Newly diagnosed Gestational at 35 + 3 weeks.

[GDMum]

Hi all, I have been newly diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes very late in pregnancy. Have suspected for a long time that I had it, but blood test at 28 weeks was borderline. Hospital said I didn't need to do anything, so carried on with same diet as normal. In essence, lots of healthy aspects, few bad habits (chocolate!!) Had a private scan at 29 and 31 weeks pregnant and baby measured 3lb 3oz on first, and 4lb 13 oz on second. Hence hotfoot back to midwife who re-referred for another GTT which confirmed GD. (Had previously had loads of symptoms, including large baby who became stuck-traumatic birth but before routing GTT, therefore can't say for certain whether I had GD then too) My problem is am so late in pregnancy this time around unsure what to do for best from now? Have first appt with Diabetes clinic next Tuesday, and have been advised that will see consultant week after. Midwife advised me hospital don't do routine ultrasound so unsure how they will track size of the baby now (worried!) and am measuring larger than I should be (38 weeks fundal height). I'm very much feeling unheard, no concrete advice, guessing on my own meal planner (although internet helping) yet possibly 2 weeks until I see consultant. Will I be induced then do you think?? Doesn't give me a lot of time to get my head around everything and learn what works for me/baby. I've always exercised moderately - currently walking a lot and yoga. Has anyone been in a similar position?? All wisdom very welcome. x

 

[Jaxx01]

Hey hun. First of all, sorry to hear you're having a tough time. I had gestational diabetes, diagnosed at 28 weeks. The main dietary advice I was given was to swap everything white for brown, for example pasta, bread, rice etc...cut out the obvious rubbish like chocolate and high sugary drinks. Keep yourself well hydrated. I'm not sure if you will be induced or not as you are late on. I was induced at 37+3 told baby was 10 lb + but was only 7lb 4 oz lol my best advice would be to sit tight until Tuesday and make those dietary changes for now. So sorry I can't really help much x

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[GDMum]

Thanks for the reply Jaxx01, really appreciate you taking the time, and you have definitely helped As a family we don't eat much of anything white, but I can admit to having a sweet tooth. Managing chocolate cravings is a tough one, but necessary,so shall be done. The only real craving I've had has been chocolate milkshake, so the urge is a strong one though. Never mind, things are as they are so shall stop being a wuss and get on with it now. I just feel so naive concerning everything diabetic - have spent the last couple of days since diagnosis searching the internet for info. I do worry about the size of the baby (last labour scared me), so it's reassuring to know your little one was littler than predicted! I'm hoping that if I blitz the diet for the next few weeks my baby's weight gain will slow down and she will come into the world naturally and healthily. Like you say though, the only thing I can do is sit tight, relax and write a long list of questions for the clinic lol xx

 

[Jaxx01]

Yes there's no point overly stressing about it tbh. I used to have a craving for milk, full fat milk but I think that's about 9g carbs per small glass and I was drinking pints :/ I got around it by having a highlights hot chocolate? Only around 4g carbs. See carbs are the real baddies BUT being pregnant you still need a healthy amount for you and baby. Hopefully, on Tuesday they will give you some dietary advice!! I was given fortnightly scans.from 28 weeks and the weekly in the last 4 weeks once you've met your consultant Tuesday you will most likely have to go and see the diabetes midwife once a week, they should keep a close eye on you. Try not to worry too much about the size etc of baby just now. Grab a pen and paper, and write as many questions you can think of! For example : dietary advice, what will happen at time of labour, will you be induced etc cos you can bet your bottom dollar there will be something you will forget lol. I'm here if you need to chat xxx

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[Jaxx01]

Hi GDmum just wanted to say good luck for tomorrow hope it all goes ok and you get the help you need z

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App