I had another appointment with the nutritionist today to go over my test results from the previous week, look at what I ate prior to those results and try to determine patterns that I can use for future weeks.
In the last week I have been feeling a roller coaster of emotions. Overwhelm, confusion, frustration, disappointment, upset, down, etc... because despite my efforts, I haven't been able to figure out what food combinations are best for my body and blood sugar. So, I've been a little depressed.
The appointment was good though and I learned some things I should do to tweak the program (things that I should do more often and things to do less often or eliminate) to achieve my goal blood sugars. They said that I have been doing a pretty good job based on what I've been eating and my exercise levels, however, they noted that my fasting blood sugars have still been high and so they decided that it looks like I will not be able to control my blood sugar levels through diet and exercise alone and have decided I need to go on medication.
They gave me two options. One - a pill, called Metformin, or Two - insulin shots. I'm not sure which to choose because on the one hand, Metformin is fairly new and they are still doing studies of how baby might be affected by it, whereas insulin has been around for years and is proven not to cross the placenta or effect the baby in anyway. However, the studies they have done on Metformin show, so far, that though the medication does cross the placenta, it poses no risk to the baby. In fact, it shows a possible positive side effect of a decreased risk in developing Type 2 diabetes in the future. And then there's the whole thing about not wanting to give myself shots, and you know that factors into it too. I've gone back and forth with my decision, but I have a dr. appt tomorrow and will ask her advice at that time and then decide what to do.
Kind of a bummer, but at least I'm dealing with it and doing what I can to keep her healthy.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
November 24, 2010 - Standard Prenatal Appt - 31 weeks!
I just realized that I forgot to post about my last standard prenatal doctor appointment (that was on 11/24/2010). I can't remember everything about the appointment but I do remember a few things...
The main thing that left an impression on me is that the doctor said, because of the gestational diabetes, if I don't deliver naturally by 39 weeks (1/19/2011) that they will talk about inducing. So, hopefully I will naturally go into labor before that. I don't think being induced would be that bad, I just would prefer for things to progress naturally. So, that means that I have one week less than I thought I did - instead of having 7 weeks to go, I only have 6!
Also, she did an external exam of my abdominal area and said that it feels like Alexia is head down already, but that she can't tell for sure. She said either way, even if she was breech right now, there is still time for her to rotate to the head down position either on her own or through massage (which I hear is painful) - so hopefully the doc's first impressions are correct and she is already head down. They say if the baby is head down at this stage in the game, they usually stay that way, so... let's hope!
Also, she gave me a referral to have another ultra sound appointment to check on Alexia's size and make sure everything is ok there (again, because of the gestational diabetes). So, I'm looking forward to getting to see her again.
The main thing that left an impression on me is that the doctor said, because of the gestational diabetes, if I don't deliver naturally by 39 weeks (1/19/2011) that they will talk about inducing. So, hopefully I will naturally go into labor before that. I don't think being induced would be that bad, I just would prefer for things to progress naturally. So, that means that I have one week less than I thought I did - instead of having 7 weeks to go, I only have 6!
Also, she did an external exam of my abdominal area and said that it feels like Alexia is head down already, but that she can't tell for sure. She said either way, even if she was breech right now, there is still time for her to rotate to the head down position either on her own or through massage (which I hear is painful) - so hopefully the doc's first impressions are correct and she is already head down. They say if the baby is head down at this stage in the game, they usually stay that way, so... let's hope!
Also, she gave me a referral to have another ultra sound appointment to check on Alexia's size and make sure everything is ok there (again, because of the gestational diabetes). So, I'm looking forward to getting to see her again.
December 2, 2010 - 1st Sweet Success Session - 32 weeks!
I met with a nutritional counselor this morning. It was pretty overwhelming because a lot of information was thrown at me at once - It was a 2+ hour appointment!
They talked about what foods I could eat and in combination with what and when I could eat them. As well, as foods that I have to avoid altogether. And they talked about how one of the key factors to high blood sugar (which I never realized before) is stress. OMG - I stress so much about everything all of the time. It is going to be a very big adjustment to try to stop getting uptight and/or obsessive over everything. They also gave me a blood test meter, strips and lancets, so that I can check my blood at home - 4 times a day! The nurse showed me how to use the meter and I was really nervous at first but finally I took a deep breath and pushed the button so that the spring loaded needle would prick my finger. OMG - It was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Just a small pinch (much less than a shot or blood test) - I could barely feel it. I felt so silly for taking the deep breath and being so nervous about it.
Anyway, so I think the two hardest things about this will be 1. managing my stress and 2. managing my eating times (I'm a total grazer and used to eating whenever I feel like it, not at designated times).
So, I was a little bummed or depressed feeling after the appointment but I have resolved to do the best I can and try not to stress on it or get down on myself if I don't have good sugar levels at first. The nutritionist did say that this first week would be a learning period to see what foods spike my blood sugar, and what foods don't. So, we'll see....
They talked about what foods I could eat and in combination with what and when I could eat them. As well, as foods that I have to avoid altogether. And they talked about how one of the key factors to high blood sugar (which I never realized before) is stress. OMG - I stress so much about everything all of the time. It is going to be a very big adjustment to try to stop getting uptight and/or obsessive over everything. They also gave me a blood test meter, strips and lancets, so that I can check my blood at home - 4 times a day! The nurse showed me how to use the meter and I was really nervous at first but finally I took a deep breath and pushed the button so that the spring loaded needle would prick my finger. OMG - It was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Just a small pinch (much less than a shot or blood test) - I could barely feel it. I felt so silly for taking the deep breath and being so nervous about it.
Anyway, so I think the two hardest things about this will be 1. managing my stress and 2. managing my eating times (I'm a total grazer and used to eating whenever I feel like it, not at designated times).
So, I was a little bummed or depressed feeling after the appointment but I have resolved to do the best I can and try not to stress on it or get down on myself if I don't have good sugar levels at first. The nutritionist did say that this first week would be a learning period to see what foods spike my blood sugar, and what foods don't. So, we'll see....
November 30, 2010 - 5th Childbirth Class - 32 weeks!
During Childbirth class tonight we talked about infant care. We talked about how to hold, feed, burp, dress, change and wash the baby, and how to do a few different swaddling techniques.
It was a good class and pretty informative, however, the baby dolls they have us use are really not very realistic at all. Of course, it's easier to do all this stuff with a baby doll that doesn't move/wiggle around and who doesn't need it's head to be supported. And then again, in some ways it was more difficult, because these dolls are stiff and not flexible like a real baby so dressing them and holding them was much more awkward.
Mike seemed to be a pro with the dolls, so I'm hoping that it transfers over to the real thing too. I'm just lucky he's been through this once before :)
It was a good class and pretty informative, however, the baby dolls they have us use are really not very realistic at all. Of course, it's easier to do all this stuff with a baby doll that doesn't move/wiggle around and who doesn't need it's head to be supported. And then again, in some ways it was more difficult, because these dolls are stiff and not flexible like a real baby so dressing them and holding them was much more awkward.
Mike seemed to be a pro with the dolls, so I'm hoping that it transfers over to the real thing too. I'm just lucky he's been through this once before :)
November 27, 2010 - 31 1/2 weeks!
So, Mike's work, Home Depot's, open enrollment is in November and the new policy period begins 1/1/2011. We found out that they don't consider the pregnancy a pre-existing condition and that they will cover the pregnancy, delivery, hospital fee's, etc... at 90% (whereas mine only covers 50%). It was our plan all along to add me to his insurance so that I would have dual insurance at the time of the delivery. Then we found out a few weeks ago, that Home Depot has new restrictions and spouse's can only be added to the policy if, among other things that don't apply to me, they don't have insurance available to them through their own employer. So, we decided to ask my work if I could reduce my hours to 31/week so that I would no longer qualify for health benefits. Luckily, they agreed. So, up through 12/31/2010 at 11:59pm I will be covered by health insurance through my work, and as of 1/1/2011 at midnight I will be covered by health insurance through Mike's work. I'm excited because this will save us thousands of dollars on the hospital fee's/delivery.
It took some finagling, but we finally got it figured out!
It took some finagling, but we finally got it figured out!
November 23, 2010 - 4th Childbirth Class - 31 weeks!
Today in Childbirth class we did more of the same stuff and then learned about C-sections. I probably wouldn't have paid much attention to this part of the class, because the idea of a C-section really creeps me out. But I've heard that women with Gestational Diabetes have a higher chance of having a large baby and therefore are at an increased risk of having to have a C-section. So, I paid a little closer attention because of that. But I really, really, really, really don't want to have to have a C-section.
They showed a computer simulation of what would happen during a C-section and I have to say it seemed pretty horrible! So, yeah, I want to avoid it if at all possible. Mike was like, "Hopefully it doesn't, but we shouldn't worry about it because if it happens, it happens, it's not that bad." I said, "You're right, I shouldn't worry about it. But tell me, how would you feel if I cut your stomach open while you're concious and took something out of you?" He conceded to my premise.
Anyway, at 24 weeks Alexia was on the small side of normal, so lets hope that trend continues. Keep your fingers crossed for me that everything goes smoothly and no C-section is needed.
They showed a computer simulation of what would happen during a C-section and I have to say it seemed pretty horrible! So, yeah, I want to avoid it if at all possible. Mike was like, "Hopefully it doesn't, but we shouldn't worry about it because if it happens, it happens, it's not that bad." I said, "You're right, I shouldn't worry about it. But tell me, how would you feel if I cut your stomach open while you're concious and took something out of you?" He conceded to my premise.
Anyway, at 24 weeks Alexia was on the small side of normal, so lets hope that trend continues. Keep your fingers crossed for me that everything goes smoothly and no C-section is needed.
November 20, 2010 - 30 1/2 weeks
I took my 3 hour glucose blood test today. It wasn't as bad as the first time I had to take it so that's good. But still, not fun! 4 blood tests in 3 hours - uugghh :(
I found out on 11/22 that my blood sugar levels were high on all 4 blood tests and that is a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. I was dissappointed when I found out but tried to not be pessimistic about the whole thing and I'm trying to put as positive a spin on it as possible.
I have a Dr. Appt on 11/24 and will talk to the docotor more about it then, but in the mean time they gave me a referral to a program through Sutter called Sweet Success. They will help teach me about what exactly gestational diabetes is, how to control my blood sugar with diet and exercise and how to check my blood sugar levels. They will also talk to me about various options/treatments if my blood sugar can't be controlled by diet and exercise alone. I am really looking forward to that appointment so that I can have a better understanding of the whole thing.
In the meantime, I guess I'm going to have to avoid a lot of the sweet stuff this Thanksgiving :(
I found out on 11/22 that my blood sugar levels were high on all 4 blood tests and that is a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. I was dissappointed when I found out but tried to not be pessimistic about the whole thing and I'm trying to put as positive a spin on it as possible.
I have a Dr. Appt on 11/24 and will talk to the docotor more about it then, but in the mean time they gave me a referral to a program through Sutter called Sweet Success. They will help teach me about what exactly gestational diabetes is, how to control my blood sugar with diet and exercise and how to check my blood sugar levels. They will also talk to me about various options/treatments if my blood sugar can't be controlled by diet and exercise alone. I am really looking forward to that appointment so that I can have a better understanding of the whole thing.
In the meantime, I guess I'm going to have to avoid a lot of the sweet stuff this Thanksgiving :(
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
November 16, 2010 - 3rd Child Birth Class - 30 Weeks!
Only 10 weeks until my due date!
Tonight in Childbirth class we did a lot of the same stuff (talking about breathing and relaxation techniques and reviewing the signs and stages of labor and what not). But most of class was focused on pain management. We learned about a few different techniques, "drugs" and epidurals.
I was really looking forward to hearing more about epidurals because I was kind of on the fence about them. I was hoping that after tonight I would have a clear idea about what I wanted to do. Unfortunately that is not really the case. It's hard because on the one hand, I like the idea of not feeling the pain and being able to rest more during the beginning stages of labor so that I am rested enough to push and get through the last stages of labor. On the other hand, I don't like the idea of having the huge needle in my back, or having a catheter, or being tied down to the bed (unable to get up and walk around or change positions) or some of the potential side effects (both the common and rare side effects). Hence, why I was on the fence (and leaning towards trying to do it naturally).
I did however make a decision that I am confident about. I decided that I will let the doctor and nursing staff know that I am going to try to do the birth naturally but that there is a good chance that I will decide that I want an epidural and that I would like to be fully informed on my progress each time they check on me. I want to know how much more dialated and effaced I would have to be from where I am at that point to not be able to have an epidural. That way I can make an educated decision on whether or not I feel like the pain is bad enough to get one or not. I know that towards the end of labor you can progress rapidly and that by doing it this way, I might miss my opportunity to have an epidural and then have to do the whole thing naturally whether I like it or not. But I have a feeling that if I need one, I will be asking for it way before the time comes that I can't have one (and if the pain is that bad, I won't be worried about my previous concerns). And if I don't feel like I need one that early, and then by the time I do want one it's too late, at least then I know that I will be in the last stages of labor and will not have hours upon hours of the pain ahead of me. I have to keep the same mind set I have when I go to the dentist or have a blood test or do other things I don't want to do: "what doesn't kill me, only makes me stronger" and "I only have to endure this for a short time longer and then I will be done". And somehow that is comforting and helps me get through.
Anyway, that is the decision I made. So, though I'm not going into it with a clear cut yes or no, as I had hoped. I am going into it with some idea of how I would like things handled. And that makes me feel more prepared for the big day! :)
Tonight in Childbirth class we did a lot of the same stuff (talking about breathing and relaxation techniques and reviewing the signs and stages of labor and what not). But most of class was focused on pain management. We learned about a few different techniques, "drugs" and epidurals.
I was really looking forward to hearing more about epidurals because I was kind of on the fence about them. I was hoping that after tonight I would have a clear idea about what I wanted to do. Unfortunately that is not really the case. It's hard because on the one hand, I like the idea of not feeling the pain and being able to rest more during the beginning stages of labor so that I am rested enough to push and get through the last stages of labor. On the other hand, I don't like the idea of having the huge needle in my back, or having a catheter, or being tied down to the bed (unable to get up and walk around or change positions) or some of the potential side effects (both the common and rare side effects). Hence, why I was on the fence (and leaning towards trying to do it naturally).
I did however make a decision that I am confident about. I decided that I will let the doctor and nursing staff know that I am going to try to do the birth naturally but that there is a good chance that I will decide that I want an epidural and that I would like to be fully informed on my progress each time they check on me. I want to know how much more dialated and effaced I would have to be from where I am at that point to not be able to have an epidural. That way I can make an educated decision on whether or not I feel like the pain is bad enough to get one or not. I know that towards the end of labor you can progress rapidly and that by doing it this way, I might miss my opportunity to have an epidural and then have to do the whole thing naturally whether I like it or not. But I have a feeling that if I need one, I will be asking for it way before the time comes that I can't have one (and if the pain is that bad, I won't be worried about my previous concerns). And if I don't feel like I need one that early, and then by the time I do want one it's too late, at least then I know that I will be in the last stages of labor and will not have hours upon hours of the pain ahead of me. I have to keep the same mind set I have when I go to the dentist or have a blood test or do other things I don't want to do: "what doesn't kill me, only makes me stronger" and "I only have to endure this for a short time longer and then I will be done". And somehow that is comforting and helps me get through.
Anyway, that is the decision I made. So, though I'm not going into it with a clear cut yes or no, as I had hoped. I am going into it with some idea of how I would like things handled. And that makes me feel more prepared for the big day! :)
November 13, 2010 - 1 hour Glucose Test - 29 1/2 weeks
So, I wasn't able to go to the lab and have my one hour glucose blood test done before my last doctor appointment (like I was suppose to). I finally had it done on November 13 and found out on November 15 that (like back in August) I didn't pass the test and so I have to take the 3-hour test too. I am not looking forward to it! :( But you gotta do what you gotta do, right?
November 10, 2010 - Dr. Appt - 29 Weeks
We had another standard prenatal doctor appointment today. I'm now seeing the doctor once every 2 weeks until the end of December at which point I will start going once a week. The big day is getting closer and closer!
So, during this appointment the doctor measured my stomach and said I'm measuring at about 32 weeks but that it makes sense that I would measure a little bit ahead of where I'm actually at in the pregnancy because I had "a little extra there before I got pregnant". That was her nice way of saying I was overweight before hand. Anyway, then we listened to the heart beat and she said, "I don't know, sounds like a boy heart beat." I said, "It better not be, we're all set up for a girl." She laughed and said though sonograms aren't 100% accurate, they are more accurate then the old wives tales like a lower heart rate being a boy and a higher heart rate being a girl or girls laying higher in the stomach and boys lower, etc... But she got me thinking, oh my god, what if it is a boy. I guess he's gonna have to wear a lot of pink around the house and the other colors will have to be reserved for going out in public. lol. Either way, we'll be happy, but it will be weird if it turned out to be a boy, after expecting a girl for so long. Someone said, oh well, you could just change the name to Alex. I don't know. We'll see. Hopefully we won't have to worry about that.
Other than that, the appointment went fine.
So, during this appointment the doctor measured my stomach and said I'm measuring at about 32 weeks but that it makes sense that I would measure a little bit ahead of where I'm actually at in the pregnancy because I had "a little extra there before I got pregnant". That was her nice way of saying I was overweight before hand. Anyway, then we listened to the heart beat and she said, "I don't know, sounds like a boy heart beat." I said, "It better not be, we're all set up for a girl." She laughed and said though sonograms aren't 100% accurate, they are more accurate then the old wives tales like a lower heart rate being a boy and a higher heart rate being a girl or girls laying higher in the stomach and boys lower, etc... But she got me thinking, oh my god, what if it is a boy. I guess he's gonna have to wear a lot of pink around the house and the other colors will have to be reserved for going out in public. lol. Either way, we'll be happy, but it will be weird if it turned out to be a boy, after expecting a girl for so long. Someone said, oh well, you could just change the name to Alex. I don't know. We'll see. Hopefully we won't have to worry about that.
Other than that, the appointment went fine.
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