Glucose Testing During Pregnancy
Have you heard your friends talking about that sugary drink they had to before their glucose test? Are you wondering why a glucose test is necessary? Let’s talk about all things glucose testing! While this routine test is relatively simple, many questions can arise both before, during, and after a glucose test is complete. Let’s talk about glucose testing during pregnancy!
When are glucose tests done?
Glucose tests are done between week 24 and week 28 of pregnancy for low-risk pregnancies. If there is a reason for concern, or you are at high risk for gestational diabetes, this test may be performed earlier in your pregnancy.
Why is glucose testing recommended?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that every pregnant woman is screened for gestational diabetes. Though easily managed, gestational diabetes is one of the most common pregnancy complications there is. If gestational diabetes goes untreated, it can lead to preeclampsia, among many other problems.
How is testing performed?
Two tests are commonly performed to check for gestational diabetes; these are called the one-step and two-step tests.
One step glucose test
For the one-step glucose test, you will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anything besides a few sips of water for between eight and fourteen hours before your test. When you go in for your test, please allow yourself at least two hours. As with this form of testing, your blood will be drawn twice, once before you are given the glucose beverage and again an hour after you’ve drunk it.
Two step glucose test
For the two-step glucose test, you don’t need to refrain from eating or drinking beforehand. For this test, you will be given a glucose drink an hour before your blood draw. If your glucose levels are normal you will not need to return for another test. If your levels are abnormal, you will be asked to come back in for a three-hour test. Again they will give you a glucose drink, but your blood will be taken once every three hours.
What happens if I’m diagnosed with gestational diabetes?
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, first take a deep breath. Gestational diabetes is common, and many things can be done to help ensure that you can have a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor will most likely recommend lifestyle changes, as well as work with a registered dietician to manage gestational diabetes throughout your pregnancy. Your doctor will also recommend monitoring your blood sugar throughout your pregnancy. Try to remember that gestational diabetes resolves after your baby is born!
We hope that you have enjoyed this weeks blog ” Glucose Testing.” For more helpful tips on all things pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenthood please check out our other weekly blogs.
