GD and baby "small"?

jbaby1978 · February 2013

I was just wondering if any of you ladies had experience with having GD and the baby actually measuring "small". I say small, because I'm at 35 weeks, and she's measuring in the 25th percentile, apparently unusual for GD. At 30 weeks, when I was diagnosed with GD, she was smack at 50th percentile and I started the GD diet. I'm diet controlled, but my fasting numbers are still somewhat high. I go see a diabetic physician on Monday to decide if I should go on insulin for those, but with the baby measuring where she is, is it really necessary take the added precaution for my sugar level at night? Maybe I'm misunderstanding some of the GD concerns, but I thought one of the major ones was having the excess sugar going to the baby and making her bigger. I will definitely do whatever the doctor suggests, but is more sugar restriction the answer? (Also, I do understand that 25th percentile is not actually small, I just meant it in relation to GD, where the babies can get large.) I hope my questions are clear! Thanks ladies!

memali26 · February 2013

It's still important to get your blood sugar under control because there are other issues that can be caused by high blood sugar - early breakdown of the placenta, for example. So yes, even if your baby isn't measuring large, you still need to make sure your numbers are under control.

As for the baby measuring on the smaller end - as PrivacyWanted said, GD can also cause a small baby, or you could just be genetically wired to have small babies. My girls, both GD babies, were 6lbs 11oz (born at 39w2d) and 6lbs even (born at 39w). Both 20th percentile or below, and my doctors agree that I just grow them small

Also keep in mind that the u/s measurements can be off up to 1-2lbs either way, depending on the the position of the baby, calibration of the u/s machine, etc.

starting all over again · February 2013

GD here and have been on insulin since wk 10. My sugars are NOT controlled and haven't been since I've been diagnosed. At my last growth scan (Fri) I was measuring 6 lbs 13 oz and I was charted for measuring 37 wk and 3 days, which ironically I was exactly. The tech claimed for GD, the baby was measuring small since they tend to run large. I know it doesn't mean anything but it's just the common place for GD babies to be on the large size. I'm happy with her size, my DD#1 was born on her due date and came out 9lbs 8oz. So I'd be happy with a small one this time!!

jbaby1978 · February 2013

Thanks all for the messages. I hope I didn't give the impression that I'm dropping the GD diet or would be going against my doctor's advice. I want to do what is best for my little girl and the doctor knows best. If they think I should go on insulin then that is what I'll do. I guess I just freaked out a little bit when she dropped from the 50th to the 25th percentile and didn't understand what the point would be of even more stringent sugar control. Of course, I'm no medical professional and I'm sure that not having my fastings under control is not a good thing. I guess I should be thankful that little bits isn't on the bigger side! Now, if she would just move out of the breech position...

lalafirefly27 · February 2013

Yes i had GD and I had a healthy 6lb 14 oz girl who was 5 days overdue. My ob was shocked lol. I dont remember when i started my diet i kept it pretty much under control. The thing is its the placenta that isnt breaking sugar down correctly and carbs are sugar butbin a different form. The placenta dosent burn it up before giving it to baby so baby gets overloaded with the sugar causing high birth weight and other complications and possibly getting diabetes later in its life. As long as you watch the carbs you will be fine and remember vegetables are a free food! If your still hungry after you meet your carb and meat requirements per meal have a salad with a low carb dressing.