About a month ago, I failed my one-hour blood sugar test. Honestly, I think it was because I indulged in a sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit on my way to the clinic. (Hey, I was hungry!) I wasn’t too worried about the three-hour glucose test; I figured it was just a hurdle before I could dive back into enjoying Halloween candy, baked goods, and all those delicious carbs.
I survived the three-hour test, but man, it was as dreadful as everyone said. The first hour was the toughest. I felt nauseous and thought I might pass out at any moment. Thankfully, the nurses were super supportive, almost like cheerleaders, helping me through it. I figured I was just being dramatic, but it turns out some pregnant women really do end up vomiting or fainting. Luckily, no one actually died. Just a little tip: avoid throwing up at all costs because if you do, you have to start the test over.
After the test, I went home feeling confident that I’d passed. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. The next morning, I got the call—gestational diabetes.
I was then required to attend a three-hour class on dietary restrictions. It was filled with label-reading practice and a lot of promotion of sugar substitutes, which aren’t really my thing. I learned I’d be counting every carb I consumed and checking my blood sugar four times a day. It was a lot to take in, and while I kept my cool during the session, I definitely shed a few tears once I got to my car.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been monitoring my diet and checking my blood sugar levels. It’s been a wild ride, with my emotions swinging from confidence to bitterness and sadness. But I’m also picking up some important lessons about gestational diabetes:
- It’s a Challenge. Honestly, this diagnosis is no blessing. Blessings are things like finding a great deal at Target or discovering your partner filled up your gas tank when you were running late. Gestational diabetes is more like an unwanted hurdle you have to navigate. While I appreciate knowing what’s happening with my body and how to keep both me and my baby healthy, it doesn’t make it any easier when I’m at a restaurant watching my friends enjoy foods I can’t have.
- No Shame in the Game. I want to be clear: I didn’t develop gestational diabetes because I’m overweight or because I ate unhealthy foods during my pregnancy. My placenta is just producing extra growth hormones that make it harder for my body to handle blood sugar. Many pregnant women manage just fine, but some of us need a little extra help. It’s not a personal failure; it’s just how our bodies are reacting.
- I’m the Odd One Out. You know that friend who is super particular about their diet? Well, now I’m that person. Sorry, everyone!
- It’s Manageable. After crying for two days over my diagnosis, I realized it’s not the worst thing that can happen. Most women’s blood sugar normalizes after giving birth, and while there are some risks for the baby, they’re generally manageable. Plus, I can still enjoy bacon, which is a nice silver lining.
- Blood Sugar Control is Tricky. Everyone’s body reacts differently. I’ve been told to stick to 30-45g of carbs at lunchtime, but I find 30g is my sweet spot. Some days I still get unexpected high readings. Blood sugar levels can be influenced by many factors, so I’m learning to be patient with myself and aim for progress, not perfection.
- Illness Affects Blood Sugar. During my first week on this special diet, I caught the flu and kept getting high readings, which was super frustrating. I was eating well, so I didn’t understand why my numbers were off. Apparently, being sick can elevate blood sugar levels as your immune system releases hormones that interfere with sugar regulation.
- Reframing My Mindset. I’ve never been one to “bounce back” after having a baby, nor do I like that phrase. I know it’s time to embrace healthier eating habits and regular exercise after my pregnancy. While I initially planned to indulge in holiday treats during these last few weeks, I’m trying to view this as an opportunity to kickstart better choices. It may not be what I wanted, but I’m making the best of it.
Gestational diabetes isn’t the end of the world, but it’s certainly not all sunshine and roses either. Like many aspects of pregnancy, it’s a mixed bag. I’ll be enjoying my meat and cheese while secretly mourning the dessert menu. If you’re also navigating this sugar-free journey, I raise my 8oz glass of whole milk to you. Here’s to pushing through and meeting our little miracles. They better appreciate all the sacrifices we’ve made!
For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, check out resources like March of Dimes, and if you’re considering starting your journey, explore Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits, or Vegas Pregnancy for free sperm donor matching services. You can also learn about the changes in breast milk with our post on breast milk color. For a deeper dive into this topic, visit Modern Family Blog.
Summary: Gestational diabetes can be a tough challenge, but with the right mindset and support, it’s manageable. Learning to navigate dietary restrictions, understanding the body’s responses, and reframing your perspective can make a difference in coping with this diagnosis.