When Alyssa was diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 28 weeks, she did what so many of us do — she turned to Google. And like so many of us, she was met with worst-case scenarios that left her crying and scared for days.
But Alyssa's story isn't one of worst-case scenarios. It's a story of learning, adapting, and ultimately thriving through GD — even when it felt impossibly hard. It's a story of navigating food restriction anxiety, missing out on ice cream dates with her toddler, and still managing to stay diet-controlled throughout her pregnancy.
Most importantly, it's a story with a happy ending: a healthy 6 lb 13 oz baby girl, a smooth delivery, and passing all the sugar tests. If you're newly diagnosed or struggling right now, Alyssa's story is a reminder that there is an end in sight — and you are strong enough to get through this.
Here's what she shared with me 💛
I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 28 weeks after the two-hour glucose test. This was my second pregnancy and child, but my first experience with GD. Initially, I was really concerned since I had so little information about GD and went on a deep-dive Google search—which, of course, presents you with all the worst-case scenarios: higher risk to the baby, higher-risk birth, the possibility of the baby having diabetes, and the possibility of myself developing type 2 diabetes down the road. I remember spending days crying over these fears and the unknown. Truthfully, I was frustrated with having to change my diet so drastically and fight those pregnancy cravings. Pregnancy felt hard enough without the added layer of having to be so mindful of everything I ate, and without having to prick my finger four times a day.
Shortly after being diagnosed, I was sent to a class with a nutritionist who specialized in gestational diabetes to learn about GD, how to test my sugars, what my numbers should be, and tips for achieving those numbers. I found this class very helpful in guiding me on what to eat. I was told to keep my three meals to 30–45 g of carbs and my three daily snacks to a maximum of 15 g of carbs. It was also suggested that I increase my protein and fat intake to help stabilize my blood sugar levels. I immediately started counting my carbs and measuring everything with my meals, which helped me stay diet-controlled throughout my pregnancy. I also focused on moving my body daily.
For me, there were a few big things I struggled with. As someone who had previously struggled with my weight and some unhealthy habits around food and restrictive dieting, it was hard not to feel like I was slipping back into that negative headspace of food restriction. I'm also an anxious person with more of a Type A personality, so I was very hard on myself when I wasn't perfect with my diet—especially knowing the risks of having high blood sugar. There were days I cried because I just wanted to eat what I wanted. I have a three-year-old who would ask to go for ice cream in the summer, so not being able to enjoy those things with my daughter was really hard some days.
On the positive side, because I was moving my body and eating so healthy, I actually felt really good physically in my third trimester—which wasn't the case with my first pregnancy. I did have moments of concern because I hadn't gained any weight throughout the pregnancy, but my OB reassured me that the baby was getting everything she needed.
At 36 weeks, I had a fetal assessment, and my baby was measuring average size, so there were no plans to induce early at that time. At 37 weeks and four days, I naturally went into labor and had my sweet baby girl. She was 6 lbs 13 oz and passed all her sugar tests in the hospital. She came fast and furious, and despite not having time for an epidural and the pain level being out of this world, labor went smoothly. I also passed my sugar test in the hospital and was told to follow up with my doctor for continued monitoring. After being told I could stop worrying about my sugars, I celebrated with pizza and a Starbucks coffee in the hospital.
My words of encouragement for mamas going through this is to know that there is an end in sight. You are doing the best you can for yourself and your baby. There will be hard moments, but you are strong enough to get through them.
Thank you, Alyssa, for sharing your story with us!
What stands out to me most is Alyssa's honesty about the emotional toll of GD — the tears, the frustration, the anxiety around food restriction, and the guilt of not being able to enjoy simple moments like ice cream with her daughter. These feelings are so real, and if you're experiencing them too, please know you're not alone.
Alyssa's experience also highlights something so many of us go through: that initial Google spiral that leaves us terrified. The worst-case scenarios feel overwhelming, but as Alyssa's story shows, they're not the whole picture. With guidance from her nutritionist, consistent carb counting, daily movement, and a lot of grace for herself on the hard days, she stayed diet-controlled and delivered a healthy baby girl at 37 weeks.
I also love that Alyssa acknowledged the positive side — feeling physically good in her third trimester because of the healthy eating and movement. It's not always easy to see the silver linings when you're in the thick of GD, but they're there.
And that ending? A smooth delivery, a healthy baby who passed all her sugar tests, and celebrating with pizza and Starbucks in the hospital. That's the happy ending so many of us dream about when we're first diagnosed and feeling scared.
If you're going through GD right now, I hope Alyssa's story gives you hope and reminds you that there is an end in sight. You are doing the best you can for yourself and your baby. There will be hard moments, but you are strong enough to get through them.
Want to share your own GD story? I'd love to hear from you — send me a message at hi@higedi.com 🫶
If you're newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes and looking for guidance, check out our Newly Diagnosed Essentials Guide for tips on what to expect and how to manage your numbers.
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