Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast

In this episode of the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast, I am breaking down something that catches so many moms off guard: a late diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

I am Sara Alayev, a high risk OB nurse, labor and delivery nurse, and mama of two, and I am walking you through why gestational diabetes can show up later in pregnancy, even if you passed the glucose test earlier. We talk about how this happens, what is actually going on in your body, and why a late diagnosis is more common than most providers explain.

You will hear a real client story of a mom diagnosed at 35 weeks and what we focused on to support her physically and emotionally in those final weeks. I also share practical, realistic habits that support blood sugar balance in late pregnancy, including balanced meals, hydration, gentle movement, and stress reduction. These are habits that benefit every pregnant woman, not just those with GDM.

If you have been diagnosed late, feel confused about your numbers, or are wondering how you could pass testing and still end up here, this episode is for you. My goal is for you to leave feeling informed, supported, and confident moving forward.

👇 Helpful Resources

• Grab my free GDM Nurse Guide for simple blood sugar support, pregnancy tips, and next steps after diagnosis 

https://gdmnurse.com/freegdmresource

Join my next free workshop where we talk through GDM without the overwhelm, including live teaching and Q&A

https://gdmnurse.com/workshop

Come say Hi on IG! https://www.instagram.com/gestational.diabetes.nurse/ 

Episode Timeline
00:00 Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast
00:35 Why gestational diabetes can be diagnosed late
03:26 Real client story: diagnosed with GDM at 35 weeks
05:51 Healthy habits that support blood sugar in late pregnancy
08:01 Final thoughts and encouragement for mamas

Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or medical team regarding your individual care, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Welcome back to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast. I am Sarah, a high risk OB nurse, labor and delivery nurse, and a mama of two boys.

In this episode, we talk about navigating events like holidays, family gatherings, and parties when you have gestational diabetes. These moments can feel stressful, overwhelming, and emotionally draining, especially when food choices, comments from others, and pressure are involved.

You will hear real life stories, practical tips you can actually use, and guidance on setting boundaries to protect both your blood sugars and your peace of mind. I also share specific advice for partners and support people so they know how to show up for you during events.

This episode is a reminder that you do not owe anyone an explanation. Your health, your baby, and your mental well being come first. Tune in for realistic strategies to stress less and enjoy your pregnancy more.

Episode Timeline
00:00 Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast
00:37 Navigating events with gestational diabetes
01:36 Common misconceptions about GDM at gatherings
02:42 Real life story and Thanksgiving challenges
03:30 Practical tips to prepare before events
05:15 How to communicate your needs to your partner
06:15 Support strategies for partners and family
07:24 Final thoughts and encouragement
07:45 Closing remarks and resources

Medical Disclaimer
The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider, OB, midwife, or diabetes care team regarding your specific medical needs, blood sugar management, and pregnancy care. Every pregnancy and gestational diabetes journey is unique.

Come say hi on Instagram @gestational.diabetes.nurse for daily tips, real talk, and support from an experienced OB and labor and delivery nurse.

Grab your FREE GDM Nurse Guide for simple, evidence based guidance to help you feel more confident and supported during your pregnancy. https://gdmnurse.com/freegdmresource

Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast.
I’m Sara Alayev, MSN, RN, a high risk OB nurse, labor and delivery nurse, and a mama of two boys.

In this episode, we break down Hemoglobin A1C and its role in gestational diabetes. This lab is one of the most misunderstood parts of pregnancy, and I see mamas every week feeling scared, confused, or guilty because of it.

A normal or “perfect” A1C does not mean you cannot develop gestational diabetes. And having GDM does not mean you had diabetes before pregnancy. In this episode, I explain why and what actually matters more.

In this episode, you will learn:

What Hemoglobin A1C really measures

Why A1C is not used to diagnose gestational diabetes

How placental hormones increase insulin resistance during pregnancy

Why blood sugar patterns matter more than one lab value

When providers may check A1C in pregnancy and why

Common myths that cause unnecessary fear and stress

Practical ways to manage blood sugars without restriction or guilt

This episode is meant to help you understand your numbers, lower anxiety, and feel confident and supported during your pregnancy.

Episode Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:34 What Hemoglobin A1C Measures
01:51 Why A1C Is Not Used to Diagnose GDM
02:35 Real Life Examples and Misconceptions
05:09 When and Why A1C Is Checked During Pregnancy
10:01 Why Steady Blood Sugars Matter
10:42 Empowerment and Support for Moms
11:05 Practical Blood Sugar Management Tips
11:51 Final Encouragement
12:39 Closing Remarks

Grab the GDM Bundle
If you are tired of generic advice and want clear, step by step support you can actually use, grab my GDM Bundle.

It includes:

A 30 day GDM meal plan with snacks and a grocery list

The Ultimate Fasting Blood Sugar Guide

The Postpartum Blood Sugar Guide

This is my most trusted resource for mamas who want better blood sugar numbers without starving, stressing, or spiraling.

Grab it here: [INSERT LINK]
Or DM me BUNDLE on Instagram @gestational.diabetes.nurse

Medical Disclaimer
This podcast is for education only. It is not medical advice and it does not replace care from your OB, midwife, or diabetes team. Every pregnancy is different, and what works for one mama may not be safe for another. Always talk with your provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, supplements, or medication. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

🎙 Navigating High Risk Pregnancies and Advocacy with Sarah Osborne
Welcome back to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast. I am your host, Sarah, and today’s episode is emotional, empowering, and packed with real life birth wisdom.

Today I am joined by Sarah Osborne, a birth doula, birth photographer, childbirth educator, and doula mentor based in the Pacific Northwest. She has supported over 900 families since 2008 and is deeply passionate about helping parents feel confident, supported, and ready for birth. She is a mom of three, fueled by coffee, good music, and a huge love for birth work. Her happy place is Disneyland Main Street with a Starbucks in hand ❤️

Follow Sarah here:
@the.expert.doula
@thebirthcollectivepnw
www.theexpertdoula.com
www.thebirthcollectivepnw.com

In this powerful episode, Sarah shares her personal journey through gestational diabetes, a traumatic birth, a high risk pregnancy, and being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. We talk about true advocacy in the hospital, what it means to speak up for your care, and how life changing it can be to have a doula by your side.

This episode is for every mama who wants to feel informed, supported, and confident walking into birth.

⏱ Quick Episode Breakdown
00:00 Welcome
00:34 Meet Sarah Osborne
01:32 Becoming a doula
03:17 Traumatic birth
03:48 High risk pregnancy
05:20 Labor challenges
11:01 NICU and postpartum
13:36 Type 1 diabetes diagnosis
19:11 Advocacy for your family
23:14 Why doulas matter
28:00 Client birth story
37:59 Final advice
40:05 Outro

💗 Need GDM Support Right Now?
Grab the GDM Bundle for instant help with meals, fasting blood sugars, and postpartum support from a high risk OB and Labor and Delivery nurse.

📩 Have questions or want personal support?
DM me on Instagram and I will message you back
@gestational.diabetes.nurse

You do not have to do this alone.

Your voice matters. Your choices matter. Your support system matters.
If this episode helped you, share it with another mama who needs this today.

XO, 

Sara💗

Hey mama 👋 If you’re worried about managing gestational diabetes during the holidays, this episode will help you stay confident and calm while still enjoying every celebration. I’m sharing simple tips to keep blood sugar levels stable, support a healthy pregnancy, and avoid feeling restricted around holiday food.

You’ll learn:
✨ The hydration trick that supports steady blood sugar
🍽 How to build a balanced holiday plate for gestational diabetes
🥗 Smart dishes to bring to holiday parties
💃 Fun ways to keep moving after meals to lower glucose
🍰 How to enjoy holiday desserts without guilt or spikes
📈 What to do if your blood sugar is high
💛 Self compassion strategies for mental and emotional support with GDM

The goal is joy not fear. You deserve a holiday filled with comfort and connection while still protecting your baby and your health.

If you want more guidance, the GDM Bundle is on sale this week 🎁
👉 https://learn.gdmnurse.com/home
Use code blackfriday for 50% OFF

You are doing an amazing job and you are not alone.

⏱ Episode Timeline
00:00 Welcome to the Gestational Diabetes Nurse Podcast
00:37 Navigating holiday stress with gestational diabetes
01:23 Hydration tips for stabilizing blood sugar
02:12 How to balance your plate during holiday meals
04:09 Bringing safe dishes to holiday parties
05:00 Movement after meals for lowering glucose
05:47 Choosing holiday indulgences wisely
06:50 What to do if blood sugar spikes
08:21 Why you should not skip meals
08:53 Grace and self compassion during the holidays
09:38 Final tips and resources

⚠️ Disclaimer
This podcast is for education only and not medical advice. Always follow your OB, MFM, endocrinologist, or healthcare provider for your personal medical care