Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Doing Well

When I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes while pregnant with Peter, I was devastated. It was a long, stressful pregnancy, and I always felt like I was starving. It seemed no matter how "good" I was at my diet, I wasn't doing well enough. I wrote down everything I ate every day, and was constantly referring to all the materials and handouts to make sure I was on the right track. Added to that were three different weekly appointments with my regular doctor and the specialists at the hospital. I was pretty glad when that was all over.
This pregnancy came a little sooner than we had anticipated, but we were excited nonetheless and knew that it was the right timing. My main fear when I found out we were expecting was that I'd have to go through all of that misery again, and I wasn't sure if I was ready yet. But I was given a little extra time before the diabetes showed up, which in my mind was a huge blessing.
Another silver lining is that they've already put me on some medication to help control my fasting numbers. They've been consistently high every morning, which makes it hard to eat anything and stay within normal blood sugar ranges.
Also, I feel like I have a better rhythm this time. I'm more accustomed to cooking with whole wheat pasta and brown rice, and have a good feel for what to make, how much to eat, and when to snack. So I'm a lot less crazy writing everything down (in fact, I don't write anything down, and have only referred to the materials occasionally for new ideas). We also bought a little charcoal grill, which I've wanted for a long time now. It gives us a little variety with all the protein and veggies we've been eating!
And as far as all the extra appointments go, it seems to be good timing for us now that preschool is over. They give us a little structure and time out of the house (and INDOORS- not outside in the crazy hot humidity...can't handle the humidity these days. It sort of feels like I can't get enough oxygen).
Another blessing is that this baby has been measuring on the small side, around the 34th percentile. Benjamin was 8 lbs. 8 oz. and Peter was 8 lbs. 12 oz., both pretty hefty kids. So she's the opposite of what you'd expect with a typical GD pregnancy.
I think my only real complaint is that I can't eat all the delicious peaches I want to. I have to limit myself. :) I'm not sure if there is a more intoxicating smell than a good, ripe peach....
Anyways, the countdown is on! And I really am doing much better than expected!

4 comments:

Danielle said...

Oh good! I'm so glad to hear you're doing well and the diabetes isn't bothering you too much. Good luck in these last weeks!

Melanie said...

I can't believe your full term in just a few days. Your pregnancy sure has flown by for me! Ha!

Marc and Miriam Deru said...

It seems like you're a pro at pregnancy now-- you take the good and the bad in stride. Glad it's over soon! I love the watermelon icon on your lilypie counter-- it does feel like a watermelon, albeit a mobile wiggly one. :)

Rachel Sorber said...

Glad it's not so stressful this time for you. It won't be too much longer!!!