Glucose Test During Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know
Pregnancy brings with it many changes and tests to keep a monitoring on the health of you and your baby. One important one is glucose testing during pregnancy.
Glucose testing is often recommended for women who are at high risk for diabetes. If your results show that you have diabetes, it will require more monitoring and you may need to adjust your diet or lifestyle to keep that and your baby healthy.
What is Glucose Testing?
Glucose testing is performed to check whether your body can process glucose, or sugar, normally. This test is usually done with a needle and a vial, and it measures the level of glucose in your blood.
When Should I Have the Test Done?
The glucose testing usually takes place between 24 and 28 weeks of your pregnancy. If your doctor suspects that you have diabetes, the test may be done earlier.
What Should I Expect During the Test?
The glucose test involves having a needle inserted into your arm or finger to take a few drops of blood. This shouldn’t hurt too much and should only take a few minutes. After the blood is taken, it will be sent off to the lab to be tested.
What Do The Results Mean?
If your results are too high, it could mean you have gestational diabetes, which needs to be controlled so as to not harm your baby or increase your risk of complications. If your results are too low, you may need to increase your sugar intake for the duration of your pregnancy.
How Can I Prepare for the Test?
Before the test, you should avoid eating or drinking anything other than sips of water for 8 hours beforehand. That way, you’ll get accurate results from your glucose test.
Can I Eat or Drink After the Test?
Yes! After the test, you’re free to eat and drink again, so long as it’s healthy foods. You’ll want to make sure you’re eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
What Next?
If you have gestational diabetes, your doctor may recommend other tests to check the health of you and your baby. They may also put you on a special diet and help you adjust your lifestyle to keep you and your baby healthy.
Conclusion
The glucose test during pregnancy is an important one that checks the ability of your body to process sugars. Having this test done can help you detect potential problems that could harm you and your baby, and make the necessary changes to keep you both healthy.