Glucose Test In Pregnancy Fasting
Being pregnant means extra routine tests and screenings that women wouldn’t take before they were expecting. The glucose test in pregnancy fasting is one such screening that is conducted early in the third trimester. It is an important check up to measure the levels of glucose in a pregnant woman’s blood. With an understanding of what this test entails, as well as why it’s done, women can feel better prepared.
Why The Glucose Test Is Conducted
This check-up is done to test for gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that some pregnant women develop, usually around their 24th week of pregnancy. Also called pregnant diabetes, the levels can be monitored and controlled with the glucose test.
Preparing For The Test
In order to take the test, the woman must fast for at least eight hours before arriving at the lab. They should not consume any food or drinks except water. If a woman is on medication, it is important to consult a doctor before stopping any medications prior to the test.
Taking The Test
The day the test is to be performed the lab will have specific instructions to follow and may draw multiple blood samples.
Types Of Glucose Tests Include:
- Fasting Blood Glucose Test – checks the fasting blood sugar levels.
- Glucose Tolerance Test – checks both the fasting and two hour after consuming the glucose solution.
- Hemoglobin A1C – this test offers a long-term blood glucose levels over the last few months.
If the results of the glucose test are negative, the pregnant woman will have to take the test again at 28 to 30 weeks. The results of the glucose test that comes back negative means there is no gestational diabetes. However, if the results are positive, the woman and her doctor will develop a care plan with lifestyle modifications, diet and medications if necessary.
Glucose tests are important in the care and safety of pregnant women as it helps to monitor the glucose levels in their body. With the proper preparation and screenings, pregnant women can have peace of mind that their pregnancy is running smoothly. ## Glucose Test in Pregnancy Fasting
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but with it comes some changes in your body. One of the tests you may have to have is a glucose test in pregnancy Fasting. The results of this test are used to diagnose gestational diabetes, a condition that can occur during pregnancy. This type of diabetes can affect the health of you and your unborn baby.
### Why Do I Need a Glucose Test in Pregnancy Fasting?
Your doctor will recommend you get a glucose test in pregnancy fasting if you have risk factors for gestational diabetes. This includes if you are overweight or obese, if you are over 35 years old, if you have a family history of diabetes, if your ethnicity is Afro-Caribbean, Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern or South American and if you have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
### What Does the Test Involve?
For the test, you will need to fast before the test is taken. This means not eating or drinking anything other than water for 8-10 hours beforehand. Then, when you arrive for your appointment, a lab will take a blood sample that will be sent away for analysis. After the sample has been taken, you can go about your day as normal.
### How Is the Test Used?
The lab results from your glucose test in pregnancy fasting will show how much glucose is in your blood. If your blood glucose level is higher than normal, it could be a sign of gestational diabetes.
### What Do I Do If My Results Show Gestational Diabetes?
If your results indicate gestational diabetes, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan to manage your condition. This could include a change in your diet, regular exercise and occasionally, additional medication. It is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions to keep both you and your baby healthy.
### Conclusion
A glucose test in pregnancy fasting is an important step in diagnosing gestational diabetes. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions if you are diagnosed with the condition, to ensure the health of you and your baby.
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