We had another ultrasound today to measure the baby for growth due to my diabetes. I have pictures, but am working from home, so I can't scan them in until tomorrow.
As for his size, the tech said that he was a "big boy." At 29 weeks his weight was estimated at 3 lbs 12 oz and today it was estimated at 6 lbs 7oz. There is a one pound differential, so he could be anywhere between 5 lbs 7 oz and 7 lbs 7oz. I still have 5 weeks to go according to my due date, but I'm beginning to wonder if I will make it that long. I have no medical reasons to think this, but just based on my doctor's recent comments and a gut feeling that I have.
We also were told that he has big feet and is very long (they had to estimate the length of his legs on several pictures because they couldn't get them to fit on one screen).
I'm getting anxious about these last few weeks. We're still working on the nursery (we're picking up the furniture this weekend while we're in Chicago). After that, we should pretty much be done. But I'm most concerned about labor and delivery. I'm scared of needing a c-section - honestly that freaks me out more than anything else. I hate the feeling of being out of control, and even though my level of control is still limited if I have a "natural" delivery, I still feel like I have much more control than if I have to have surgery.
Just trying to stay as calm as possible...
Jun 25, 2008
Jun 16, 2008
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back...
Last week my doctor called me and placed me on a new medication to help control my blood sugar. Apparently it stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin. I take it twice a day - once with breakfast and once with dinner. I was a little bit bummed about it because I really hoped the new "diet" would help control things, but it looks like I need some help.
The first couple of days, things were great. My numbers were well within the range. Then I noticed that the post-dinner levels were creeping up again. Yesterday, 3 of my 4 levels were high (near 140) and I was feeling pretty crappy - sluggish, headache, nauseated. This morning I did my little dipstick test of my urine and found traces of ketones, which means that my body is metabolizing fat instead of carbohydrates. It's a big warning sign that the diabetes is not under control.
I sat down and cried. I feel like I'm failing. I have always been a healthy eater, so following this "diet" hasn't really been that bad. The only thing I really had to cut out of my usual diet was orange juice (and fresh fruit in the morning). I'm not a sweets eater, so avoiding that hasn't been too bad. I just can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. I ate well my whole pregnancy. I exercised. I continue to take my prenatal vitamins. I attend all my doctor's visits and get the recommended tests. So why is this whole thing so out of control?
I see my doctor tomorrow afternoon, so hopefully she has some more insight into this situation. I only have about 6 weeks to go...I just hope and pray that he is OK. That's all I care about.
The first couple of days, things were great. My numbers were well within the range. Then I noticed that the post-dinner levels were creeping up again. Yesterday, 3 of my 4 levels were high (near 140) and I was feeling pretty crappy - sluggish, headache, nauseated. This morning I did my little dipstick test of my urine and found traces of ketones, which means that my body is metabolizing fat instead of carbohydrates. It's a big warning sign that the diabetes is not under control.
I sat down and cried. I feel like I'm failing. I have always been a healthy eater, so following this "diet" hasn't really been that bad. The only thing I really had to cut out of my usual diet was orange juice (and fresh fruit in the morning). I'm not a sweets eater, so avoiding that hasn't been too bad. I just can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. I ate well my whole pregnancy. I exercised. I continue to take my prenatal vitamins. I attend all my doctor's visits and get the recommended tests. So why is this whole thing so out of control?
I see my doctor tomorrow afternoon, so hopefully she has some more insight into this situation. I only have about 6 weeks to go...I just hope and pray that he is OK. That's all I care about.
Jun 11, 2008
This Blog Is Getting Boring
I am fully aware that this blog is either A) me ranting about gestational diabetes (and boy, could I go off on another tangent right now!) or B) me writing nothing for days on end.
Here's the deal - I'm swamped at work with trying to complete my "regular" projects, as well as preparing for my upcoming maternity leave. Right now I'm scheduled for 8 weeks of leave, but my boss and I have spoken about the possibility of me taking the full 12 weeks if it's financially possible. And since I am the entire Development Department at work, I don't really have anyone who can help pick up the slack while I'm gone. This doesn't mean that I'm not going to get any help, it just means that the more work I get done before I have the baby, the better.
Right now I have three grants due by the end of June and I just found out that I have another three HUGE grants due in the next 3-4 weeks (this is according to my boss - the deadline is probably the end of July, but she is convinced that I will have to deliver the baby early due to the aforementioned gestational diabetes).
On top of work, we're finishing the nursery, fixing up the basement for when my parents visit, and dealing with everyday life.
So this is why this blog has been so boring.
Here's the deal - I'm swamped at work with trying to complete my "regular" projects, as well as preparing for my upcoming maternity leave. Right now I'm scheduled for 8 weeks of leave, but my boss and I have spoken about the possibility of me taking the full 12 weeks if it's financially possible. And since I am the entire Development Department at work, I don't really have anyone who can help pick up the slack while I'm gone. This doesn't mean that I'm not going to get any help, it just means that the more work I get done before I have the baby, the better.
Right now I have three grants due by the end of June and I just found out that I have another three HUGE grants due in the next 3-4 weeks (this is according to my boss - the deadline is probably the end of July, but she is convinced that I will have to deliver the baby early due to the aforementioned gestational diabetes).
On top of work, we're finishing the nursery, fixing up the basement for when my parents visit, and dealing with everyday life.
So this is why this blog has been so boring.
Jun 6, 2008
Resting
I started having some cramping last night - in my lower back as well as uterine cramps. I couldn't fall asleep because I was worried about it. When I woke up this morning, the cramps were pretty much gone, but I was feeling nauseated and tired...I just felt "off."
But the cramping returned this afternoon, so I finally called the doctor (why do I feel like I'm being annoying by calling my doctor?). They told me that I most likely was having Braxton Hicks contractions and that I should drink a bunch of water and take it easy tonight. They think the heat and humidity (and even the slightest bit of dehydration) can make the cramping worse. If I have more than 5 contractions in an hour, I need to call my doctor. I'm crossing my fingers that some water and rest will alleviate the situation.
But the cramping returned this afternoon, so I finally called the doctor (why do I feel like I'm being annoying by calling my doctor?). They told me that I most likely was having Braxton Hicks contractions and that I should drink a bunch of water and take it easy tonight. They think the heat and humidity (and even the slightest bit of dehydration) can make the cramping worse. If I have more than 5 contractions in an hour, I need to call my doctor. I'm crossing my fingers that some water and rest will alleviate the situation.
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