So there I was, feeling pretty confident about my third pregnancy, convinced I had this whole baby-on-board thing figured out. But then, I started experiencing some unusual symptoms that threw me for a loop.
First, I found myself inexplicably thirsty. I mean, I was chugging down a liter of water as soon as I woke up and then downing another couple throughout the day. It felt like I could drink an entire warehouse of bottled water and still be parched—like a character cursed in a fairy tale.
Then, my vision became blurry. I tried to brush it off, recalling that pregnancy can mess with your eyesight, especially if you’re already nearsighted like me. But the fatigue was something I couldn’t ignore; it was beyond the typical tiredness of being pregnant or just being a mom.
These symptoms cropped up around week 27, so when I failed my one-hour glucose test at week 28 and then the three-hour test at week 29, I wasn’t shocked when I received the call confirming I had gestational diabetes (GD).
Understanding Gestational Diabetes
For those unfamiliar with GD, let me break it down. This condition occurs only during pregnancy and is temporary for about 90% of cases. However, being diagnosed with GD does increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Therefore, learning to manage sugar intake and maintaining a healthy exercise routine becomes crucial to mitigate those future risks. And if you decide to breastfeed, your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes are reduced by half. Yes, half! It’s almost like breasts have some magical properties.
As my belly grew, my body was flooded with pregnancy hormones that can sometimes hinder insulin production—the hormone responsible for converting blood sugar into energy. This imbalance leads to excess sugar in the bloodstream, which can cause your unborn baby to gain weight excessively and put a strain on their developing systems. This can lead to issues like premature birth or jaundice, and a higher likelihood of Type 2 diabetes. Not exactly the news you want to hear.
The Overwhelming Diagnosis
Receiving the diagnosis was overwhelming. My mind immediately raced to all the indulgent treats I had enjoyed—like that cheesecake, extra fries, and those delicious mango smoothies. I mean, I was eating for two, right? Guilt washed over me, and I felt like a massive jerk (and I mean that literally).
Before my appointment with the diabetic nurse and dietitian, I was already searching online for answers about sugar and gestational diabetes. My doctor suggested cutting back on sugar, but without knowing my daily sugar levels yet, I panicked and opted for a complete sugar detox.
That experience? It was brutal. For five days, I felt loopy and exhausted as my body adjusted to a diet of lean meats, nuts, fresh veggies, and limited fruits. All my beloved treats were gone—goodbye coffee with creamer and those fizzy mocktails. By day six, my cranky uterus decided to react, landing me in the hospital with false labor contractions.
I’m okay, and so is the baby, but cutting sugar out of my life has proven challenging. Sugar hides in everything, and I now find myself scrutinizing the sugar and carb content of everything I eat. It’s annoying, but it’s necessary. This experience has forced me to rethink what I consider a healthy portion and what a “sweet treat” truly is.
A New Perspective on Food
Gestational diabetes is a temporary hurdle in my journey to nurture a healthy baby, but it has fundamentally shifted my perspective on food. For years, I used food as comfort, but now I must view it as fuel for both my body and my growing child. While this adjustment has its benefits, I won’t sugarcoat it—it can be tough.
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Summary
In this candid account, I share my unexpected diagnosis of gestational diabetes during my third pregnancy. Initially confident, I was blindsided by symptoms like extreme thirst and fatigue. After failing glucose tests, I learned the importance of managing my diet and exercise to mitigate future health risks. The experience has transformed my relationship with food, compelling me to view it as essential fuel rather than comfort.