This morning I went to see Dr. Bell, one of the OBs at the clinic I go to for the baby. The last time I saw him, I got the little chat about possibly going on insulin due to the varied range of my blood sugar readings. So this time, I took my mom with me. She's an awesome advocate, as well as a diabetic herself (who is not on insulin), and she's frankly rather formidable when it comes to talking to people who have letters attached to the ends of their names.
The nurse calls me back to the exam room, and I step on the scale, and lo and behold! I've lost another 3 pounds. I quickly tell the nurse that, truly, I am NOT trying to lose weight and that I am eating well (I promise!). But I feel sure that I am going to have some explaining to do when Dr. Bell comes in to see me. (I don't tell the nurse this.)
Well, after many, many minutes, a very hurried and frustrated-looking Dr. Bell arrives, and takes a look at my blood sugar levels of the last two weeks. He says, "Well, you're not eating any Halloween candy, are you." Not a question. I say, "I admit I've had a couple of pieces, but not a lot, no." Then I add, quickly, "My mom can vouch for me. She knows what I eat and when because we all live together."
Then he says (in relief/exasperation), "Thank you for taking care of yourself and eating right. I just chewed out my last patient because she's been living on Count Chocula cereal and Halloween candy." Nice. This is one thing that makes me so mad. Let's not even talk about those women who smoke, drink, and/or do drugs when they're pregnant. That's a whole other topic, and I could go on and on about it.
What gets me are those ladies who eat crap for 9 months, while I watch just about every morsel that touches my lips because not only could I have an enormous baby if I don't watch my carb and sugar intake, but the baby could be at risk for breathing problems and low blood sugar at birth, as well as a possibility for childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes as an adult. Not to mention, gestational diabetes marks a complete lifestyle change for me considering that at some point in the future, I WILL be diagnosed with diabetes. I've crossed over from the "if" camp into the "when" camp. But hey, I guess it doesn't matter if you live on burgers, soda, and ice cream so long as you can pass the 1-hour Glucose Tolerance Test.
But I digress.
I'm still measuring 3 to 4 weeks further along than the baby's gestational age. I have another ultrasound scheduled for 3 weeks from now to determine how big this little girl really is. Once they have a good idea about her current weight and size, the doctor and I can talk about what options are available in order to have a healthy baby.
Tomorrow I'll get some pictures up of the girls in their Halloween costumes.
Gina
