Having a big baby = diabetes

[FourAngelKisses]

When I has DS2, the Dr who came and saw me a couple of days later said that I need to keep my weight under control when I get older because I could get diabetes from having such big babies (11lb, 8lb 3oz and 10lb 2oz). I was trying to take in what he was saying and he was gone before I had a chance to question it. I meant to ask my GP about it when I next saw her but it has always slipped my mind.


Has anyone else been told this? I never had GD while pregnant and I don't understand how having a big baby could cause you to have diabetes when you are older. I would have thought that if you had GD, THEN you would be at risk.

[EskimoMumma]

I never had diabetes and DS was 8lbs 12ozs and DD was 10lbs 8ozs :eek:

[Sarie]

When I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes last pregnancy we did some research and found that if your first baby is 9lbs or over you chances of getting GD in other pregnancies will increase (DS1 was 9lbs - no GD, DS2 was 8lbs4oz with GD) and if you get GD then your chances increase for getting type 2 diabetes later in life.
I lost 14 kg during my 2nd pregnancy and I'm now pretty careful with diet and obsessive about exercise. I had a test 6 weeks after DS 2 was born and while I got the all clear and was in far better shape then I was before I fell pregnant with DS2 (20kg lighter) I have been told I still have to be careful.

[FourAngelKisses]

Sounds like the Dr who saw me thought I'd had big babies because I had GD. He should have read my notes more carefully, because I never had GD.

[Caitlin's Mum]

DD was 9 pound 7 and no GD, DS was 8 pound 9 and no GD either. And I put on 20 kgs each pregnancy:eek: It's nearly all gone now though.:)

[FourAngelKisses]

I gained 20kg with each pregnancy too.......it's the only time in my life that I have ever gained weight actually.

[jessgray]

i gained 25/5kgs while pregnant with DS he was born at 41 weeks 8lb 15oz. i was told i didnt have GD, i was told i was borderline.:confused:

[FourAngelKisses]

I'm confused too. I was told my sugar levels were fine with each pregnancy, then I was told I would have to watch for diabetes when I'm older, then Sarie said that her dr said that your chances of getting diabetes when your older happens if you have GD, which I've never had.

I will have to definately ask my GP when I next see her.

[~Emmylou~]

Sounds like the Dr who saw me thought I'd had big babies because I had GD. He should have read my notes more carefully, because I never had GD.

That was my first thought as well.

[Sarie]

Sorry I haven't been back all day! But yeah I was well over weight before I fell pregnant with both boys, DS1 I only put on 15kg and was borderline GD and then I had the GD with DS2 and lost a lot of weight.
But I was never told after my first pregnancy to be careful... only after my second with GD.
I wouldn't be too concerned, but do talk to your GP.
I'm trying to be extra careful now that we are TTC #3 and sticking to the GD diet and exercise routine to try and keep it at bay before it becomes an issue this time. But I've also read that even though once having GD you are more likely to get it again doesn't mean that you will.
It would be great if they could all get their facts straight!

[MummyCharmzy]

in my gd workshop i was told if you have a baby over 8lb 8 ounces they will generally check you earlier for GD in your future pregnancys as you could have developed it later in your pregnancy (after the 28 week glucose test) and therefor it wasnt picked up.

In saying this.. my son was 2lb 12 ounces.. my daughter was 5lb 12 ounces... and third time around I've developed GD.... so mummys of small bubs get it too!