Wow you look huge! Are you expecting twins?!

Erm….i guess it’s a natural response to share what is on our minds…but to be honest having been pregnant twice now..comments on how big or small a woman’s pregnant belly is can be quite tiring to manage.

Initially I had assumed it was me not having lost the weight from my previous pregnancy was to blame. I gave birth in November and was pregnant again unbeknown to me, the following April.

However, at 34 weeks i was diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM as it is also known . This is an inability of the body to regulate blood sugar levels in the blood, due the pregnancy hormones given off by the placenta during pregnancy. This resulted in high blood sugar levels and increased fluid, causing a larger bump.

I was sent to a specialist midwife and completed a workshop educating me about food. I was told I have 2 weeks to control my sugar levels or I would be put on injectable insulin medication as high sugar levels can be dangerous for my baby.

Having gestational diabetes this time around meant that I needed to be induced at 39 weeks to avoid any complications for my baby. That was only because I managed to reduce my sugar intake and therefore dodge medication.
I was on a low carb diet for a while, meaning I was extra tired and extra hungry. But i knew it wasn’t forever. And it was worth it if it meant i could avoid having to deliver my baby too early.

This time i spent longer in hospital because of that, but as I had managed to use diet to control my sugar levels, I therefore didn’t need medication and this helped me carry the pregnancy for longer. I was very proud of myself!

@carbsandcals
Helped me plan my meals so i’d recommend downloading the app or buying the book for those needing to monitor their sugar levels.

The real challenge is knowing what you can eat not what you can’t.

I found the easiest way was to reduce my portion size of hidden sugar like rice, pasta and increase my vegetables and protein. So I would have eggs for breakfast or oats rather than baked beans and bread.

My first pregnancy was a lot easier. I had no health issues and also i didn’t have another baby to look after at the same time!

I can say that Jessica was born healthy via a natural delivery. I was blessed to avoid a c-section.

Who knew 2 years after being told I could never conceive, i would be holding a baby boy AND baby girl in my arms..just 13 months apart.