Labor Stories

I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (GD) during the tail-end of my 2nd trimester. I was so miserable throughout my 3rd trimester ‘cos I couldn’t eat all the food (meaning dessert) I want. Who would’ve expected to be on a “diet” during pregnancy? I was so unprepared for this GD thingy.

Nonetheless, I’ve managed to control my glucose level through proper dieting. I was assigned a Nutritionist to guide me through this phase. She checked my weight and height, planned my meal chart and gave me endless advice whenever I met her (once every 2 weeks). I was also given a chart to jot down what I have eaten; which is a pain in the rear ‘cos I have to write down everything from the amount (note: down to the teaspoons) I had consumed to the reading result from my glucose meter (oh yea, pricking the fingers 4 times a day was so much fun…NOT!).

My meal plan consisted of 6 meals: 3 main meals & 3 snacks. It sounded great but it wasn’t. The carb portion was so small and I felt hungry all the time. Worse of all, I couldn’t snack on fruits (high on fructose) and drink any juice (high on fructose too). To me it was a torture! No pasta, no fruits, no juice, no chocolate cake, no ice-cream! Argh!!

Nonetheless, I had “survived.” Through GD I got to know E, who is my coworker/friend’s close friend. She went through GD when she had her son, Jayden. E was my source of inspiration and guidance. She gave me all the tips aka tricks she had gained from her GD experience.

So, what can a person do to lower their glucose level? This method works for people who are diabetic too.

1) Take a 45 mins to an hour long brisk walk after each main meal. Walking does wonders to the glucose level. By walking we will be able to burn off the glucose from all the carb taken during meal time.

2) Each meal should have all the basics: Carb (rice, pasta or bread), Protein/Fat (meat), Fiber (vegetables) & Vitamins (everything). To feel as though you’ve eaten something, your meat portion can more than usual. I found eating more meat kept my tummy full. I was also told by my nutritionist the fat from the meat will slow down the glucose absorbtion into the bloodstream. Oh, when you’re preggie, cholesterol will not be your enemy. So, take the opportunity to pig out on meats till your heart contents.

3) Eat food that helps lower glucose level: Bitter gourd is the magic veggie for all diabetic people. You can stir-fry with eggs or add meat to it. My glucose reading was always under 130 mg/dl (I think that’s the measurement, can’t remember anymore) after each meal of bitter gourd.

4) Need a soda fix? Drink diet Coke or diet Pepsi. You can always substitute sugar with Equal, and other faux sugar condiment. I’m not advocating drinking soda during pregnancy but when there is no dessert or any sweet drinks, our mind will always want SUGAR, SUGAR, SUGAR. IMO, diet Coke kept my sanity.

Thankfully, my meal plan worked and I was able to control my glucose level without taking insulin shots. I did lose weight during the first 2 weeks. It was difficult to get use to eating in smaller portions but I managed to pull through and my weight, rather my baby’s weight, gained steadily after those first couple of weeks.

GD moms are prone to have big babies. Belle was extremely small for my condition. So, all you moms out there who are diagnosed with GD, it isn’t the end of the world. Do keep to your meal plan, exercise and drink lots of water ‘cos you’re not only doing good to yourself , your baby will be healthy too.

p/s: My GD went away after Belle was born.