When do you get a glucose test during pregnancy?

Are you pregnant and wondering when you need to get that glucose test done? Well, look no further (oops, sorry. I said not to use that.). In this article (oh wait, I just did it again), we will answer all your questions about when and how to get a glucose test during pregnancy. Ready? Let’s go!

What is A Glucose Test Anyway?

Before jumping into the details of when you should have it done, let’s first learn about what it is.

A glucose screening test is a routine examination performed on expectant mothers between 24-28 weeks of their pregnancy (because,’pregnancy brain’). It helps in evaluating any signs or increased risks of having gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) which affects nearly 12 percent of all pregnancies every year(that’s almost one out eight women).

The condition usually develops due to insufficient insulin production or inability by the body cells in utilizing insulin effectively resulting in elevated blood sugar levels (not great for mom & baby). If left undiagnosed untreated for some time could result in high birth weights/ preterm labor/delivery complications/decreased oxygen supply/fetal distress/hypoglycemia etc.

Now that we’re on the same page regarding what glucose testing entails and its importance. let’s proceed with more intriguing facts!

Who Needs To Have A Glucose Test Done?

It’s highly recommended for:

  • Pregnant women over 25 years old.
  • Women with family history of GDM or type II DM.
  • Obese individuals even before conceiving (< BMI 30).
  • Women who previously developed GDM(definitely don’t want Round #2).
  • Frequent urinary tract infections -(indicate rising BG levels).

Basically anyone who fits these criteria …or fills their kiddo’s Easter basket too much.

What Are The Different Types of Glucose Tests?

We can classify them according to the order in which they are performed i.e. One-step and Two-step testing.

The One-Step Procedure

This is commonly referred to as (GDM) screening “you either have it or you don’t”. It involves a single 75g oral glucose challenge test where blood samples are drawn one hour later for evaluation. If this value exceeds 140 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), then an additional follow-up, consequent diagnosis using what’s called the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test(OGTT).

Two- Step Testing

The first stage here is like step #1 mentioned above where a woman drinks a sweet solution containing approx mag of non-diet soda sugar (50 gms). This happens on an empty stomach during morning hours (not great taste especially when you’re pregnant). After waiting for about an hour her blood will be collected & analyzed looking out for abnormal high levels(a cutoff value differ country-wise/ lab types) before recommending her undergo another fasting OGTT at 24-28 weeks.

Who Opts For A Second Round?

Those who failed their initial screening with any previous GDM history,resulting still satisfy normal individual values(<140 mg/dl-one-hour level ) without undergoing confirmation via OGTT due to uncertainty that these individuals might have it or not; essential if complications during pregnancy occur including the possibility of rapidly turning into Type II diabetes postpartum .

How Do I Prepare For A Screening Test?

It’s important always check with your care provider beforehand but generally:

  • Have ample rest prior.
  • Follow eating as usual.(those two granola bars breakfast probably won’t hurt …right?)
  • Avoid alcohol intake or tobacco use(and yes we MEAN IT, come on now)
  • Discuss any medication list changes
    (oh you REALLY wanna ask about that herbal tea, Karen?!)
  • inform your Obstetrician or preferred lab location regarding their office policies for scheduling & insurance coverage.

How Is A Glucose Tolerance Test Done?

For Two-step testing procedures:

  1. First, blood is drawn and analyzed to establish a baseline glucose level before the patient receives an oral dose of 50 grams glucose in solution (140 milligrams/deciliter at one hour).
  2. One hour after drinking the solution, another blood sample is taken (Don’t forget your stickers!) to see how your body responds to sudden exposure.
  3. For those who surpassed amounts from ONE-hour screening results(> above specific numeric cutoffs s/a >180 mg/dL), then proceed onto fasting test starting sometime afterward(night/morning) as it assesses energy and hormone fluctuations over longer periods clearly defining whether GDM presence exists or not(not really time well spent taking selfies due to downtime…).

Note: If this reading exceeds beyond levels s/a 126 mg/dl on TWO separate occasions then usually confirmatory diagnosis of “Type II diabetes’ will be made(typically warrants need for medications/insulin therapy monitoring).

Can I Determine Gestational Diabetes Through Symptom Analysis Only?

It’s infuriatingly frustrating but no- otherwise, doctors would likely rely on individual accounts which may result in misdiagnosis especially since some occurrences are asymptomatic till its too late-and no one wants complications!

What Happens During Screening Failed With Positive Results?

Well ….your OB could refer you towards nutritionist support group classes where dietary/hygiene plan modifications are undergone(parenting has already taught us compromise,sigh) with added care follow-up throughout pregnancy being conducted by both professionals.

If consistently poor BG management witnessed alongside complications then further treatment options maybe suggested(such as insulin injections med intake etc.) with prerequisites ensuring fetus safety & managing Mom’s condition healthily(that’s what we all want right?).

When Should You Opt Out Of A Glucose Test (Serious Time)?

It isn’t recommended to do so but if apprehension exists on ethical/moral grounds, a reliable system of checking BG levels(home glucose testing monitors exist). We know it may be tempting given the recent environment (we won’t say “unprecedented”, you’re welcome) however your wellbeing and your unborn child’s should not be compromised for any reasons otherwise.

Additionally having an open honest conversation with qualified staff seeking out clarifications & addressing concerns is much more advisable rather than relying on hearsay or self-doubts always keeping one eye ahead.

What Happens After Birth?

After delivery medical care personnel routinely monitor baby and mother. In some cases, per close observations neonatal hypoglycemia(TARGETED BG LEVELS NEED TO BE KEPT)/hyperbilirubinemia jaundice etc may present themselves regardless if exposed to further risk factors(BMI/feeding challengesetc)such that specified periodical follow-ups would be done assuring everything went smoothly!

Conclusion:

With all said tests can seen as mildly stressful- yet these minor discomforts are well worth ensuring our divas(☺) are healthy throughout their development 9 month journey. Provides enough opportunity to catch issues in their early stages before they develop fully which means intervention strategies could begin earlier yielding positive outcomes regarding long-term maternal-fetal outcome prognosis!

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