Gestational Diabetes

mamajudec2018

@CecilB93 They said they are ok with me having 2 cups a day but it just makes me so nervous.

CecilB93

@mamajudec2018 maybe start with a cup or half a cup and see how you feel? I'd be weary doing 2 cups, but I'm not a coffee drinker anyways lol

mamajudec2018

@CecilB93 Yea I definitely wouldn't do two cups. That just seems unnecessary! I just haven't been feeling him move regularly for the last like five daysish so I'm like reparanoid about everything I do. So I just am trying to decide if it's worth it.

CecilB93

@mamajudec2018 I think we're still at a point where movement can kind of come and go as far as what you can feel. I know I have some days where LO is constantly active, and some days where I barely feel him. So still normal at this point! I can't remember exactly when you need to pay close attention to less movement, but I definitely think it's closer to 30 weeks or so once baby is bigger.

mamajudec2018

@CecilB93 That's definitely good to hear! I know I'm being over the top. It's just so hard not to worry. My OB is going to bring me back in next week for my appointment rather than waiting for two weeks since I feel worried. It's always nice to get some relief when you're worried. I cannot wait to be holding this little miracle so that I know he is ok! 13 weeks until I'm induced! 

prudence9-2

@CecilB93 @mamajudec2018 I think that from 28 weeks we’re suppose to count movement. Until then they might have quiet days. 

Im 27w today. So 12 weeks until I’m induced!!

mamajudec2018

@prudence9-2 Yay 12 weeks!

mamajudec2018

Alright, I couldn't resist and went for a cup of coffee today. I had a Dunkin Donuts French Vanilla k cup and drank about 3/4 of the cup. I honestly felt better today than I have in so long. My husband asked how it was and I said it was sweet nector from the Lord haha! It was scary to drink just because I want baby to be ok but I think I'm less scared and may allow myself a cup a day. Oh and my numbers were fine all day so it didnt mess with them! But I didn't do any cream or sugar.

hoosiermama-2

Just scheduled my education thing for Tuesday morning, wish it could've been sooner. I'm about to dive in and read back through the thread!

It's so stupid but I'm like scared to eat anything for fear of doing something wrong. I was calm yesterday when I got my results but now that it's settled in, I think I'm a little freaked. Feeling so irrational. 

I've never made it through a Whole30, though of course the incentive was not the same - a healthy baby. I just hope I don't need to be as strict as Whole30 guidelines. 

CecilB93

@hoosiermama-2 I cried a lot because I was so stressed/afraid before my education, so totally normal to feel that way! Big thing is to limit carbs, but not cut them completely. They can't expect you to eat perfectly until you've gone through the education. A lot of recipes I've found are actually Keto recipes, but you still have to be careful as they count net carbs, and diabetes doesn't work like that. I've never actually done Whole30 so I can't say if that's a good one to follow for now or not. And to be honest, until you start taking your blood sugar, you're not going to know what works for you or what's going to be a big no-no the next few weeks.

Big things I've had to avoid are Chinese food in general (rice and the sauces all are carb loaded), pasta, pizza, desserts/sweets of course, fruit, bread. I have found a Keto crust recipe for pizza that works very well for me (I shared in earlier in this thread, I can find the link again if you'd like!), or also pizza huts GF crust works fine for me, I even ate pineapple on it and had a normal reading! 

Really the beginning is going to be a lot of learning, adjusting, and frustration as you figure out what you can eat. Until your education, I'd just be mindful of the carbs you eat, don't go overboard, but don't stress too much right now! 

mamajudec2018

@hoosiermama-2 I've had many days of crying, anger, feeling proud of myself, being glad I won't have a ton of baby weight to lose. You go through cycles of emotion! Honestly, its such a blessing that you were diagnosed later in your pregnancy because you won't have to do the diet for as long!

Every person reacts differently to different carbs so like @CecilB93 said at the beginning you will have a lot of trial and error. The biggest thing is counting carbs. It makes going out to eat and things like that  little harder but like you said you have a vrayg incentive, a precious baby! Let us know if you have questions or anything!

While you wait maybe start to read cards on packages so you start to be aware of what you're eating. A general rule of thumb is three meals and three snacks a day. Snacks should be 15-20 carbs. Hope that helps!

prudence9-2

@hoosiermama-2 don’t cut carbs completely from your diet. But def cut: pizza, pasta, rice, potatoes, sweets, juices. 

A little bit of fruit is ok. But preferably not much with breakfast. 

GD sucks. But keep in mind that it is temporary. And at least you’ve been diagnosed a little bit later. The 3 of us were diagnosed earlier... (I was diagnosed before 11 weeks!)

and i I agree with @mamajudec2018 going out is really tough. 

If you have any questions let us know 

hoosiermama-2

Well, I'm super grateful to not have to go Whole30. It's fun and games when it's a personal challenge but not by force!

This pregnancy I've def not been eating great and have hardly been active, just prenatal yoga once a week for the last few weeks. I re-upped my MyFitnessPal subscription so I can diligently track everything at least until my education sesh on Tuesday. Though after reading through the thread, I think my macros are probably off (I wish there was a pregnancy setting)—

Note: I've had more than 1,603 calories today, the app syncs with Fitbit for calorie deficit  
 

What is your total carb # for the day?

Also, dumb question: I noticed lots of mentions of walking/activity after meals. What if you exercise/are active *before* meals? Same reactions??


ETA: Also, also, I'm actually more anxious to be just now diagnosed.. I wish I would've known sooner. If it's going to take me weeks to learn and adjust, I feel like I'm going to be doing harm to my baby. By the time I have it all "figured out" (is there such a thing? ) it'll be go-time.  

mamajudec2018

@hoosiermama-2 I wasn't given a daily carb total. I was told to specifically focus on carbs per meal since you test after each meal.

I wouldn't think it would work to walk before meals. Sugars start rising with the first bite you take so I think it would only work to walk after the meal. As little as 10 minutes can make a big difference or if you feel like you went overboard then 20 minutes is good.

I don't think it'll take you weeks to figure it out. They'll tell you how many carbs they want you eating per meal. Mine gave me a range for each meal. I would really really suggest you start on the very low end of the range they give you for carbs and if your numbers seem low you can add but it's better to test low than high.

hoosiermama-2

That makes sense! Thanks for your quick response. Really eager for Tuesday. 

mamajudec2018

@hoosiermama-2 I totally get that! I was so eager to meet with the nutritionist! It puts it all into perspective for sure.

prudence9-2

@hoosiermama-2 I was told 175 carbs a day. 
30-45 for breakfast 
15-30 snack
45-60 for lunch 
15-30 snack
45-60 for dinner 
15-30 for snack

And it doesn’t have to be exact. Many times I’m below the suggested amount for a meal/snack. 

CecilB93

I wasn't told a total daily amount, but I was given suggestions per meal similar to prudence9-2. Mine aren't ranges, but they are the maximum amount allowed.

Maximum Carbs
Breakfast: 30
Snack: 15
Lunch: 45
Snack: 30
Dinner: 45
Snack: 15

I was told not to go over 45 grams, so it actually surprises me to see 60 on prudence9-2's ranges! We've all learned that even with something like GD, it varies majorly between doctors as far as how you monitor and limitations, so you could be told totally different things than the three of us!

And I'll be honest, I don't limit my snacks to 15...and I've kind of gotten off of actual carb counting like they told me to, I just pay attention to what I'm eating and make sure not to go overboard or to have a good balance between carbs/protein. But in the beginning definitely do carb counting, you'll learn quickly what works and what doesn't, but trial and error can last a while since you can't try every type of meal in one week. I'd say if you figure out 2/3 meals pretty quick and easy, don't fret too much about the third meal if it's high in the beginning, you'll figure it out! Of course you do need to get it controlled, but there's a learning curve with something like this and the doctors (at least mine does) understand that. 

Also, here's a picture of suggested snacks! Of course there could be other options, but this list is pretty helpful when starting out. 

mamajudec2018

Here are my allotments:

Breakfast: 30-45
Snack: 15-19
Lunch: 45-60
Snack: 15-19
Dinner: 45-60
Snack: 15-19

I would say my breakfast numbers that I've had to set for myself are more like 20-35 and definitely no fruit or jelly with breakfast. I never go above 55 for lunch or dinner. Also, protein is your best friend! The more protein you eat the more carbs you can eat! (At least that's true for me!)

hoosiermama-2

Yessss, this is all so helpful!
I stopped at the market to get some snacks for my office. My big problem this pregnancy has been lots of fast food & snacks and no activity. With DD, I worked out 3-4 times a week and worked in a walkable neighborhood with better quick food options. This is such a reality check. 

I'm having friends over for games tonight and I'm going to order the PIzza Hut pizza y'all have talked about.. just for me though, haha. I suppose I'll get regular for everyone else.  

mamajudec2018

@hoosiermama-2 ooh good call!! That pizza is so yum! 

prudence9-2

My snacks are usually 15-20. My breakfast is 39. And I try to be up to 50 for lunch and dinner. (But many times just 40)

CecilB93

@hoosiermama-2 I've actually managed a couple fast food places still! Both Wendy's and Burger King I get a Jr Bacon Cheeseburger and the smallest fry (it's a Jr at Wendy's) then either water or Diet Coke. My trick, if I eat the whole burger I'm over, but if I take off one half of the bun (whichever isn't touching condiments) my numbers stay low as long as I'm moving after. And by moving, I mean standing up from my desk a time or two, nothing crazy. In a car ride though I went over, but still within 10 points of my max. At Chick Fil A I do a kids meal, 6 grilled nuggets and fries (and of course CFA sauce) and again with normal every day movement my numbers stay down. I do the kids meal only because I can't stomach 8 grilled nuggets, which is the smallest the adult meal is, but that with a small fry worms, too. So you might be able to do something like those, this is where trial and error come into play for me honestly. Some people can make it work, some can't, it's hard to know until you try honestly. But yes, protein and activity (even just walking) are your best friends. If I eat something that I know will put me over if I'm lazy and just lay on the couch, I try to find excuses to go up and down my stairs even just a couple times.

barristerninja

Hey all! For any of you who have been in the bed rest thread, I’m on modified hospital bed rest and was just diagnosed with GD at 26 weeks. I’m still figuring it all out and have to admit I’m not fully understanding your discussion yet, so it’ll be a while until I have anything helpful to say. Just thought I’d check in and say hi for now

mamajudec2018

Hi @barristerninja welcome to the GD group!

prudence9-2

@barristerninja welcome with that said, I’m  sorry you find yourself here. But don’t worry, it’s not that bad once you get into the habit. 

AFM... numbers are not great lately. And I’m trying to eat less and stay hungry a lot. I think they will have to up some of my insulin doses yet again. 

CecilB93

@barristerninja welcome! But sorry you have to join us here. Once you've gone through education things will make much more sense! 

@prudence9-2 dang it   

mamajudec2018

@prudence9-2 I'm sorry!

hoosiermama-2

Here's a question for y'all: 

Do I need to include a good amount of carbs in my breakfast? I just had 3 eggs with a tbsp of sprinkle cheese and three turkey sausage links. 

I do need to input the butter.

Only 2g carbs. I'm full - but do I need to include some more carbs in a situation like this in the future? Maybe one less egg & sausage and add a slice of toast? 

prudence9-2

@CecilB93 @mamajudec2018 yeah, I hope they’ll increase my before meal doses!

@hoosiermama-2 yeah, I think you need more carbs. Def try to add a whole wheat toast. 

mamajudec2018

@hoosiermama-2 I would suggest like 20 carbs with breakfast so definitely add in some toast or my go to is a sourdough English muffin. The ones I get are 22 carbs. But you don't have to cut down on the protein to do that. Protein really helps my body handle carbs especially with breakfast!

hoosiermama-2

Thanks! I'd probably cut a little of the protein 'cause I was really full I figured I needed to add some more carbs after I ate but I couldn't stomach a toast or English muffin haha

LostinUtopia

*Waves* Looks like I will be here, too! Got lab results but the office probably won’t call until tomorrow or the next day.  Not sure when they can schedule my “education” session. Right now I feel just kinda bummed out which isn’t helped by the surging hormones. I haven’t been eating horribly per se or giving into every craving but I have a really hard time with not eating bread/sandwiches/maybe sometimes pizza or pasta for long periods of time. Ugh. 

Anyway, I feel really vain and selfish but honestly one of the biggest things bothering me is just that this diagnosis sort of reaffirms my poor body image as “fat”. As in before the pregnancy weight, even. I don’t want to go down this rabbit hole too much and I realize different sized women can develop GD but the stereotype and my negative self image is messing with my head. I want to be healthy for my baby’s sake but I want to sort of also live in denial of all the weight I’ve put back on since like almost 9 years ago when I lost a significant amount of weight to be at an average weight for my size (and actually really in shape for about 2-3 years.) My last pregnancy I was 35 lbs lighter at the start and had a really easy pregnancy healthwise aside from the nausea... and I guess now I am just annoyed at myself for being higher risk although there are some factors not really in my control. 

Anyway, sorry for the Bitch fiesta. I am also wondering if working second shift is gonna mess with easy meal prep or just my readings in general. I will look back more into the thread, but for those who’ve been in this boat for a bit.... any suggestions for filling snacks that might be surprising (aka that aren’t always listed on all the handouts they gave you.)?! I know it depends upon your body a bit...I just know I’m gonna struggle with snacking and not eating the things my 3y.o. eats as my lunch, too. 

prudence9-2

@LostinUtopia GD sucks. Don’t worry about bitching. As for weight, that has NOTHING to do with GD!!! I was less than 100 pounds before pregnancy and I have a really bad GD!! (Diagnosed at 10w 6d and already on 4 shots a day).

you will have to make some changes. And yes, you won’t be able to eat what you want. But keep in mind that it’s temporary...  

LostinUtopia

@prudence9-2
Yeah sorry... didn’t necessarily want to make it seem like body shaming or whatnot. I am a fair amount overweight though and I have had a few people ask about my health during pregnancy and it definitely did seem a little like they were assuming I’d have some sort of issue with GD or I guess hypertension. I am trying to be more positive and make the necessary changes without being super vocal about it... it’s really none of their business anyway, for the most part. 

CecilB93

@LostinUtopia sorry you're having to join us here. And sorry you're upset about it. I do understand how you feel though, with my son my pre-pregnancy weight was about 45lbs less than my pre-pregnancy weight this time. Last time I was actively working out and trying to lose weight, this time I kept saying I was going to and didn't, so I definitely felt some guilt (and annoyance with myself honestly) in the beginning. GD is going to be a big adjustment, I'm like you and love pasta, pizza, bread...and to be honest, this has sucked. But, I have found a couple ways around pizza at least! I shared a low carb crust that's easy to make at home and holds up like actual crust, and I've discovered that Pizza Huts GF crust is less carbs and works well with my numbers! So it can be done! Pasta is one I haven't worked out...so that's my first meal (planned, depends on time of day I guess) after baby lol. And to make matters worse, I've been getting really into baking (cakes, cupcakes, cookies...) so I've barely gotten to do that, but the ladies at work are pretty good about eating treats if I make them lol. Also, I did share a picture of the handout they gave me for snacks just a few posts up (it's in a spoiler), I mostly just do cheese and whole wheat crackers though because I'm lazy lol. This will be a difficult adjustment, but you can do it!! And we're all here if you need to bitch about anything, you're not alone! 

hoosiermama-2

@LostinUtopia I'm new to the club as of last week! Sorry you're joining us here but this thread really helped me to feel better the first day I saw my results online. It's bedtime for me and I'm exhausted so I won't reiterate too much of what's been said but I'd suggest reading back through the thread for some solidarity and tips  
Also, Wholly Guacamole (the spicy is my fave) single servings + a few pretzel thins or Town House flatbreads or pita crackers make an amazing snack. yum 

mcgeeva

Ladies out of curiosity - did any of you all have symptoms that made you think you had GD before being diagnosed? 

mamajudec2018

@mcgeeva I didn't. I was just tested early because of a family history of diabetes.

mcgeeva

@mamajudec2018 this is my 3rd and I have never had it so im sure it's a non issue but was curious. I have my GD test on monday finally.