Weekly GD Check-In 09/02/14

DreadGamerWife

This weekly check-in is for anyone with Gestational Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, or other blood sugar issues during pregnancy.  If this is your first time posting, please let us know with a short intro.

 

New to GD?   Check here for a quick reference guide.  https://community.babycenter.com/post/a46582366/new_to_gd_quick_reference

 

Check In:   How is the diet going?  Any challenges that we can help out with?  Any new recipes/ successes that you want to share?  Rant/Vent about the lack of candy?

 

QOTW:       Any big plans for September? 

applebottomgenes

It's really hot. Like really hot. And a 30-something finance guy stole a cab from me this morning. Ladies, don't raise your sons to be the type of guy who steals a cab from a visibly pregnant woman. Or any woman for that matter. -off soap box-

Diet - so Labor Day weekend was full of activities and that meant eating on the go. I did ok. Had one bad lunch out that involved goat cheese croutons but other than that pretty good. Just bored. I did discorver Canada Dry Raspberry Flavored Seltzer Water which has made my nights more enjoyable. Please someone tell me how bad it is for me....dare you.

I've been making a chicken, canadian bacon, swiss cheese dish that's very quick and easy plus delicious. That's about it!

September brings my baby shower (at 36 weeks), setting up the nursery, birthing classes (hoping this makes it more real for hubby) and basically everything....

ETA: for pirate talk

lrobi13

Diet is ok. Went to the store yesterday and bought some more veggies in hopes of getting my numbers in line.  The MFM last week was ok with my readings but it is just not perfect so it drives me batty. I have been finding these nifty planters peanut packs that have a nice balance of carbs and protein that have been helping me tons in the afternoon.

Big plans for September is to have a baby.  I had a little freak out this morning while driving to work and realizing that I am probably only working around 20 more days before I have a baby. That is just cray!

DreadGamerWife

Just got back from the weekly MFM appointment.  All is well with Schroeder and she was quite active (just like they wanted to see).  The Dr is happy with my control so no change in insulin amounts and no discussion regarding inducing early!  

Plans for September:  Get 3rd tri pictures taken once it cools off (DH takes the pictures so we have some leeway as to planning).  Breast feeding class on Saturday.  Work showers at 36 and 38 weeks (one for me and one for DH). Keep telling Schroeder that she wants to stay inside until at least the 30th - DH finishes his class from hell on the 28th (last week's homework took 24 hours to complete).  

imagine7696030614

Diet has been eh. I'm so busy lately and I have a really hard time eating on the run/out. When I'm home I feel like I am literally eating the same things everyday. Costco rotisserie chicken/broccoli/pesto/pasta or costco chicken/salad/bread....blah. September brings more chaos. Adjusting to the kids' school schedules and possibly welcoming baby. I think my OB may want to induce at 39 weeks due to my history of big babies/GD....but I really don't want a Sept. Baby if it's all the same. Bad month for me.

golfingdarwinfish

I'm just jealous, @cantisa!  

I was bad today and had half a piece of pumpkin bread from Starbucks with my lunch, but I was in the 90's after so not too concerned.  Otherwise my diet is going well, though I did lose more weight than expected, since LO gained it isn't a concern right now, though I do have to watch because I don't need to be losing.

Had a growth scan today - LO is measuring in the 80-something percentile, and 36 weeks and change... I was worried when I heard, but my MFM assured me it's not GD related growth; it's actual fetal growth, especially since it's all perfectly proportioned.  He's not worried right now, and told me to take the estimates with appropriate caution, but if he is still measuring quite a bit ahead in 4 weeks we are going to start discussing delivery options.  I already need special cardiac monitoring, and him and my cardiologist were going back and forth about a c-section, so I wouldn't be too surprised if we end up there at 39 weeks.

Starting twice weekly u/s this week, with a NST added on every Friday.  Considering I pay at least $25 to park each visit, this doesn't make me very happy.  I'm so thankful work is amazing about all the appointments, especially since the hospital is an hour from my office.

applebottomgenes

Do you guys have to fax in or email your numbers every week? I"m supposed to just send in numbers, but not what I eat, even though I log that anyway. I want them to see why I got a 151 (two pieces of pizza) rather than say 'oh high number! bad!'

Plus I"m kind of playing hard to get with the GD nurse - haven't sent in my numbers (which were good - so not hiding anything!) from last week. I wrote her an email asking for some pointers and she ignored it. Then when I was in the office last week, she wouldn't come out to chat(she was with a patient so understandable) but I thought that would have prompted a response to email. I never got the hint with guys so maybe I should just accept she's just not that into me, but I kind of feel like we should meet and talk over how I"m doing. Not asking for titles or anything!

lrobi13

applebottomgenes said:

Do you guys have to fax in or email your numbers every week? I"m supposed to just send in numbers, but not what I eat, even though I log that anyway. I want them to see why I got a 151 (two pieces of pizza) rather than say 'oh high number! bad!'

Plus I"m kind of playing hard to get with the GD nurse - haven't sent in my numbers (which were good - so not hiding anything!) from last week. I wrote her an email asking for some pointers and she ignored it. Then when I was in the office last week, she wouldn't come out to chat(she was with a patient so understandable) but I thought that would have prompted a response to email. I never got the hint with guys so maybe I should just accept she's just not that into me, but I kind of feel like we should meet and talk over how I"m doing. Not asking for titles or anything!

Sometimes I fax and sometimes I call.  Last week I faxed and never heard anything so I called twice.  When I finally spoke to the nurse she was all like your good (even though my numbers are kind of sketchy).  Sometimes she will talk to me for ten minutes so I guess we are off and on.

Sorry she is not responding to your coy games.  Hopefully she will respond soon!

@golfingdawinfish:  Yikes on the hour away hospital visit.  I have trouble with the 30 minute commute to mine.  And I have free parking.  That would chap my butt.  It is great your office has been so understanding.  My bosses are cool but I still have to make up my time that I miss and it is wearing me down.

imagine7696030614

I email my numbers to my GD nurse (well, twice so far) and she doesn't acknowledge them. This last one had a question at the end too. What up?

cmcookaln

I am getting so pissed off.  I think I was diagnosed just to be on the safe side since I was so borderline.  I have not had one meal where I have gone over so I have started to splurge and see how far I can push my luck.  I just had cereal the other morning for breakfast and my sugar was the lowest it has been at 74.  This had me completely baffled.  Then, my parents always have a big party on the Sunday before labor day.  I had no idea what I was eating because all of the guests bring a dish.  I was at 105 after eating who knows what.  I then decided to hit up the dessert table since I hadn't gone over.  I had a piece of lemon poppyseed pound cake, a sliver of pecan pie, one kit kat, and a sliver of a cookie pizza for my snack in between lunch and dinner.  I then had dinner that consisted of two pieces of quiche (I did eat around the crust) and squash casserole.  My sugar was 96.  Yesterday, we went and ate Mexican and then went out to ice cream after.  My sugar was the highest it has been at exactly 120.  I just want to eat normal again (

As far as excitement for the month, I have a family shower this weekend and a work shower at the end of the month.  My DH and I will be going to birthing class this Saturday and next Saturday.  Hopefully, it will cool down enough that we can have maternity photos this month and go to a UGA football game as well.

applebottomgenes

I think there are a lot of cases now - maybe the cutoff has been lowered? There are 3 girls in my office with GD and my close girlfriend who just had twins also had it. It could be my nurse is overwhelmed but try telling that to my hurt feelings. Do you think she's thinking about me right now? Maybe she's been hurt by GD patients before..I should just give her time. But also stalk her.

octobermama87

Besides breakfast, I don't really have a diet... I can pretty much eat whatever I want to for lunch and dinner and my numbers are always good.

My fasting and breakfast numbers are hard to control. I can eat the same exact thing for 5 days and get different numbers every time. i.e. I ate a Nature Valley Protein Bar for breakfast (15 carbs) and a glass of chocolate milk- 2 days in a row.... the 1st day- 1 hour pp was 122, the 2nd day it was 144?!?!?!  ughhhhhh!!!!!

I started my 2x/week NSTs last week. Baby is looking good with those. However, today my doctor measured my belly and I'm measuring 2 weeks ahead (36 wks). I haven't gained any wt in the past 3 weeks (actually lost 2-3 lbs) so I have my growth scan scheduled for the 15th (36 wks) and from there they'll decide if they will induce me at 37, 38, or 39 weeks. He said they definitely won't let me go past 39 weeks for sure.

If they induce me at 37 weeks, will they do the test to make sure baby's lungs are fully developed? And if they do decide to induce at 37 weeks, that means there's only 3 weeks left to get my shit together! im hoping for 38 weeks though, inducing at 37 scares me....

X_X

lrobi13

I hate you all that have good numbers. I can't even drink 4 oz of milk without having a spike. I fucking hate GD sometimes.

ss265

Diet has been going well. It's actually been easier to control than it was with DS1. I was even concerned that my meter might not be working so today, I took a risk and mixed some lemonade mix into water to have with my lunch. Well my 1 hour number was 148, 5 minutes later it was 133 At least I know my meter is working now though and I haven't had high numbers in a month. I like to eat 2 pieces of candy and soy milk sometime as my snack which has helped the candy cravings. Overall though, it just sucks to be aware of my diet but my weight gain has slowed dramatically so that's a positive

applebottomgenes

Whole wheat pasta - 133. Not bad but not good either. Another side dish bites the dust.

@starla487‌ totally fine. Since I am starting mine next week at 33 w.

golfingdarwinfish

I feel like my baby is a giant!   (

rosalie12

Diet is going okay. Kind of fed up with it because starting about a week ago my appetite has increased dramatically and I want everything in sight. I'm thinking maybe it's just this stage of my pregnancy? I had my first NST last week and have another one tomorrow, I'm doing twice weekly NSTs from now on. And my next ultrasound is next week, last one was 3 weeks ago and she was measuring in the 76th percentile! I really hope she stays in the same percentile or goes down or I'm scared the MFM dietitians will give me a really hard time. Not crazy about the dietitians, every time I have spoken to them they have been really condescending and kind of made me feel like I was a terrible person for having GD to begin with. Just trying to get through the pregnancy without my pregnancy hormones and increased sensitivity let them get to me.

September brings my work shower at the end of the month, a friends wedding this weekend (including 6 hour car drive) and finishing up the nursery!! I can't believe how quickly the prenancy is going!

golfingdarwinfish

starla487 said:

golfingdarwinfish said:

I feel like my baby is a giant!   (

No... no... don't do that to yourself. The path I've had to take to get LO where she is... I don't recommend it at all. And I'll probably be on super diabetes burnout post-birth. It's a vicious cycle. Don't beat yourself up over it.

Oh dear, that doesn't sound good either!  Do you need to vent?  ((hugs))

My MFM assures me his size isn't from the GD because he's perfectly proportioned, with long limbs etc., so it's not GD pattern growth/size. I was still shocked to hear how large he is though. 

:-S

golfingdarwinfish

MRSclarke08 said:

golfingdarwinfish said:

I feel like my baby is a giant!   (

@golfingdarwinfish Don't worry about it, girl!  Mine measured 5lbs, 3oz last Thursday (32+5).  His abdomen measured two weeks ahead and his limbs measure about a week ahead.  I'm worried about having a big baby too, but we shall see!!  I'll say a mutual prayer for our vaginas if the babies keep gaining

@mrsclarke08

Thank you!!  All of my little guy's measurements are around +36w!!!  We are going to start discussing delivery options in a few weeks if growth doesn't slow.  

I definetly wasn't expecting a big baby... 

NavyFlyer

Had an appt today, LO is measuring 37 and I'm 35.5. Dr isn't concerned though. I gained 3 lbs in the past 2 weeks which is disturbing because I haven't been allowed to work out, and I don't want to continue on that trend!

Numbers and diet going well though. I pretty much eat the same exact thing every day so it's getting boring, but if it works, it works!

MrsL2B

I'm feeling a little burnt out on pregnancy in general, and having to keep such tight control on my diabetes for a whole more month just seems overwhelming right now. But I've been doing so well lately, so I'm not sure where this is coming from. I think I'm just ready to be done being pregnant so I can get back to my normal diabetes maintenance regimen.

For September, we are having the A/C serviced, getting the house deep cleaned by a green cleaning service, getting the car seats checked, putting together the rest/last/most of the nursery furniture, having a couple of baby showers, and then buying the rest of the necessities. And absolutely everything else we need to do prior to the baby's arrival.

PC0909

I just realized that my cousin's baby shower is not at a chicken place like I thought, it's at a Chinese restaurant.  I have no idea what to eat there, and I have to eat something.  I typically (pre-GD) ate sesame or general tso's chicken, fried rice, and crab rangoon.  I think all of those are on the no list.  I'm not a huge fan of sauteed veggies.  Any suggestions?

I want skittles.

Hopefully September will bring the completion of our renovation/expansion project.  We converted a duplex back into a single family.  Kitchen and bathroom floors are the only major things left other than a few things that need to be painted.

ss265

PC0909 said:

I just realized that my cousin's baby shower is not at a chicken place like I thought, it's at a Chinese restaurant.  I have no idea what to eat there, and I have to eat something.  I typically (pre-GD) ate sesame or general tso's chicken, fried rice, and crab rangoon.  I think all of those are on the no list.  I'm not a huge fan of sauteed veggies.  Any suggestions?

I want skittles.

Hopefully September will bring the completion of our renovation/expansion project.  We converted a duplex back into a single family.  Kitchen and bathroom floors are the only major things left other than a few things that need to be painted.

See if you can get a chicken or beef dish where the meat isn't breaded - something like chicken teriyaki or like PP mentioned, beef with broccoli. Then focus on eating almost all the meat and veges with maybe a small portion (2-3 tablespoons) of rice. DH and I love Asian food and following this approach usually helps with my numbers when I eat Chinese food.

Tofu is also another great option if you like it. 

ss265

rosalie12 said:

Diet is going okay. Kind of fed up with it because starting about a week ago my appetite has increased dramatically and I want everything in sight. I'm thinking maybe it's just this stage of my pregnancy? I had my first NST last week and have another one tomorrow, I'm doing twice weekly NSTs from now on. And my next ultrasound is next week, last one was 3 weeks ago and she was measuring in the 76th percentile! I really hope she stays in the same percentile or goes down or I'm scared the MFM dietitians will give me a really hard time. Not crazy about the dietitians, every time I have spoken to them they have been really condescending and kind of made me feel like I was a terrible person for having GD to begin with. Just trying to get through the pregnancy without my pregnancy hormones and increased sensitivity let them get to me. September brings my work shower at the end of the month, a friends wedding this weekend (including 6 hour car drive) and finishing up the nursery!! I can't believe how quickly the prenancy is going!

Do you have to continue seeing the dietitians? I hope you realize that you did nothing to cause your GD - it's just how your body responds to pregnancy. 

katietclintt

I'm curious when everyone has to test after meals (1 hour or 2 hours) and what the targets are.

I have to test after one hour and be below 120.

I was reading online about gestational diabetes and I saw on diabetes.gov that after one hour the  target should be below 140 and 120 after two hours.

PC0909

My limit is 120 after 2 hours, and 90 after fasting.

MrsL2B

Mmm, Chinese food! I stick to basic unbreaded chicken and veggie dishes and use the bed of rice to soak up the sauce. I do better eating at chains than at authentic places, unfortunately. If you like seafood (I don't), there are probably tons of options.

PC0909

I saw a shrimp and broccoli option that looked intriguing.  I haven't had shrimp in forever.  

AND I was just told I only have to test Mon, Wed, Friday, Sun since my numbers have been so good!  Yay!

ss265

katietclintt said:

I'm curious when everyone has to test after meals (1 hour or 2 hours) and what the targets are.

I have to test after one hour and be below 120.

I was reading online about gestational diabetes and I saw on diabetes.gov that after one hour the  target should be below 140 and 120 after two hours.

My target is 140 too. Every office is different though - some are more aggressive than others. 

I am usually under 120 after an hour though but my GD this time around is easier to control than it was with my last pregnancy. 

PC0909

sorry for double post... internet is acting funny.  go technology!

golfingdarwinfish

Last night my endo emailed me asking if I want to discuss returning to normal eating and controlling with insulin. Anyone do something similar? I feel like that's taking the easy way out, and will end up causing me more headaches, but I think they're worried about my weight and restricting.

vmt617

@golfingdarwinfish I'm a Type 1, so my situation is obviously a little different, but I wouldn't consider any path that makes things better for you and healthy for baby just taking "the easy way out." This pregnancy stuff is difficult enough without worrying about blood sugars and carb content. 

While with under two months to go, adjusting to insulin may result in some headaches with the changes, it may be a good choice if it lets you get back to normal eating and that results in less stress for you. 

golfingdarwinfish

starla487 said:

vmt617 said:

@golfingdarwinfish I'm a Type 1, so my situation is obviously a little different, but I wouldn't consider any path that makes things better for you and healthy for baby just taking "the easy way out." This pregnancy stuff is difficult enough without worrying about blood sugars and carb content. 

While with under two months to go, adjusting to insulin may result in some headaches with the changes, it may be a good choice if it lets you get back to normal eating and that results in less stress for you. 

I'd add that insulin adjusting isn't exactly easy either, mostly because I spend my pre-meals calculating the effect of the insulin I'm giving now will have on my 4 hours from now. On the flip side, my diet is pretty much up to me as long as I carb count correctly. In your case, I'd say give it a try if your doctors think it will help your overall caloric take.

The calculations are the headache I'm worried about!

My best friend in HS is a T1, and I remember how we all used to make a game out of guessing her BG level in the am and before lunch. She used to write down all our guesses. I've been meaning to email her ever since I got the GD dx, but keep forgetting.

Has the pump made your life any easier, or does it just reduce the number of times you have to stick yourself?

vmt617

I'm on the same page as @starla487 with respect to the pump. I debated it for years - entirely because of the 24/7 connectivity - but now wish I'd done it way earlier.

ashes0219

Hi Ladies! Hope everyone has been having a good week and been able to find a good cheat food that isn't hurting their numbers! The past week has been crazy and this is my first post in a bit, go away for a few days and a lot changes!!

Congrats to you @golfingdarwinfish on the new mod position. 

Diet: Eh! This past weekend we had our baby shower and I ate everything! Including a giant piece of chocolate cake. I felt no shame. I did check my numbers randomly throughout the day and they stayed pretty low, I assume because I was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off all day long. I continued to cheat on my diet all weekend long, and only had a few spikes. FX that when my doctor sees my numbers she doesn't get to upset with me. I've managed to stay below the 120 mark, but still had numbers in the 100's after 2 hours, I'm not sure how big of deal that is for them. 

September is my favorite month, because it's my birthday month, and this year is my "dirty 30"! So I use that as an excuse to celebrate all month! Tomorrow night we are going to see Aerosmith and I can not wait! 

My questions to everyone is, is it standard procedures for your doctors to do scans? I keep seeing everyone's post about being measured, but yet my doctors have told me I wont have a scan unless I start measuring larger than I should. Are your doctor's just doing it for precautionary reasons? I'm very much on the jealous side, I'd like to know how LO is sizing up in there. 

DreadGamerWife

@ashes0219  I have started weekly scans at the MFM  -they alternate between a quick "well pregnancy" check to see movement/check on fluid levels and a more in-depth measuring scan to check fetal growth.  I also have preexisting HBP so they check on that potential impact to Schroeder as well (either the GD and the HBP cancel each other out or neither are impacting her at this point).  

However, since everything has looked good so far, I don't have to have 2x weekly NST.  

ashes0219

@dreadgamerwife - Have you been considered high risk for your entire pregnancy due to HBP? 

It just makes me a little concerned that most everyone I know with GD is getting fetal growth scans and sees the doctor weekly, meanwhile my doctors haven't done or said that they will be doing any sort of checks. 

DreadGamerWife

@ashes0219  Yes.  Between the pre-existing HBP (controlled through meds), age (37), and the fact that this is an IVF pregnancy, I was high risk when I got my first positive Beta (we knew I would be).  I have been seeing a MFM since the end of the 1st tri and went through the GD testing early due to pre-existing insulin resistance.  

I have known women with GD that are solely diet controlled and don't get regular scans, as long as your fundal height is measuring correct and your weight gain is within standards.  

ashes0219

dreadgamerwife Thank you! That all makes sense and gives me relief. Luckily, I have been able to keep my weight in check so far and they keep telling me she is growing right on time, so until they tell me to worry, I should probably stop. Ha! 

Justabean3

Anyone thought about hand expressing Bf closer to your due date for a low blood sugar circumstance?

I was against this but the more I read I thought about doing it.

I know later nipple stimulation can cause labor but I leak a ton now. I thought I'd just hand express one time and see how much I got. I would stop if I got even one cramp or contractions.. I produced 1 oz in like 5 mins so I quit and no contractions or cramping.

But if I produce it that easy I don't see any point in doing it before hand.

MrsL2B

@Justabean3‌ I had not thought of that, but thanks for bringing it up. I haven't been able to hand express anything yet, though.