GD Check In 3/24

[ladysif]

Hi ladies! Another week closer to cake, bagel, etc. time. How is it going? 

How are your numbers doing? 

How is baby measuring? 

What is your doctor's monitoring practice from 32 weeks on? (this came up last week, thought it was interesting.) Also note any reasons why (e.g. if you're on insulin or have another complication). 

Vents/raves? 

Fave food or hated food this week? 

[ladysif]

How are your numbers doing? Okay. I tried a new quiche recipe and am still confused as to why my numbers are high with it, the crust must be worse than I thought or the combination of ingredients... maybe too high fat combined with the carbs? But I can explain it away at least, I know that's the cause.

How is baby measuring? Big, though doctor didn't mention it at the last appointment. He's measuring a week and 4 days ahead; last time it was like a week and a day, the u/s before that 6 days, so I'm worried next time he's going to top the 2 week mark.

What is your doctor's monitoring practice from 32 weeks on? (this came up last week, thought it was interesting.) Also note any reasons why (e.g. if you're on insulin or have another complication).

Mine is very laid back this time (new doc). I'm diet-controlled so that is her reasoning for not making me do NSTs or anything other than the monthly ultrasounds and appointments as scheduled, every two weeks from 32 weeks on I think. I thought I was going to be having a weekly NST from 32 weeks on, so that was a surprise. I guess we'll see but that is the plan for now.

Vents/raves? Not really. Bummed the quiche didn't work out as it is yummy!

Fave food or hated food this week? Hated = the same old veggies. I try to vary it up, but I need easy stuff with dinners so we do a lot of frozen veggies. The market had fresh sweet corn this week and while it wasn't that good, it was heaven compared to frozen veggies!

[laurenlou83]

How are your numbers doing? So far so good! I've been testing for a week now and my numbers have all been within normal range. My OB wants me to test 1 hour post meals, and then fasting in the morning. I've had a few meals where I thought, oh crap, it may be high after this... but Nope! I'm just making sure I'm staying in the carb range at each meal the dietitian recommended and always having some protein at each meal.

How is baby measuring? I had a growth US this afternoon and he is measuring right on track with my EDD and a whopping 2.5lb now! I know he could still grow and measure ahead, but it was nice to here all is looking well right now!

What is your doctor's monitoring practice from 32 weeks on? (this came up last week, thought it was interesting.) Also note any reasons why (e.g. if you're on insulin or have another complication). I met with my OB last week and she just said we would re-assess at 32 weeks. She has faith I can control it all with diet, so she didn't say what the exact next steps would be. As of right now, I have growth US every 3-4 weeks and see her every 2 weeks (which I would be doing anyway in 3rd tri).

Vents/raves? I was really bummed last when I got the diagnosis. I am feeling MUCH better this week with it all though. I think seeing good numbers and knowing everything looked good on the US today definitely helped.

Fave food or hated food this week? I agree with frozen veggies! I'm so ready for Spring to really be here in the Midwest and being able to get some good, fresh veggies!

[lunalovegood]

How are your numbers doing? My numbers were great until I thought, "Waffles are a good idea. Waffles are wonderful and delicious. Waffles only have 13.5 grams of carbs each so I should be good." I was so very, very wrong. My numbers were sky high that morning. I didn't even have syrup on them. So sad.

How is baby measuring? Not sure, I haven't seen my doc since the diagnosis. I have an appointment on Monday and I am very anxious for it.

What is your doctor's monitoring practice from 32 weeks on? (this came up last week, thought it was interesting.) Also note any reasons why (e.g. if you're on insulin or have another complication). Not sure. It will be interesting to see what happens next week.

Vents/raves? This weekend I was feeling a little sorry for myself so DH says he is going to start eating what I am eating. I thought he was being very sweet until he went out to the garage fridge to grab a beer. Good try DH, good try.

Fave food or hated food this week? I tried to make butternut squash mini pizzas. Major pinterest fail. They were horrible.

[kimberlyandthor2014]

How are your numbers doing?
-Great! And my fasting has been keeping in range so no insulin at this point!

How is baby measuring?
-baby is measuring right on.

What is your doctor's monitoring practice from 32 weeks on?
-NSTs won't start until 36 weeks if I stay off insulin. If I go on, they will start immediately. Growth ultrasound at 32 weeks (I'll be 30 weeks on Thursday). Cervical readiness check at 38 weeks and she wants me to think about membrane sweep and induction if my body seems receptive. I would rather wait closer to 40 weeks as long as my placenta and baby are showing good signs.

Vents/raves?
-I'm feeling good this week although I really am looking forward to being DONE with GD. I've got a countdown on my fridge that says 10weeks to go

Fave food or hated food this week? Fucking eggs. That's all. Fucking eggs.

lunalovegood if I eat one waffle with peanut butter or almond butter on it and one Hardboiled egg my numbers are in the 90-110 range. Maybe something to try if that sounds appealing?

[lunalovegood]

ladysif, laurenlou83 question for you ladies. Are monthly growth ultrasounds common practice? I am just wondering what to expect at my next appointment. It seems like this month has gone so slow.

[kimberlyandthor2014]

Oh and I have a confession to make I bought a one liter bottle of diet cream soda. I feel terrible because I don't drink that shit, especially diet, but I just needed it! I needed the yummy taste without the number spike.

[lunalovegood]

kimberlyandthor2014 I am right with you on the eggs. So many damn eggs lately. Although I did have a hamurger with an egg on top for lunch today and that was delicious.

Thanks for the idea about the peanut butter on one waffle. I will try that tomorrow.

[laurenlou83]

lunalovegood I really don't know if it is 'common'. My sister had GD with her now 3yo, and I know she had them. I've only done some research online about GD and they are mentioned. Whether or not every practice/OB does them, I'm really not sure!

I know my OB wants to monitor his growth because if he is getting extra sugar/glucose through my blood supply, it could cause him to grow at a more rapid weight. I'm okay with them checking on him and making sure I don't have a 10lb baby

[ladysif]

Mar 24, 2015 17:48:52 GMT -5 lunalovegood said:

ladysif, laurenlou83 question for you ladies. Are monthly growth ultrasounds common practice? I am just wondering what to expect at my next appointment. It seems like this month has gone so slow.

Growth ultrasounds have been routine for me for both GD pregnancies. Like laurenlou83 said, a big part of it is to monitor baby's growth and make sure he's not too big, one of the potential complications of GD. They also check my placenta to make sure it is still functioning well as another GD risk is the placenta breaking down faster. They also check my fluid levels, but not sure if that is GD related or just because I had low fluid with DS1. 

Totally agree with kimberlyandthor2014 on the adding protein with your waffles. My GD is worse in the a.m., so I can never do just the allowed amount of carbs; I'll go over if I don't have protein. And my DH said he'd do the diet with me the first time... he lasted like one meal, and beer was carved out as an exception from the start. hehe. He actually gained weight that time (and I think is this time, too) because I would want to eat something yummy but only could eat part of it, so he gets all the leftovers.

laurenlou83, glad this week is better. It is really rough at first but once you get used to it and get to know what you can eat, it gets easier!

kimberlyandthor2014, you want a confession? I have had more 8 ounce regular sodas this pregnancy than I can count. I did well at first but have had it for my mid-morning snack several times. It doesn't spike my numbers so I'm clear there, but OBVIOUSLY a horrible choice compared to a piece of fruit or something. I'm just never hungry and want the little caffeine kick, but I feel super guilty about it. So don't feel bad, especially about diet caffeine-free! And yes, fuck eggs. 

[sapphyre0702]

How are your numbers doing? Great so far! I had highish (not even in the pre-diabetes range) fasting numbers pre-pregnancy which stayed the same leading them to put me on nightly insulin, but so far my amount is still super duper low and holding!!!

How is baby measuring? 54% percentile for weight and right on target for length. That made me so happy I can't even tell you all!

What is your doctor's monitoring practice? Mine seems excessive but NSTs 2x a week with an ultrasound and Dr visit. MFM will monitor every 4 weeks (so really only like 2 more times *gasp!*)

Vents? That people elsewhere act like I can control it or it is my fault. My diet pre-preg was perfect, my weight was great and I exercised. Lay off me people - interestingly my endo thinks it is possible that my high fasting levels are genetically based. I am hoping to have genetic testing after baby is born to confirm.

Hates food? Dinner! I have to eat a half portion or I get a terrible stomach ache and the thought of preparing something exhausts me. I hate dinner. Though last week I managed to make pancakes that were high protein and low sugar! They were amazing, I found a recipe online and used whey protein powder an egg and some garbanzo flour topped with some butter and sugar free maple syrup. Felt downright indulgent and my sugar levels 2 hours later were PERFECT! Perhaps that's what I'll make for dinner tonight.

Hang in there ladies! Everyone is doing great!

[gilder40]

How is it going? I just got told last Wednesday that my numbers were abnormal, and I was out of town at the time, so I didn't get my glucometer until yesterday. I meet with the dietician tomorrow. We were supposed to meet Monday, but she had a family emergency.

How are your numbers doing? I guess okay. I'm not sure what my targets are since I haven't met with the dietician. My fasting this morning was 70, 2 hours post-breakfast was 140, and 2 hours post lunch was 76.

How is baby measuring? Not sure. Will have an ultrasound the first week of April.

What is your doctor's monitoring practice from 32 weeks on? (this came up last week, thought it was interesting.) Also note any reasons why (e.g. if you're on insulin or have another complication). Lol, again, not sure. I'm sure I'll discuss it with him at my next appointment on the 30th.

Vents/raves? So frustrated that I have to do this. It's really not a HUGE deal, but it's just something else on my plate.

Fave food or hated food this week? I dunno. I haven't really had anything too amazing. I may make a quiche this week so I have some easy to take breakfast.

[kimberlyandthor2014]

gilder40 I'm sorry to have to welcome you into our little group, but the plus side is that we all have each other! Good luck with your upcoming appointments.

[gilder40]

kimberlyandthor2014 Thanks girl! I'm looking forward to chatting with you other wonderful ladies about recipes, good foods, and just get to know you. I'm not super bummed or upset about the whole "gestational diabetes" thing, just irritated that I have to poke my finger four times a day, lol.

[gilder40]

I meet with my dietician today, so I'll know my number targets then for my sugar. But out of curiousity, what are your goals from your dieticians? Do you test your blood sugar one hour after eating, or two? Do you have any hard restrictions, or are you allowed to splurge every now and then? I'm just trying to get an idea of what may come with my appointment this afternoon.

[sapphyre0702]

Mar 26, 2015 11:54:43 GMT -5 gilder40 said:

I meet with my dietician today, so I'll know my number targets then for my sugar. But out of curiousity, what are your goals from your dieticians? Do you test your blood sugar one hour after eating, or two? Do you have any hard restrictions, or are you allowed to splurge every now and then? I'm just trying to get an idea of what may come with my appointment this afternoon.

I test mine 2 hours after eating and my goal is under 120. For fasting my endocrinologist said to be under 93 and the ob said to be under 90. I therefore aim for under 90 but don't collapse into a pile of tears if its 91.

Also, in terms of splurging - at my last on appt she said I looked great and was all belly and my response was "well that's good because this has pretty much been the least indulgent pregnancy ever" since I've been watched since December (high fasting levels pre-pregnancy so we knew this was a possibility).

Her response was "well you can still have ice cream". Apparently, as it was explained to me - high quality full fat ice cream isn't terrible for sugar because the ingredients are milk cream sugar and flavor and the fat content helps digest the sugar slower and doesn't cause a spike. So I have found that if I have some ice cream immediately after eating dinner then two hours later my sugar is awesome!

[kimberlyandthor2014]

I find that the goals/guidelines definitely vary throughout doctors. Mine wants my fasting under 95 from this point on (her previous goal for me was under 100). She wants me to test one hour after meals and be below 130. If for some reason I wait the two hours the goal is under 120. But she would prefer the one hour check.

I can splurge once in a while as long as it's not often, but I'm afraid to test the limits too much. The threat of insulin hangs over and I'd prefer to avoid that, only because the doctors are more likely to rely on interventions if I become insulin dependent. I find I can have small treats without going over, but only if I indulge in the afternoons, and very small portions.

[laurenlou83]

As the other ladies said, the goals seem to vary from each doctor.
My OB prefers my fasting levels to be under 90 and she wants me to test 1 hour after meals and be below 140.

I'm new to this whole thing, so a lot of "splurging" has been trial and error. I had a sprite the other morning with my breakfast sandwich. BAD IDEA! My 1 hour post meal number was 143, and although not horrible, my after breakfast number has been 100-110 consistently for a week eating the same thing. I obviously know now not to have a sprite with breakfast

I have found if I include sweets with my morning or afternoon snacks, it doesn't seem to effect my numbers much. As kimberlyandthor2014 said though, I really don't want to test the limit too much. I may be new to all of this, but I know I don't want insulin and I want to avoid any interventions -- if that means I have to "behave" for the next couple of months, so be it

[gilder40]

That was sort of my thoughts. I've really only got about 2 months left to go, and I eat fairly well the majority of the time. This morning I made a breakfast sandwich with a whole wheat english muffin, two eggs, and a slice of cheese. My levels were great at 97. Lunch wasn't so bad...but my numbers were a bit higher. I did have two small mandarin oranges, so that could've brought it up a bit. I'll just have to buy my Easter candy and stash it away to enjoy this summer. I love me some jelly beans!!

[gilder40]

What are some of y'all's "go-to" meals for breakfast and lunch? I love anything that is grab and go, so I'm not spending a bunch of time putting together my lunch.

[ladysif]

I have to be under 95 for fasting, under 130 at one hour and under 120 at two hours. They don't care if I test at one or two hours, as long as I document it.

The dietician and doctor won't outright say I can splurge, but thus far, when I have cheated or had an oops, they could care less as long as I can explain it. Obviously I don't do it often, and the nutritionist is more strict than my doctor (with DS1 she tried to encourage me to pass up dessert at my own baby shower and take it home to eat later... I would have felt so rude doing that!), but it hasn't been an issue. But like kimberlyandthor2014 said, not worth the risk of insulin by pushing it too far too often. Especially now, you're right - we don't have much longer to go.

Breakfast/lunch ideas: easy breakfasts are Trader Joe's quiches, if that will fill you up. I've been on a kick with those lately, and the carb content is pretty accurate with those unlike the homemade quiche I made where the crust was clearly an issue. I eat way too many hardboiled eggs but that's because they're fast and easy. I often pair it with plain greek yogurt with fruit or a small bowl of cheerios and fruit with milk.

I do sausages because nitrate free, and you can find nitrate-free bacon for other breakfast protein options. I'll make a big batch and reheat the next two days. I pair those with crepes (fewer carbs than pancakes) or a waffle. Sugar-free syrup is great. Croissant egg and cheese sandwiches.

Lunches I am all over the place. Eating out: I can miraculously get a small size of lots of things at Noodles and Company and as long as I have protein with it, I'm fine. Their carb counts in their nutrition info are pretty accurate. I do Mexican a lot, no beans, carne asada or tacos with corn tortillas (corn vs. flour makes a HUGE dif). Lots of guacamole! Chicken teriyaki with vegetables and a little white rice. BW3's if you like chicken (you don't have to get buffalo, it is so protein heavy you can get BBQ or a dif sweet sauce and be fine).

Making at home: Middle of the day is probably my best time in terms of managing blood sugar. It depends how hungry I am. Today I had leftovers, chicken enchiladas with veggies and a glass of milk. I love grilled cheese on sourdough, I just buy an uncut loaf and slice it really thin so I can have two if need be! (havarti, tomato and avocado - YUM). I will have a yogurt or something with it, too. Burgers open-faced or with lots of bun ripped off. Salad with chicken and whatever. I have gotten away with PB&J but that basically eats up all the carbs so not always the most filling. I made an upside-down pizza casserole thing that was meat-heavy that was fine for several days of lunch.

Ultimately, I cater to myself. Lunches are not what I would normally have without GD because it is just easier right now to make something meat-heavy that lasts a few days and reheats decently. I eat a lot of the same stuff because I just don't take enough time to be creative and need to know I always have some go-to options available because I get in trouble otherwise; the meal is just never filling enough if I'm winging it.

Hope that helps with a few ideas!

[kimberlyandthor2014]

gilder40 we do a lot of Hardboiled eggs around here lol. Fucking eggs! But they work, and they are grab and go!

I also love a small Apple and almonds for a snack. Crockpot dinner meals rock because there is almost always a low carb version and they are super easy.

I just ate some ice cream (a little over 1/2 cup serving if I'm
Honest) and then tested to see. Happily, I was at 115 after the hour, so I know I can indulge on this from time to time without guilt. Yes!

[laurenlou83]

I have to be under 90 for fasting and under 140 1 hour after eating.

My go to breakfast is usually egg, cheese, meat (ham, turkey bacon) on an English muffin. I will cook up some turkey bacon and have it for the week. I did this most days even pre GD, so I'm just sticking with it now because my numbers have been great when eating it! I splurged and had a sprite with breakfast the other morning because I was craving carbonation --- My number was 143! It isn't horrible, but it definitely isn't something I will be doing again since it caused me to be above the recommended level.

Lunch: salads with veggies, protein and cheese, sometimes rice or quinoa. I will get a rotisserie chicken and make up some chicken salad for the week -- put this on a bed of spinach and veggies, or in 1/2 a whole wheat pita (around 17g of carb). Leftovers from the night before - we grill a lot, so I'll do an extra burger, pork chop, chicken, etc to eat for lunch. Side of hummus and veggies or some fruit depending on what other carbs I may/may not be eating.

Dinners: grill a protein, veggie side, sometimes some rice or quinoa. I made a rice/quinoa pasta the other night and added Velveeta to make mac and cheese as a side with our BBQ chicken and my number was low, so yay to that! Kabobs, fish, enchiladas seem to be okay the one time we did them and same with tacos.

Snacks: Greek yogurt with fresh fruit. Cottage cheese and fruit or crackers. String cheese. Almonds. PB and apple.

I don't have a huge sweet tooth, but I have had a handful of m&m's a few times with my afternoon snack and it hasn't seemed to have an affect on anything. That being said, I feel like I want all the sweets now that I know they aren't the best for me

I eat a lot of the same things, but I did prior to the GD diagnosis, so it really doesn't bother me. I also ate a lot of this stuff prior, too, I just have to be more careful of portions of heavy carb foods.