Hello. Week 31 has been a busy one for my little family. Bump has graduated from the cardiologist because my tachycardia seems to be under control and my heart rate was at a safe 98. Woohoo! Moving on to bigger things.
*I’m going to preface this by saying that I’m obviously not a doctor. Please see your own doctor before attempting to treat yourself for Gestational Diabetes. It has come to my attention that some women don’t take this diagnosis seriously and blow off treatment. If you choose to do that, you are putting your baby and yourself at risk. Don’t take what I’ve been given and adapt it as your own, because the plan I’ve been given has been tailored for my needs at this time. So basically, don’t sue me for giving medical advice. You wouldn’t get a damn thing but some dumpster dived furniture and maybe a cute chihuahua anyway.
Wednesday I attended a class at Northside Hospital on Gestational Diabetes.
Since failing my one hour and then my 3 hour glucose screening, I have beaten myself up. I was convinced that I was an awful, horrible, wretched mother that obviously wasn’t able to take care of my child if I couldn’t even regulate my own blood sugar.
Ah, hormones. You bitches.
What I learned in the 3 hour class that I attended was that gestational diabetes can happen to anyone. Race, weight, age, and some other factors can make you more at risk, but as my nutritionist said “An ultra marathon runner attended the same class you’re in.”
This didn’t stop me from having a meltdown while watching the video. There are several risks to not only the mother, but to the baby.
Breathing problems.
High birth weight.
Diabetes later on in life.
Choosing not to get treatment is stupid, but many women take that risk. I don’t understand why. I’d do anything in the world to protect my baby.
I learned a lot about my body and how it processes sugar (carbs) and why it changes during pregnancy. I’ve never had any blood sugar issues before. I have always been a very carb heavy eater and I struggle to eat a lot of protein. I quickly realized that I would have to change the way I ate drastically, and it has been a huge struggle. Mostly the execution of the actual diet itself and monitoring, but also because I am not a fan if restrictive eating at all.
Last night I had a meltdown when my blood sugar was 140 (it’s supposed to stay under 120). I compare it to the way you feel when you’re on a diet and you step on the scale. You’ve tried so hard, but the numbers go up. That shitty feeling that makes you want to throw in the towel and eat anything you want is awful. I haven’t felt that in a long time. It hit me hard last night.
Also there is the business of sticking myself with a needle 4xs a day. It’s getting old quick and it’s only been a few days.
I have to carry this thing around with me wherever I go.
I have to follow this plan
I’m getting the hang of it. I feel better and have more energy eating this way and I know it’s better for me and our baby.
I go back next week to check my progress. As far as I know, I have to continue to monitor myself throughout the rest of my pregnancy. I’m going to have some sore fingers, but hopefully a healthy baby.
If you are nervous about the dreaded “sugar test”, don’t be. Sure, it sucks. But it’s very important to monitor your health when you’re pregnant. No one wants to go into a diabetic coma and risk hurting their baby. Educate yourself and surround yourself with doctors and facilities that will help you through it. If you are in the metro Atlanta area, I highly recommend Northside Hospital Nutrition Center for treatment.
Dolce wants a healthy baby sister.
Matt and I want a beautiful, healthy baby girl. Whatever I have to do to make the healthy part happen, I’ll do.
