Thursday 7/7/11 - Weekly check ups

For a few weeks now, I've been having to go to the OB for weekly check ups.  The reason for this is due to my recent diagnosis of gestational diabetes again.  I had it with Brianna, but not with Jacob.  Unfortunately, I have it again with this pregnancy.  To me, it seems odd that I have it when I'm pregnant with a girl, but not a boy.  A coincidence?  Who knows?   Anyway, I have to have a NST (non stress test) every week to make sure the baby is doing okay.  A NST is where a woman is hooked up to a machine with monitors and belts checking the heart rate of the baby. It also measures and checks the uterine muscles contractions (if any).  I have to be hooked up to this contraption for 20 minutes.  Then the doctor or nurse practitioner comes in to check the results and discuss them with me.  Fortunately, every week has been good so far.  I don't want to say a lot so I don't jinx myself.  If they see something they don't like, I'm sure I'll be sent to the hospital for further testing or be put on bed rest.  I'm trying to avoid that at all costs, if possible.  I know certain things are out of my control.  I try to do what I'm told and rest as much as possible.  Hopefully, that will be enough to keep me out of the hospital.  My fingers are crossed!  Gestational Diabetes can create a lot of problems and cause complications that can be very harmful to mom & especially her unborn baby, unless controlled.  I was able to control it with my diet with Brianna.  With this one,  I'm not so lucky.  I had to give in and be put on a low dose of medicine that helps my pancreas be more efficient at producing it's own insulin.  I was barely able to eat anything and kept losing weight.  I've only gained a total of 5 lbs up to this point due to not being able to eat too much of anything except protein and veggies.  Now, I LOVE a great salad, just not for breakfast...lol.  I felt horrible!  I had no energy and was more exhausted than normal.  I was told it was because I wasn't getting the proper nutrition.  The medicine is helping and I'm now able to eat a little more.  I haven't gained any more weight, but atleast I'm not losing any either.   I was told that the goal is to get me to the 38th week point.  39 weeks would be even better.  I understand that certain things, you can't control, but I'm REALLY hoping I don't have my baby during week 38.  That is the week Brianna starts Kindergarten.  I will be soooo sad if I have to miss it because I'm laying in a hospital bed!   Only time will tell, I'm afraid.  What will be will be.  So for now, everything is going well and baby is cooperating!  =)  I'm hoping it stays that way!   With the help from the good LORD upstairs, I will make it through this!   Only 6 or 7 more weeks to go!  YAY!!  :D