Just got the news. It's insulin for me. Small, fast acting dosage at dinner time. Hoping I won't have to do it for too long. My DD was a 35 weeker, hoping for a healthy baby whenever he wants to come.
I'm diet controlled and last my dr told me was they wouldn't let me get beyond 40 weeks and would offer an induction if at the 38 week appt I was dilated a few cm.
I was really disappointed when I was put on insulin but it hasn't been bad and has made controlling my numbers so much easier. I was following the diet to a T but still couldn't hit my targets. Hopefully the small dose will do the trick!
I have been keeping my numbers low (even snuck a piece of baby shower cake) but my doctor hasn't mentioned inducing or anything. Have any of you found that to be the case? I am going to ask Friday, because at my apt yesterday, it was a full moon and all the doctors in the office were delivering. Baby boy is measuring 6 pounds, 2 ounces at 35 weeks (about a week ahead), but it's due to having a big head. Yay!
I have been told by my OB and the MFM that since my numbers have been good, and baby is not measuring big, we don't need to worry about an induction, unless I go past my due date.
Thanks ladies for all of the replies and input! Good to hear I'm not alone! ☺️ This is my first baby so naturally I'm nervous about an induction but I am the type of person that does better with things planned. I'm also happy it will be my doctor who delivers the baby instead of a random on-call Doctor (that is if baby decides to stay in until my due date ☺️)
@LAMurray808 I think my doctor is obsessed with numbers too. She sent me to an endo for my fasting levels even though they weren't really all that high.
@amarfeo17 I was sent to an endo as soon as I failed the 3 hour test! My target numbers are lower than any I can find on dr google, but I'd rather push to be lower and keep the baby in until she's ready!
I'm hoping everything stays positive and the doctors agree to wait until her due date at the end of August. I plan to try acupuncture to naturally induce if my little girl seems to be making no effort to come on her own!
Just got back from a follow up with the perinatal group. The nurse told me that with GD, they wouldn't want me to go past 40 weeks. Then the MFM came in and said that if I hadn't delivered by 40 weeks, they would do an u/s and BPP. If everything looked good on those, they would let me keep going, but right now there is no need to induce before my EDD. We'll see what my OB says on Friday.
For a minute I was really excited thinking there was a definite end in sight... On the bright side, I can go down to testing only twice a day!
So...I still haven't technically been diagnosed with GD but I think something might be happening now. I'm 37w today and have an appt on Friday. I have been testing for a little over a month with good numbers. There would be a high one here and there but nothing serious. Then all the sudden 4 days ago my numbers got really low for no apparent reason, still eating the same thing that I have been which I thought was kind of weird and was really tired all the time. Then today my numbers are through the roof high (at least compared to what they have been) & I have been extremely emotional today. I figure if my numbers are high at my after dinner test, I'll be on the phone with the OB first thing in the morning. Has anyone dealt with anything similar? Developing GD so late in pregnancy or days of low numbers and sudden highs?
@sbelle474 sometimes I'm still really hungry after a snack and I've found it seems to usually be related to the timing. It's tough sometimes at work with random meetings and whatnot to get the timing how I'd like. My best snacks have a pretty even split of protein and carb, though...those usually hold me over the best! Nothing is worse than being pregnant and hungry!
My personal problem is on the weekends...sometimes I just want to sit down and watch a crappy movie while binging on chips or something else bad. I don't do it, and know I shouldn't anyway, but I miss having the option!
Hi! Almost a full week on my GD diet now... and so far so good. Only 2 numbers that were over by a tiny bit. I had large ketones a couple days, but my OB told me not to worry about it (I of course obsessed and tested them again after I ate something and they went down). I meet with my GD nurses tomorrow to go over my numbers. I'm finding this diet is MAKING me eat... where I used to just snack (and not eat enough).
Had an ultrasound Monday (34wks) because I have 2 kids with craniosynostosis (so we were checking out the head) and also how big she is... Turns out she's the same as my other two kids who always measured big!! She's measuring 2 weeks ahead (36wks) and an estimated 6lbs 2oz. I already have C-Sections, so that is scheduled during my 38th week. *Couldn't see much with the head, besides it's big, so we'll have to wait and see if she has cranio like her siblings.
**Had some movie theater popcorn today and a few m&m's (no more than 6 probably) and still was under my BG numbers... Trying new things always makes me nervous!
I am starting to make a list of food I want to eat after the baby is out! Anyone else doing that?
This GD thing has made me realize how hard it is to manage diabetes. Especially when eating out - there are just very limited options for healthy carbs at restaurants (where I live it's almost non-existent)! It's mostly white bread, white rice, white pasta, white burger buns - things that spike my blood sugar like crazy no matter how much exercise I do afterwards. Whenever I had a high number, it was usually after eating out. /*sigh*/ I gripe, but at least I have an end in sight (GD should be gone after delivery); many people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes don't and have to live with it for the rest of their lives.
Overall, I am grateful for this experience with GD. I have a better understanding now and more compassion for people living with diabetes. GD is a beast, but I think it's made me a better person.
I have already packed candy bags to eat at the hospital after delivery so yes @jjang27! I plan to have a week of eating all the foods I have been craving- primarily Belgian waffles, cinnamon rolls, ice cream sundaes, and icees. And then on to healthy eating to try and reduce the risk of type 2
@jjang27 I've been making a list the past few weeks lol! My husband tells everyone. But I totally was thinking the same thing about how lucky I feel to not have diabetes when not pregnant and how much I want to prevent getting it later after this experience. My dh's dad has diabetes ad he doesn't treat it with diet or exercise AT ALL and I never realized it until I had to manage it with diet and exercise. He just takes tons of meds and eats what he wants, which I can't even imagine what his levels would he (not that I've ever seen him check im the 8 years I've known him). Very scary and sad
@jjang27 Yes! I totally have a list going. Cheeseburger and fries, Turkish kebab, cupcake, Coke, more French fries... Pretty much drooling just thinking about it.
@allishally13 My dad is type 2 and exactly the same way. He was good for a while about checking his sugars, cutting back on sugar and trying to get some exercise, but he's basically said screw it for the past 5 years or so and now just takes meds. He's 85 so I think he just kinda feels like he's done, but it still upsets and totally frustrates me.
I must admit I have been fantasizing about potatos, but I think you still have to track glucose after delivery for a while do they can determine the GD goes away. Not certain you only have to test at home or if you do another glucose challenge test postpartum.
I started my postpartum food list about 2 weeks ago! Krispy Kreme donuts, sour cream & onion potato chips, any & all breakfast treats (waffles, pancakes, cinnamon rolls)...5 or so weeks to go for me! My plan is to indulge during the week after giving birth then pull it together, like most of you have said.
@liljabee I do still have to track blood sugars occasionally after giving birth, but my targets aren't as strict. Then I'll go in for a GTT 8ish weeks postpartum to hopefully get the all clear!
I am also grateful for this experience because it has taught me a ton about healthy, balanced eating. It has been really frustrating at times and I still struggle some days with just wanting to eat something bad, but having another little life to do this for has given me willpower I didn't think I had!
I can't wait to be done testing and figuring out what to eat.
Being on medication has added more testing because I've had some lows to deal with too. Then I have to drink some soda to bring it up and test again. I wish my body would just get things straight!
I was put on insulin last week for high fasting numbers. I am at 36 weeks 5 days. Baby is in the 95th percentile as of 35 W 2d, measuring 37-38 W at that time. Because of insulin, they started NST last week. It took 3 days for the insulin to do anything and now I am getting headaches, muscle cramps, and major waves of fatigue. Back to the OB tomorrow, so hopefully they can reassure me that this is semi-normal. Since babies in my family are big (I was 9-14 without my mom having GD), they are planning to induce. I am frustrated, though. The MFM people recommend inducing in week 39, but my dr will be on vacation that week, so I can't schedule until week 40. Week 40 puts me in the week before classes start, so if something goes wrong with the induction, I will have no extra recovery time if there is a c-section. Of course, if I spontaneously begin labor, then another dr will step in, but no induction without my OB.
Ugh sorry to hear things aren't getting back in line with your insulin dosages.
I keep having higher post breakfasts and midday lows (54-60). The lows don't feel good. I feel shaky, hot, hungry, and snappy. Maybe I need to put an extra snack in.
I hope labor starts naturally for you before 39w! It's stressful to add these big baby concerns in with trying to manage blood sugars and our own bodies.
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. I have a growth scan and I'm close in date to you (36w 2d). I have to see my diabetes management doc tomorrow too. She recommended insulin but doc put me on glyburide last week. Hope my numbers are ok to not have to adjust things.
@No more Miss! Thank you. This whole process has been made so much better by knowing that I am not in this alone. I will be thinking of you too at my appointment tomorrow.
Relieved that the diabetes management doc gave me the all clear and discharged me from their services. Yay one less Doctor to visit. She said because I was managing it with medication and getting close to delivery, I was all set! I still have to monitor my glucose and take medication but don't have to report back to them.
I'm hoping for the same news at my endo appointment on friday! Balancing the NSTs, diabetes, ultrasounds, and provider appointments is really getting exhausting! Plus it's making it really stressful as I try to wrap things up at work. Hoping to still have a normal sized baby in there at next week's ultrasound so I'm not induced too early.
I am so frustrated dealing with the diabetes center my office referred me to. I have to send my numbers in once a week which I've been doing. Sending them to the same exact email address that I've been sending them to since the beginning of June. I went in to my doctors appointment last week and apparently they called them and told them I haven't sent anything in since July 6th. So I resend the numbers and then I send them in today as well. I got a call from my doctors office today saying the diabetes center called again and said I still haven't sent any in. Ive sent the email 4 times today and she still claims they aren't getting them. Same freaking email address because it's saved into the address book on my phone!
So I call the center and she keeps telling me I have to set an appointment up when just last week the nurse who I see told a nurse at my office, who called while I was sitting there, I don't need to schedule an appointment I just need to get my numbers in. I said I'm just concerned with you getting my numbers right now I'll have my husband fax them over tomorrow. I'm 2 weeks away from having this baby, I am not wasting my time to go sit at their office so they can look at my numbers when I can just send them over and them do the same thing! Especially when my numbers have been no where near high at all. I haven't even followed the diet.
Sorry for the rant but I have no patience for these people today. I refuse to schedule an unnecessary doctors appointment when I have all these other things to keep up with as well.
@Lynnlove28 That is really annoying! I've felt like my last few appointments were a waste of time as well. I told DH while waiting for my last appointment that unless they're doing an u/s or other test, I'm declining to go back.
Can you CC your OB's office when you send in your numbers? That way they'll at least know you're doing what you're supposed to and it's the diabetes office that doesn't have their shit together.
Interesting to see how every "clinic" treats GD. I had to have my initial appointment to learn everything with the GD specialists and then one followup. Since my numbers were good I don't have to go back or send my numbers or anything. Just call/email them if I start having issues or higher numbers without explanation. My OB will check my "log" during my standard visits.
On a side note - I was on the GD diet for a week and gained 2lbs!! The most I've gained in a week all pregnancy!!! I was trying to meet my the # of carbs they told me to eat, which was more than I was eating in the past. They seemed surprised when I stepped on the scale - ugh. So now I've gone back to how I ate before (while checking my numbers) and my ketones are going up again (in the morning). Luckily my OB told me not to worry about ketones too much.
@Mfuller76 I wish, but my office sees so many women that I'm just another chart to them. They didn't even say anything until the center called them. I did show them in my sent folder of my email that I've been sending them. Lo and behold the nurse from the center called me back to inform me that they did in fact receive my numbers today. Ugh. So done.
@Lynnlove28 that is beyond frustrating! I have what I hope is my last diabetes center appointment on Friday...can't wait to be done with that place. I will still have to send in my numbers, but that's much easier than balancing yet another appointment.
Wanted to check in and say I'm done with appointents at the diabetes center! So happy to have one less office to visit in these last few weeks! NST looked really good again today and the endo was pleased with my blood sugar numbers so I'm still on track to go to my due date if my little girl doesn't look too big on her ultrasound Tuesday. 4 weeks to go at this point!
My endo did review the instructions for during labor and I was kind of surprised they will be monitoring my blood sugars so closely...she told me they'll try to keep me under 95 during labor and if I go above I'll receive insulin. Anyone else heard something similar?
I didn't hear anything about monitoring my glucose during delivery. With my previous delivery (had GD as well), the nurses let me eat and drink whatever and weren't concerned with my levels during L&D. Weird.
I am emailing my endocrinologist tomorrow. Since going on insulin last week, I had 3 days with no change in fasting levels, 3 days with fasting levels in the 80s and severe side effects (fatigue, light-headed, difficulty thinking, muscle cramps), 2 days with fasting numbers in the low 90s with side effects persisting, and today my morning number was 95 but I finally felt like myself. Hoping they don't tell me to increase my insulin dose, because as far as I can tell, it's just making things worse. Argh. At least the boyo is passing the NSTs with flying colors.
For those who are done with extra appointments, congratulations.
My OB office called today to schedule a growth scan next Tuesday, which seems silly to me, given I had an US two weeks ago. I see my OB on Wednesday, then she leaves for a trip during my Week 39. If I haven't delivered yet, they have me coming in the 18th, the day after my EDD, for induction. Given everything that is already scheduled, really not sure the growth scan is serving any purpose, especially given the large percentage of error in measurements.
I'm thankful that I only had to go to the Diabetic clinic once, then from there on out, I just show my test log to my OB and the MFM at every visit. I think I'm done with the MFM appointments too. I'm 37w6d, and my numbers have been good with diet. I even splurged last night and made myself a little milkshake with Carb Smart ice cream and my fasting at 5:30AM was only 90. The Dr.s see no reason why I should need an induction early, and won't even think about it till 39 weeks. I am seriously considering asking about inducing at 39w5d, simply because my Dr. leaves on vacation the day after I'm due. We'll just play that one by ear. Hope everyone has a great day and good blood sugars!
Re: Gestational Diabetes, management check in and discussion thread
I would prefer to go into labor spontaneously but alas, not to be.
Growth scan next week. I'm 35w, 3d.
Whomp, whomp.
I have been keeping my numbers low (even snuck a piece of baby shower cake) but my doctor hasn't mentioned inducing or anything. Have any of you found that to be the case? I am going to ask Friday, because at my apt yesterday, it was a full moon and all the doctors in the office were delivering. Baby boy is measuring 6 pounds, 2 ounces at 35 weeks (about a week ahead), but it's due to having a big head. Yay!
@LAMurray808 I think my doctor is obsessed with numbers too. She sent me to an endo for my fasting levels even though they weren't really all that high.
I'm hoping everything stays positive and the doctors agree to wait until her due date at the end of August. I plan to try acupuncture to naturally induce if my little girl seems to be making no effort to come on her own!
For a minute I was really excited thinking there was a definite end in sight... On the bright side, I can go down to testing only twice a day!
@amandag225 I haven't, unfortunately. Will be thinking of you and hope the doctor gets back to you soon with some answers!
Also, does anyone feel hungry even after your snack? I am not sure if it is my choice of protein/carb.... but I am starving sometimes afterwards.
Edited - to add question
My personal problem is on the weekends...sometimes I just want to sit down and watch a crappy movie while binging on chips or something else bad. I don't do it, and know I shouldn't anyway, but I miss having the option!
I'll be induced at 39w if I make it that far. Baby had extra fluid again this week. Anyone else seeing this? I have a growth scan next week at 36w.
Had an ultrasound Monday (34wks) because I have 2 kids with craniosynostosis (so we were checking out the head) and also how big she is... Turns out she's the same as my other two kids who always measured big!! She's measuring 2 weeks ahead (36wks) and an estimated 6lbs 2oz. I already have C-Sections, so that is scheduled during my 38th week. *Couldn't see much with the head, besides it's big, so we'll have to wait and see if she has cranio like her siblings.
**Had some movie theater popcorn today and a few m&m's (no more than 6 probably) and still was under my BG numbers... Trying new things always makes me nervous!
This GD thing has made me realize how hard it is to manage diabetes. Especially when eating out - there are just very limited options for healthy carbs at restaurants (where I live it's almost non-existent)! It's mostly white bread, white rice, white pasta, white burger buns - things that spike my blood sugar like crazy no matter how much exercise I do afterwards. Whenever I had a high number, it was usually after eating out. /*sigh*/ I gripe, but at least I have an end in sight (GD should be gone after delivery); many people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes don't and have to live with it for the rest of their lives.
Overall, I am grateful for this experience with GD. I have a better understanding now and more compassion for people living with diabetes. GD is a beast, but I think it's made me a better person.
@allishally13 My dad is type 2 and exactly the same way. He was good for a while about checking his sugars, cutting back on sugar and trying to get some exercise, but he's basically said screw it for the past 5 years or so and now just takes meds. He's 85 so I think he just kinda feels like he's done, but it still upsets and totally frustrates me.
@liljabee I do still have to track blood sugars occasionally after giving birth, but my targets aren't as strict. Then I'll go in for a GTT 8ish weeks postpartum to hopefully get the all clear!
I am also grateful for this experience because it has taught me a ton about healthy, balanced eating. It has been really frustrating at times and I still struggle some days with just wanting to eat something bad, but having another little life to do this for has given me willpower I didn't think I had!
Being on medication has added more testing because I've had some lows to deal with too. Then I have to drink some soda to bring it up and test again. I wish my body would just get things straight!
Ugh sorry to hear things aren't getting back in line with your insulin dosages.
I keep having higher post breakfasts and midday lows (54-60). The lows don't feel good. I feel shaky, hot, hungry, and snappy. Maybe I need to put an extra snack in.
I hope labor starts naturally for you before 39w! It's stressful to add these big baby concerns in with trying to manage blood sugars and our own bodies.
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. I have a growth scan and I'm close in date to you (36w 2d). I have to see my diabetes management doc tomorrow too. She recommended insulin but doc put me on glyburide last week. Hope my numbers are ok to not have to adjust things.
Good luck!
Interesting study to read about the effects of breastfeeding in GD women and the correlation to type 2 diabetes.
Thank you. This whole process has been made so much better by knowing that I am not in this alone. I will be thinking of you too at my appointment tomorrow.
Yahoo!
I hope so too! It is so much scheduling and it is exhausting on top of being pregnant in the summer, working, and having a little one already.
Good luck!
So I call the center and she keeps telling me I have to set an appointment up when just last week the nurse who I see told a nurse at my office, who called while I was sitting there, I don't need to schedule an appointment I just need to get my numbers in. I said I'm just concerned with you getting my numbers right now I'll have my husband fax them over tomorrow. I'm 2 weeks away from having this baby, I am not wasting my time to go sit at their office so they can look at my numbers when I can just send them over and them do the same thing! Especially when my numbers have been no where near high at all. I haven't even followed the diet.
Sorry for the rant but I have no patience for these people today. I refuse to schedule an unnecessary doctors appointment when I have all these other things to keep up with as well.
Can you CC your OB's office when you send in your numbers? That way they'll at least know you're doing what you're supposed to and it's the diabetes office that doesn't have their shit together.
On a side note - I was on the GD diet for a week and gained 2lbs!! The most I've gained in a week all pregnancy!!! I was trying to meet my the # of carbs they told me to eat, which was more than I was eating in the past. They seemed surprised when I stepped on the scale - ugh. So now I've gone back to how I ate before (while checking my numbers) and my ketones are going up again (in the morning). Luckily my OB told me not to worry about ketones too much.
My endo did review the instructions for during labor and I was kind of surprised they will be monitoring my blood sugars so closely...she told me they'll try to keep me under 95 during labor and if I go above I'll receive insulin. Anyone else heard something similar?
I didn't hear anything about monitoring my glucose during delivery. With my previous delivery (had GD as well), the nurses let me eat and drink whatever and weren't concerned with my levels during L&D. Weird.
For those who are done with extra appointments, congratulations.
My OB office called today to schedule a growth scan next Tuesday, which seems silly to me, given I had an US two weeks ago. I see my OB on Wednesday, then she leaves for a trip during my Week 39. If I haven't delivered yet, they have me coming in the 18th, the day after my EDD, for induction. Given everything that is already scheduled, really not sure the growth scan is serving any purpose, especially given the large percentage of error in measurements.