↑ What I’ve been eating a lot of over the past month. GREEN STUFF.
Well, the post headline pretty much sums it up – I have gestational diabetes. Apparently the third pregnancy was not the charm for this ol’ gal!
Sooo, YEAH. I have several reasons for writing this post. One, it felt like I was hiding something by not sharing.
Two, my post on Living with Celiac Disease has been one of my most popular posts here on IGE because it’s real and, most importantly, helped people, which I hope to accomplish with this post. Not only by sharing some of the meals and foods I’ve been eating over the past month, but simply to give anyone struggling with gestational diabetes a virtual pat on the shoulder and say you’re not alone. We’ll get through this!
Three, the word “diabetes” is a loaded word and I hope to spread some knowledge about what gestational diabetes is and who can develop it.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes affects only pregnant women – 7-9% of woman are said to develop it during pregnancy – and it goes away after delivery of the baby. Hormones from the placenta interfere with the mother’s ability to use insulin, which your body needs to turn glucose (sugar) into energy. Glucose builds up causing high blood sugar, which can have negative effects on both mom and baby. Baby can be born overly large and with low blood sugar, have breathing problems, and face potential issues with obesity and Type 2 diabetes down the road. Mom can develop preeclampsia and has a strong risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.
If you’ve ever been pregnant, you most likely dreaded the gestational diabetes screening test as much as I did. Generally occurring around the 24-26 week mark of pregnancy, in 5 minutes or less you must chug a drink that’s basically corn syrup, artificial flavor, and food dye (read: highly disgusting and extremely unpleasant) then your blood sugar is tested an hour later to see if your body is using the sugar properly. If it’s not then at a later date you drink an even more concentrated sugary beverage and your blood sugar is re-tested at the one, two, and three hour mark after drinking. If you fail any of those tests then you’ve earned yourself a pregnancy complication:
Gestational diabetes.
Risk factors for gestational diabetes include being older then 25, having a family or personal history of Type 2 or pre-diabetes, a BMI of 30 or higher, or if you are black, Hispanic, American Indian, or Asian (source). As I read in a book on the subject, unless you’re 25 or younger, white, and have no family or personal history of diabetes – there’s a chance you could develop gestational diabetes. I think there’s a stigma surrounding gestational diabetes and I’m here to tell you that it can happen to anyone. The dietitian I’ve met with through this process told me she’s seen marathoners in her office with gestational diabetes!
The risk factor I met was age. As I always tell the whipper snappers who will listen to this crotchety old bag – don’t grow up! Truthfully, the age thing was a tough pill to swallow and it hasn’t been as simple as telling myself, the only reason you got this is because you’re an old(er) mom.
Various thoughts ran through my mind when I got the call – why did I drink so many Chick-fil-A lemonades (to be fair, I didn’t drink that many!)? Why haven’t I been more active? HOW COULD I LET THIS HAPPEN?!
If getting Celiac Disease has taught me anything though, it’s that $@!& happens. Some things in life can’t be prevented, helped, or predicted. This didn’t happen because of the foods I was or wasn’t eating, hormones are to blame. Thankfully in many cases, and so far in my case, gestational diabetes can be managed through diet, which is something I have a ton of experience with.
The “prescription” for gestational diabetes is not only to focus on eating healthy fats, proteins, and vegetables (so many vegetables,) but more importantly watch your total carb intake and spread them out throughout the day. The way I made sense of this for myself is that I need a slow and steady burn of the right amount and type of carbohydrate all day long. I check my blood sugar 4 times a day (finger prick) and log everything I eat in a spreadsheet for my doctor to keep tabs on. Fun!
What’s been hard:
- Eating ZERO added/processed sugar and limited fruit and berries. I have a raging sweet tooth when I’m pregnant so going cold turkey has been slightly torturous. Fruit and berries are also my summertime jam and I’ve missed them a lot.
- No more pretzels, tortilla chips, crackers – aka empty carbs I used to eat when I needed a little something to crunch on during the day. Not so mad about this as I needed a reason to ditch the junk.
- Mega meal planning. Normally I plan 3-4 dinners a week. Now I need to plan a breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 snacks every single day x 7 days a week. There is no winging it when you’re eating to manage gestational diabetes.
- Eating for fuel vs fun.
- Measuring and tracking everything I eat. It’s as annoying as time tracking at work.
- No food-related spontaneity. Celiac Disease pretty much killed this for me already (no “ooo there’s a new restaurant in town – we should go!“) but it’s even harder now that I have to make sure a restaurant has low-carb options in addition to gluten-free ones, and the timing has to be right for a meal or snack. Heck, I can’t even eat an apple past 6pm without it effecting the next day’s blood sugar.
- Getting bored of eating a lot of the same foods over and over each day.
- Knowing my chances of developing Type 2 diabetes down the road is high.
- Playing poor me. I know – it’s childish – but when all I want is to sit down and watch trashy television at night with a glass of wine, pizza and giant brownie (dreaming big here,) the fact that I have gestational diabetes and Celiac Disease can be a bummer.
What’s been good:
- Knowing that I’m doing all I can to make sure we have a healthy baby and pregnancy.
- I get to eat A LOT. 3 meals + 2 snacks a day. Not mad about that!
- Learning about portion control. Let’s just say the amount of sweet potato fries that equals one carb choice is much smaller then I thought.
- Slower weight gain. I’ve never been one to care much about weight gain during pregnancy as long as I was in the healthy range and baby was growing at a healthy rate, but this has been a welcomed side effect.
- I’ve learned how my body processes carbs – at least during this pregnancy. Through trial, error, and testing, I’ve found my blood sugar hates white sugar, fruit in the morning and at night, super starchy vegetables, and even too many whole grain carbs. Totally changed my outlook on the (fun) foods I’ll be fueling my body with post-baby.
- I’ve never eaten healthier. My meals and snacks are filled with tons of vegetables, lean protein, nuts, and dairy – which thankfully my body handles well.
- I feel great! I was shocked to find out I had gestational diabetes in the first place because I’d felt the best this pregnancy out of all three prior to being diagnosed. Since changing my diet though, I’ve had more energy and feel better overall.
- This is temporary. Gestational diabetes ends when the gestation period ends. Yes, Type 2 diabetes is a very real risk for the future, but gestational diabetes specifically will end in a few weeks.
What I’ve Been Eating
It was a bummer to find out I had to start logging all my meals and snacks to share with my doctors and dietitian at every appointment, but it’s worked out well because now I can share some ideas with you!
NOTE: I am NOT a doctor nor dietitian so please discuss your meal plan with your care team, as I have, to identify what will work for you and your gestational diabetes care plan!
Breakfast:
- 1-2 slices peanut butter toast (I’ve been eating Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-Free 7-Grain Bread vs their Mountain White)
- 1 slice buttered toast + 2 scrambled eggs + 2 slices bacon (I like Applegate Naturals No Sugar Bacon)
- Grain-free granola + almond milk, 1 slice peanut butter toast
- Handful raw almonds or pecans, small square Maple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars
- Greek yogurt + sliced almonds or grain-free granola
- 2 scrambled eggs with shredded cheese, 1 slice toast
- 2 fried eggs, 2 slices bacon or sausage, big handful sauteed spinach
- 1 slice avocado toast + goat cheese, fried egg
- Small bowl oatmeal – 1/4 cup gluten-free oats cooked with 1/4 banana in 1/4 cup each almond milk and water. Add chia seeds, toasted unsweetened coconut chips, chopped nuts, tiiiiny drizzle maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Lunch:
- Big salads with a mix of protein (turkey, chicken, nuts, seeds, cheese, hard-boiled egg, smoked salmon,) vegetables, and carbs like blueberries, diced apples, or dried cranberries + dressing
- Peanut butter sandwich, cheese stick, baby carrots
- Cheese quesadilla (2 small corn tortillas) with guacamole + salsa, 1/2 cup fruit
- Cheese stick, a few whole grain crackers, baby carrots, 1/2 an apple
- Burger (no bun) + pickles and ketchup. Salad with lots of vegetables + sliced almonds
- Meatballs + few Tablespoons marinara sauce + shredded cheese, baby carrots, 1/2 cup fruit
- Tuna salad + a few whole grain crackers and vegetable dippers, 1/2 cup berries
- 2 hard boiled eggs, salami, cheese, a few whole grain crackers, 1/2 cup fruit
- 2 hot dogs (local brand) sliced down the center and stuffed with cheddar cheese + ketchup, baby carrots
- Chicken salad + vegetable dippers and/or a few whole grain crackers
- Egg Salad Jars
Dinner:
- Zucchini Noodle Caprese Lasagna
- Crunchy Pesto Potato Chip Salmon
- Burgers (no bun), large vegetable-based salad, 1/2 cup berries
- Vegetable Stir Fry: 1/4 cup uncooked brown rice (max) cooked then stir fried with an egg + any/all vegetables and drizzled with gluten-free Tamari
- Crock Pot White Chicken Chili + shredded cheese
- 1/2 baked spaghetti squash + 3/4 cup marinara/meat sauce + parmesan or mozzarella cheese
- Skinny Shrimp (or Scallop) Piccata with Zoodles
- Crustless quiche, 1 cup fruit
- Buffalo Chicken Salad, 1/2 cup sweet potato fries
- Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs, cauliflower rice, 1/2 cup sweet potato fries
- Cauliflower Fried Rice
- BBQ, Bacon, Avocado and Cheddar Chicken, roasted vegetables
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin, grilled vegetables
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin, roasted vegetables
- Perfect Roast Chicken, roasted vegetables or side salad
- Homemade Egg Drop Soup
- Grilled or seared steak, roasted or sauteed green beans, sauteed garlic butter mushrooms
Snacks:
- Beef jerky (Nick Sticks or Duke’s – buy at Costco)
- Enjoy Life Chewy Bars (in a pinch)
- Plantain chips (OBSESSED with these BBQ ones)
- Cottage cheese + 1/2 cup fruit
- Olives + cheese cubes + a pickle
- Raw nuts + 2 Tablespoons dried fruit
- Greek yogurt + grain-free granola or nuts
- Popcorn + raw nuts or seeds
- Salami + cheese stick + plantain chips
- Raw vegetables + guacamole
- 1/2 apple + cheese cubes + prosciutto
- 1/2 apple + 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
- Homemade Egg Drop Soup
- Raw vegetables
- Raw vegetables
- Raw vegetables
#notatypo. ;) Click here for all my low-carb recipes >
Moving forward
“You have gestational diabetes” are four words that no mother on earth wants to hear, and this has made a time when I already feel out of control of my body (ie pregnancy) much more difficult. To be crystal clear, I cannot wait for this to go away. That said, I am grateful for this experience. As of 2017, it is said that 29 million Americans have Type 2 diabetes and 8 million of them are undiagnosed. I can say with 100% certainty that had I not been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the thought of getting Type 2 diabetes would have never crossed my mind. I eat a balanced diet – no fast food and limited junk food – exercise moderately, and have no family history of diabetes, so it’s never been on my radar until now.
This experience has been a HUGE eye opener in terms of how I can make small, healthy improvements to my lifestyle moving forward though. Instead of white bread, I’ll choose whole grain. Instead of white rice, I’ll choose brown. Instead of brownies I’ll make a smoothie (ok maybe not every time!) Sit less. Move more.
I can’t pretend I don’t know I’m now at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes down the road but I’m super grateful to know how I can reduce my risk. Also grateful that I have just 5 more weeks of this “diet” left before meeting the sweet little lady who is worth every bite of carrot over cake!
Have you ever been diagnosed with gestational diabetes? What was your experience like?
Danielle 06.15.2018
Long time reader- first time commenter here. I’m a diabetic educator who had gestation diabetes with my first last year. I love that you are posting about this and sharing your experience! The things I like people to know is carbs are not villians- you need them for good baby development- but you need the right kinds of carbs and the right amounts at the right times. There is a learning curve to it, but managing GD is doable- and a lot of times it can be done without meds. Also as another poster mention- ask your doctor about what happens after delivery and how they monitor baby differently.
There is a link to increased type 2 diabetes down the road, but there are lots of things you can do to decrease your risk. For example: if not at a healthy weight (oops me neither), losing 5-7% of your body weight, decreases the risk. It’s not an automatic future diagnosis. Be aware of the risk and don’t assume it’s a given- you can do a lot to decrease the risk!
Good luck! Sounds like you are doing well at managing. And if you or anyone else has to be put on meds to manage- it’s not always because of something you did wrong, your body just needs a little help to use that insulin.
Kristin 06.15.2018
The biggest takeaway I’ll have from this experience is choosing the right carbs and eating them in the right amount at the right time. It’s so interesting to track my blood sugar and see how a combination of these factors leads to a normal (or not!) reading! Thanks for your input!
Alison 06.15.2018
Thank you!! I was diagnosed with GD this pregnancy (due next week, eek), and I remember feeling completely blindsided when first diagnosed. Thank god for Cobb salads (my jam this pregnancy) and ALL the nut butters. I’ve found my fat intake def has needed to increase to fill caloric void from processed carbs, which made me realize how many carbs I was consuming!! I’m on insulin as well, which was so terrifying, but gets easier as time goes on.
Kristin 06.15.2018
Ahh – 1 week out – so exciting! I relate to your story. I wasn’t eating a TON of carbs prior to diagnosis, but they weren’t the best (crackers, brownies, lemonade,) and totally at the wrong time of day (usually at night.) Like I said, this really has been a blessing in disguise. Sending happy thoughts to you for a healthy, happy delivery!
Corrie 06.15.2018
I had GD with my little girl, which was controlled with diet. I found it super interesting, as I’d always suspected I had weird blood sugar, and sure enough!
I still test periodically when I’m feeling “off”.
2 things to have on your radar as a GD momma…
1. When Baby Girl is born, they will test and retest her blood sugar. Our Ivy’s was low ~ which I’ve been told is not unusual for a newborn before they are 8 hours old, as it takes that long for their bs to self-regulate after birth ~ but b/c of this, they gave her a big syringe of formula. This was sooo hard for me… not b/c I believe formula is evil, but b/c it stretched her little tummy, and made it so difficult to keep her full for a long time afterward. I wish I’d known this was a possibility beforehand, so it wouldn’t have been sprung on me 6 hours postpartum (and post-manual-placenta-extraction-with-no-epidural). So just be aware. ?
2. On a happier note, have you tried Plain Chicken’s “Where Is The Crust?” pizza? I would think it would work for Celiacs (cream cheese, egg, Parmesan, &a garlic powder), and it was GREAT for GD. ?
Kristin 06.15.2018
Good to know about the syringe of formula – I knew that her blood sugar could be low but haven’t yet asked what they do about that. Thank you – I will definitely discuss with my dr to make sure we’re on the same page (since I’m a scheduled C-section I get to have my beloved doc do it – praise the lord!) I will also check out Plain Chicken’s pizza crust – sounds DIVINE!!
Corrie 06.18.2018
Having your doctor makes all the difference, doesn’t it?! I was a high-risk pregnancy with Ivy (before GD…and it turned out I had a Placenta Increta, so we’re just all super grateful to be alive!), but the silver lining was that I knew my OB would show up for her birth, no matter what.
Thanks for sharing your journey…and all the yummy recipes that result from its twists and turns. You are by far one of my favorite food bloggers out there (and I’m not even GF! ?).
Paige E 06.15.2018
Well dang. CD and GD for an amazing Foodie blog writer??? That’s a lot of irony! I really hate it for you. That said – you got thrown the CD curveball very shortly after I did and you managed to become an even more mazing and creative chef with delicious recipes that I am grateful for! You have also introduced me to products I would not have found on my own. I am now insulin resistant and have been looking for ways to cut back on sugar. I know you will create more recipes with tons of flavor and not a lot of carbs and sugar and I look forward to even greater things from you! Hang in there. Its not easy, but its yet another challenge that will keep your work in the kitchen fresh and exciting. We are sometime forced to become uber healthy! Our bodies just demand it. :)
Kristin 06.15.2018
Such a nice comment all around, Paige – thank you for your encouragement! And yes, totally agree – sometimes our bodies demand action we don’t necessarily want to take, but I know it’s for the best. :)
Stacie Thompson 06.15.2018
Hate hearing this news, hang in there and hope in time it’ll go away! Thoughts and prayers are with you through this new journey.
I’m so glad that a friend of mine sent me a link to your website with myself being borderline Celiac. Your recipes have given me a 2nd chance at eating things that I love just in a different way.
Kristin 06.15.2018
Oh I’m so glad to hear that, Stacie! Let me know if you ever have a recipe request! :)
Renee 06.15.2018
I just failed my one hour test yesterday and have my 3 hour scheduled. This is baby #5 and I failed the one hour with #4 (but passed the 3), interestingly I was under 25 with my first 3…
If I do get diagnosed, I’ll definitely be back to check out the meal ideas closer. I found I feel better limiting my gluten consumption so the gluten free ideas will be great! Thank you for writing about this. I feel like there is a storage of good, non-scary information out there. After failing the 1 hour with my last pregnancy, I made the mistake of doing some research and just freaked myself out.
Blessings on the last weeks of your pregnancy!
Kristin 06.15.2018
Google can be a scary place for sure!! Sending good vibes and positive thoughts your way. Congrats on baby number FIVE, too! Woo!
Carissa Nelson | Spoonful of Easy 06.15.2018
Umm totally get you on the age thing. We’ve been thinking about a third but then I’m faced with a “geriatric pregnancy” — umm, I’m in my mid-30’s?!? This is so incredible to share and I’ll be sending good vibes your way. I didn’t have gestational diabetes with my two, but I did have to do the double screen with both. Pregnancy is already so hard because every day is a weird day (or at least my symptoms were that way!) so that’s hard to learn an complete new lifestyle when you have two little ones too. Good for you for embracing it and being honest — I know this article is going to give someone some amazing ideas.
Kristin 06.15.2018
What a word. ;) I feel 16 yet am considered geriatric when it comes to being a Mom. Lovely!
Carol 06.15.2018
Hi Kristin – hang in there – I had it with #2 out of 4. My youngest is 13 and I’m still in the clear of type 2 but it very likely will show up eventually as it is in the genetics. We also have food sensitivities/ allergies – GF and DF does take a ton of planning ahead, so thank you for all your great recipes, I turn to your blog often for help!!
Kristin 06.15.2018
I’m so glad to hear the recipes are of value to you and your family, Carol!
Bridget Black 06.15.2018
Kristin, I really really feel for you!! And am praying for yours and your baby’s continued health!! This is an inspiring and helpful list for a newly-pregnant gal like myself! How awesome that you’re impacting people’s decisions and habits long before they NEED/are forced to make a switch. Thank you and God bless!!!
Kristin 06.15.2018
Thank you so much, Bridget! Congratulations on your sweet baby – that is so exciting!
Joann Bussen 06.15.2018
Hi Kristen – It’s a bummer to hear that you have gestational diabetes. With both of my pregnancies I had to do the short and the long test, because my short one always came back with an odd number. While I didn’t have gestational diabetes I understand the place in which you are coming from. My husband was diagnosed as a celiac and I can understand how difficult the menu selection was before and is now. Fortunately, you have a good plan to work from and I wish you all the best health! Bravo for sharing the knowledge too!
Kristin 06.15.2018
Thank you, Joann! I did wonder after going through my “training” how on earth women who don’t have a lot of experience with food/food labels would ever get through this because it’s so strict!
Renee 06.15.2018
Thanks for writing this post! I’m currently pregnant with my 2nd. I had GD with my first so I was tested at 16 weeks and yup have it again. I check off all the boxes, age, family history, miscarriage, previous GD diagnosis. This time around has been harder and diet isn’t enough as my fasting level isn’t staying down so insulin here I come. It is easy for me to feel sorry for myself but I’m trying to stay positive. I do love that it has slowed down my weight gain so less to lose post pregnancy! 15 weeks to go! I do miss donuts terribly, not gonna lie :)
Kristin 06.15.2018
I totally relate – ALL I want in life is a giant, warm brownie with hot fudge sauce. I hope the next few months fly by for you!
CJ 06.15.2018
Thank you for sharing this!! My 2 year old was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and as Jennifer above said – Celiac Disease is more likely to happen once you have T1D. With my 2 year old being a 2 year old, it seems like all he eats is carbs. Your list has given me some new ideas on meals I could get him to try (ya know, after he rejects it the first 10x). Thank you for sharing your meals!
Kristin 06.15.2018
I’m so sorry to hear that news, CJ. :/ I totally know the 2 year old meal time struggle – hopefully he will be open to a few of these ideas!
Jen 06.15.2018
Thank you for writing this!! I think there’s a stigma attached to GD, like only people who gain large amounts of weight or “don’t take care of” themselves get it. I wondered a little when you posted your last day in the life as I was struck by how balanced your eating was throughout the day. I’m nervous about my upcoming glucose screening as my age puts me at risk too. ? it was reassuring to read your post and remember, even if I have it, I will get through! Love how you’ve used your blog to help so many people – I’ve been reading since the beginning (LOVED the daily mom walks!) and it’s been so fun to see your life progress as we’re about the same age.
Kristin 06.15.2018
That was actually just before my diagnosis (like literally a couple days before) – no ice cream sandwiches with GD, unfortunately! :/ Best of luck with your screening, and congrats on your pregnancy! Either way it will be OK and if you DO get a GD diagnosis, you’ll come out better for it on the other side!
Kate 06.15.2018
Kristin, this is such a great post – I’m so sorry that you have GD, as it is definitely not a fun diagnosis. When I was first diagnosed, I struggled to find real, helpful, non-scary information about how to proceed – this post is going to help so many mamas in the future! It felt like there was such a stigma with GD (especially since I wasn’t able to control it just with diet, but needed to add insulin 2x daily); thank you so much for talking about it!
Kristin 06.15.2018
Completely my pleasure – I was SO scared after my diagnosis too. It was reassuring that I’d had a couple friends go through it in the past and knew it wasn’t quite the end of the world, though it was still a shock.
Jennifer 06.15.2018
Well, that’s not fun. My ten-year-old has Type 1 Diabetes. She was diagnosed five years ago, so we’ve been at this for a while. A year after that she was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Double whammy! These two diseases and a few others are commonly linked because they are linked to the same gene mutation. So that could be a second link you have besides being not-as-young (but still way younger than I am) on that list. I am glad that you are willing to be so open and help break the stigma.
Kristin 06.15.2018
I wondered if CD was another risk factor for me, though my doctors didn’t seem to think so (at least not for GD or Type-2). I know Type-1 and CD are linked. I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter and hope there is a cure found for her sooner then later!! <3
Brooke 06.15.2018
So sorry. It stinks but is totally manageable as you know. I had it twice (age and family history) and 14 years later I’m still vigilant with what I eat. It’s not to say I don’t have periods that all I want is Reese PB cups and all the chips I can eat but I always return to a healthy balance. Your baby girl will be here soon and this will all behind you. In the meantime use your blog to educate those who come after you. Thanks for sharing.
Kristin 06.15.2018
Totally relate. I think I would literally go insane without a brownie or something special every week – this has been very difficult mentally more so then physically – but good to know that I know how to come back to a healthy balance.
Alisha 06.15.2018
Thank you for sharing this! I think it’s so important for people to know that it really can happen to anyone!
Kristin 06.15.2018
I agree! I’ve had teeny tiny little friends get GD, as well as friends who struggled with weight get diagnosed – and clearly weight isn’t the only risk factor. It truly can happen to anyone!
Heather 11.09.2019
I’m preparing to retake the 3-hour test because the lab botched my first 3-hour results. It was either retake it or be labeled GD by default. I’m preparing to change my diet in case I don’t pass, and it was a relief to see your blog post about your experience! I have cooked your recipes for years and trust you completely so I was so happy to find a familiar face to help me through this! I work at a high risk perinatal center in DSM so I definitely see the effects of GD and what noncompliance can do. I’m a very healthy person and eat very well as it is, but losing the ability to eat freely when I choose is going to be the hardest for me. I’m praying I pass, but if I don’t, I’m glad I have your recipes to get me through these last 10 weeks! Thank you so much! ♡
Haley 06.15.2018
Thank you for such a real and honest post! I work in a health field and much of my work is funded by the CDC. CDC supports a wonderful program throughout the country called, Diabetes Prevention Program. Having a history of gestational diabetes makes it more likely you qualify for the program. A few years from now when things settle down for you, I would look into it if you ever need some extra motivation or “me” time. Most YMCAs offer the program as do more and more hospitals.
Kristin 06.15.2018
Thank you so much for the information, Haley, I really appreciate it!
Emily 06.15.2018
I was lucky enough to avoid gestational diabetes (I thought for sure I’d get it due to age and family history) but now I’ve had to be dairy and soy free while breastfeeding and it is so dang hard! I basically eat the same few things on rotation as I don’t have the brain power to come up with more things to eat. Thank goodness it is grilling season. Hang in there as this is at least temporary!
Kristin 06.15.2018
Food restrictions on any level are so difficult to handle not only physically but mentally. Hang in there, Mama!!
HJ 06.15.2018
Oh gosh! Hang in there! I failed the 1st test with my 2nd child but then passed the longer test. My daughter is 11 so maybe this isn’t even done anymore. I was sweating it big time. My good friend had GD with all 3 of her kids. Her youngest is 12 & knock on wood, she does not have diabetes yet. Thanks for the total honesty. I am trying hard to eat better. This is a good reminder for me too. Best wishes for a smooth end to the pregnancy!!!!
Kristin 06.15.2018
Thank you so much, HJ! GD with three pregnancies – I can’t even imagine. A good reminder that life could always be tougher then it feels in the moment!