Potential gestational diabetes, late diagnosis; seeking reassurance!

[Heurodis]

Hi everyone,

I'm very new here, found this website through the NHS!

I am currently 33+5 days pregnant and last week (at 32+6) my fundal height was measuring very large (36 to 37 weeks) and an ultrasound confirmed baby is likely very big, weighing 3.08kg already. We have decided to go for an elective c-section after receiving medical advice, but the doctors also wanted to inquire into gestational diabetes to explain baby's size.

On Thursday I had a blood test and was told that if I did not receive a call on the following day, it was normal and I would not need a glucose test... however, yesterday, I was informed I had been referred for a glucose test on Friday, and now I worry a lot.

I know there is not much I can do or could have done differently (the pregnancy until a week ago was a very easy and smooth one, no symptoms other than the usual pregnancy ones), my diet even changed for the better because I have developed an aversion to fast food and pizzas; I had to stop exercising because it was not compatible with my work anymore and I was too tired for that but kept walking regularly, including hour-long walks with my dog on the weekends, until recently. My own mistake seems to have been indulging into desserts recently, especially ice cream for the past month, but I am trying to rationalise that it cannot have been just that.

Anyway, I just want to hear from mums who have had big babies, and potentially late GD diagnosis. How are your babies doing, and how are you mamas doing?

[PenguinBlue]

Hi, congrats on your pregnancy - GD can’t be helped so please don’t feel like it’s something you’ve done like enjoy an ice cream (in this heat, who can resist!). From what I remember, it’s to do with your hormones and placenta which means your body can’t process sugar like it previously did!

Due to family background, I was tested for GD at 28 weeks in my first pregnancy and was borderline - so I only had to manage my diet to keep my sugars down which was fairly easy. My blood sugars for the remaining weeks of my pregnancy were in line with what they wanted but due to genetics, I was always going to have a larger sized baby. (They thought he’d be over 9lbs but he came out at 8lb 5oz)

My son was born after an induction at 39+2 weeks and they tested his blood sugar in the hospital to check his were fine (they were), they also checked mine around 6-8 weeks pp through my GP and my levels were back to normal. Since then you’re supposed to have a blood sugar test every year but I haven’t and to be aware that you may be at risk of developing diabetes when older.

I am now pregnant with my second child and had an early GTT test (around 11 weeks) as I had GD first time, and my bloods were fine but they are going to retest me next week (27 weeks) to see whether I have developed it again.

From what you’ve said, youre active and eating well which they’ll tell you to continue if you do happen to test positive - it helps to have a short walk after a meal but depending where your levels are, they may prescribe drugs for you to take - which I don’t have experience on.

Hope this helps!

[Positivechangeplease]

Hi there. It’s nothing you’ve done. GD is like type 1 diabetes and just happens in some people. I had a very late diagnosis spotted in week 37 and diagnosed in week 39. It wasn’t exactly certain as the controlled tests earlier on in pregnancy were fine. And my urine samples were sometimes an issue and sometimes not but it did seem to be linked to sugar in food on the blood tests. It was very easy to control with cutting out sugar in diet (but not what you’d hope for late on in pregnancy)

I bought things like low sugar ice creams and lollies for kids for a snack/dessert and lowered my carb intake on some meals. Alpen was surprisingly high so eggs and toast for breakfast was better.

Very easy to control with diet and my baby was 11 days late but a very normal baby size so it had no effect on her weight.

[monkee641]

hi there, I had a GTT early on as my mum is type 2, plus my BMI had crept up significantly too. I didn’t have it at that time. But during a growth scan, our baby’s tummy was measuring large, so I was sent for another test. Sure enough, I had it that time. I think I was around 32 weeks at that point. I’m now 38 weeks, and the baby is still measuring bigger, but the hospital said they’re not concerned as she is a healthy size and her tummy measurements are normal. Her size is most likely genetics.

I have managed to stay diet controlled and not gone onto any medication, and it hasn’t always been easy, especially eating out. It’s mostly carbs that raise my sugar levels, so I’ve still enjoyed abit of chocolate and biscuits most days 😬. But I figure, it’s not a long time and it’s for the baby.

Keep going, it’s very common and absolutely nothing you’ve done. You’ll get the hang of it. And there are some awesome recipes for diabetes. Good luck 🤞🏻 x x