It will all be worth it!

Hi everyone!

Being pregnant is one of the most amazing things ever - sometimes I just stop and think, "wow, there is a human being growing inside of me!".  It is really unbelievable that it is even possible - it's amazing how God created us to create life! :)

While pregnancy is amazing, unfortunately I found out recently that I have a slightly higher risk pregnancy than I was expecting.  However, I keep reminding myself that I know I could have things much, much worse.  When I was about 12 weeks pregnant, I found out that I have gestational diabetes.  I wasn't super shocked because I had had some high blood sugar issues before pregnancy (never diagnosed with diabetes though) and I had 4 out of the 5 risk factors for developing gestational diabetes.  For those who don't know, gestational diabetes is basically diabetes that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy.  Doesn't mean I will retain the diabetes after pregnancy, but there is a chance.

Most of the time, women don't develop it or are not diagnosed until around week 24 - but since I failed my first 1-hr glucose test, I had to go in for the dreaded 3-hr glucose test, and unfortunately did not pass that one either.  Even though I have a long road ahead of me, I am really glad that I found out now.  Even if it is a bigger pain for me, I would much rather know and start controlling it so the baby is not as stressed and stays as healthy as can be!

What this means for me is that I have to be super careful about my diet throughout my whole pregnancy, take my blood sugar 4 times a day, daily check for ketones, see the doctor about every 2 weeks instead of 4, get more lab work done, work out every day (recommended at least 30 mins a day, 7 days a week), possibly start medicine, and even possibly insulin as it gets later in my pregnancy.  Also, the baby will be monitored frequently at the doctor's starting around 28 weeks, I'll have more ultrasounds (not so sad about that! :)), and I could very well deliver early (not complaining about that either as long as everything is okay!)

What this means for the baby is unfortunately, there are higher risks for pretty much everything.  Even though I haven't had to do it yet, the baby's heart will be monitored more closely to make sure it developed correctly (since my blood sugar could have been high the first 8 weeks of his or her life).  Also, when I deliver, there is a higher risk of jaundice and hypoglycemia - the baby would be okay, but he or she would have to go to the NICU right away. 

Honestly, I'm trying not to focus on what could go wrong - I am just trying to focus on what I can do to keep my diabetes under control.  It seems as though those bad cases for gestational diabetes are when the blood sugar is not under control during the pregnancy - so that is what I'm focusing on.

I had a diabetes education class and received all of my blood sugar testing stuff.  Let me tell you, those monthly supplies are not cheap :/.  I've also started working with a dietician to make sure I'm following the correct diabetes diet for my body.  So far, things have been going well!  It is SO much easier to eat right and work out everyday when it is for the baby - I really think I've been doing a good job and I have to pat myself on the back for that! :) 

Like I said, I know I could have it much worse - and I count my blessings that this is all I'm dealing with.  I just keep praying that I can keep this under control and that the rest of the pregnancy, and especially delivery, goes smoothly and that we have a healthy little baby at the end of all of this.  THAT is worth any sacrifice - even if it means turning down that dessert or pizza more frequently than I would like :)

I'm sure you'll be hearing about my diabetes successes and struggles on this blog a little bit :)  Hopefully there are more success stories than struggles, but part of this is out of my control.  I decided to share it instead of hide it - figured there might be others out there in the same boat! :)

And, a special thanks to Ben, who has been very understanding through all of this - dealing with my emotions daily, going on walks with me if I can't get to the gym, and allowing me to talk about what I'm eating and my diet way more than he is probably interested in :)  And, another special thanks to my family who has been understanding as well and has really been a great support through all of this! :)