Read an article and started panicking a bit « Back to Group Discussions

[oregon2010]

So I had gestational diabetes last pregnancy and I controlled it through diet and exercise.  After I delivered, the hospital did blood work and determined that my blood sugar was back to normal. That was almost 3 years ago.  I haven't tested it since.  I know I am at risk for Type II Diabetes but I guess I did not really think of it again.  Now, I am 10 weeks pregnant and I just read an article that if you have undiagnosed diabetes during the first trimester, it can cause miscarriage and birth defects, pretty severe ones.  I am 33 and I have never had any genetic testing done and I probably won't now but now I just am making myself worry.  Which is also not good!  I think I should probably start testing my blood sugar. 

[Banana731]

If it will put you at ease, go for it.

[askew]

I had GD with my second, and tested normal after she came. This time around I had a glucose test with the blood work they do on the first visit- and the sugars were normal. I think you would feel icky if you had high blood sugar. You would pee a lot, sweat a lot, feel light headed. I know it sounds a little like being pregnant- but I still think you would feel it. 

[oregon2010]

thanks:) Geez, I was so much more chill during my daughter's pregnancy! But all that happened in the end last time that changed my birth plan so quickly has obviously affected me.  I know I still have some stuff to work through before this birth but I need to relax. It is so different because I now KNOW what it is like to be a parent and all I just want to make sure I am giving my baby what it needs. 

[cardigan]

Oregon: Is your midwife concerned? In the meantime, can you eat/exercise as if you have it, so no matter what you know you are taking great care of yourself and baby? I know that is easier said than done, for the first time in my life I'm eating only white bread and soda.

[oregon2010]

That's my plan! I see my midwife for the first time Monday...I have been so sick and have had such strong food aversions that I've only been able to stomach carbs! Bread, fruit, crackers...I try and walk when I can but its not really exercise or consistent at this point. Definitely when I feel better!!!

[CrunchyMama19]

Oregon, I also think that if something were up with your blood sugar you would probably know it. Certainly get it checked out since you had GD before but you are probably fine. Where did you read the article? Often times, the blurbs in mainstream media about scientific findings are pretty skewed and are geared toward generating a fear response. Many scientific studies that we read about in the media are also seriously flawed but you would never know it unless you went to the original data and knew something about statistics, data sets, ect. IMHO, so many of these studies just serve to increase unnecessary testing in pregnant woman so they have an excuse to "treat" you for whatever ailment.

[somegirl99]

From the CDC:

• Poorly controlled diabetes before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy among women with type 1 diabetes can cause major birth defects in 5% to 10% of pregnancies and spontaneous abortions in 15% to 20% of pregnancies. On the other hand, for a woman with pre-existing diabetes, optimizing blood glucose levels before and during early pregnancy can reduce the risk of birth defects in their infants. 
• Poorly controlled diabetes during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can result in excessively large babies, posing a risk to both mother and child.

I agree, I think if you had poorly controlled diabetes you would feel pretty sick.  But go test your blood glucose!  Then you will have a better idea where you stand instead of having this doubt gnaw at you.

[BKGreen]

Even though having GD raises your risk for diabetes, it's not a given. I was diagnosed with GD with my first and it was diet controlled and went back to regular after birth like you. I didn't have it at all with my second pregnancy. They didn't do early testing either...just the normal test later in pregnancy. Hope your upcoming appointment helps set your mind at ease!

[oregon2010]

I totally wrote this original post in a moment of panic so bear with me:)  I am usually a pretty chill person and in between these two pregnancies, I was even considering not testing for GD again because I was really questioning the diagnosis and how hyped up it gets at times.  I barely failed the test and I managed it with diet and exercise.  I ended up with a 5 lb 12 ounce baby.  She was probably small due to my HBP affecting my placenta but still.  I have learned so much about diet and food since.  I thought I was healthy then. I am am even more aware and healthier now with  plenty of room to improve though. I just want to have a healthy pregnancy.  I totally agree with you about mainstream media trying to generate a fear response.  In the end, I am willing to do what is best for my baby but hoping I can avoid these issues.  I am just ready to start feeling well so I can eat well and exercise!!! SOON.

Thank you all for the support and advice!