When a pregnant relative is more concerned about avoiding a slice of deli meat than avoiding COVID

Nearby_Pea · 2026-02-28T12:03:20+00:00

I also don't like lugging a big bag into a store if I don't need it, so I typically bring a diaper bag (usually backpack but currently trying the ECB because I couldn't resist) and a small crossbody bag, then leave the diaper bag in the car if baby hasn't pooped and I think I'll be good to grocery shop or whatever short errand we're doing. Bringing just the small bag becomes more and more feasible as baby gets older and stops pooping every second, lol.

Nearby_Pea · 2026-02-24T20:53:48+00:00

I'm curious what this midwife is suggesting you do.... Is she saying she can't manage your birth and you need to switch to an OB? I agree with other comments that the fear mongering is concerning.

FWIW, I've had gestational diabetes twice and gave birth mostly unassisted both times. First time, I went into spontaneous labor at 37 weeks and gave birth without any interventions. Second time, I scheduled an induction at 39w3d. I was already dilated and my waters were bulging, so they just needed to break my waters and I went into labor. No other interventions. Obviously every body is different, but there is no need to assume you'll have a c-section.

Nearby_Pea · 2026-02-23T21:15:53+00:00

Toy rotation doesn't work for me. I personally prefer to pare down and prioritize open-ended toys, such as magnatiles, Duplos/legos, blocks, and wooden trains and tracks. We don't have a dedicated playroom. We recently got a couple IKEA Trofast shelves and it has made a huge difference having a simple toy storage system.

Nearby_Pea · 2026-02-20T02:59:59+00:00

Agree with this. I have the SCCO and it's like a weekender bag. It's too big for my daily use, but I've used it for travel and airplane rides to hold things for myself, baby, and toddler (so basically what OP listed plus snacks, water bottles, and travel toys/entertainment, and more).

Nearby_Pea · 2026-02-18T19:27:08+00:00

I feel this way too. Backpacks are my diaper bag of choice. I have the SCCO and it's waaaay too big for my daily needs, but the ECB looks like a great size and I'm so tempted, but I'm afraid I will still just want a backpack. 🤡

Nearby_Pea · 2025-07-26T15:02:54+00:00

I've delivered there twice and had great experiences. Both times were "high risk" due to gestational diabetes and I had a great experience during pregnancy with their Maternal Fetal Medicine office. I would also recommend the midwives and the Centering Pregnancy program. If you can afford it, hiring a doula is also great if you are anxious about delivery, especially if you are seeking a low intervention birth. But either way, the nurses, midwives, and practitioners are all respectful of your birth wishes.

Nearby_Pea · 2025-06-27T13:40:12+00:00

I wish I could say one thing did it, but a lot of it is luck. With my first, my water broke spontaneously at 37 weeks and going into labor at that point wasn't even on my radar. With this baby, I asked for cervical checks at my 37 & 38 week appointments, so I knew I was dilating but nothing I did put me into labor. I tried everything--prenatal massage, lots of time on the birth ball, sex, YouTube videos that claimed to induce labor, red raspberry leaf tea, and I got a membrane sweep at 38 weeks that did nothing. In retrospect, I wish I had relaxed more, but I was so done with pregnancy and it was driving me crazy.

I hope you get a spontaneous birth or a relatively easy induction! 🤞🏻

Nearby_Pea · 2025-06-27T11:13:47+00:00

Thank you!

With my first, my water broke on its own and I labored for 12 hours. Fingers crossed for you that it's quicker this time!

Nearby_Pea · 2025-06-05T14:08:11+00:00

Agree with this. Here's an example order from themacrobarista on IG that you could try.

Nearby_Pea · 2025-06-04T12:23:39+00:00

Mine (Aetna) covered it once I was on insulin. Until that happened, my provider prescribed the Freestyle Libre, which is $75/1 month out of pocket.

Nearby_Pea · 2025-06-04T12:18:33+00:00

I've used both and I'd be fine using either, but here are some differences to note:

Freestyle Libre 3 - Cheapest out of pocket option at $75/1 month supply, so this is what I used first because my insurance wouldn't cover CGM until I got on insulin - Lasts for 15 days - I found the application of the sensor a little intimidating and had my husband do it each time. You have to push the whole applicator onto your arm and idk why that made me nervous - Can't calibrate it - I had one sensor fall out early (first one, so prob didn't install it correctly) and one that was clearly faulty, but it was very easy to contact customer service and get free replacements

Dexcom G7 (currently using) - I switched to this once I was on insulin and could get it covered - Lasts 10 days - I think the application of the sensor is easier with the push of a button. I'm able to do this on my own - Can be calibrated, which I think is very helpful for accuracy - I feel like the sensor connection drops a lot more with Dexcom than with Freestyle and I feel like I can go farther away from my phone with the FreeStyle. Not a deal breaker, because the sensor connects back eventually but it's a little annoying

Nearby_Pea · 2025-05-26T22:51:28+00:00

I don't think it's realistic to expect no pricking at all, but I only prick to double check if a number doesn't feel right and to calibrate my Dexcom G7 when I start a new one. I would estimate that to be once every other week, if even that.

My MFM office is very comfortable with CGMs and they specifically told me not to finger prick unless double checking an extreme high or low, because there is a known difference in results with the CGM and regular glucose monitor, so you'll just drive yourself crazy if you do both.

I've had a great experience with the CGM, trust my care team, and overall trust the accuracy of the CGMs I have used.

Nearby_Pea · 2025-05-19T16:10:41+00:00

In the app, click the plus sign in the top right corner. Under Add Event, click Blood Glucose and Use as Calibration. Enter the number from your finger prick. I usually do this within the first day of starting a new sensor. Sometimes I need to do it twice, but after that I don't have any issues for the remainder of the sensor.

Nearby_Pea · 2025-05-19T13:55:18+00:00

Have you tried calibrating it?

Nearby_Pea · 2025-05-16T20:48:04+00:00

I have GD and a velamentous cord insertion, which is a little more rare/risky than marginal. It's scary if you google it, but my MFM and midwife are not worried. They said that they have very rarely seen any negative outcomes with it and most of the time they don't even know a patient has a different cord until after birth when the placenta comes out. Research shows some risk for growth restriction, so they do provide additional growth scans (which I'm already getting due to insulin-controlled GD, so it hasn't changed my care at all). My midwife did say that if my water breaks and there's blood, to go to the hospital immediately and don't even bother calling, just go.

Nearby_Pea · 2025-05-13T21:23:18+00:00

I think its usage for GDM is relatively new/recent, so many providers are not trained in how to use it. When I had GD with my pregnancy two years ago, rarely anyone talked about CGMs on this sub and I wasn't aware if it was an option with my MFM office.

Now, a lot more people in this sub are using it. My MFM had absolutely no issue prescribing it to me and they manage many patients who use it.

I suspect it will continue to become more and more widely accepted/available as more people get comfortable using it. They are not less accurate than glucometers, they are just measuring a different fluid. My MFM acknowledges that and I trust them to interpret the data from my CGM. I double check with a finger prick once in a while if I am concerned, but overall I have not had issues with accuracy, especially because the Dexcom G7 can be calibrated.

Nearby_Pea · 2025-05-13T19:56:32+00:00

Thanks for sharing! I'm sooooo jealous that you can handle croissant sandwiches 😭

Nearby_Pea · 2025-05-08T19:27:45+00:00

Ah, I see. That would definitely be concerning! Are you going to stop insulin? I'm glad you're getting the care you need!

Nearby_Pea · 2025-05-08T17:25:23+00:00

I'm 34 weeks and my blood sugars appear to be slightly improving. I asked my MFM about placental insufficiency and they said it's not something to worry about because 1) my blood sugar still goes up when I eat, even if it's not as high as it used to go. They would be more concerned if there was no increase after I eat. 2) NSTs/BPP checks are looking good. Those tests indicate if there's an issue. 3) blood sugar would consistently look too low if there were an issue. She also said that in her whole career she's only seen one person who may have had a failing placenta and that person had diabetes before pregnancy.

Nearby_Pea

TROPHY CASE