Gestational diabetes . . .?

Question

I am 34 weeks pregnant and my doctor just started me on insulin shots to control my glucose levels . . I was wondering if there are any other moms out there who had to do the same thing . . and if so, was your baby born early or on time? . . were you induced? . . did you deliver vaginally or by c-section? . . how big was your baby? . . were there any complications? . . . I know this is a LOT of questions, but I'm really worried . . . any input you can give would be greatly appreciated!!

please keep the stupid comments to yourself . . I already know the causes of it . . I want to know the effects of it . . . but then again, if you read the question, you would know!

Answer 1

I too, had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. It's caused by horomones level in the placenta that block the body's effective use of blood sugars. My baby, who will be a month on the 14th, was due Dec. 8th. I ended up having a c-section because she was almost a week late and the ultrasound estimated that she was 9lbs. 10 oz, but when they got her out she was only 7 lbs. 11 oz. There were no complications. I know you're worried, it's a natural pregnancy thing, just remember, the only thing gestational diabetes really does is put you at risk for having a bigger baby, which, as long as s/he is term or close to it, having had the time to develop everything s/he needs, is fine. You are at a higher risk for c-section if it's a bigger baby, but all that matters is that you both come out of the birth healthy. Good luck!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Many of the questions you ask are answered here: http://birthingnaturally.net/birth/challenges/gd.html.

Having Gestational Diabetes doesn't automatically mean you will have any particular intervention during labor. However, the healthier you keep yourself and the more you control your diabetes the more options you will still have available when your baby is due. I'm assuming you are meeting with a diatician to fine tune your nutrtion, if not do that right away. I just read a study tonight that showed exercise in women with GD helped prevent problems in labor - so if you are not already doing some form of exercise, try walking for half an hour every day.

You have one very big plus - your doctor is taking the condition seriously and having you check your glucose levels and adjust insulin. My diabetes educator friend is always angry when doctors tell a woman she has GD and doesn't tell her to monitor her sugar levels. In her own words, "How can you even begin to guess if the changes you are making are helping if you don't ever check the sugar levels?!" She says it is even worse when doctors tell women they are borderline - because then they don't even get the nutritional counseling.

Just remember, you cannot control the circumstances of your pregnancy or labor, you can only respond to them. Focus on the things you can control - your nutrition and exercise, monitoring your sugar levels and learning what you can about labor.

I've taught several women who ended up with gestational diabetes in my natural childbirth classes - they were just as successful at having natural births as the non-GD moms in the class. Good Luck to you, and keep searching for the answers you want.

Answer 4

2

Answer 5

I am writing to tell you what an incredible impact these methods had on my life! I have had type 2 diabetes for 27 years. For me, the worst part of this horrible disease is the severe pain I constantly get in my feet. The pain is so bad that I avoid standing and walking as much as possible. I've got to tell you that within the first month, my feet stopped hurting altogether and I can now walk totally pain free.

Believe it or not, I even danced at my niece's wedding last month, something I have not done in a many years. I've been following the book for six months now and my blood sugar is well within normal range. I feel great!

I recommend you use the Type 2 Diabetes Destroyer to naturally reverse your diabetes.

Answer 6

it does make the baby larger and you may go early.. but dont worrie the baby will be fine and with gestational diabetes you wont have it after but can reinharite it later... also just because you have it this pregnancy doesn't mean you'll get it the next pregnancy.. i had it with my first but dont have it this one and im 35 weeks tomorrow... dont worry you and baby will be fine its a little scarry but works out in the end my daughter is 3 and perfect... i was not induced... she came out vaginally ... she was 7 1/2 pounds.. no complications... she was only a week early from due date... Hope i helped you by answering with my experiance's... and nothing that the mothers on here say are going to help you stop worring cuz every pregnancy is different and everyones body is different just hold your head high and have high hopes good luck wish you the best....

Answer 7

I had pre pregnancy diabetes. I have taken insulin all though out. This is my third pregnancy and I was induced both times with the others. The higher your blood sugar is the higher chance u have of having a bigger baby or a baby born with birth defects. Its hard for me cuz I like to snack but this pregnancy I havent been to hungry. I'm on three shots...4 finger pricks a day....I hope its not to bad for you....I know how difficult it is to give yoyrself a shot for the first time...its a good thing u such a short time left....I'm sure all will turn out well and I wish you the best. P.S. I went up to my due date for induction...one baby was 8lbs 12 oz the other 6lbs 6 oz

Answer 8

I was diagnosed as borderline GD (just before the holidays, to my dismay), but mine was controlled with a low-glycemic diet. No insulin shots, thank goodness. My baby was born on his due date, vaginally, and was 7 lbs 5 oz. No complications whatsoever.

Please try not to worry. Just keep a close eye on your blood sugar (I'm sure you already do). In most cases, the diabetes will disappear once your pregnancy is over (mine did).

Answer 9

I also had gestational diabetes with my 4th child. My baby was born 1 week early, vaginally, and she weighed 7 pounds.Even though I was so fearful of her being excessively large,as can so often happen with G.D, she was actually my smallest baby.I was very careful about my diet throughout my pregnancy with her. The only complication was that she had low blood sugar right after birth. She was given a bottle of sugar water and she was just fine. Good luck and I'm sure your baby will be fine!

Answer 10

i've been a diabetic my whole life pretty much.
my first was 7 lbs 4 oz. second 8 lbs 8 oz. 3rd 10 lbs, 4&5(34 wk twins) 5 lbs 3 oz 5 lb 7 oz.
when pregnant i go off regulal insulin and sliding scale only, every 2 hrs checking and dosing.
i've delivered all mine vaginally, no induction. i lost one of my twins to a genetic disorder, totally unrelated to diabetes.
the better control you have of your sugar the less the risk of complications. I have done uunassisted births with my last two pregnancies. for me one of the biggest things in labor is to snack on protein rich foods to maintain my sugar levels and energy.i also tend to check sugar hourly while laboring.
it can be very manageable.
good luck