About a month ago, I went to the OB for my glucose tolerance test to see if I had gestational diabetes. This test is a regular part of pregnancy for everyone, and is performed between weeks 24 and 28. You fast and then drink a very sugary beverage before you go in, and they draw your blood an hour after you finish. If your glucose level comes back elevated, you have the pleasure of doing the three-hour test. Again, you fast, and you prepare to spend a while at the doctor’s office. They test your fasting glucose level, then you drink the sugary beverage and they test it again. One, two and three hours later, they do further tests. (Bring a good book and pick a comfy chair!) If your levels are elevated after this test, you have gestational diabetes.
As you may have guessed since I’m writing this…I have gestational diabetes. Because of my height, weight, and age, I had to have an early glucose tolerance test a few months ago. That one came back fine, and I was hopeful this one would too. But alas, that was not to be. I found out about my diagnosis a couple of weeks ago, and honestly, it’s been very difficult emotionally. You’re angry at your body for failing you and worried about what effect this could have on the baby. Plus, the third trimester is when you actually have to start doing the things you’ve had on a pre-baby list for months. It’s overwhelming to have something else to worry about and manage.
Thankfully, my OB set me up with a nutritionist who specializes in gestational diabetes. We had an initial consult, and I really appreciated that the first thing she asked me was how I was feeling about everything. She told me what I would need to do in terms of taking blood sugar readings, which I’m doing four times a day, and how to use the meter.
Next, we talked through what I usually eat, and she suggested some swaps. Ultimately though, she said it would involve some trial and error to see how my body would respond. Just like pregnancy, every body handles gestational diabetes differently. You can make a ton of dietary changes, stay active, and do everything they tell you to…and it might not be enough. It’s so incredibly frustrating, but it’s not your fault. It’s easier to say that then to really take it in, and I’ve been pretty sad. Even though I’ve been posting smiley photos the whole time, I’ll be honest and tell you that I cried every day that first week. Proof that the Internet is just a highlight reel of someone’s life.
It’s gotten a little better since then, but it’s still really hard. Food is something that has brought me comfort during this pregnancy, and being so restricted sucks. I just keep telling myself that this is for a limited time and repeating my therapist’s mantra that I can handle it. Sometimes it feels like I can’t, but I don’t have a choice. Like a lot of other parts of pregnancy (and life in general), it helps not to compare my experience to others. Eva Chen has been posting a lot about her GD on Instagram Stories (which I appreciate), and it turns out she can eat a croissant without raising her levels. Unfortunately not the case for me. That’s why I bolded that line up there.
Sharing about this is a little scary. I know I didn’t do anything wrong to make this happen, but there’s still a hint of embarrassment that goes along with it. I wish these difficult life moments didn’t have negative stigmas attached to them. And, I guess that’s what pushed me to share. This sucks. I hate it, and I wish I didn’t have to go through it. I’ve gotten very efficient at taking my readings, and I’m proud of that. I still don’t love needles and blood. I still want to cry sometimes. But, I’m lucky to have a medical support team and a helpful, caring partner on my side.
I didn’t want to share much about what I’ve been doing and eating specifically, since it might not work for others. But, I’m happy to chat more and send some recipes if anyone needs them. I’m grateful that baby boy is still healthy and growing (all looked good at a growth scan yesterday), and I can’t wait to meet him whenever he decides to show up. Thanks for your love and support on this journey!
