Some Clarification

A friend of mine commented on my entry yesterday and I realized the few people who read this blog probably have no idea what I am talking about when I post about different pregnancy related conditions.

Gestational Diabetes is diabetes that forms as a result of pregnancy. A mother really has little control over this and a variety of different things can cause it. Anyone who is already at risk for diabetes has a slightly higher risk for GD; but any mother can develop it. If the placenta is causing the mother to stop producing insulin then their tolerance to sugar obvioulsy decreases. I was concerned about developing this because my family on my father's side are diabetics, it's a widespread condition in Mexicans. My labs came out fine, I did not develop GD.

Toxemia (preeclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension) is when the blood vessels constrict causing less blood flow and ultimately reduces the amount of blood and nutrients the baby is recieving. My symptoms; sudden onset of high blood pressure (no history of high bp and no high bp until 29 weeks) slight swelling in my feet and hands and headaches. There really is no research that suggests anyone is at higher risk for this.

Needless to say, my appointment didn't go well today. My bp was elevated all 4 times they took it (sitting and resting). My doctor ordered more labs (another 6 huge vials of blood, holy hell) and strict bedrest until they can test me again on Friday. On Friday I will have another non-stress and possibly another ultrasound. After all of that, she'll determine whether I need to stay on strict bedrest the rest of the pregnancy and if I need to schedule a c-section. If they do schedule a c-section, he'll most likely be coming around the first week of April.