Help - Insulin during pregnancy - Question

Hi all,

I am just wondering if any of you who have had to take insulin for GD, how did you feel after giving yourself the injection.

I noticed yesterday after each time of giving the injection that bub went a bit hypo for a little while afterwards. Then last night I honestly felt like I was going to go into labour, which had me worried. I had a constant lower dull back ache and a constant tightening that lasted for like an hour. I couldnt lay on either side or even on my back to get comfy and to relieve the pressure.

Now do you think it could have anything to do with the injections, maybe irritated something. I not saying the insulin, but the actual needle in the tummy?

Has anyone else experienced this after the injections?

I was close to going into the hospital last night, but wanted to see if it stopped, as I didnt want to waste anyones time as well. I know if I had called the MW's at the hospital they would have had me go in and get checked out.

Im worried about the next lot of injections incase it was the cause.

Thanks in advance ladies. hugs

I also found that. I am not sure if I was nervous so my body was doing funny things. I did ask the MW and GD lady if it was connected but I was told they didn't think so..

I did find it settled down after a couple weeks but when I had a high reading then gave insulin the same thing would happen..

How did you go with the first injection?

Thanks Nic, I thought that I was going crazy. It wasnt as bad as what I thought it would be like, I have to say I was packing it yesterday with the educator. lol. The other lady with us put on a show as to how much it hurt, so think it was more for my benefit. I actually thought it stang a little after the needle was removed, yet the second time at home it didnt sting afterwards. Not even sure if I injected myself properly, but after last nights episode now i think otherwise.
Did you worry about the same thing happenng after each injection? Im hoping it doesnt happen again, but Im still abit uncomfortable now with the tightenings.

I did worry but I knew it was nothing to really worry about but in saying that I would still mention it to your MW or Diabetes Educator. Did your Blood sugar levels drop a little to far perhaps?

Oh and the stingy feeling might have been a little of the insulin on the end of the needle as you pulled it out. I used to count to 10 then remove the needle

I didn't have the sensation you're referring to, so can't help out on that one :hug:- definitely mention it to your MW and Diab educator just to be sure. Regarding the stingyness, im with aussienic, it may have been a bit of insulin left on the tip of the needle. i used to do the same thing, count to ten then remove the needle :)

how many units of insulin are you on and how many times a day?

Thankyou again Nic, i will be talking to them Dr's etc about this, especially if it keeps happening. hugs

Negrita - Thankyou too, I am currently on 4 twice a day until they see whether they think it needs to be adjusted.

I'm on about 80 units a day and have never had that happen to me hun, definetly mention it to ur midwife or specialist at ur next appointment

Thanks Skybie, I will definately be mentioning it. Im just wondering if it is the needle not the actual insulin. I just dont know. I will keep an eye on it for now and see how it goes, but if it happens again I will be on the phone to the MW's. Hopefully tonight is a better night.
How much insulin did you start off at hun?

im a type 1 diabetic babe so i dont really count in the GD game! the needle itself wouldnt cause any of it, theres a layer of skin, fat and muscle between u and bub and it would go no where near the baby. maybe its your stress levels b4 doing it and then relaxing once its over?
What needle heads are u using?

Just read ur post in the high risk thread. if ur using an insulin pen u can get smaller heads as they fit all types of pens, just head ur chemist and ask them. the 6mm ones really do hurt me, the 5mm purple ones dont.

Is it normal to be injecting into your stomach during pregnancy? My educator stressed to only inject into my thighs. Not sure if that could cause any difference, but worth asking maybe?

I'm another that feels the sting if there's a drop of insulin on the needle upon pulling it out. Just leave it in the skin a few seconds longer before taking it out.
I've never had any pain associated with the injecting, just a few bruises from my first week of injecting when I wasn't used to it.

Oh I forgot to add. My baby does get quite active just after an injection. My endocrine assured me it's fine.
I also have 3mm needles, maybe see if you can find smaller?

Injecting into ur thighs is perfectly fine, it just takes longer for the insulin to absorb, so if u do it this way remember that b4 u test afterwards as it will probably be an incorrect result.
Theres nothing wrong with injecting into ur belly, ppl have insulin pumps constantly attatched to their bellies ;)

Yes I guess that's true Skybie. Just thought perhaps with more fatty tissue on your thigh than your skin tight preg belly might hurt less?

definetly as u get on its a good option if ur skins too tight. there are a few places u can inject, ur bum is another one, will have to find the booklet, the belly is where its absorbed quickest though

Actually the 6mm one isnt that bad, it didnt hurt putting it in today. Thanks both Skybie and cheekymonkey.

As for the needles in the belly, yesterday they told us that it is the only place we are to do it. Yet if it starts to hurt I will definately ask about putting it into the thigh.