Big Stuff

Dear Munchkin,
Yesterday your Dad and I went to see Doctor Davis for another ultrasound and a recheck of my sugar levels. Everything looked good on the screen and the technician told us that you were indeed measuring bigger than expected. So we weren't surprised when Doctor D told us the same thing. However, we were shocked when he told us how much bigger you actually are. They estimated your weight to be approximately 3.5lbs. That puts you into the 91st percentile for growth at this point. Your target growth should only be somewhere in the 50th percentile. Because my body is not processing sugar well, you are producing way more insulin than needed. Insulin is growth hormone, thus causing you put on weight a lot more quickly than desired. Doctor Davis explained to us that during this stage (28-33 weeks), you are beginning a period of rapid physical growth and are really starting to pack on the "baby fat". If we can tighten down your insulin levels, things will probably shift back to the natural progression of weight gain. So I have started an oral medication (not insulin shots) called Glyburide once a day to control my blood sugar. Even though I am trying my hardest to control my sugars with diet and exercise, I still need help in the form of medication. Taking this medicine will require weekly check in's with the doctor. When I hit 32 weeks I will likely need twice weekly monitoring and I can probably expect more ultrasounds. He mentioned that I have a lot of fluid which should be reduced by the medication. Glyburide is a diuretic that helps reduce fluid/glucose which in turn lowers insulin levels. Hopefully I will be able to pee out all the excess glucose that's making you grow larger! Even though this isn't the desired outcome, I am trying to stay positive and remember that Doctor Davis is doing everything he can so that we remain healthy. The bottom line is that I need to do what's best for you and myself. I will still continue the diet regiment and finger prick monitoring. I hope to see my sugar levels dropping off consistently and the medication doing it's job. Some other statistics from yesterday's visit: blood pressure of 122/80, your heart rate was 142, and my total weight gain is down to -.6 lbs. Again the weight thing baffles me because the average pregnant woman has gained between 17 and 24lbs at this point, plus I have a growing belly with a 3.5lb baby inside. My prayer is that my efforts and this medicine will ensure you remain healthy. That's all that matter to me now. And forever.
I love you,
Mom