Gestational Diabetes risk with Quietapine

[Jlou84]

Hi feeling a little alone in this journey. Second baby following PP. First was naturally big 9.6lb oz no Gestational Diabetes. However now I am taking Quietapine, they have said because it affects blood glucose there is an increased risk of GD and as a result having a bigger baby which could cause shoulder dystocia (baby getting stuck) during delivery.

I was hoping for a home birth but am trying to weigh up the risks.

Wondering if anyone has been diagnosed with GD because of taking Quietapine. I am currently on a very low dose which will only increase a little pre birth.

Thank you.

[Maria_at_APP Moderator]

Hi Jlou84, how are you feeling? Congratulations on your pregnancy, it is an exciting time but also one full of trepidation when having a history of pp.

I am one of the moderators here at the forum and I went on to have another baby after having pp, thankfully it did not repeat for me, but I did get some depression 3 months postpartum which was treated at home with therapy and medication. I took olanzapine prophylactically while pregnant and after the birth, and I do believe that was one of the most relevant factors for me to remaining well.

Your post resonated very much with me as my first baby was similar weight to yours and I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes with my second one. I had the same concerns as you between the interaction of anti psychotic medication and metabolism and size of baby, and I expressed these to the midwifery team following me. It was very reassuring to me that given the size of my first baby the hospital carried out additional scans to track the growth and they also tracked my weight at regular appointments in the diabetes clinic. I was also very lucky to be able to manage my diabetes with exercise and diet only. Something that helped me and was suggested by one of the APP coordinators here on the forum was to have protein heavy snacks that will keep me fuller for longer. Exercise is also not the easiest thing while pregnant, so I would go for a gentle walk after lunch or practice some yoga at home.

Please do get in touch if you have any other questions, you are not alone, I am sorry this is another extra worry to juggle and it may affect your birth plans, but I found that talking the various options with the professionals following my pregnancy very much helped me to come up with a plan that I was happy with.

All the best in your journey