Hey there, expecting mama! Congratulations on your little bundle of joy on the way. Having a baby is one of life’s most beautiful gifts. As part of your prenatal care, your doctor may order a pregnancy glucose test. This test is an important part of keeping you and your baby healthy.
But what is a pregnancy glucose test, and why is it important?
Understanding the Pregnancy Glucose Test
The test, also known as the glucose challenge test or the glucose screening test, is a simple blood test that is used to assess for gestational diabetes. The glucose tolerance test checks how your body processes glucose after eating – usually before your fasting blood glucose level gets too high.
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs in some pregnant women due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy. It affects about 7% of pregnant women and can have serious health implications for both the mother and the baby.
The test is a routine part of prenatal care, usually occurring between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. During the test, you will be asked to drink a sugary solution, such as a flavored glucose drink. This drink contains 50 grams of glucose, which is equivalent to about 3 tablespoons of sugar.
Taking Blood Samples
Your doctor or nurse will collect a blood sample 1 hour after you drink the solution. The blood sample is then tested to determine the level of glucose in your blood. If your glucose level is higher than normal, you may need to take a follow-up test called the glucose tolerance test.
What is a Glucose Tolerance Test?
This is a longer test that measures your glucose levels over a period of 3 hours.
What Are the Risks of Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes can have serious health risks for both you and your baby.
For you, the risks include high blood pressure, increased risk of developing diabetes later in life, and a higher risk of needing a cesarean delivery.
For your baby, gestational diabetes can cause macrosomia, which means your baby is larger than average.
This can make delivery more difficult and put your baby at risk of injury. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes also have a higher risk of developing diabetes or obesity later in life.
How Can I Prepare for the Pregnancy Glucose Test?
The test is a simple and fast procedure. However, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the test:
- Eat a light snack 1 hour before the test, such as crackers or toast.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water for 8-10 hours before the test.
- Avoid exercise for 8 hours before the test.
- Do not take any medications that can affect your blood sugar, such as insulin or oral diabetes medications, before the test.
- Drink the sugary solution quickly and try not to leave any of it in your mouth.
What if the test result is abnormal?
When you have an oral glucose tolerance test, abnormal results can indicate that your body isn’t effectively controlling the levels of glucose in your blood. This is a sign of gestational diabetes.
If your test results are abnormal, your healthcare provider will likely suggest changes to your diet or may prescribe medication to help regulate glucose levels.
The test can be done in two steps or one step.
Two-step testing involves a 3-hour 100-gram test and abnormal results are
- fasting levels greater than 95 mg/dL,
- 1 hour levels greater than 180 mg/dL,
- 2 hour levels greater than 155 mg/dL and
- 3 hour levels greater than 140 mg/dL.
One-step testing involves a 2-hour 75-gram test and abnormal results are
- fasting levels greater than 92 mg/dL,
- 1 hour levels greater than 180 mg/dL and
- 2 hour levels greater than 153 mg/dL.
The pregnancy glucose test is an important part of your prenatal care. It helps ensure that both you and your baby stay healthy and happy.
Side effects
Most women do not have side effects from the glucose tolerance test. Drinking the glucose solution is similar to drinking a very sweet soda. Some women may feel nauseated, sweaty, or lightheaded after they drink the glucose solution. Serious side effects from this test are very uncommon.
With a few simple steps, you can ensure that you are prepared for the test and get the most accurate results. The test is an important part of prenatal care, used to assess for gestational diabetes. Learn how to prepare for this routine test and understand the risks of gestational diabetes for you and your baby.
