The pregnancy blood sugar test is a pregnancy test done in the second trimester (usually between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy). Also called a glucose challenge test or glucose tolerance test, it is a routine screening that affects 10% of pregnant women and is used to check for signs of gestational diabetes. If your blood sugar is higher than normal, it can cause problems for you and your baby if it is not treated.

What Types of Blood Sugar Tests Are There?

During pregnancy, it is very important to monitor your blood sugar levels, especially to check for gestational diabetes. Let's take a look at what types of blood sugar tests there are. Here are the types of blood sugar tests commonly used during pregnancy:

1. Glucose Tolerance Test (GCT): This test is very simple. In your second trimester, drink a sweetened syrupy drink, then wait an hour before taking a quick blood test to check how your body handles sugar. Note that you don't need to fast for this test, you can eat normally before the test.

2. Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): If your GCT result is a little high, you need to do a GTT to check more deeply. So you fast overnight, and the next morning, the doctor will come to draw a blood sample, and then you need to drink a sugary solution and your blood will be tested several times over three hours to see how well your body handles sugar.

3. A1C Test: This isn't a routine test during pregnancy, but it can still give your doctor an idea of your average blood sugar levels over the past few months. It's not the best way to find gestational diabetes, though, because pregnancy can affect the numbers.

4. Fasting Blood Sugar Test: This test isn't done often, and is only done in some cases. Especially if you've had high blood sugar levels in the past or have risk factors for diabetes, your doctor may check your blood sugar the next morning after you've fasted overnight. It's a quick test to see if everything is normal.

These types of glucose tolerance tests (GCT) and glucose tolerance tests (GTT) are the main tests that can detect some sugar problems early and keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy. If you have concerns or questions about the tests, it is best to talk to your healthcare provider. They can give you advice based on your specific situation.

What Should I Do Before My Glucose Test When Pregnant?

Preparing for a pregnancy glucose test is simple. Learn what preparations will ensure accurate test results. Here's how:

1. Stick to Your Normal Diet: Eat as usual before the test. Keep your diet steady, as sudden changes in your diet may affect your results.

2. Follow Any Special Instructions: If your doctor gives you specific dietary instructions, such as making sure you eat enough carbohydrates in the days before the test, follow them.

3. Fast If Needed: You don't need to fast for the initial blood sugar screening, but if you're doing a more comprehensive glucose tolerance test, you may need to fast overnight. This can be a little inconvenient, but it will ensure that your test is completed.

4. Morning Tests Are Best: Schedule your test in the morning. This makes it easier to do the test right after an overnight fast, allowing you to finish sooner.

5. Keep Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before the test, but avoid water and other foods if you're doing a fasting test.

6. Bring Something to Pass Time: You may have to wait a while for your blood sugar test, especially if you're doing a longer glucose tolerance test. Bring something to pass the time, such as a book or your favorite podcast.

By following these simple steps, you will be ready to perform your blood sugar test. If you don't understand a detail, just call your healthcare provider and they will help you!

What Do the Results of the Glucose Tests Mean?

When your blood sugar test results come back during pregnancy, they tell you how well your body is processing sugar and whether the values are normal or high, which is important for keeping you and your baby healthy. Here's what's considered normal or high:

1. Glucose Tolerance Test (GCT)

   Normal: If your blood sugar level is less than 140 mg/dL after drinking a sweet drink, you are fine and no further action is needed.

   High: But if your blood sugar level is at or above 140 mg/dL, your body may be struggling with the sugar and you will need a more detailed follow-up test, known as a GTT.

2. Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

   All normal: If you pass this test and all the numbers look good (e.g. fasting blood sugar is less than 95 mg/dL and the other numbers are within the normal range after you took the glucose test), then this is good news and you probably don't have gestational diabetes.

   High: If two or more readings are above the limit, this indicates that you have gestational diabetes. You will need to pay close attention to your diet and also exercise more or follow a blood sugar control plan recommended by your doctor.

3. Glycated Hemoglobin A1c Test

   This test is not the first choice during pregnancy because the changes your body is going through can cause the test results to be a little skewed. Therefore, if the A1c test is used, a high value may indicate a risk of diabetes.

Understanding your test results can help you take the right steps to manage your health during pregnancy. If the test shows high blood sugar levels, you may need to talk more with your doctor to make sure everything is okay. Remember, controlling your blood sugar is not just temporary, it can prevent bigger problems in the future and keep you and your baby healthy.

Conclusion

Preparing for a pregnancy blood sugar test is simple but important to check how your body manages sugar during pregnancy. Therefore, this article describes simple steps to take a pregnancy blood sugar test. Following these steps will ensure that your test results are accurate and that any necessary health adjustments are made promptly. In addition, it can help you better choose and prepare maternity products, baby care products, etc., such as a portable breast pump.

Related Reading: Second Trimester | Pregnancy Glow

FAQs

Can you eat before a glucose screening test?

If this is your first blood sugar screening test during pregnancy, it is generally okay to eat before the test. This screening does not require fasting, so you should just eat your normal diet. However, it is recommended to avoid eating too many sugary or high-carb foods before the test, as they may temporarily raise your blood sugar levels. You can also consult your healthcare provider, who will make specific recommendations based on your health condition.

How long does the glucose test take?

The glucose screening test takes about an hour to complete. After you drink a sweetened glucose solution, you need to wait an hour for your blood to be drawn to check the glucose in your body. If the result of the first test is outside the normal range, further tests may be needed, so you may need to undergo a longer glucose tolerance test, which can take about three hours, as your blood is tested several times at different intervals.

What is the normal range for a three-hour glucose test during pregnancy?

The normal range for a three-hour blood sugar test during pregnancy used to diagnose gestational diabetes is as follows:

Fasting: 95 mg/dL or less

1 hour: 180 mg/dL or less

2 hours: 155 mg/dL or less

3 hours: 140 mg/dL or less

If two or more of these values are above the listed thresholds, it may indicate gestational diabetes. These thresholds are for reference only and may vary depending on the medical standards used by your healthcare provider or specific medical advice. Therefore, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider for advice regarding your test results and health status.