Gestational Diabetis

What is Gestational Diabetis? I'd like to share this to everybody, ladies who will in the future conceive, guys who will also become a father in time to further understand what your wife might go through and most especially to expectant moms out there.

Pregnant women sometimes develop a medical condition called Gestational Diabetis or GDM. It's a special kind of Diabetis that happens only during pregnancy (gestation). This results in high blood sugar levels which later on can cause health problems for you and your baby.

I've been reading maternity books and from there I get more informed about GDM. The reason why doctors really closely monitor this is to prevent the baby from growing too big in size. Of course if this happens C-section might have to be done due to baby's size. Tests are usually done for Blood Glucose Screening at about 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. Some factors are also being considered prior to the screening like having GDM in previous pregnancy, family history of Diabetis & overweight. Having your baby died before birth, born with birth defects of unknown cause or born weighing 9 or more pounds also falls on high consideration.

GDM usually goes away after baby's born but certain measures also need to be done like eating right, maintaining helathy weight and regular exercise. About 2-6 weeks after delivery a blood test will be done to check if the blood sugar has returned to normal.

I will have a follow up post about the risks, prevention and treatment for GDM.

Pre Natal Vitamins

Pre-natal vitamins are very essential for pregnant women. We need proper nourishment and all necessary components for a healthier pregnancy and for our baby's development. Pre-natal vitamin can be taken before, during and during postnatal lactation. It's a bit similar to multivitamins except it contains different amounts of specific nutrients needed by an expecting mother.

I was given these vitamin samples from my first pre-natal clinic and all done now =) I am now taking a different vitamin prescribed by Dr. Vallejo which I asked from her when she called me up to check if I went to the dietitian's schedule. I was so pleased to hear her that same day because she's so in touch with her patients and really checking.

4th Doctor Visit

October 28, another doctor visit. This time around it's Ms. Linda Rios who attended to me. It didn't take that long because it's just a regular check-up. I was weighed and I gained 2-3lbs since the last visit. Baby's heartbeat was checked and it was good (thank God for that) and my tummy's measured. The doctor said it's slightly bigger than how it should be but it's ok. I can't contest to that because all of a sudden my tummy seem to just pop! I noticed about 2-3 days ago before the clinic schedule my tummy got slightly bigger and fuller. It actually amazed me how can those things happen just like that. =) I'll be seeing my doctor again after 2weeks and she'll be assessing again my charts. I still do my blood sugar checking and food log every single day and looks like it will be that way til my due date. Again my results were good and no need for medications.

Another Blood Test and Skin Test Reading

Last post was about the skin test or tuberculin test and I was asked to come back after 2 days. I was given the forms I need for the laboratory which made me wonder why I had to go there. I thought they will be the one to check the result on my arm but to my surprise I was told that they will get blood sample for another testing. One of their standard tests is the HIV blood testing. They really require that here so you have no other option.

Oh my another blood test! It's painful you know. I don't really complain with blood tests but those lab people have quite heavy hands so it's really "ouch" after the blood draw. I don't mind the blood test because I know it's needed so please spare me with my ranting. =P This time around I wasn't aware that I'll have to do blood draw and was surprised about it. Of course it adds up with the pain, being caught unprepared mentally.

After all my confusion, I went upstairs to the OB-GYN area to check about the skin test reading then I was told that my doctor is the one to check it. See what I mean? All mixed up! Well I can't blame my doctor for that since it was a different person who had to attend to me last time because she's not around. Finally I get to meet Ms. Linda Rios, the NP assigned to me. She was the one who checked my skin test and I was so relieved I'm ok. No rashes visible, that means you are not infected. The photos I attached here which I gathered from the internet show positive results.

Third Doctor Visit

Another day at the clinic (Oct 14), this time hubs was with me. We were hoping for another Ultrasound but no luck with that, instead it's scheduled on the 20th of November. I mentioned before that I'll be under a specialist so no more Dr. Vallejo. We did the usual thing when we reached the clinic, register for the appointment and wait for the nurse's call. What i like there is that they are on time with the schedules. Waiting time inside the clinic room for assessment and whatever has to be done takes a while but that's just it.

They really check everything good, mostly every visit they will require urine sample for testing if there's an infection or any abnormality that needs to be corrected right away. I was later on attended and I had to submit my food log, tests results and glucose monitor. It was such a relief when we were told that my stats are good and I need not to take medication. Honestly I don't like the thought of injecting insulin. That gives me the chills like some kind of torture. That's why I do my best to follow the nutrition diet given to me. My weight was checked, measured my tummy and checked on baby's heartbeat. Everything's good so far and we're so thankful about the results.

Days before the clinic schedule me and hubs were having some serious researches and discussions about me having flu shot. We simply can't decide if it's really safe to have or not but according to our research it's safe for expectant mothers. Flu season's coming and we have to be careful with me and baby most especially. I was also given a flu shot as recommended and was told that they will give the H1N1 shot once it's available. We were told that it's Thimerosal free (a mercury containing organic compound used as preservative in vaccines) and it's good because mercury is a no-no for preggy women. We felt confident after knowing about it because that's the special vaccine used for pregnant women. Take note moms-to-be, if you are getting a flu shot ask for this thimerosal free vaccine. It will be ordered for you. Better be on the safe side, we are carrying another life inside us.

After the shot I was also given a skin test for tuberculosis or also known as tuberculin test. They really want to check out for the mother's health so they give all the necessary tests needed. They said sometimes we are being exposed to the infection without having evident symptoms. What they did was inject that medicine in the skin layer and let it set for several days. I was asked to come back after 2 days for the skin test reading if positive or negative. I'll tell you more on the next post...