https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:44:38 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921560 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 18:03:18 +0000 snowjewelz 1921560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@RacheBon: I don't really exercise :silly: Once I got into the routine it really isn't that bad. Yeah, I totally wish I can binge on everything that I can't have, but is probably regret it when I see my weight shoot up! DYI, my # from the 1 hr was SO bad that they didn't even bother to do the 3 hr and diagnosed me right away so talk about feeling bad for myself! Also, you will see the doc so often that in some ways I am more reassured, I started getting non stress tests at 32 weeks; it's annoying but I like that LO is being monitored closely. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921546 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 17:46:30 +0000 RacheBon 1921546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: @Mamasig: @snowjewelz: @MamaG: @JennyG: @Raindrop: @2PeasinaPod: @mrs. tictactoe: Thank you all, I really do appreciate the support. When I failed the 1-hour everyone was telling me about the people they know who failed the one-hour but passed the three-hour. I don't really know anyone in real life who's had gestational diabetes, so it's helpful to know some Bees (though I'm sorry for those of you who had to go through this).</p> <p>I've gone through a lot of emotions today but right now it doesn't seem as overwhelming as this morning. For the next 13 weeks my diet and exercise will just have to be top priority. My husband is very supportive so I think that will help. I just need to somehow keep the worry in check. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921364 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 15:05:02 +0000 mrs. tictactoe 1921364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's definitely not your fault. I know of so many women who have had it who are very healthy and active.</p> <p>Lots of hugs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921280 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 14:19:48 +0000 2PeasinaPod 1921280@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was also diagnosed with GD around week 28 of my pregnancy with my son. I thought for sure it was a mistake, but I failed so badly that they wouldn't even send me for a 3-hour test. </p> <p>Like so many others have said, it's not your fault at all...my mom has type 2 diabetes and my younger brother was also 9 lbs, 13 oz when he was born, so it's likely that she had GD as well, though they didn't test for it that long ago. </p> <p>It all depends on how your body handles the pregnancy and GD - you may have to go on medication, or you may be able to control it strictly by exercise and diet. I was very lucky and was able to control with diet and exercise. I find that walking after every meal that you eat (even if it's only for 10 minutes) really helped keep my blood sugar down. </p> <p>It's certainly understandable that you have mixed feelings on this, but it's manageable, you will be monitored frequently, and you'll have a sweet little baby at the end of it all! </p> <p>Wishing you lots of luck and love! :goodluck: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921249 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 14:00:50 +0000 Raindrop 1921249@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Welcome! Like others have said GD is totally not your fault. It's the way the placenta is attaching to your body usually, and hindering your processing of carbs/sugar. One of my nurses said that she meets mothers all the time that are super fit that get it and mothers that say they only eat McDs that don't get it. It's really a cr@p shoot.</p> <p>I didn't have it for my first kid but now I have for my second kid. My mother has type 2 which is why I was tested.</p> <p>I was definitely overwhelemed at first here are some "rules" I use to help me. </p> <p>Eating smaller meals but eat more often (I eat pretty much 6-8 times a day now)<br /> 2 protein / 1 carb ratio when you eat... especially big meals this will help<br /> Walking after eating</p> <p>These three things have really helped me keep my number in check.</p> <p>Also it's not your fault if you need to go on meds... again it's how your body is processing sugar and sometimes no matter what you do... it's going to be hard to combat that. My nurse also said... the further along you are the bigger the placenta gets and the harder it will be to control with diet and exercise. </p> <p>Good luck! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921178 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 13:29:53 +0000 JennyG 1921178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@RacheBon: I'm sorry. I remember being really upset when I got my GD diagnosis. LO ended up coming early at 35 weeks, but was still almost 6 then.</p> <p>At first, I counted carbs like crazy to keep my numbers under my target levels. As time went on, I got better at knowing what I could eat like PP said. I was also super terrified of needles, but I got used to it. Its a quick pinch and its over. </p> <p>Big hugs!! I know if feels like the end of the world, but trust me it will be ok. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921171 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 13:22:53 +0000 MamaG 1921171@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@RacheBon: We are a "meat and potatoes" sort of family. I still eat mostly normal, I just try to limit the carbs. As an example our dinner last night was lima beans, macaroni and cheese and bbq chicken. I ate more chicken and less macaroni. When I first started I would actually measure out my carb heavy food, but I've become more comfortable with what 1/2 cup looks like on my plate (for example). I do stay away as much as possible from desserts and milk. But I still have them in moderation or on special occasions. During this stint of GD we have celebrated all three of our birthdays, our anniversary and my baby shower. All of those of course included cake!</p> <p>You should find the education class to be very helpful in setting out guidelines. I was given a small book that contained measures for most common foods. And for eating out, I try to plan ahead and look up the menu online. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921162 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 13:20:37 +0000 snowjewelz 1921162@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't feel bad! It seems like yesterday that I was diagnosed with GD. I cried so hard and was really emotional about it. DO know that you didn't do anything! My OB said even the healthiest health nut/fit person can get it, and meanwhile people that have unhealthy lifestyles could be fine. It's just all about what your placenta is doing! </p> <p>I also had another meltdown when I had to start pricking my fingers, but honestly, once I got started it's fine. It is really annoying, but the silver lining is that the GD diet really helped me not gain too much weight and keep me eating healthy! Otherwise by now I would've probably gained like 50 lbs (I'm 34 wks). I'm also on medication; I take something before bed to help w/ my fasting # b/c that's the one # I can't affect by diet. </p> <p>Search the GD board here.. Myself a few mama's that have GD have gone back &amp; forth in discussing what we've been eating! Feel free to PM me for anything! You will be okay! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921124 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 13:01:03 +0000 Mamasig 1921124@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was diagnosed with GD with my 2nd pregnancy and I was so upset. My risk factors were I was over 30 plus a strong family history on my paternal side. I tried to follow the guidelines but I'll be honest - I cheated often. I had my little boy at 37 1/2 weeks due to low fluid (totally unrelated to the GD) and he was 7 lbs 2 oz. His blood sugar levels were fine. </p> <p>Just want to say that getting the diagnosis sucked but I'm glad for the extra monitoring. I had weekly ultrasounds. I loved checking on my little boy so often and that caught the low fluid levels. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921115 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:55:46 +0000 RacheBon 1921115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: @cookiemomster: @MamaG: @wonderstruck: @lilteacherbee: @autumnlove: </p> <p>Thank you all, hearing that others have been here is really helpful. For whatever reason, I'm better able to see that it isn't other people's fault than my own, so it helps to have that perspective.</p> <p>I do start with a gestational diabetes education class next Tuesday. In the meantime, I'm supposed to pick up my glucose meter from the pharmacy. I'm not too scared of the needles but I tend toward anxiety anyway so I am kind of scared of seeing high numbers, and just not knowing what's okay to eat. I've been sort of preparing for this since I failed the 1-hour test last week, so I stocked up on more protein heavy foods, but we have dinner plans with friends Friday night (at least I won't have to deal with a bowl of candy for trick-or-treaters!) and I'm just nervous about figuring out what the right thing to eat is, especially before I get concrete guidelines.</p> <p>On that note, does anyone have suggestions for where to find good recipes and meal plans for GD? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921096 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:44:54 +0000 avivoca 1921096@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Welcome! I was in the same boat last year. I had been running regularly for about three years before getting pregnant, I quit exercising during pregnancy (save for walking the dog), and I got GD. Try not to beat yourself up, because nothing you did contributed to it. I followed the diet, gained about 35 pounds (I lost 8 pounds in the month after starting the diet), and gave birth to a healthy 7lb, 10.5 oz. baby girl.</p> <p>The diet is not bad at all. I actually felt better once I started on it. Hugs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921087 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:37:42 +0000 autumnlove 1921087@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Welcome! </p> <p>I was diagnosed around 6 weeks from a blood test. I was in denial and bitter about it but it was very manageable during my pregnancy.</p> <p>I still have my diet guidelines taped to my wall!</p> <p>[attach=1791/14/ne7vof.600x600.image.jpg] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921075 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:26:59 +0000 lilteacherbee 1921075@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was totally where you are last year. First, it's not your fault. I was 24 years old and petite/healthy when I was diagnosed. My only risk factor was that I have family history of diabetes. I was super angry for a few days and then I realized that it wasn't too terrible.</p> <p>I used to hate needles, but quickly got over that fear. The monitoring of blood sugar levels wasn't exactly awesome, but it became second nature after a couple weeks. The diet helped me to stay at a healthy weight and I gained about 25 lbs during my pregnancy. </p> <p>I did have a big baby (8lb 13oz at 39 weeks), so I ended up with a c-section, which was fine with me. I had monthly growth ultrasounds to check his size because he had been 3-4 weeks ahead almost the entire pregnancy. He was healthy at birth and had no blood sugar issues. My diabetes went away as well after delivery.</p> <p>Hugs! It's overwhelming, but it is temporary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921058 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:16:19 +0000 wonderstruck 1921058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was there earlier in the summer, and you should not beat yourself up about this - you did not cause your GD! People who are totally fit and active get it too. It's not about the amount of sugar, it's that your body isn't processing it properly - and that is NOT your fault!</p> <p>I was a terrified crying mess when I found out that I had GD - I'll link to my post so you can see the advice I got. I made a lot of diet changes that unfortunately didn't really help me - no matter what I ate, my blood sugar was always too high in the morning and fine the rest of the day, which meant my body wasn't regulating my levels properly overnight. I ended up taking a pill every night to keep it under control. Checking my sugar levels really sucked for me as a total needle phobe, but somehow I sucked it up and got through it. In the end, I had to have a repeat c-section at 38 weeks because of my baby's size (induction wasn't an option for me based on many unrelated factors, the main one being that my first son, who I did not have GD with, was born via emergency c-section.) However, he is doing great and his blood sugar levels were totally normal at birth.</p> <p>If you're just wondering what the next steps will be for you, I'm guessing it will be to see a nutritionist. They will teach you about the GD diet, which is basically a lot of carb counting, eating the appropriate amount of meals and snacks, and making sure you're getting protein. You'll start the diet and also start checking your sugar levels when you wake up and 1 hour after your meals. For some people, the diet is enough to control their levels. If it's not, they'll talk to you about medication. You'll also probably have ultrasounds to check baby's size and non-stress tests to make sure baby and placenta are healthy. The NSTs are no big deal, they strap a monitor around your belly and you sit there for a half hour pressing a button whenever baby moves. If there is a problem, the NST will let them know, but it's pretty rare for that to happen since you know you have GD and will be doing what you have to in order to control it.</p> <p>And big hugs. I know it's overwhelming. Welcome to HB!</p> <p>ETA: Whoops, forgot the link! <a href="http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hating-how-this-pregnancy-is-going" rel="nofollow">http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hating-how-this-pregnancy-is-going</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921048 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:12:54 +0000 MamaG 1921048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Welcome to GD. First, it is not your fault. Second, it's manageable. Third, you can still have a healthy pregnancy and baby.</p> <p>I'm on my second round of GD. With my first pregnancy, my OB induced me due to AMA and GD. I was 37 when my LO was born. My induction did result in an unplanned C-section, but it wasn't related to my GD. My baby was completely healthy with no complications to either of us during or after birth. She's now a more than thriving 3 year old.</p> <p>My next is due in 3 weeks. I'm having a repeat C-section (my choice). I've been dealing with my GD diagnosis since about 20 weeks. </p> <p>I'm mostly diet controlled. I do take glyburide (and did in my first pregnancy as well) as my biggest problem is controlling my overnight fasting blood sugar levels. </p> <p>It's not always fun to monitor all of your food and glucose levels, but it is temporary. My diabetes was completely gone after birth and I expect the same this time as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921045 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:12:02 +0000 cookiemomster 1921045@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't feel like it's something you did. My SIL got it both pregnancies and she's super petite, healthy, and has no family history. Like you her only factor was being over 30. She gained an average amount both times and both babies were about 7lbs- one exactly, the other 6#15ounces. Very smooth births. I have family history, am slightly overweight, and managed to avoid getting it. I have another friend, overweight, gained about 60 pounds her first baby, she didn't get it either.<br /> My point is it's just a crap shoot as to whether it happens, not necessarily something you cause. It definitely isn't fun but as long as you use common sense with your diet it doesn't have to effect your pregnancy too much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921040 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:10:14 +0000 mrs. wagon 1921040@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Welcome, and I'm sorry!! I was also shocked by my GD diagnosis and I was devastated. I wrote a couple of blog posts about it that you may find helpful. In the end, it was really NOT bad at all testing my levels daily, and since I was borderline, I was able to keep my levels down with diet and exercise. It also kept my weight gain down like crazy, and my baby was born 100% healthy!</p> <p>Here are the posts:</p> <p><a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2012/05/22/living-with-gestational-diabetes-part-1-big-fat-failures/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2012/05/22/living-with-gestational-diabetes-part-1-big-fat-failures/</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2012/05/23/living-with-gestational-diabetes-5-stages-of-grief/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2012/05/23/living-with-gestational-diabetes-5-stages-of-grief/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-found-out-i-have-gd#post-1921021 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 11:59:20 +0000 RacheBon 1921021@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi, I'm a longtime lurker but this is my first post. I've learned a lot from the boards and have found this to be a really supportive place--so thank you to all of the regular posters!</p> <p>I'm struggling today because I found out I have gestational diabetes. I have no risk factors, other than being over 30, and I am going back and forth between thinking this is really unfair and feeling that I brought it on myself. My weight has always been normal but I haven't always had the best diet and exercise habits. I started running a few years ago and ran a half marathon right before I found out I was pregnant, but I stopped running because I was nervous during the first trimester (I had a miscarriage a few months earlier). Now I wish I had kept up running and hadn't developed such a regular ice cream habit.</p> <p>I don't have a specific question. I've looked through the boards and a lot of what I've seen is encouraging--but I guess I'm just looking for a little additional reassurance and support. So please share if you've been here and somehow got through it with a healthy baby in the end, and have some words of wisdom on coping with the fear and anxiety. </p>