It sounds silly now, but my first concern after hearing I had gestational diabetes was that I’d have to give up my favorite pizza. I’ve been making a special effort to eat healthy foods throughout this pregnancy, and the pizza was one of the few exceptions. And it wasn’t really that unhealthy… Deep down, I know that my diet had nothing to do with the diabetes diagnosis, but I’m still pretty shocked by the news. And for the first time, I’m actually a little concerned about myself. Gestational diabetes is typically temporary (going away after giving birth), but not always. Permanent diabetes isn’t something I bargained for. With an inward sigh, I remind myself again to be positive. Be positive. Be positive.
The nurse with the diabetes diagnosis also provided the
number to the closest nutritional counselor.
It was close to my house (not in Portland or Washington, or worse), so
maybe my luck is already turning around.
On the following Monday, the very nice nutritionist let me know that I
just barely didn’t pass the gestational diabetes test. But even a mild case is taken very seriously,
especially for any pregnancy considered high risk (like mine!). To my relief, she also tells me that my
favorite pizza and peanut M&Ms are not off-limits after all. I just have to refrain from feasting on
them. Can do! Now I’m really feeling that my luck is
turning around. Then, the nutritionist
provides an organized outline of what I should eat and when. Basically, it’s a good guideline of how you
should eat all the time, gestational diabetes or not. And, it’s really not far off from how I’ve
been eating during this pregnancy already.
Can do. Next, I get the blood
testing kit from her. It’s small and
portable, and appears easy to use. But
yes, it does mean poking my fingers three times every day, on a very specific
schedule. More pokes... But at least these are minor compared to the
progesterone! OK, so now I know the new
rules. Anyone who knows me can confirm
that I’m a “rule follower”, so this situation is no exception. Besides, I’ve got my precious cargo to keep
me motivated. I do exactly as I’m told.
Now I’m recording my blood pressure AND blood sugar levels,
three times each day! I even created a
special “spreadsheet” to keep everything organized. After all, I have to turn in these readings
during my many doctor visits. After the
first week of this, Holly and Darren came over for dinner. For moral support, Holly suggested we all do
a finger poke. Holly steps up like
champ, even letting me push the “needle release” button on the testing
meter. If you know Holly, you’d know
that she doesn’t give up control of something like this lightly. Tom was next.
No issues. Then it was Darren’s
turn, and it was clear he was not so enthusiastic about participating. This was not his idea. Reluctantly, he stepped up to the table, and
nervously sat down. I demand a
finger. It’s pretty comical how he
starts to comply, then pulls his finger back.
He’s smiling, but is not happy. I
finally grab his ring finger and push the needle release plunger, but Darren’s
finger shows nothing! He thinks he’s
done, but Holly and I are not satisfied without seeing that telltale small
blood droplet. This just means a
slightly deeper setting is needed, and I proceed by making the adjustment on
the meter. This time, he pulls his
finger away so fast that I couldn’t grab it for a re-poke. He cried “deeper, why?!” He knew why.
But I calmly reminded him that we saw no blood on the first try, likely
due to thicker skin or a callous on his finger.
Resigned to his fate, Darren agreed to a 2nd try. As the needle penetrates his finger, a look
of panic crosses his face, and an exaggerated expression of pain follows. PRICELESS!
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| Sept 6th - 26 weeks |
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| June 21st - 15 weeks Bare belly |
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| Sept 6th - 26 weeks Bare belly |
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