I was referred to your board! GD...

Cryleen09 · January 2010

So I was told yesterday that I had the beetus. My OB gave me the number for a Nutritionist and a Perinatalogist. I could not get a hold of either of them today:( What can I expect from these appts? And will I get another U/S to measure the baby? I hope so because I would like to see her again. Anyone want to share their expieriences? Thanks ladies!

BTW- I usually eat pretty well. I am not into like candy or junk food but I do drink a lot of juice and soda. Is GD because I don't eat right or because my body doesnt handle sugar well due to genetics or whatnot?

Thanks in Advance!

cc_fame · January 2010

I literally just got back from my first appointment with my nutritionalist. My perinatologist appointment isn't until next week. Today we talked about what my my specific numbers (from my 1 hr and 3 hr tests) meant, and she made an eating plan for me. She also taught me how to use the blood sugar tester (I have to test my blood 4 times a day by poking my finger).

We did go over what causes GD. In short, it's not because of how you eat, it's because of how the placenta changes the way insulin is produced in your body. So don't feel guilty! They will go over it more in depth with you.

I had a really positive experience with the nutritionalist, and left feeling more educated and in control. I hope you have the same experience!

Kie310 · January 2010

You will have more u/s's. One every 4 weeks until the baby is here. When I had my first u/s after the GD diagnosis I met with the doctor, he just went over the things that could happen b/c of my GD & how big my baby already is and what that means.

themathgirl · January 2010

GD means that your body doesn't produce the insulin it needs to get the glucose out of your blood stream and into the cells to give them energy. As we get further in pregnancy the placenta and what it needs can cause people to develop an insulin resistance. If you eat too much sugar, your body can't keep up and your blood sugar will be high. If you can control your blood sugar with diet, then it is because your body is making enough insulin to keep up. Some people need insulin to help their body keep up. Don't blame yourself. However, try to control what carbohydrates you eat to help your body keep up with the glucose in the blood stream. Hope that helps!

eyunger1 · January 2010

cc_fame:
I literally just got back from my first appointment with my nutritionalist. My perinatologist appointment isn't until next week. Today we talked about what my my specific numbers (from my 1 hr and 3 hr tests) meant, and she made an eating plan for me. She also taught me how to use the blood sugar tester (I have to test my blood 4 times a day by poking my finger).

We did go over what causes GD. In short, it's not because of how you eat, it's because of how the placenta changes the way insulin is produced in your body. So don't feel guilty! They will go over it more in depth with you.

I had a really positive experience with the nutritionalist, and left feeling more educated and in control. I hope you have the same experience!

This is similar to my experiences chatting with the diabetes educator and a nurse case-manager from my health insurance. My testing has been easy, and the diet changes were not overwhelming. For anyone who thinks they have to prick their fingers to test, please read the manual that comes with your meter -- a lot of the newer ones use so little blood, that you can test from your arm or even your thigh! My meter is a Contour meter from Bayer (in some places it's still called the Ascencia meter), but several of the Accu-Chek meters and some of the Novo meters are able to test from small blood drops, too. The advantage is that you can't even feel the lancet prick you on your arm or leg. It's delightful to not have to prick my fingers, since I work in a hospital and one never knows what's on a countertop or computer keyboard!

Best wishes.

Married2MrWright · January 2010

Sorry you have GD but welcome to the board...the ladies here are very supportive.

GD is caused my your placenta pumping out hormones that override your pancreas' natural ability to deal with metabolizing sugar...i.e. it cannot produce enough insulin to handle what your placenta is dealing out there. That's why once the baby is born, GD goes away.

Now that you're dx with GD you'll have to cut out the soda and juice. They're a lot of simple carbs which will spike your blood sugar. You'll want the majority of your fluid intake each day to be water. If you must have some sort of flavored drink try diet soda or drink mixes (like Crystal Light). I don't like the taste of artificial sweetners and am not too keen on loading up on those chemicals while I am PG, but I know some women don't mind. I drink 3-4 liters of filtered water each day and sometimes have a flavored sparkling water (La Croix Brand) with lunch or dinner.

The key to managing GD is watching carb intake and making sure each meal is balanced with carbs, fiber, fat and protein. Instead of juice, you'll want to choose the whole fruit and add a fat/protein. Like a small apple with peanut butter. Personally, I stick to fruit that is lower on the Glycemic Index so that my body can handle it better.

At your Nutrition appt. they'll go over your allowances for the day. Most of us are eating 3 meals and 3 snacks/day and have to take our blood glucose readings 4 times a day (fasting and after each meal, usually 2 hours after the start of that meal). You may or may not be given the same protocol. You will be asked to chart your blood glucose readings daily and most likely fax them or bring them into your nutritionist and/or doctor at regular intervals for review. You will aslo be educated on how to use the blood glucose monitor as well as how GD works and how diet and exercise can manage it. If need be, they may also educate you on insulin and/or diabetic medicines.

I didn't see a peri for my GD, but my OB is used to dealing with high risk patients. I already have a u/s at every appt. (I am considered AMA since I am 35) and have had them since 7 weeks. Most GD mamas do have additional u/s to detect growth, etc. so it is likely you'll get to see your LO. Also, if you end up on medication, you'll most likely need to do weekly non-stress tests so they can monitor the baby's condition. I have to get them once a week, but some ladies get them twice a week.

GL! We're here to support you and answer your questions.

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