Tuesday, December 22, 2009

gestational diabetes




Let me try and explain to you my situation. When we first found out we were pregnant we went to the uni health service and met Dr. Salmon. She is my general practice doctor. She set me up with the hospital midwifery program who will take care of the birth and what not. They explained to us that there are two options for care available to choose from (under "public" care which is what our insurance covers).

The first option consists of participating in a midwife group. For this option, we may or may not ever see the same midwife throughout pregnancy and birth. The other option is called "shared care". For this, we still see Dr. Salmon for half of our appointments and the midwife group for the other half. In both options, any available midwife will deliver Parker. We choose the "shared care" option, so that we would be able to see at least one consistent person throughout our experience. Plus, our appointments at uni health are completely covered by our insurance; appointments at the hospital are only partially covered and they do not bill the insurance directly, so we have to pay up front for all costs. The downside of shared care is that information has to pass through more people... and we do not always hear the same information.

As I explained in my last post, Dr. Salmon ordered my first glucose tolerance test, let me know that my numbers were high, then had me go to another lab for the second test (because the whole uni is shutdown until January 4th). Today, a midwife from the hospital called and told me that she just got the report from my first test. She explained to me that my numbers were so high, that no further tests are needed. They have already classified me as having gestational diabetes. So I do not need to be on a high carbohydrate diet like I was told, on the contrary I need to cut way back on carbs... and all sugars.

The midwife that I talked with today set me up with an appointment at the hospital for the 30th to talk about what this means for us. I will be taught how to take my blood sugar readings, what foods I should avoid... and what to eat. I am disappointed... I do not want Parker coming out huge, and I for sure do not want to have a Cesarean. The midwife was very nice and told me that this happens to the healthiest of mothers, and has nothing to do with how I have been eating or how much weight I have gained. I wish my appointment was this week... but I suppose it is Christmas and people take time off.

4 comments:

Kathy Smith said...

Kelly - I think you got some good advice. Lots of healthy women do get gestational diabetes and with good monitoring of your blood sugars, there is a good chance you will have a normal delivery and no problems. You can do this!!! x0

Caleigh said...

Good Morning, Kelly. I am so glad that the midwife finally got ahold of you. I just wish that communication would travel faster so that you weren't getting mixed messages. I'm glad they are on it, and truly believe that with the proper care Parker will be just the right size. Start writing questions that will address your concerns so that you will remember to ask the midwife/doctor next week. We are thinking about you, Tyler and Parker and praying for all of you. xoxxoox Mom

You Are My Fave said...

I'm glad you've heard back but sorry for the not so fantastic news. Things will work out. Ryan's sister just had gestational diabetes and her baby was big but healthy. You'll be blessed and we're praying for the best.

Erin Hould said...

My Goodness, you three are in our thoughts and prayers. I can't believe how much run around you have had to go through! I know you two are overwhelmed, disapointed, and feeling all sorts of other emotions but keep your chins up because you have SO much blessings at your hands. You just have to take a harder route. Remember that God only gives you what you can handle and even though it seems so unfair at times...you will see some light soon and will be holding a beautiful amazing little boy that you two created, grew, cared for and love so much!!! Life with children is FULL of so many supprises good and bad but remember all the good and fight, cry, pull yourself up and keep moving on. You two are some of the most spititual and an amazing couple and I know you can do this. Please feel all of our love that we ALL are sending over the Pacific to you.

I had to have my Blood sugar checked for awhile with the boys and after awhile it is cake and routine. You can do this...I believe in you, both of your families do, and all of your friends. This is your journey through life and you are just having to go over a speed bump!

You are in our prayers and we love you so much! I wish I were there to give you a giant bear hug and to rub your back!

love you!