Doctor appointment today

Posted by Nikki Montgomery on

8/23/11

needleToday is the day for my gestational diabetes test at the doctor's office. All my friends have warned me about how aweful this is. I've actually been dreading it since my first appointment. Not because I think I may be at risk, but because I've heard the test is just gross! 

At this appointment I will be asked to drink a sugary drink described to me by the nurse as tasting like an extra sugary flat sprite. Luckily I don't have to drink a lot of it. After I've consumed this super sugary drink they'll measure my glucose level. If it's high I will be asked to come in for a longer screening. 

Gestational diabetes is type of diabetes that 2-10 percent of pregnant women develop only during pregnancy. It's caused by pregnancy hormones messing with insulin levels and the inability of the pancreas to keep up. 

Some women are at higher risk than others as you can imagine. You're considered high risk if:

  • You're obese (BMI over 30) ~ which I am not
  • You've had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy ~ which I have not
  • You have sugar in your urine ~ which I do not
  • You have a family history of diabetes ~ which I do
What does having gestational diabetes mean for the baby? It could cause your baby to put on extra weight which can lead to problems during delivery. This can also cause your child to have problems with obesity. Your baby is at higher risk for newborn jaundice and future heart problems.
If I do find out today that I have gestational diabetes (which I doubt I will) these are the changes I'll have to make:
  • Eat a well-planned diet with the correct balance of protein, fats, and carbs.
  • Don't skip meals
  • Avoid sugary snacks
  • Exercise
  • Take insulin if necessary
Do you know anyone that had gestational diabetes? How did this affect them and their pregnancy? Did it affect the baby?

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