Glucose test for pregnant women: why is it done?

A pregnancy glucose test or gestational glucose test is one of the most important tests during pregnancy to ensure that she does not have gestational diabetes or other problems that require special attention. Learn more about the analysis in the following lines.

What is a glucose test for a pregnant woman?

It is a test that a pregnant woman takes between the 24th and 28th weeks to measure blood sugar levels, to detect an elevation, or to detect gestational diabetes.

Why do a pregnant woman undergo a glucose test?

Gestational diabetes analysis, as mentioned earlier, is used to determine the problem of gestational diabetes. However, this test can be done early if, during a previous routine check-up, the doctor detects high levels of glucose in the urine, or if the pregnant woman is at risk of developing diabetes due to risk factors for gestational diabetes.

This test helps a pregnant woman ensure her health and the health of her fetus by measuring blood sugar levels during regular follow-up visits to the doctor and determining whether she has or is likely to have gestational diabetes.

Is a gestational diabetes test necessary?

Although the analysis is not considered mandatory, it is very important and should not be refused even if you do not have symptoms, especially if you have risk factors that increase the likelihood of infection such as: eg.

How to prepare for a pregnancy glucose test

A pregnant woman can eat her normal food in the days leading up to the test day, and it is also best to ask her doctor if there are any medications that may affect the results of the test.

Is it because of the analysis of gestational sugar, should I fast?

Yes, food and drink are not allowed for 8 hours before the analysis, and you can fast all night and schedule the procedure as early as the next morning.

How does a glucose test work for a pregnant woman?

There are several ways to perform a glucose test to measure blood sugar levels in a pregnant woman, including:

1 hour glucose analysis

This test involves drinking a glucose solution and measuring blood sugar levels an hour later, and if the ratio is 10.6 mmol per liter (mmol/L), this indicates gestational diabetes.

If your blood sugar level is higher than (7.8 mmol/L) after the 1-hour test, your doctor will recommend a 3-hour test.

Glucose test after 3 hours

In the event of high blood sugar, the pregnant woman must re-test again, but this time for 3 hours, and this test requires some preparation:

• Do not eat or drink liquids for 8 to 14 hours before this test.
• You will get 237 milliliters of glucose solution containing 100 grams of sugar.
• Your doctor will check your blood sugar levels every hour for 3 hours.

Disadvantages of glucose solution for pregnant women

Pregnant women often experience some symptoms after drinking a liquid containing glucose. Examples of these symptoms include:

• nausea;
• sweats;
• feeling dizzy

Gestational diabetes analysis every month?

The test is most often done in the sixth to seventh month, but this does not preclude an earlier test if the doctor has concerns about routine examinations.

Finally, after learning about the analysis of gestational sugars and how to prepare for it and take this test, you, dear reader, should perform all the necessary examinations throughout the pregnancy to avoid diseases that affect your health. The health of your fetus and if you have other questions, you can consult a doctor.