Gestational Diabetes update

So I had my first appointment yesterday with the kind folks at Duke University's Perinatal Specialists. First, can I give a cheers for being able to live in an area with some many great medical institutes surrounding us? We truly can find some of the best care in the nation within minutes of our door... and that is something to be thankful for.

I met with the perinatal doctor, a nurse and a nurse/diabetic counselor yesterday. All three were really wonderful. They made me feel so much better reassuring me that this just sometimes happens with women - it's nothing that I did and nothing I should beat myself up for. They reiterated that they knew I was a healthy person... so I didn't have anything to be worried about (for me or the baby long-term) assuming I keep up a healthy lifestyle. It was actually interesting to meet with the counselor because she gave me such great information that I'll likely keep post-pregnancy.

Just looking at the meal plans, I realized that the protein in my diet has been severely, severely lacking. I am a veggie + fruit + carb person. And I likely enjoy the carbs (pastas, breads, potatoes, etc.) because they fill me up since I'm not getting the protein I need.

Now, that's not to say "no carbs" - the nurse was quick to tell me to be careful to make sure I am eating all the portions of carbs they laid out for me because I need the energy and the baby will need the energy that comes from them. Besides, if the baby isn't gaining enough weight, they will have to modify it. But, if I can get used to eating more protein (and finding extra sources of protein that I wouldn't normally think of), I can likely make longer-term changes on my diet.

So that part = good.

As for the blood sugar testing... ehhhh, not such a fan. Certainely it really doesn't hurt - it's a quick pinch, collect the blood drop, deposit on my testing strip and get my blood sugar count. More than anything, it's an inconvenience. For the time being, I have to test first thing when I wake up, and then once after every major meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner.) I have to do this a full week, and assuming my readings look good next week - indicating that the diet is working for me - I'll get to cut back how often I test. For most people, the diet does the trick... but there is still a chance I could follow the diet perfectly and STILL end up on medicine. But, I'm staying positive here and hoping that won't be an issue for me. My first two readings this morning were completely normal - hoorah!

And a big "Thank You" to my sweet Chaddy who, again, woke up at a little past 6 a.m. with me - despite it being his day off - so he could support me when I did my first blood-draw solo and could help me make my breakfast. He really is the best.

So now for the good part about, once again, being a "high-risk pregnancy":
1) Meetings with the perinatal doctors... who specialize in high-risk pregnancies and are truly the best of the best. Baby J is really getting the best care possible.
2) I get at least TWO extra ultrasounds on my little peanut (or, at 26 weeks, a 2-pound eggplant.) This is to make sure the baby isn't growing too big (a side effect of gestational diabetes) or too small (a side effect of the diet you're put on.) Next Thursday is our next ultrasound, and we'll get another one at 32 weeks. We had thought after the gender ultrasound, that would be it. So Chad and I are really excited to be able to see the baby again a few more times before he's born.

So, all in all, I'm doing fine. I had various screenings done during this pregnancy, and if ANY one was going to be come back negative or abnormal, this is the one you want... because while it's an inconvenience for you, it doesn't really have an impact on the baby (assuming you're treating it.)

There you go, my friends! All you ever wanted to know and more. :)

Happy Friday and have a great weekend.