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Almost all pregnant women take a glucose screening test between 24 and
28 weeks, usually around 26 weeks. During pregnancy the body secretes
a hormone that inhibits insulin production, freeing glucose to help your
baby grow. But in a small percentage of women, the normal insulin suppression
results in blood glucose levels that are too high. This condition, called
gestational diabetes, can result in a too-large baby at risk for complications
at birth.
About the test
For this test, you won't need to fast ahead of time. You'll be asked to
drink a sweet liquid called glucola. One hour later your blood will be
drawn to check its glucose, or sugar, level.
Because the concentrated glucola may cause nausea in many women, some
testing labs instead use jelly beans or a dilute glucola solution; you
might ask yours for one of these not-so-sweet substitutes.
If the results of your one-hour screen exceed the normal blood glucose
limit, as often happens, you'll be asked to come back to take a three-hour
test. You will need to fast before the three-hour test.
If your blood glucose proves high on the longer test, you will be counseled
on how to control your blood sugar by adjusting your diet and following
a special exercise regimen. Your blood glucose levels will be rechecked
many times, and you may be referred to a specialist.
Most women with gestational diabetes can maintain normal blood sugar levels
in this way, but some will need to supplement their efforts with insulin
injections.
You shouldn't experience any serious discomfort from these prenatal tests.
If you're uncomfortable with having blood drawn, tell the person performing
the test about it so they can provide you with support and reassurance.
Providing a urine sample is not painful, and Pap smears are usually quick
and painless. So rest assured, and take heart in the fact that any minor
discomfort is well worth it to ensure your healthy pregnancy.
Adrienne B. Lieberman, coauthor of Nine Months
and a Day (Harvard Common Press, 2000), and author of Easing Labour Pain
(Harvard Common Press, 1992), is a childbirth educator.
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