Diagnosis: Gestational Diabetes

This is my 4th pregnancy...yeah that's right, 4th.  No I am not crazy (well I suppose that can be debated on occasion.).  In truth I have always felt called to have 4 kids.  How else does one explain the sudden realization at 15 years old that they want to have a family that big.

The first 3 pregnancies had their ups and downs. Intense cravings, unreal morning sickness, immense swelling, crying because someone forgot to get no mayo on my cheeseburger (poor DH). I even had a failed induction with my 3rd child. This time around it's Gestational Diabetes (GD). In classic modern girl fashion, once my test results were in I took to the internet, learning as much as possible, how many carbs are recommended per meal, risks for the baby if I don't follow it closely, what other women ate while dealing with GD. All the while being overly concerned I wasn't doing enough.

I was officially at a fasting rate of 95 mgs/dl and the test cut off is 92 mgs/dl. Several of my friends suggested I ask to be retested but with my weight being higher that the last baby and said last baby being 10.2 lbs (!!) at birth my doc decided I would be good if I follow the dietary recommendations and check my glucose levels. Hard to argue with in my opinion.

More reasonably priced kit

One day after the diagnosis my doc called in my prescription for a meter and the accoutrements, I was appalled to learn that my insurance only covered the rediculous cost of the strips (seriously, how is the not covered in full?!?) at 50%. I emailed my doctor who was equally appalled and told me I was ok to purchase the more reasonable one I found on Amazon (Hooray for Amazon Prime).

"Ok, I have a meter, I'm eating better, now what?!"

Three days later I met with a dietician or nutritionist, I'm really not sure which. We go over blood sugar levels: Fasting <90 mgs/dl, 1 hour post eating: <140 mgs/dl (these numbers may vary). Max carbs: Breakfast 30 g, Snack (3) 15 g, Lunch and Dinner 45 g (may also vary based on facility).  Must eat 6 times min, a day. No pills, no insulin.

So far I am thankful for my culinary background in helping me be creative with vegetable dishes for dinners, my kids are still iffy on eating them but I'm happy! Mostly I'm thankful that I am now required to feed myself on a regular basis. As a pregnant mother of 3 it is surprising how often I realize at 3 pm that I haven't eaten since that half piece of toast a 9 am. All in all I am thankful for this opportunity to realize how many dang carbs a person can consume in a day and what is more appropriate. It can be so easy to not care about carbs on a daily basis. I personally think moderation on a daily basis is key, much easier to say then implement.

So far my numbers have been within range, although I learned I need to be careful with my intake of bread and butter pickles. The only thing I'm really missing is lattes. Still not daring enough to try a Dutch Bros (mmmmmmm) and I can't do artificial sweeteners.

29 weeks today!!! 

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