Its been a few weeks of me pricking my fingers 4x a day. Most of my numbers are ok. Seems that going Keto has been the best thing for my day time numbers. Avoiding sugar and carbs has been a great change for me. I actually feel so much less bloated in general. My fasting numbers are still above where they should be. Basically thats the GD rearing its ugly head. If the fasting numbers don't go down then I'll get put on some meds. Not stressing though. I have 9 weeks to go so what ever I need to do to keep this little healthy then thats ok with me.
Oh and my uterine measurements are great! So far measuring on the small side of normal so hopefully the glucose numbers aren't affecting baby. I have to get an ultrasound at 36 weeks just to make sure. They will be able to look at her and see if there is any need for induction or wait her out. I delivered my first babe without induction at 39 + 1 weeks and she was perfectly healthy. No glucose meds were needed and she came out a perfect 8lbs 5.5 oz.
Decided to try out some Chick-fil-A grilled chicken nuggets, and ate about half of a medium fry, and my 1-hr was way under the limit (I didn't have really any carbs for breakfast either). So hell yeah, maybe I can have French fries too! @BrittanyCupcakes Obviously in moderation, but still pumped.
It'll be nice to have a couple of fast food options in case we're desperate or in a rush.
@hannaht8516 I ate a lot of CFA nuggets with my first pregnancy, and waffle fries! I didn't do grilled, though. I could handle the extra carbs from the breading without much issue. Lately I've been going to McDonald's a lot. Quarter pounder wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun, and large fries. Medium fries will put my number under 100, so I get to treat myself. I miss the bread, but the fries are still better!
It's actually not so terrible to find something at most fast food places. I think Taco Bell has been the hardest for me, just because everything is basically wrapped in carbs.
I just pricked my finger for the first time today after fajitas and it was under 140! Yay! I only had one corn tortilla but I did indulge in some beans and rice. It's good to know everyone is finding ways to still enjoy their comfort foods and maintain healthy sugar levels!
So now I'm thinking I may have had undiagnosed diabetes with the first pregnancy. I spent the whole hour walking while waiting for my blood draw and probably burned off the sugar and skewed the results. Or I may have tested too early in the pregnancy. I'm just glad things went well last time despite the possible missed diagnosis.
CFA does very well for me. I can even do the breaded nuggets and some fries and be ok!
My numbers overall have been great, but because of the GD and some low fluid they have me coming in for a BPP and NST every week now... which is wreaking havoc with my work schedule, but it'll be worth it to have healthy baby! They're talking about it like they might bring her out early. I'm hoping not too early!
I did try a small piece of banana bread last night and I tested after that, it put me over a little to 150. Whoops. But now I know. But my fasting number this morning was perfectly fine. Now I need to try some whole wheat things and see how that does. I've had some brown rice a couple of times, and I think I just need to watch how much of it I have, because one time it put me over and one time it didn't. I have to figure out some carbs that work. I'm afraid of losing too much weight. I'll talk to the doc tomorrow and have an appt with a nutritionist on Monday.
@hannaht8516 did you have it on its own? It may be okay if you're eating a protein with it, helping that balance.
One thing I've learned with watching my carb intake (due to PCOS) is the type of carbs. Brown rice will be better than white, whole wheat/grain better than enriched white flour, sweet potatoes over white potatoes. I'm sure you'll find the right balance! And always pair with a protein to help balance it out.
@sammierose464 yeah, it was by itself. That's what I was thinking afterward was maybe it wouldn't have been as bad if I'd had it with dinner or with some kind of protein or went on a walk or something. Lots of little "tricks" I need to learn. (I know it's not "tricks", just rules about food I've never had to think about before).
I agree with @sammierose464 my last OB told me to avoid any white carbohydrates and it really helped. And the pairing with the protein is so important. It took me some trial and error but once you get the hang of it it becomes second nature! @hannaht8516 i dont remember if you said or not but did you see a nutritionist?
Two questions: any tips on finger picking? Best setting for the lancett? I suck at it and have to do it 2 or 3 times to get enough blood. Also, what bedtime snacks help you all have low fasting blood in the morning? So far that's the only number that's too high.
Finger prick - side of ring finger I was told us best. I have my poker set at a high 3 right away in the morning and a low 3 or 2 for the rest of the day. I my had to redo it like 3 times in my 2 weeks plus. Poke your finger Wait a second and if you don't see anything squeeze your finger a little. Little learning curve but it will be natural soon. Aa for snack I normally do meat and cheese or a protein bar (Kirkland Costco brownie and cookie dough ones are good) I try and avoid fruit at night as I do get higher fasting numbers in the am.
@jweber4747 I have my lancet at 3, which seems to do the trick. I do the side of my fingers and alternate. I also do the pads of my left fingers occasionally. Pushing in a little when you prick helps the blood flow. If you prick and no blood comes out, or not enough, lower your hand below your heart and kind of run your hand down to your finger to help push the blood down.
For night time snacks, I do a premier protein shake most nights, which is pretty good. I’ve also done a low carb ice cream bar with almonds. Last night was sugar free jello with peanuts. Almonds would have been better but we were all out. String cheese with yogurt is another go to for me. But if your fasting is high and you’re eating the right things, be prepared that you may end up on insulin. I was doing what I needed to and because my fasting was over 90 for several days, I am now on it, but only at night.
I don't know if you mentioned a counselor or nutritionist, but I met with mine once a week in the beginning and now see one every 2 weeks to go over numbers and if there’s something wonky, we go over my food log. They recommend no fruit at night so I’ve stuck to that.
I saw the perinatologist yesterday. We did an ultrasound. Baby is measuring 3 lb 1 oz, which is a little on the big side (28 weeks).
I've had more low readings than high ones. The doctor was concerned about that, because if my sugar is 50, the baby's is even lower. It's been hard to stick to my eating schedule. During the week, daytime is fine. I'm pretty consistent with my snacks and lunches. But weekends and dinners, I haven't been able to keep up. I end up not eating enough, or eating too late, skipping snacks, etc.
DH is a SAHD and is supposed to take care of dinners, but he always cooks so late. Yesterday after I saw the doctor, I let him know it was a problem, and he promised to fix it, but dinner was at 9 pm last night again, and my fasting sugar was low again this morning. So I have a new crock pot on the way and I'm going to start prepping freezer meals on the weekend, that I can start in the mornings before I leave for work to be ready when I get home. I'm hoping he'll eventually step up, but I don't have the luxury of waiting for that. I'm away from home about 13 hours each day, the last thing I want to do is cook dinner when I get home. I'd rather spend time with my daughter, and I'm so tired that I just want to lay down and rest.
The perinatologist suggested I go off work now so that I can focus on my diet better. And I absolutely cannot afford to do that. My job has already hired someone to fill in for me when I do take leave, but she is going to spend the next two months training with me. I talked to our HR person yesterday and let her know the situation, and she was able to work out where I can work from home twice a week, so hopefully I can get my numbers under better control and continue working for as long as possible (trying to wait until 10/1).
Worried about her size because I was really hoping to try for a VBAC. My OB was on board under the conditions that the baby wasn't measuring too large, and that I am ready to go on my own before my scheduled c-section. He was even on board with pushing the scheduled date a little bit past 39 weeks (to allow me a few extra days to try for the VBAC, and to space out the kids' birthdays- DD's birthday is the 17th, 39 weeks is the 18th). Now that the baby is measuring large, I'm not optimistic anymore. We will schedule the c-section on the 13th of this month, I'll have another ultrasound with the perinatologist about a week later and we'll see how she's measuring then.
@BrittanyCupcakes honestly, it sounds like you are doing the best you possibly can. Balancing this diet with everything else you got going on truly seems like a mountain - but you're getting there! That's great where you can work from home for a few days a week, it really does help. I can't imagine taking off work now, on top of mat leave, who could afford to do that? Just want to say, you are doing great.
@BrittanyCupcakes It sounds like you've talked with HR already, but look at what your STD policy offers. With mine, I get up to 6 months total. Birth STD is separate from a medical leave due to pregnancy complications. I would double check what options are available there.
@sammierose464 I started this job in April. I was out of work for several months before and working part time before that. I would get about $230/week if I went on leave now. Only a bit more if I can wait until October 1st, but then I'll have more time to get my paychecks, too.
I'll get 8 weeks of medical leave after the baby is born. I don't qualify for paid family leave because I haven't been working long enough. My company would hold my job for me if I wanted to take longer leave, but I can't do that without income, since I'm the sole provider.
It really does suck that we don't have better coverage in this country. It's definitely hard to manage a diet, hopefully your husband gets better about early dinner, I am getting ready for bed at 9, I can't imagine having dinner then.
Maybe just have tons of snacks in the house so you can munch on little meals throughout the day instead of waiting for a big dinner.
I had my 30 wk appt on Friday, and had just a few days of logging to show my doc. But she was happy so far. I’ve still been staying pretty far under the limit (100s-110s) so she said I had some wiggle room. I’ve tried some corn tortillas and whole wheat pasta and whole wheat toast and was still far under. So I’m finding more and more stuff to eat and getting the hang of balancing it! I also found some greek yogurt popsicles and some low sugar fruit popsicles that haven’t really affected my #s. Yay!
Anyway, she said to keep it up. And my belly measurement was still spot on. Having a growth scan at 32 wk appt to check though. And will probably have another at 36.
@beverlystevens I think Yasso(?) brand. Yassa(?). Something like that. I got the mint chocolate chip kind, but they have a few other flavors. Nom. My doc told me about them actually. Also the fruit/veggie popsicles we found are actually really good too. The one I've tried tasted like a pina colada. I can't remember the brand of those, but I'll let you know! It's helped so much knowing I can have something sweet!
What made your doctor prescribe insulin? I'm just curious because I'm wondering if I'll start it soon because my numbers are only good 2 out of 4 times a day. I hope it's not too expensive, it was 75 bucks for all the dang testing equipment. I hope it works out for you, and congrats to those of you with good numbers! Either way only about 9 more weeks of this!
@jweber4747 I ended up on a nightly dose because my fasting sugars were too high, even with the right snacks. If I couldn’t get my numbers under control with diet, then they were going to put me on insulin with dinner. My counselor looks at fasting as a group, then each meal as it’s own group to see where fluctuations are happening.
@jweber4747 My fasting numbers haven't been lower than 105 (usually more than 110). After lunch numbers are super high too (like 162, 180 the last two days). I had it last time and I guess it gets worse every pregnancy. I'm sad but I want to do whats safe for the baby.
I also ended up on insulin at bedtime, it’s been about 3 weeks so far. While it stinks, it has made a difference in my fasting numbers. My last pregnancy was screened horribly by the OB I had, and my daughter was in NICU with all of the things related to GDM. It’s serious, so hopefully the better care will pay off this time.
My nurse wants me to send a weekly report of my meals and corresponding blood sugar numbers. I have two days before I send my first weekly report but I might just call her tomorrow. My fasting numbers have always been between 101-110 so I'm worried about waiting too long to get on insulin if I need it.
@jweber4747 what does your doctor want your fasting numbers to be at? I’m supposed to be below 90 so 101-110 would definitely make me call. How many days? Are they going down at all?
Just wanted to circle back and let you ladies know I passed my 3 hour, fasting and the first 2 hours so they said I was good to go!
Wanted to thank you guys for being so supportive and helpful while I had my freak out. To those who have been diagnosed- you got this! You’re all amazing women and our bodies are doing awesome things.
Sending nothing but good vibes and love to you all!
Met with the diabetes educator today. She's just as concerned about my numbers. We lowered my regular insulin dosages a teeny bit, but are keeping the NPH the same for now. She was happy to hear that I'm going to be working from home twice a week, but seemed strongly in support of me taking early leave. So that's just making this whole thing even more stressful.
I've been running low all day and struggling. 72 after breakfast. about the same after lunch, and I really thought my meals were good today. Dinner should be ready when I get home tonight, DH has been getting a little better with that, and I'll make sure I get my snack before bed. I got really low last night after eating dinner (before the 1 hour had passed to test my sugar). low 60s and I felt awful. I hate the way the lows feel.
Re: Gestational diabetes mamas
Me 32 and DH 40
Fur-baby named Bella
1 MC Nov. 2013
DD born Nov. 2, 2014
Little 2 EDD Oct. 1
Me 32 and DH 40
Fur-baby named Bella
1 MC Nov. 2013
DD born Nov. 2, 2014
Little 2 EDD Oct. 1
It'll be nice to have a couple of fast food options in case we're desperate or in a rush.
It's actually not so terrible to find something at most fast food places. I think Taco Bell has been the hardest for me, just because everything is basically wrapped in carbs.
So now I'm thinking I may have had undiagnosed diabetes with the first pregnancy. I spent the whole hour walking while waiting for my blood draw and probably burned off the sugar and skewed the results. Or I may have tested too early in the pregnancy. I'm just glad things went well last time despite the possible missed diagnosis.
My numbers overall have been great, but because of the GD and some low fluid they have me coming in for a BPP and NST every week now... which is wreaking havoc with my work schedule, but it'll be worth it to have healthy baby! They're talking about it like they might bring her out early. I'm hoping not too early!
One thing I've learned with watching my carb intake (due to PCOS) is the type of carbs. Brown rice will be better than white, whole wheat/grain better than enriched white flour, sweet potatoes over white potatoes. I'm sure you'll find the right balance! And always pair with a protein to help balance it out.
Aa for snack I normally do meat and cheese or a protein bar (Kirkland Costco brownie and cookie dough ones are good)
I try and avoid fruit at night as I do get higher fasting numbers in the am.
For night time snacks, I do a premier protein shake most nights, which is pretty good. I’ve also done a low carb ice cream bar with almonds. Last night was sugar free jello with peanuts. Almonds would have been better but we were all out. String cheese with yogurt is another go to for me. But if your fasting is high and you’re eating the right things, be prepared that you may end up on insulin. I was doing what I needed to and because my fasting was over 90 for several days, I am now on it, but only at night.
I don't know if you mentioned a counselor or nutritionist, but I met with mine once a week in the beginning and now see one every 2 weeks to go over numbers and if there’s something wonky,
we go over my food log. They recommend no fruit at night so I’ve stuck to that.
I've had more low readings than high ones. The doctor was concerned about that, because if my sugar is 50, the baby's is even lower. It's been hard to stick to my eating schedule. During the week, daytime is fine. I'm pretty consistent with my snacks and lunches. But weekends and dinners, I haven't been able to keep up. I end up not eating enough, or eating too late, skipping snacks, etc.
DH is a SAHD and is supposed to take care of dinners, but he always cooks so late. Yesterday after I saw the doctor, I let him know it was a problem, and he promised to fix it, but dinner was at 9 pm last night again, and my fasting sugar was low again this morning. So I have a new crock pot on the way and I'm going to start prepping freezer meals on the weekend, that I can start in the mornings before I leave for work to be ready when I get home. I'm hoping he'll eventually step up, but I don't have the luxury of waiting for that. I'm away from home about 13 hours each day, the last thing I want to do is cook dinner when I get home. I'd rather spend time with my daughter, and I'm so tired that I just want to lay down and rest.
The perinatologist suggested I go off work now so that I can focus on my diet better. And I absolutely cannot afford to do that. My job has already hired someone to fill in for me when I do take leave, but she is going to spend the next two months training with me. I talked to our HR person yesterday and let her know the situation, and she was able to work out where I can work from home twice a week, so hopefully I can get my numbers under better control and continue working for as long as possible (trying to wait until 10/1).
Worried about her size because I was really hoping to try for a VBAC. My OB was on board under the conditions that the baby wasn't measuring too large, and that I am ready to go on my own before my scheduled c-section. He was even on board with pushing the scheduled date a little bit past 39 weeks (to allow me a few extra days to try for the VBAC, and to space out the kids' birthdays- DD's birthday is the 17th, 39 weeks is the 18th). Now that the baby is measuring large, I'm not optimistic anymore. We will schedule the c-section on the 13th of this month, I'll have another ultrasound with the perinatologist about a week later and we'll see how she's measuring then.
I'll get 8 weeks of medical leave after the baby is born. I don't qualify for paid family leave because I haven't been working long enough. My company would hold my job for me if I wanted to take longer leave, but I can't do that without income, since I'm the sole provider.
Maybe just have tons of snacks in the house so you can munch on little meals throughout the day instead of waiting for a big dinner.
Anyway, she said to keep it up. And my belly measurement was still spot on. Having a growth scan at 32 wk appt to check though. And will probably have another at 36.
My fasting numbers haven't been lower than 105 (usually more than 110). After lunch numbers are super high too (like 162, 180 the last two days). I had it last time and I guess it gets worse every pregnancy. I'm sad but I want to do whats safe for the baby.
Wanted to thank you guys for being so supportive and helpful while I had my freak out. To those who have been diagnosed- you got this! You’re all amazing women and our bodies are doing awesome things.
Sending nothing but good vibes and love to you all!
I've been running low all day and struggling. 72 after breakfast. about the same after lunch, and I really thought my meals were good today. Dinner should be ready when I get home tonight, DH has been getting a little better with that, and I'll make sure I get my snack before bed. I got really low last night after eating dinner (before the 1 hour had passed to test my sugar). low 60s and I felt awful. I hate the way the lows feel.