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gestational diabetes

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Q: gestational diabetes?
I found out a few days a go that I might have gestational diabetes. I immedietely did a lot of research but I would like to hear from other people’s experiences… what are the risks of having gestational diabetes and if anyone has had it, where there any comlications towards the baby and/or delivery. I am obviously eating differently and exercising more but want to know if I can do more. Iv’e heard that the baby can grow too big or not even make it after delivery which is a really big fear of mine. Thanks 2 everyone who answers!

A: Most people can manage their gestational diabetes through exercise and diet changes. As you know, the biggest risk is that if you have continually high blood sugar, your baby will be getting that extra sugar and will grow larger – this means that it is possible they might want to induce labor early if baby gets very big. After baby is born, it will run the risk of having low blood sugar – when the supply is cut off from mom, baby’s sugar levels drop quickly and they can become ill. But this is very managable by giving frequent feedings (they may have to supplement with formula if you are breastfeeding) or by giving IV fluids that have some sugar and nutrients in it. They would have to monitor the baby very closely for at least the first few hours if not the first few days. If the baby’s blood sugar is way out of whack, they might need to keep the baby in the hospital for an extra day or two until they can stabilize things.

I have not seen any babies die because of a mother’s gestational diabetes, but I suppose it would be possible if the baby’s blood sugar was extremely low and there were no interventions to correct it. . . but that won’t happen. So don’t worry!

Good luck and congrats!

Q: Gestational Diabetes ?
I have gestational diabetes and just started testing with the finger pricks today.Do I need to test 2 hours after I start eating or 2 hours after I finish eating?I forgot to ask the nurse and now the office is closed for the weekend.Please only answer if you have had it and really know-Thanks!

A: I am diabetic, you typically test 2 hours once you are done eating. There is no link to gestational diabetes and autism just fyi, so please don’t let that scare. Autism is attributed to many things, one being immunizations but there has not been positive findings to autism and diabetes. I was diabetic going into my pregnancy and have a healthy 6 year old.

Q: Gestational diabetes?
I am paranoid that I might have gestational diabetes.
I have had thrush all throughout this pregnancy and recently over the last few days I have been feeling very tired. Today I feel very thirsty and I ave just thrown up.
Has anyone here had gestational diabetes and did you have symptons like mine?
I will be calling the midwife at 9 so theres no need to tell me to call a doctor I just wanted some advice from people like me
I haven’t had any urine tests since 16 weeks I’m noe 24 weeks

A: Glucose tolerance tests are routinely done on pregnant women at our hospital on every pregnant lady to rule this out. Is there a family history of gestational diabetes? There could be other factors causing your symptoms as well. I wish you good luck.

Q: How soon can gestational diabetes be detected in pregnancy?
I am barely 6 weeks pregnant and had a blood glucose test done last week, the results came back high at 220. Does anyone know if that is too early for gestational diabetes, or do you think I had diabetes before the pregnancy and just didn’t know about it?
The reason they tested so early is because my younger sister has diabetes; however, it’s juvenile diabetes (Type 1). This is my first pregnancy, so I’ve never had the problem before.

A: I would say that you already had it, my daughter is 25w3d and they are testing her for that next month. They said that gestational diabetes starts around 28 weeks.
Diabetes and pregnancy together are rough so please be careful.
Congrats on the little one.

Q: What if my gestational diabetes is just under control?
Hi i am currently 28 weeks pregnant and i got gestational diabetes and now i have to follow a proper diet and regular exercise and after all this my sugar level is controlled but sometimes its just under the required level, i mean sometimes it comes 6.9 or 7.0mmol/l after meal and 5.4 (fasting). So i was just wondering if its still not good for me and baby or there is nothing to worry on that?

A: I had gestational diabetes with my fourth baby and was borderline with second and third. it is okay if you are just off by a bit but they will want you to lower it into the average range. I did great with diet and exercise but it still got away from me a little bit so i did go onto the insulin pill to help. The exercise and dieting is important to help keep that down but with pregnancy they told be no matter if you are doing everything right it can change at any time due to the pregnancy. it did get a little harder at the end. Now 9 months later I have low blood sugars so I have to eat more often now with higher amount of carbs. My little ava still came out tiny from it but she is healthy.

Q: What week are you tested for gestational diabetes?
I’ll be 23 weeks on Monday and I have an appointment with my OB then. I thought she said I’d have to do the glucose test at that time, but she may have meant later. I wondered when you’re typically tested for gestational diabetes in pregnancy?

Also, I’ve noticed I am so thirsty lately. I know this can be a sign of diabetes. But I wondered if dry mouth/thirst is also just a symptom that some pregnant women deal with (who DON’T have diabetes)?

Thanks!

A: This is usually done between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.

Q: What complications have you had with gestational diabetes?
I have just found out that I have gestational diabetes and I am over 37 weeks pregnant. It has gone undiagnosed and we have found out that I why my baby is so large. She is already 8 pounds 12 ounces based on the ultra sound. They won’t let us induce until at least 39 weeks. I have been eating healthy but not healthy for someone with gestational diabetes. My concerns are now with my baby and I want her to be healthy. Any personal expieriences would be great!

A: I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes with my first pregnancy. The only real difficulty was a very long labor due to a large baby. A large baby is probably all you will have to deal with. If the baby is too large you may end up with a C-section so prepare for that. Don’t worry, you will probably both be fine.

Q: When did gestational diabetes become a diagnosis?
I am trying to find out more about the history of gestational diabetes. I am finding plenty of articles about people having a personal or family history of it, but what I am looking for is when the medical community starting using the phrase “gestational diabetes” rather than only talking about diabetes and pregnancy. I found an article from 1986 in a medical journal that mentions it, but nothing before that.

Does anybody know where there might be more information about this?

A: Ouch! I found some very dry, boring information, *but* the answer seems to be 1979:

“A Short History of Gestational Diabetes as a Clinical Entity

GD as a clinical entity officially began in 1979 when the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) issued an updated classification of diabetes types, including one that was present only during pregnancy. In 1979, the First International Workshop-Conference on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus also met, essentially declared GD a disease, finding it a significant health risk that needed treatment. Instead of the more neutral “Carbohydrate Intolerance of Pregnancy”, the term “Gestational Diabetes Mellitus” was used (often shortened in various resources to Gestational Diabetes, GD, or GDM). Authorities felt that if the term ‘diabetes’ was used, women would be more likely to take the diagnosis seriously and insurance companies would be much more likely to cover treatment for it.”

Q: Can gestational diabetes contribute to fatigue and moodiness?
I just found out I have gestational diabetes. This is my 3rd pregnancy, but the first time that I’ve had this. I have been a lot more tired and irritated during this pregnancy than the others. Could the gestational diabetes have anything to do with that?

A: Absolutely. Fluctuations in blood sugar can effect mood and energy levels.

Once you start your gestational diabetes diet, you should begin to feel better.

However, also remember that every pregnancy presents itself differently, so hormones could be the culprit of your lack of energy and moodiness and nothing but delivering will solve this.

Good luck :o )

Q: What now pregnant with gestational diabetes and may have a big baby?
Well i am now pregnant with my second little one, or shall i say big one, last one born by c-section because of baby head position and induction, i have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and am extremely worried i wont be able to deliver vaginally once again because the baby may be too big, i am 35 weeks pregnant and measuring 2 cm bigger for the last 3 apptments and the have only had one ultrasound .. i am scared about going into labor early or they may want to induce … what should i do ?

A: I would not worry about the size of your baby. Many women with gestational diabetes are able to deliver vaginally with no problems. Keep in mind that ultrasounds and estimates about your baby’s size are just that….estimates. Ultrasounds are often wrong. They are sometimes off by a pound or more. They even get the sex of the baby wrong sometimes!

There’s no way any doctor can tell you with any certainty the size of your baby. And weight doesn’t really matter anyway. It has more to do with head circumference, the shape of your pelvis and the way the baby presents during labor.

I would not let them force you into induction or c-section if you’re not comfortable with it. Why don’t you just wait and let nature take it’s course? It’s rare that mother nature makes a baby which can’t come through the mother’s birth canal given a little bit of time and patience.

Please just try to relax and enjoy these last few weeks of your pregnancy.

Q: I have a few questions about gestational diabetes and seeing a perinatologist?
I am going to start seeing the perinatologist for uncontrolled gestational diabetes. Will I still see the OB on a regular basis and only go to the perinatologist for the diabetes also? Will my regular OB still do the delivery or will the perinatologist do it? What can I expect out of my visits with the new doctor and what sort of extra testing will they do on the baby if I have to take insulin?

A: Your OB will do the delivery. The perinatologist MAY want you to also see an endocrinologist. You will see both (or all three) throughout your pregnancy. You will monitor your blood sugars daily, perhaps 3 times per day.

Please take a look at http://www.drfurhman.com My wife has reduced her insulin to a FRACTION of what she WAS on, through this program. It’s basically eating a lot of veggies, nuts, and fruits. It’s working VERY well for her, and a few friends. Not that you want to try to lose weight during pregnancy, but her friend lost 33 pounds in about 2 1/2 weeks! My wife has lost about 20. And she’s NOT hungry! She’s eating very well!

Q: How does adaptation and acclimation play a role in gestational diabetes which occurs during pregnancy?
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the woman develops diabetes but loses it affect birth sometimes or when treated. I want to know how adaptation and acclimation play a part.

A: I got gestational diabetes when I was pregnant and my Dr. said the stress the baby causes on the body, causes you body to function as if you were in your 50s. The stress brings out any future conditions you may get. When the pregnancy was over I was diabetes free. But I will most likely get it again later if I do not control my diet, sugar intake and exercise regime for the rest of my life.

Q: What are my chances of retaining Gestational Diabetes with a third pregnancy?
I have three children and my husband and I are contemplating a fourth. I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes with my second and third child. We are contemplating having a fourth, but I am wondering what my chances of the diabetes not going away. Any ideas?

A: The chances are higher if you had it during your 2nd and 3rd pregnancys. I have never had it and now with my 3rd pregnancy I am borderline. I would start watching what you eat very early so it will reduce your chances of having to take shots or anything.

Q: How many of you that gestational diabetes carried your baby full term?
I’m 32 weeks preg and have gestational diabetes, i was recently put on insulin shots, any one want to share there experience with this? Did you carry the baby full term. First time mom, serious answers only please.

A: Hi there!

I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes @ 30 wks.

I take my blood sugar levels 4 times daily, watch my diet, and was recently put on Glyburide to help control insulin. It has worked wonders.

As of right now, I am due on Sunday, and if I don’t have my precious little girl by that evening, I am to report to the hospital by 8 p.m. for a scheduled induction.

Good luck to you and your family, and I’m sure everything will be fine.

Q: What are some breakfast ideas when you have gestational diabetes?
I’m 33 weeks pregnant and was recently diagnosed with a touch of gestational diabetes. I am no longer allowed to have more than 15g of carbs for breakfast before 10:00 am. So I have been reduced to some fruit and a glass of milk or yogurt for breakfast. Prior, I was a milk and cereal, muffins, oatmeal, eggs, bacon, and toast eater for breakfast. Now I am starving again after I’ve been at work for an hour with this reduced carb breakfast. It’s hard to have the energy I need to keep up at work when I haven’t had a filling breakfast. I start at 8:00 and I don’t get my lunchbreak until 1:00 usually. I can bring a snack to tie me over until lunch, but I still can’t even eat that until after 10. So do you have any good ideas of foods that will fill me up better but still be within the 15g of carbs guideline?

A: who the heck is your nutritional advisor on this problem? You really should get someone to give you good advice on this–a second opinion. and just what is a “touch” of gestational diabetes? I was ‘borderline’. is that what you mean? Get yourself a glucose monitor and test yourself. I did. it wasn’t fun. it wasn’t cheap. but I was able to eat a healthy meal three times a day. just stay away from processed sugars and juice. Use no- or low fat dairy products, no butter or margarine, no sodas–not even diet–the fake sugar is bad for you too. I think for breakfast I had bran flakes with skim milk and a piece of whole wheat toast with fruit spread, and a cup of de-caf tea. You have only 7 weeks to term–make good choices. And the really fun part is that you should continue with the diabetic diet for the rest of your life because you are high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Lose weight, exercise daily. good luck. have a happy baby.

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