Gestational Diabetes

[mydaddysjag]

I found out Wednesday morning that I have Gestational Diabetes. Im 6 1/2 months along, and according to my doctors, this could play a big part in why I still get very sick when I eat, my extreme fatigue, etc. Until I was 22 weeks along I was only able to gain 3lbs, but in 4 weeks I had gained 12 lbs. I am now where I should be weight wise for where I am in my pregnancy. I am constantly thirsty and have to go to the bathroom quite often. According to my doctor, even more often than your average pregnant woman. I have an appointment Monday to go into further detail about everything, but when they called they said that often times they are able to control the Gestational Diabetes with a change in diet, such as cutting carbs and sugars. Now, a few years ago I cut sugar and carbs, and lost weight. I was on the south beach diet, then I went to modified carbs and sugars. I still continued to lose weight. I was eating as much protein and veggies as I wanted, and when I ate carbs, they were whole grains.

My worry is that If I cut carbs, am I going to lose the weight I had to struggle to put on? Also, how did you ensure your growing baby was still getting the proper nutrition on a diabetic diet? I was reading a lot of things that say not to even drink 100% juice, milk, etc. My husband is not a big fruit and veggie eater, so I get a good 50% of my fruit and veggie intake from 100% juices. I also drink a decent amount of milk for calcium.

Im sure my doctor will go over a lot of this with me, but im trying to be prepared with a list of questions and concerns I may have. I often get there, and forget to ask everything I wanted if I dont make myself a list.

 

[shorthorsemom]

Have your doctor recommend a nutritional specialist and they can give you a diet to follow. I had Gestational diabetes with my son. I did great on the diet and didn't need insulin. Examples include eating the middle out of a large cheese steak and skip the roll. You can have the fat while you are pregnant, just cannot eat the carbs. Skip ketchup but have mayo. Cheese will lower blood sugar but milk is considered a sugar. I ate nuts and sunflower seeds too. Also, when you eat, if you can take a walk just after eating you will drop your sugar level by quite a few points so you will "pass" your sugar level. I also ate meat or cheese before bedtime and that kept my sugar from getting high over night while I slept. The nutritionist can tell you all the secrets for keeping your sugar down. The right diet will help with the weight and help the baby grow just fine. Babies for Gestational moms tend to be big so they will sometimes induce you before you hit your due date so you won't have a 10 lb baby. You can drink water and take a calcium supplement. Once you know what to eat it can be fun if you let it be. I didn't like sticking my finger, so they got me one of those cool little devices that works so well that you can't even feel the stick. It is like a hair prick and you can do it on your arm (I type with my fingers for my job). It was so much easier than I expected, hope it is for you too. best wishes!

 

[Bess Kelly]

For some this condition will resolve a while after the baby is born, others not so lucky. BUT, I sure agree with the nutritionist!! Shocking where sugar is that you just don't consider off the cuff. Wishing you good results.

 

[CKC]

I had it as well with my first pregnancy. My doctor sent me to a nutrionist. She gave me a book that was easy to follow with all of the meals pretty much planned out. It was a 2000 calorie a day diet. I stuck to that. My husband did it to as support for me and lost a bunch of weight(I gained the proper amount of weight). The finger pricking was not fun, but I tried not to complain since it was for my son. I did end up on bed rest because of preterm labor.... I had a baby shower and ate more sweets then what I was used to.. That night I went into preterm labor..... I was in and out of the hospital from that point until my son was born 3 weeks early. I had a gall bladder attack 3 weeks after my son was born. It had to be removed. They felt this could have been part of my problem. All is well now.

I did not have it with my second pregnancy which was a blessing.

All the Best for you and your little one,

Kim

 

[shorthorsemom]

Hi, finally found the tester I used. It is called a freestyle, barely pricks you, honestly could not feel it at all and can test on your arm. Here is the link. Hope it opens right. You don't even need a band aid after using this tester, the amount of blood it needs is so tiny. Best wishes! PS...I liked this tester so much that I took it to the hospital with me for Labor and delivery, couldn't stand getting my fingers pricked. Here you go... http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_0i_280.htm

 

[CKC]

I forgot something.....

Dr. sent me to another professional.. I can't remember her title. She discussed the diabetes ,gave me the tester and some strips. Taught me how to use it. Then I went to the nutritionist.