Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of. Nice saying, but not true for my little girl. From now on she is being made from protein and vegetables only. Last weekend I did the gestational diabetes screening which looks at how your body breaks down and uses sugar. I was worried about this test because I have a history of having abnormal insulin levels. I recently got the results back and was in the abnormal range. The test I did is only a screener, so it doesn't mean 100% that I have gestational diabetes. Now I have to go back and complete the diagnostic test for official results. This consists of fasting for 12 hours and drawing blood. Then I have to drink the same sugary drink as last time which tastes somewhat like Sunkist. After that I have to sit at Quest Diagnostics for 3 hours and get three more blood draws (one every hour). I plan on going a week from today. If these results come back abnormal than I will get the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. The doctor has already put me on extra iron pills as well as he indicated that sometimes that alone can help.
Gestational diabetes basically means that you have too much blood sugar because your body isn't appropriately absorbing the sugar you eat. Possible complications to the baby can include large birth weight, delivery complications, breathing problems, low blood sugar and jaundice. Both mother and baby have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Good news is most women can keep it under control with diet and exercise. If not they may have to give themselves insulin shots. Basically I'm supposed to exercise daily, no sugar or fruit juice, minimal carbs, milk and fruit. Most meals are to be made of protein and vegetables. An example of breakfast was 20 almonds and a glass of soy milk to which Tim literally laughed out loud because that is a far cry from what I normally eat. I have been trying to be really good, but it's harder than I thought. Everything has sugar. I have learned that Raisin Bran has more sugar than Frosted Flakes and one class of Apple Juice is worse than three oreo cookies. Not that I can eat any of the items mentioned, but it has been interesting reading labels.
I know I have been really lucky because I feel good, but emotionally Tim and I are tired of this roller coaster. First we dealt with the bleeding scare. Then we were told about the aging placenta in which I was told to lay on the couch and that I was at risk of having a small baby. Now I'm dealing with gestational diabetes to which I'm being told to exercise daily and that I am at risk for having a large baby. This is crazy. Enough with my rant as ultimately I know how truly lucky I am as there are many woman who can't get pregnant who would gladly eat protein and veges all day everyday, but it sure is a wild ride. And baby girl better recognize that the Queen of McDonalds giving up all things yummy truly is unconditional love.
I will keep you posted on the outcome of the official test. There is a chance it could come back okay so I will keep my fingers crossed and hope this long winded blog post was pointless. And while we wait, don't fret, Hannah has proven she is strong and this is really not that uncommon of a thing to deal with.
Keep taking care of yourself Les. I know it's a challenge and hard not to worry, but there's no doubt in my mind Hannah is growing strong. She's got so many people who love her and haven't even met her yet!
ReplyDeleteomg...I am very empathetic. Don't worry, I will be sure to remind Hannah just how much you sacrificed in the way of McDonalds and carbs when she gives you attitude about having to eat all her veggies one day. Keep us posted. You're almost there, lady!
ReplyDeletep.s. I will eat a hamburger in your honor.
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