Pregnancy Diabetes (Gestational Diabetes)

Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects pregnant women. During pregnancy, some women develop higher than normal levels of glucose in their blood, which insulin can't bring under control.

I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes around 24 weeks into my pregnancy with a fasting blood glucose test. I had the test at hospital where they took a sample of blood (fasting) and then in an hour I had to drink 1 litre of lucozade and then they took another sample of blood.

The results came back stating that I had pregnancy diabetes, I was quite surprised because my diet was well controlled and I never use to eat too much sugar during my pregnancy. I was told it was mainly to do with my ethnicity, and the best way to control it would be with my diet. If it was not controlled by diet, then I would have to take insulin, but we would discuss that when the time came. Thankfully it didnt come, and I managed to control my own sugar level with diet and exercise.

I was sent to the diabetic clinic every two weeks where I had to give the nurse my sugar levels and details of my diet. ( I will go into detail about this later). At every clinic I would have a scan to see the growth of the baby. The main issue is, that if you have pregnancy diabetes, the baby can grow too big, and have problems with its insulin levels if remained undetected. Aleesha's growth was fine every time, and it was really nice to see her at the clinic.

At the first clinic I was referred to a dietician who went through every food group and told us about the sugar levels in each, what was right and what was wrong. What I could eat and shouldnt eat. Also to up my exercise levels, as it helps to digest food, and reduce the sugar levels. What I thought was healthy was infact too sugary. Every morning I would start my day with a granola fruit smoothy, but the dietician told me the amount of fruit I was having in one go was too much. If I spaced the fruit out during the day that would be better. I found that the cereal with the lowest sugar content was weetabix. I had to combine carbs with more salad, and the best way was to graze and have more snacks then one big meal three times a day. If I did over do it, then I would make sure I ate healthier at the next meal. For example, a jacket potato with cheese and low sugar beans really spiked my sugar levels, but if I substituted the beans and half the cheese with salad, it would remain at the right level.

It was mainly about food knowledge than anything, and eating healthily. I thought I was quite informed about the different food groups, but actually was not, so I had to do quite a bit of research online, to learn more. I was given the dieticians direct number and email incase I had any questions. I made sure that after every meal I would go for a walk to help the digestion, and I felt better for it.

Now the part about how you take the suagr levels. You have a glucose monitor which is like a little pedometer and a glucose strip which you feed into the monitor, have a look at the picture above. I had a syringe with needles which pricks you finger and you get a drop of blood. It is a little painful the first few times, but you get use to it. The trick is to prick different fingers each time, so your skin doesnt get too hard, then it hurts more.

The nurse gave me a range of the sugar level I had to be in, it may vary with different people. So as long as I stayed in that range, they were happy with me and baby.

During my pre-term labour I was given steroid injections to help grow Aleesha's lungs quicker than normal incase she did come out too early. The steroids really spiked my sugar levels and I was put on an insulin drip. The midwives would come every hour to check my blood levels, yes every hour at all times of the night, so I didnt get any sleep at all. I was connected to the drip for three days and only when my levels were normal did they remove it. I wasnot allowed to take it off for a shower or if I wanted to have a walk. It came with me everywhere. The midwives were fantastic at the QMC in Nottingham, and I had full faith in them. They were very kind and caring, and when we were told about the pre term labour, the head midwife stayed with me for 2 hours whilst I digested the news from the pedeatrician. They were so supportive, and I was so happy for their help and advice.

I was also told that because of the diabetes I was not allowed a water birth (this was before we knew Aleesha was breech). I was considered high risk and had to stay in the consultant led department. My intention was to have a relaxing water birth where I was in control of my pain relief, but unfortunatley that didnt happen and we had to have a C section.

Looking back the diabetes wasnt that much of a problem, it was more a lifestyle change, which was for the better as myself and Kiran started eating a lot healthier.

I do not have any medical training, or professional knowledge, this is simply my version of events. If you have pregnancy diabetes then please always consult your GP or midwife.

If you have any questions on my story or experience, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

See you all soon!

Love the Sleepy Mumsy

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