Blood Sugar Test For Pregnancy – Parenthood

The pregnancy  blood sugar test is a routine test prescribed for women who are between weeks 24 and 28 of gestation. Its objective is to rule out the famous pathology called gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes, which results in high blood sugar, typically affects a small percentage of women: no more than 5% of pregnant women.  However, its incidence is higher in Latin women of African, North American or Asian descent, or women who are overweight or have poor eating habits.

But don’t panic: As we mentioned before, this is a routine exam that doesn’t generate too many genes. Here is how the blood sugar test is carried out as well as some advice in case the result is positive.

Blood sugar test for pregnancy

Why a blood sugar test for pregnancy?

The reason that specialists order pregnant women to have a blood sugar test during pregnancy is  that changes in the pancreas during this period are asymptomatic.

This means that the expectant mother does not feel any particular gene related to her insulin levels. Therefore, the test is the only way to determine if she is developing or already has gestational diabetes.

What parameters are used to determine if blood sugar is high?

However,  the parameters of whether a pregnant woman has abnormal glucose levels in the blood vary depending on the doctor’s criteria.  Nevertheless, they basically follow the following guideline:

• The doctor of a woman  with a blood test index of 140 mg / LD will consider her values ​​to be high. On the basis of this first test, the professional will indicate a second examination to be carried out.
• The second test, which is intended for women with a value equal to or greater than 140 mg / DL, consists of taking a liquid on an empty stomach administered by the doctor or directly in the laboratory. If the result is greater than 200 mg / LD, it could be concluded that the patient does indeed have gestational diabetes.

How is the test performed?

To carry out this examination, the future mother does not need to undergo any special preparation. On the contrary, she is asked a week before coming to the laboratory, to eat the foods she is used to eating regularly. This will ensure a more accurate reflection of the data.

There are two types of tests related to the blood sugar test for pregnancy. For the first, the pregnant woman will have to take a drink that contains glucose. Then, after waiting an hour, a blood sample is taken. In order to check how the pancreas transforms the ingestion of the sweet drink.

If the values ​​of this first test are high, then a second fasting exam will be scheduled.  During this second test, after taking the sweet drink, at least two samples will be taken within three hours.

“The reason why specialists order this blood sugar test during pregnancy is that the changes in the pancreas during this period are asymptomatic”

Possible disturbances while performing the blood glucose test

In most cases, patients do not experience any type of discomfort when performing the blood glucose test for pregnancy.  Only a very low percentage may experience nausea, and some may vomit. Especially if they do the second screening test, which lasts three hours. Because they have to ingest larger amounts of glucose.

General information on gestational diabetes

If, after the tests, it is determined that you do have gestational diabetes, you should not lose your temper. In almost all cases, this pathology is present in the body only until the end of pregnancy. 

However, this does not mean that it should not be treated. Therefore, a nutritionist or your doctor will assign you a different feeding schedule.

It is important that you correctly follow the instructions that specialists give you for the health of the fetus. In addition, it has been shown that mothers with gestational diabetes who do not change their diet are more likely to maintain the disease in their bodies afterwards.

In conclusion, the blood sugar test for pregnancy is nothing more than a routine exam. It therefore confirms that you are in good health during your gestation. Finally, remember that diet is the foundation of overall good health.