so my doctor is putting me on insulin for the rest of my pregnancy, which at the most is going to be 23 days.....but, i was just wondering, any other mommies on insulin injections? any tips for me? i'm really nervous about it....i hate the tiny needles i have to use to even test my blood, and now i have to give myself an injection twice a day? ugh....so, any tips or advice or support is welcome! thanks in advance!
Mommy to Lydia and Logan and expecting Lillian, c-section March 5th!
With both of my GD pregnancies I escaped without needing insulin...so as far as direct experience I have to say I'm not much help. However, my sister did need them since she is Type 2 diabetic anyway. I would watch her pace around for 20 min with the needle in her hand before she finally gave herself the injection, man I felt horrible for her. All I can say is, if there is someone you can have help you with it that is probably best. Your DH or a close family member or friend, even if they can just be with you to help reassure you, especially the first few times. Just remember, it's all about the baby, I'm sure that will get you though :o)
I'm on insulin and I'm only 18 weeks.....so at least you only have to do it twice a day for 23 days. I need 3 injections a day. Blah!
Just know in your head, that it's all for the baby, it's all for the baby. That's the only reason I'm dealing with this all so well. I'm so anxious for my baby to be alright.
Did the doctor have you do a test run with the syringe? Mine did, and it helped a lot. I was so scared to do it, and after I did, I was like, "Oh that was it?" and the doctor laughed because she said everyone is like that - it's scary until you do it. You can inject either in your thigh or stomach. I've been doing it in my stomach, you just kinda choose a section of skin and pinch it up (not pinch hard) and inject the needle quickly. It feels like a small poke, that's it. Then inject, release the skin and pull the needle back out.
Like you, I was so anxious to have to poke myself with a needle and 3 times a day! But honestly, and this is coming from someone who hates needles, it isn't that bad. I know you're thinking, "yeah right". But it's the truth. The finger pricks seem to hurt worse. Good luck girl, you'll be alright.
Quoting Pollymom:
I'm on insulin and I'm only 18 weeks.....so at least you only have to do it twice a day for 23 days. I need 3 injections a day. Blah!
Just know in your head, that it's all for the baby, it's all for the baby. That's the only reason I'm dealing with this all so well. I'm so anxious for my baby to be alright.
Did the doctor have you do a test run with the syringe? Mine did, and it helped a lot. I was so scared to do it, and after I did, I was like, "Oh that was it?" and the doctor laughed because she said everyone is like that - it's scary until you do it. You can inject either in your thigh or stomach. I've been doing it in my stomach, you just kinda choose a section of skin and pinch it up (not pinch hard) and inject the needle quickly. It feels like a small poke, that's it. Then inject, release the skin and pull the needle back out.
Like you, I was so anxious to have to poke myself with a needle and 3 times a day! But honestly, and this is coming from someone who hates needles, it isn't that bad. I know you're thinking, "yeah right". But it's the truth. The finger pricks seem to hurt worse. Good luck girl, you'll be alright.
I am also on insulin, and totally agree with what she said! I am only 8 weeks, and on 3 shots a day... But honestly, I once passed out from the thought of having to get a shot, now I can give myself a shot without even flinching. The key is, pinch the injection site for a minute, I pinch really hard, so I feel the pain from the pinch and not the needle. Also the faster you stick it, the less painful it is. The longer you think about it the worse it is. But honestly, the finger sticks hurt worse!!
Hi sweeite !1 You'll be alright . this is my 3rd GD baby and insulin dependant with all from the first trimester ! I give myself shots in my tummy. That is the best place i like . just grab some shkin kinda pinch together and poke !! I know it is hard the very first time it took me a few just to do it ,but hey now i am a pro !1 LOL. Or you can have your hubby give it to you in the back of your arm, or you can do your leg ( thigh ) which I don't recommmend I didn't likethat one .The arms was ok but I likethe fact of me doing it myself and in case it hurt ( which is does sometimes not all) i only had myself to blame.
if you nee to talk just pm me
Good luck
Dee Dee
Ive GD since i was 28 weeks, and on insulin since 30. I think i read one person say how they put it in the tummy, and id have to agree, its the best place to inject. My OB sent me to a diabetic educator who has been AWESOME!! She was incredible, after my sugars spiked over 200 for a day they sent me to her right away, she had me inject saline into myself so i knew how to do it. You get super fine needles and if you do it in the right spot it doesnt hurt. I will admit it can cause some bruising...but i bruise easily anyways. The trick is to find a "go to person" no mnatter what questions you may have!
good luck!!
- LKLMommy
on Feb. 10, 2009 at 1:02 PM