought I must have Type I diabetes and had for some time in between babies, but that wasn't true because I'd had my sugar periodically checked beforehand. So, I'm just unlucky. Diabetes runs in my family so I wasn't at all surprised. I was not overweight and was quite active as pregnancy would allow but in no way could I get by with diet control. That sucked. My youngest just turned 18 and I know things are different now and some people can take oral meds. I don't think that would have worked in my case but I don't know that for sure. Don't be worried about the needles if you should need insulin. They're so thin and fine that you barely feel it. I tested my sugar 6x per day and that hurt far worse than the 4 shots of insulin daily. None of it was as bad as being ravenously hungry all the time though. And with DS I became what they call a "brittle" diabetic, with huge swings in blood sugars that would go from 200 to 30 at times. I also saw an endocrinologist because my OBGYN felt I was out of his comfort zone for treating the diabetes. Hated, loathed, despised being pregnant. DD #1 was born 4 days early, weighed 7 lbs 2 oz, quite healthy. DS #2 was 10 days early, weighed 9 lbs, thank god he was early because they kept telling me I'd have a 10 lb baby and he would have been. Also healthy other than some fluid that lingered in his lungs and kept him in the NICU for a day. My BP was thankfully never an issue, they kept predicting I was going to have pre-eclampsia because it can accompany GD but in that respect I was just fine. My BP rarely went over 100/60. I hear you - I too was not made for pregnancy, and it's never gonna happen again after this little guy. If I'm being honest, I'm most worried that diet will not manage this. I already eat fairly low carb/low sugar, and have done so for years. I'm definitely eating more carbs than I was before pregnancy, but that's mostly because that's what I've been craving - I've just tried to limit them because I generally feel better when I'm eating more veggies/protein/dairy. Exercise worries me too. I've got horrible sciatica, but I'm going to try and suck it up and get in as much activity as I can to keep this as manageable as possible.
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Post by monklady123 on Jun 20, 2016 22:01:06 GMT
Oh and I forgot one thing. Before I developed gestational diabetes I thought having any type of diabetes meant no more sugar, ever. So I was sad since it was the hottest summer on record (or so it felt like, lol) when I was pregnant with dd and I love ice cream. Well, the doctor told me I could still eat ice cream! I had to measure it and eat it after a protein meal, and she said "be sure it's the high fat kind". woo-hoo!
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Deleted
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May 14, 2024 21:27:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2016 22:05:05 GMT
Had a tough time with it with my 2nd. Eventually had to go on the insulin shots, but it was all manageable. Like another poster said, it is the weekly appointments that are a huge pain in the behind!!!! I also had to be induced early as I could no longer control the levels even with the insulin shots, even while sticking to a good diet. We say now it is because our daughter is naturally sweet.
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Post by Marina on Jun 20, 2016 23:46:27 GMT
Oh my I don't know about taking a census as you will hear so many different kinds of situations and you don't have everybody's unique variables. In my case I was already high risk due to my age. I did have HELLP syndrome which is a variant of pre-eclampsia and I remember it being most often with the first pregnancy with same partner. But age was a factor.
But I will tell you what I did that made it go better. I totally watched all my carbs, combined each meal and snack with protein, and walked after every meal even if it was doing circuits around my house. I was great at keeping my GD in check.
I know it's super difficult not to worry but put it aside actively and do what they recommend to keep it in check. And if you have any concerns go in right away.
Congrats on your pregnancy! Wishing you all the best!
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dantemia
Full Member
Posts: 306
Jun 27, 2014 19:28:17 GMT
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Post by dantemia on Jun 21, 2016 0:23:07 GMT
I had GD with my second baby at 39 years old. I was able to manage via diet . They expected that I would Have a larger baby... She was 5lbs 14oz at birth and no other complications. The GD wasn't awful
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Post by Basket1lady on Jun 21, 2016 0:53:47 GMT
Mine was so hard to manage that while I was pregnant with #2 I asked if I could have my tubes tied the day I gave birth. I was 25. My Dr said not only would it be a good idea, he was glad I brought it up because he didn't recommend a 3rd pregnancy. Usually I sail through medical things, but pregnancy and I just weren't meant to be. I hated every moment, I required more and more insulin each week, and by the end I was on massive doses and looked like a manatee. I felt like a prisoner in my own body and a slave to insulin and food. Unlike most other people, who take a few months to develop GD, mine started probably right as soon as the pregnancy hormones started. It's like my pancreas just shut down insulin production altogether, or suddenly I couldn't use what my body was making. With the first baby they didn't find out until the usual testing, at around 7 months? With baby #2 my dr wanted a GTT done sooner, and at 7 weeks I was already sky-high. He thought I must have Type I diabetes and had for some time in between babies, but that wasn't true because I'd had my sugar periodically checked beforehand. So, I'm just unlucky. Diabetes runs in my family so I wasn't at all surprised. I was not overweight and was quite active as pregnancy would allow but in no way could I get by with diet control. That sucked. My youngest just turned 18 and I know things are different now and some people can take oral meds. I don't think that would have worked in my case but I don't know that for sure. Don't be worried about the needles if you should need insulin. They're so thin and fine that you barely feel it. I tested my sugar 6x per day and that hurt far worse than the 4 shots of insulin daily. None of it was as bad as being ravenously hungry all the time though. And with DS I became what they call a "brittle" diabetic, with huge swings in blood sugars that would go from 200 to 30 at times. I also saw an endocrinologist because my OBGYN felt I was out of his comfort zone for treating the diabetes. Hated, loathed, despised being pregnant. DD #1 was born 4 days early, weighed 7 lbs 2 oz, quite healthy. DS #2 was 10 days early, weighed 9 lbs, thank god he was early because they kept telling me I'd have a 10 lb baby and he would have been. Also healthy other than some fluid that lingered in his lungs and kept him in the NICU for a day. My BP was thankfully never an issue, they kept predicting I was going to have pre-eclampsia because it can accompany GD but in that respect I was just fine. My BP rarely went over 100/60. I hear you - I too was not made for pregnancy, and it's never gonna happen again after this little guy. If I'm being honest, I'm most worried that diet will not manage this. I already eat fairly low carb/low sugar, and have done so for years. I'm definitely eating more carbs than I was before pregnancy, but that's mostly because that's what I've been craving - I've just tried to limit them because I generally feel better when I'm eating more veggies/protein/dairy. Exercise worries me too. I've got horrible sciatica, but I'm going to try and suck it up and get in as much activity as I can to keep this as manageable as possible. Hunt around for a swim class for pregnant women. Mine was taught by a PT and really, it was the best hour of my day. Working out in the water is kinder to your back and she would know just what to do with the aches and pains. And all the women wanted to do was talk pregnancy--I loved it.
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Post by evnimom on Jun 21, 2016 2:17:01 GMT
I had GD with child #1. I followed the diet that was recommended which limited my carbs to 7 grams/meal. I managed to control it with the diet and didn't need insulin. I was overweight and ended up losing weight. I also swelled up right after I delivered. They never told me that it had to do with GD.
Thank goodness I didn't have it with child #2. That would have killed me since I craved brownies and I never felt full. I ate constantly with him.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jun 21, 2016 2:35:29 GMT
I had it with my last two pregnancies. I started insulin shortly after being diagnosed due to my fasting blood sugar being high to start but soon after everything was out of whack. It is normal to have to increase your insulin as the pregnancy goes on due to changes in hormones. I did still have to follow the diet although now that I have learned more about carbs and nutrition, I feel that the carb limits that they give are still fairly high. They were lower than what I ate at the time but not as low as I eat now, and I wouldn't consider myself to be very strictly "low carb". The recommended grams per meal when I had it (youngest is 4) was 15 for breakfast and three snacks, 45-60 for lunch and dinner.
I had additional dr appts each week, I think partly due to being on insulin. I had an ultrasound and an NST weekly from the time I started insulin until delivery. I didn't have any complications due to the GD. I had c-sections with all of my kids, and they were all born early (between 37-38 weeks). They all weighed pretty much the same.
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Deleted
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May 14, 2024 21:27:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2016 17:48:09 GMT
I am thankful I thought to do a search here. Rebelyelle, I hope you are doing well.
My DD (27 years old, first baby) was just diagnosed with GD. She is an RN in the NICU in a children's hospital so she knows the details, however she is stunned as she has always been a healthy eater and walks/bikes all the time. She said she is worried about how it is affecting the baby (she is 30 weeks) and I'm glad to see that so many of you went on to have normal healthy kiddos. She was on break at work when she called to tell me so I didn't get to ask any questions.
She did say she will have to go with a strict diet and see an endocrinologist and a dietitian. Her OB has been very considerate of the fact that she is a NICU nurse and he does a detailed sonogram every month which is helpful to her. He says her little boy is right on track for size and weight and that everything looks good.
As always, Thank you, Refupeas, for sharing experiences. Maybe you can keep J and little L in your thoughts for an easy end to this pregnancy....it's hot as hell in Texas!
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dantemia
Full Member
Posts: 306
Jun 27, 2014 19:28:17 GMT
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Post by dantemia on Jul 22, 2016 17:53:53 GMT
I had GD with baby #2. My baby was 5lbs 14 ounces at birth, i was on bed rest the last week for blood pressure and I had protein in my urine so they were mildly concerned. I managed the GD with diet, so a dietician every other week and didn't require the NST ultrasounds until the last month if I remember correctly.
The "diet" wasn't awful at all, it was just more planning on my part. It felt kind of like weight watchers eating more frequent snacks that are healthy and a well balanced low carbs/sugar plan. Once I got used to it it was fine. I was required to monitor and journal every day ,and test 3-4 times a day.
Good luck!
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