30 Weeks! And a Huge Update...

This week has been a little crazy in the baby department.  I found out on Thursday that I do indeed have gestational diabetes.  Lovely.  Apparently my levels were so high that I didn't even need the 3 hour test...straight to the specialist for me.  So what does this mean for me and the babes? 

• My insulin levels have become a little screwy during the end of the pregnancy.  If not treated, it can result in my baby growing larger than normal giving us an increased risk of having to have a C-section and /or low blood sugar levels for our little girl when born.  I am also at double the risk of having to be induced because of the baby being in distress.

• They are fairly certain, according to previous blood work, that this is not something I had before I became pregnant.  This is great news as diabetes can result in major problems early in pregnancy when the baby is just developing.  

So what's happening now?

• I went to a diabetes specialist on Friday.  He gave me some information about gestational diabetes and assured me that it was not something I did to our little girl.  I was (and honestly still am) having a hard time feeling guilty about harming her.  But the doctor was very helpful and convinced me that this is not uncommon and with treatment I will not have to give birth to a "fat baby."  Which by the way is what the official name is for it.  Isn't that awful?  My poor little fat baby.  I actually asked him if our baby was already a fatty and he said no.  Thank goodness!

• I have to check my blood sugar 4 times a day.  Like straight up prick my finger and take my blood 4 times a day.  I have a little pack I have to carry around with me and record everything.  I have become my grandmother.

• I have to take these levels to the doctor in about 10 days to discuss whether or not I will need insulin injections.  Luckily...my readings so far have been in the required ranges so it is not looking like I will need this...thank goodness!  But only time will tell.

• I also have to meet with a nutritionist next week to give me some advice on a diet.  Apparently it's not as simple as giving up candy bars.  :)  There's a little more to it and I'm very anxious to figure out what I can do to help this move in the right direction.

Following my appointment with my specialist, I had my regular appointment with my OB.  Turns out not only do I have gestational diabetes, my blood pressure is also high.  I know.  What else can go wrong?  But, she assured me that diabetes and high blood pressure often go together and it again is nothing I have done.  I have to get rechecked on Monday and if my blood pressure is still elevated I will be put on medication to treat that.

Also, I am now required to be monitored much more closely due to the diabetes.  Starting in two weeks I will have to go to my doctor every week, be hooked up to a monitor from 20-60 minutes, and sit on my booty while the baby's heart rate is monitored.  They're checking to make sure she is not in any sort of distress.  I will also have to have two more ultrasounds before she's born in order to make sure her growth is on track.

My doctor did say that babies of mother's with gestational diabetes are usually born healthier and easier than even normal babies because they are so closely monitored.  So I guess that's an upside.  And I'm really glad that we caught this in time and there are ways to treat it.  I know it could be a lot worse but I'm so thankful it is something that I have some control over now and can help our little girl as much as possible.

So anyway, prayers are appreciated!

We're 30 weeks!  Only 10 more weeks to go little one.  Please say in there as long as possible and cook away.  And let Mommy know just what you need, okay?  I'd do anything for you.  Even give up cupcakes.  And I wouldn't do that for just anyone.