Help, I have Gest. Diabetes and have been put on weekly monitoring

[gdlady]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with GD last week and after a an ultrasound at 30 weeks they are giving me a weekly test for movement, heartbeat, fluid, etc, and bi-weekly ultrasound. The baby is already large 4lbs 4oz so they are concerned but the amount of monitoring has me really scared...is this normal for people with GD to have this much monitoring?

Also, they told me I would likely be induced at 38-39 weeks...any one have this happen because of GD?

Thanks,

[Mommal]

Hmm, when you were diagnosed, what were your numbers on the glucose tolerance tests? And if you've been testing your blood sugar at home, what have your numbers been like?

It sounds like your caregivers are advocating a very, very, very high level of monitoring and intervention, the sort that might be warranted for a mom with pre-existing diabetes, not just gestational diabetes.

The level of intervention/monitoring you describe is excessive for the average GD mom. For example, in my case (borderline GD easily controlled by diet and exercise), my midwife suggested doing a single non-stress test after 41 weeks, and induction of labor only if the results were bad or if I was still pregnant at 42 weeks. She did not suggest additional ultrasounds, nor do I think she would have taken any weight estimate based on a 3rd tri ultrasound seriously: they are notoriously prone to errors of 1-2 lbs.

[lifeguard]

I did have weekly nst's from about 34 weeks on but my gd was very hard to manage - we really struggled to get my numbers under control.

As for the induction I'd definitely be questioning that & asking for more discussion as you approach your due date. Unless there are difficulties presenting at that time I wouldn't consent to an early induction & imo 10 weeks out is too early to know.

[Darlingricki74]

My doctors office starts 2x a week bpp's and nst's from 35 weeks for GD. They had also planned to induce between 38-39 weeks(mine got moved up to 37 weeks, but I have polyhydramnios and preeclampsia, it's not really because of the GD). I didn't realize 4lbs 4oz was that big for 30 weeks, mine was about the same size at 30 weeks and they said that was pretty average, they aren't worried about her being big from that.

[gdlady]

Thanks guys,

I never even got to three hour test because I was 235 at the one hour with no history or risk factors. After a PERFECT diet for two weeks my first two days of at home testing had my fasting numbers over 100 so they called me in and all this started. I am currently on a very low dose of glyberide (sp?) and things seem to be under control. I am going to ask about the level of care/concern at my next appt.

[Mommal]

Definitely press your caregivers on their protocols for moms in your situation. If you can get your numbers under control, will that change how they treat you?

I would definitely seek a second opinion. Sometimes hearing just exactly how treatment differs from practice to practice helps you sort out what the best path is.