Gestational Diabetes

When I got the call that my doctor reviewed my one hour glucose test and I failed, I bawled.  I was so scared of possibly having GD that it almost paralyzed me with fear.  This was just one more thing that reinforced the fact that I was "failing at this pregnancy."  GD was the latest in a long line of ailments that this pregnancy has brought with it (including but not limited to morning sickness until week 27, chest palpitations, pica from anemia, varicose veins, blah, blah, blah).  I wish I could say I didn't feel this way, but it is the truth.  I certainly would never think that anyone else who had GD was "failing at their pregnancy."  But the expectations that I have for myself are often ridiculously unfair and absurd.

I scheduled my 3 hour glucose test a week later.  I followed the directions to a T.  I was convinced I had passed, just barely.  Again, the following Monday, I received the call with the devastating news that I, in fact, did NOT pass the 3 hour test and I have GD.  Again, I cried.  Like really ugly cried.  I was embarrassed.  And I didn't want to deal with it.  But 2 days later, I pulled myself together because that is what we moms do.  We step up and do hard things even when we don't want to because it isn't about us, it is about our kids.  Our babies.

I decided that I would use this opportunity as a learning experience.  I can't help the fact that my body failed the glucose tests but I can control how I respond to it.  I made a food journal for 5 days and presented it to the dietician the following week.  I cried during most of that appointment too.  (Did I mention that this pregnancy also has me incredibly emotional???)  I was given a glucometer, strips and lancets.  I now check my blood sugar 4 times per day by finger prick.  I check it first thing in the morning and 2 hours after every meal.  I was educated on how to keep my blood sugars in check by counting my carbs and sugars.  I was also told what foods would NOT affect my blood sugars.  I call these "free foods" and was excited to find out that cheese was on that list:)  Protein and vegetables are also on the list.

I have learned a great deal about the role that protein plays to help keep blood sugars more stable and balanced and I feel incredibly lucky that I have been able to control my blood sugars quite well with a more balanced diet and avoid medications and insulin.



I really want to avoid medications because if I was put on medication, the pregnancy would have to be managed differently.  It would require twice per week Non-stress tests and more ultrasounds to monitor the baby's growth.  I am still trying to work full time so that would mean a lot of time I would have to take off of work and I want to save that for after baby is here!

It has been a humbling experience but it has also filled me with knowledge and compassion for others that have diabetes.  I can really appreciate the lifestyle changes, constant monitoring and continual awareness that accompanies their daily lives.  My GD will go away after the baby is born but not every one is that lucky.  I am also at higher risk for developing type II diabetes later in life because of having had GD.  So the lessons I learn now may come in handy later.  But I assure you, I will do everything in my control to ensure that does not happen!  But if it does anyway, I will be up for the challenge.

Pregnant + toddler

Although this is not my first pregnancy, it brings brand new challenges and obstacles that my first did not.  I think that pregnancy, in general, is a trying time for most couples.  There are a lot of adjustments, surprises and anxieties that accompany pregnancy.

And with this one, a toddler accompanies the pregnancy.  Yes, it is nothing short of exhausting.  Constantly feeling like you are navigating through some bizarre hostage situation controlled by a tiny human.  Always negotiating with them to eat something more that teddy grahams and granola bars, wear a jacket or even a shirt for that matter and take a bath.  Don't even get me started on the bribery and elaborate reward system that you set up for an actual pee or poop on the potty (which has not yet happened for him but me and the hubs have accumulated lots of stickers and M&Ms).  It is a continuous stream of coaxing, encouraging and praising for good behaviors.

But there are also times that just make you laugh.  Like this morning, for instance.  There I was, in the middle of the kitchen just about to get Sul something for breakfast, no where near a bathroom, when I had the urge to vomit (as I have for the last 10+ weeks at least 1-2 times per week).  So I puked, well mostly dry heaved, right in the sink.  Sully was right next to my leg saying, "you puking?"  "Yeah," I choked out between heaves.  Approximately 5-10 seconds later he says, "You done puking yet?  I need something to eat!"  After the puking incident when I was getting him his Cheerios he says, "Next time make sure you puke in the bucket."  Ok buddy, I will try next time.

"Mom, mom, mom, get a picture of me eating."

In the beginning of my pregnancy, his daycare providers would tell me that he would tell them that he was tired and sick and had to lay down.  I was not announcing my pregnancy yet so I really could not tell them he was saying this because that is what he heard me say everyday.  I am not going to lie, we spent many a Monday watching episode after episode of Team Umizoomi, Dora and Bubble Guppies.  Oh well, we both survived just fine.

And now I am on to embellishing onsies, decorating baby girl's room and getting Sul used to the idea of having a baby sister.  He often times says, "our baby" and it melts me.  Like, "is this where our baby is going to sleep?" or "this toy is for our baby."  Sometimes he will come up to my belly and pat it so tenderly, I nearly cry.  I can't wait for these two to meet and see what their relationship will be like.  In some ways, it is even more exciting that waiting for your first child.  Anticipating and imagining the interaction between the siblings is so unexpectedly fascinating.

Obviously, there will be bumps along the way between them.  Sul already is reinforcing this with his occasional and nonchalant attempts to injure me and baby with his perfectly thrown spiral football that is aimed directly at my belly or when he just randomly comes up to me and hits my belly just to see how I will react.  Yes, there will be fights and arguing and teasing between the two.  But I hope that more than all that, there will be love.