My experience with Gestational Diabetes, twice.

• Jess experienced Gestational Diabetes with both of her pregnancies.

• She managed her GDM with changes to her diet and exercise habits.

• GDM has made Jess more mindful choices in everyday life. 

Thinking back on my first pregnancy, now five years ago, seems like a bit of another life, a distant memory in some ways. Yet the feelings I experienced when being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (GDM) for the first time, it could have been just yesterday.

I was so blissfully unaware as I sat in the pathology clinic completing the standard oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) and was in no way prepared for how the next few months were about to play out. So when I received the call from my Obstetrician, and subsequent follow up email detailing the next (pretty extensive) steps, I was completely shell shocked. So many feelings filled my overthinking head - scared, overwhelmed, angry and above all like I’ve completely failed my baby and my family.

It took quite a while for me to come to terms with the fact that it wasn’t anything I’d done to cause this and I wasn’t alone either. In Australia, around 1 in 7 women will develop GDM. After I’d accepted the diagnosis, I decided to get myself educated. I met with my health care team to get things moving in the right direction. An Endocrinologist visit, meeting with my Diabetes Educator (to support my blood sugar tracking), a dietician and my obstetrician. The appointments are quite extensive, and are in addition to your normal pregnancy appointments with your chosen care provider.

There’s so much to learn! From the best times to eat and what to eat, to when to report your readings and what to do in certain scenarios (should they arise), it was a whole lot of extra life and pregnancy admin. I had great support from my partner, family and friends - but sometimes I did feel like I was missing out on all of the fun. I had to plan ahead for dining out or social events, by checking menus in advance. But it can be done and you can still enjoy your pregnancy and life. It can definitely feel like a long road ahead, with many months until my due date but I did experience so many health benefits along the way too so I’m super grateful for that.

People often ask about pregnancy cravings and to be honest, I didn’t really get the opportunity to succumb to your traditional “cravings”, due to my diagnosis. I did however enjoy the occasional treat meal for special occasions and didn’t test my sugars on my baby shower day. My medical team was so supportive of these choices, as you really do still need to enjoy your life.

I also became more active, as exercise can help to stabilise blood sugars. I focused on staying well hydrated as that can also help to keep your blood sugar level down. Above all, I learnt so much about nutrition and those learnings and recipes are still with me 5 years on. I was lucky to not need medication during either pregnancy, but I did come close, and that is okay too. If it’s the best way to manage your blood sugar for the safety of you and your baby in the short to medium term, then lean on your health professionals, they are the experts.

My son was born at 34 weeks, for medical issues not related to gestational diabetes but I am glad to report that he didn’t have any issues with blood sugar levels after delivery. All up, it was about 10 weeks of being quite diligent with my lifestyle changes.

With my second pregnancy, I took the GTT early (around 15 weeks from memory) and the duration of finger pricking, nutrition changes, walks at work after lunch to keep my sugars down, was a much more drawn out, tiring process! I was pregnant until 39 weeks this time so the GDM felt like a hard slog in some ways. But in other ways, it felt easier. I was already equipped with the knowledge to implement changes. Again, I didn’t require any medication to manage my sugar levels and my daughter was born happy and healthy, with no sugar spikes or dips.

My Tips

• Take some time to feel all of the feelings. It's ok to be disappointed, upset or defeated. 

• Meet with your health professionals to map out a management plan for you and your baby. 

• Get educated. See our list of great resources below. 

• Focus on eating the right foods at the right times. Nutrient dense meals are key.

• It's time to plan out your meals and snacks. 

• Remember, you still need to enjoy life (and your pregnancy)

Useful Resources for our GDM Mamas

• Research: National Diabetes Services Scheme

• Read: Real Food for Gestational Diabetes by Lily Nichols

• Listen: Gestational Diabetes Club Podcast

• Follow: @gestationaldiabetes_dietitian