STMs: Gestational Diabetes

hjl050308

Hi everyone. before I ask my question, just wanted to let you all know I wasn't trying to exclude first time moms but it's still too early for the GD test for most of us.

My story...after failing an early glucose test last week, I did the three hour test yesterday. My OB just called, by one criteria I have GD, by the other I don't. She wants to treat me as if I do (I have risk factors I'm AMA and overweight), which I'm fine with. They will get me set up for classes and a glucometer next week.

Has anyone had GD with their previous pregnancies? Any tips to share? Were your babies born full term (I have a hx of premature deliveries)? Was their weight okay? Is it as scary as I'm feeling it is right now?

Any feedback is more than appreciated!

obscurereference

I'm on my 2nd GD pregnancy. DD was born at 39 weeks 5 days, 7 lbs. 6 oz. I was on insulin immediately. Really it's no big deal. Just follow the diet and test your sugars. Even injecting insulin isn't that bad and lots of women can control it with just diet. Also, you'll have any easier time controlling weight gain on the GD diet. Good luck!

feistybear

I had GD with my first. I was total shocked when I failed my 2 hour because I have 0 ricks factors and had passed my early blood draw. I was already eating the recommended diet since I eat GF and mostly Paleo. So I started insulin at 30wks. It really isn't that bad. I was induced at 40wks, which is my hospital's policy for GD pregnancies. Elli was born 6lbs 14oz and perfect, except for some jaundice. Try and stay positive, follow the eating plan they give you and exercise, even if it's just a regular walk around the block. A positive was I got to have lots of u/s!

KeyLime81

I didn't have it last time, but I was concerned about it.  (Two of my cousins have had it...they both delivered beautiful, healthy babies.)  Anyway, my one cousin loved the High Risk board on TB.  She got a lot of support and meal/snack ideas there.  

momof5sept18

I've had two GD pregnancies, and I'm sure this will be my third, due to GD and other issues I had a CS with my first, at 38wks he was born 7lbs 14oz. My second was a RCS and at 38wks he was 8lbs 11oz. GD causes big babies and towards the end you'll get bio profile u/s's to check on baby weekly and 2 NSTs a week towards the end as well. Just make sure you check your numbers an hour after each meal, plus once in the morning after your first morning urine and before you eat or drink anything. My GD wasn't why I had a CS so don't panic that you'll automatically have one, cause thats not the case. I never needed insulin or pills to control mine, I watched what I ate and drank and limited my sugar and carb intake to keep my numbers low. Its not as scary as you'd originally think. Its not hard to manage either. Just got to be concious of your intakes. Carbs turn to sugar. So limit your carbs. Avoid a lot of sugar, its okay to have some just don't splurge too much.

arekeweg

My sister had GD with her first son for sure and just treated her other three pregnancies as though they were also GD.  The biggest change for her was diet.  She honestly looked better pregnant than not because of the new healthier eating habits.  She did keep track of what she ate and portion sizes each day.  She was induced early with all four of her children because they had already reached the 8 lb mark at 37/38 weeks.  All four came out right around 8 lbs and are all very healthy.  Having GD actually made their lifestyles better as they eat much much healthier now and exercise a lot more.

hjl050308

Thanks everyone! Thankfully I already know I'll have the growth ultrasounds and NSTs because if my previous history of preterm labor and mild pre-e. So I feel confident his weight and fluid will be closely monitored. I think I'm just upset because I finally felt like I was being healthy with this pregnancy and watched what I'm eating and only gained 3 pounds and now getting dx with GD. I'm happy for the kick in the ass to adopt a healthy lifestyle for real this time for during my pregnancy and after.

becomingmommyagain

I had GD with #3 but didnt know it until he was born.  I was late on getting my blood work done - trying to find someone to watch DS & DD while I sat at the lab for 3 hours...  I actually had the blood work done the morning of my last OB appt.  - at 32w3d. At that appt Dr determined that I was already 7cm dilated (no contractions) and fully effaced.  I was admitted to the hospital immediately and my water broke on its own while waiting for my H to arrive.  I was in the hospital a total of 2 hours before he was born.  He weighed in at 8lbs3oz. 

Because they were not aware of my GD status upon arrival, DS was not treated right away.  I nursed in the delivery room and after they took him to the nursery to get his assessments.  Several hours went by and I started calling the nursery to find out when they would bring him to me.  They sent a physician from NICU to tell me that he was struggling and they were waiting on the head of neonatology to arrive and determine next steps.  They inquired about my due date and GD testing and it was at that point that they realized that his vitals were plummeting because I had gestational diabetes.  They treated him with sugar water and stabilized him and finally 15 hours he was born I was finally able to see him.  They kept him in NICU until we discharged.    He was the largest baby in NICU.

ETA - I also have a history of spontaneous preterm labor.  And each one has come earlier and earlier.  1st was 36w, 2nd was 34 and then 32.  Its been 15 years since #3, but we are being super cautious and started 17P shots to keep pregnant longer. 

butterflymom2010

Had it with my first pregnancy. I was pretty devastated at first, but after I learned I could control it with diet and exercise, I was fine with it. Keep track of what you eat so you know what spikes your numbers and what keeps it down. Luckily, I kept my list because I'm sure I'll be using it this time around, too. I delivered at 38 weeks. DD was healthy at 8 lbs 4 oz.