Just Diagnosed with GD (newbie)

jilld23 · December 2011

Hi - I am Jill.

This is my second pregnancy. We lost our first at 9.5 weeks. Today I found out that I failed my 3 hour GTT test.

I have my appointment tomorrow to learn how to test and then see the nutritional counselor.

Can anyone tell me what this means other than having to write down what I eat, tracking my blood sugar, etc.? Do we need more ultrasounds to check baby? Will I need to see the nutritionist every week? I know each doc may be different, but I would greatly appreciate your insight!

Thank you!

DBride2006 · December 2011

For me, it means working with a dietician on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to keep my numbers in check. I test my blood sugar 4 times a day. I have a severely restricted carb allowance and keep a detailed food log. I eat 3 smaller meals and 3 snacks a day (eating every 2-3 hours).

At first, my care didn't really change much, other than the dietician. Since I've been on insulin (couldn't keep breakfast numbers in check even when only eating the very minimum, healthiest carb allowance), I do twice weekly non-stress tests. This week (34 weeks), I will also start getting weekly ultrasounds to check fluid levels. I believe this is also related to the insulin.

So, now I do have more monitoring, but overall, I am still having a very healthy, normal pregnancy. The baby is measuring right on track!

Loribelle73 · December 2011

I am pretty new to this too, but my doctor intends to do periodic ultrasounds to check fetal growth. My LO is already measuring about 2 weeks ahead of schedule, so they want to make sure he doesn't get too big too fast.

carney23 · December 2011

I only needed to see the nutritionist once to teach me what/how to eat the right amount of carbs/proteins. I still have to play around with my snacks and meals but have been able to manage ok. I test 4 times daily. I do have to take Glyburide at night because my fasting numbers just couldn't get on track. Starting at 32 weeks I started 2 NST's weekly and 1 u/s weekly (to check the fluid level) Baby was measuring a little big at 33 weeks (64th percentile) but has slowed down lately. It gets frustrating at times because you just want to be able to eat whatever, whenever you want, but you have to stand back and tell yourself its whats best for you and the baby. Dont get upset in the beginning, you are going to have to play with your food to see what your body can and can't handle, I have found this board to be SOOOO very helpful, I mostly lurk but I love reading other tips and advice. Good luck

snoangel79 · December 2011

I was just diagnosed also. I went to a nutritionist at my 3 hours test appointment. They go over what you eat and give you recommendations. What your are watching is the carb intake % wise. So if you love carbs you can still eat them but you need to cut them to a lot lower portions. Also things like juice even milk can cause issues, not to say you can't have them you just have to have smaller split up portions. Bagels for example are not a great choice for breakfast, English muffins with eggs and cheese on the other hand (homemade sandwich) is a good choice. They recommended to me eating 5 to 6 times a day. High protein-low carb diet is basically what it is. My eating wasn't that bad to begin with I think the twin pregnancy and also my dad has type 2 threw me slightly over. Mine is on the mild side but I still have to do the stupid meter thing!! That's the worst part, I don't think it's per say painful it's just the anticipation of sticking your finger 4 times a day!!

Unfortunately you cannot cheat with the meter either (like not doing it I have an appointment to check how I'm doing on Tuesday after 5 days of using the meter and they download the numbers to look at them!! I was told if any number goes over 200 I need to get my butt in there because for some reason it's not being controlled well and it's not good for the babies at that point (I think they would look to control with injections at that point but for the past few days my numbers are really good so I'm not worried!!)

Not sure about the U/S as I'm in a high risk twin pregnancy and get serial U/S anyways.

jilld23 · December 2011

Thank you all for your input! I had my appointment today to learn how to use my meter and what to eat. I think I will be fine and am really hoping not to need medication. I was eating well before, but hadn't been "great" for a few weeks with the holidays - I am hoping that had something to do with it.

Thank you for your input snoangel - we are due just a few days apart from each other! Can you believe it's almost third tri?!

erincraig · December 2011

I was diagnosed about 10 weeks ago and only have 2 weeks left of pregancy.

Basically I met with a nutritionist twice to learn how to count carbs and evaluate the types of foods I am eating, I never had to write down my daily foods, but I keep in mind how many carbs I can eat per meal/snacks (for me I can have about 60g per meal and 30g per snack).

I also meet with a diabetes specialist that reviews my numbers once a week. I recieved a structural US at 32 weeks to check baby's size and another US at 37 weeks.

I had to go on Glyburide to control my sugars but a very low dose, therefore I have twice weekly Non-Stress Tests. I don't mind going in twice a week and hearing my baby's heartbeat for 20 minutes Big Smile Basically if you keep in mind what you are eating it can go really smoothly. I am being induced in 2 weeks and my baby is average size (6.5 lbs right now). keeping your sugars under control will help. the first couple weeks are hard as you figure it all out, but it gets easier Smile

Just Diagnosed with GD (newbie)

Re: Just Diagnosed with GD (newbie)

Choose Another Board

Search Boards