GTT or alternatives??

[mataji4]

I have had four very large babies (yes, I know that can be fine but I've had a shoulder dystocia and also a baby that to me felt like I barely got him out), and I do have blood sugar "issues" (I get irritable and then crash when I eat any amount of sugar and I run hypoglycemic especially in pregnancy).

I've seen my family doc a couple times in this pregnancy and she's been incredibly supportive. She did recommend I do the Glucose Tolerance Test at 28 weeks, after eating a healthy big breakfast. I am curious to know how my body is doing in this regard as I cut sugar from my diet last week at 20 weeks.

Should I do it? Are there alternatives to this test that are a better judge?

Thanks you.

[MrsPil]

I wouldn't do the traditional GTT or 3HGTT for anything. Random monitering of blood sugars, or a finger prick followed by a meal and a 2 hour post prandial draw is much safer and gives a much better idea of how you're doing, IMHO.

[rajahkat]

Jenny,

I would think that using a blood glucose monitor in your case makes more sense. I know that some midwives in my area give their clients the option of borrowing a monitor for random testing in place of the GTT.

Kat

ps~ I've got one you can borrow if you want. PM me & I'll send it your way.

[miriam]

Those diabetic glucose test kits are available in most pharmacies as an OTC item.

[mataji4]

Yes, Kat, that's what I've done before. I have two people I think might have them to borrow before I ask you to mail one to me. Thanks so much for the offer.

I am really torn about believing I had true GD or not. My babies looked so good, not racy or whatever they say GD babies look like, so I just blew the idea off. But the last one was just tough to get out, and seeing as this one is a boy too I have a worry about dystocia. So I want to do what I can to not grow a big baby b/c of sugar issues.

I'm glad I've made the committment to cut out sugar, starches, etc, but it's so hard!! I think if I can see that my sugar levels are healthy it will help me to stay focused.

[springfever]

I've got family history of diabetes, am overweight, and had a 9 lb 13 oz baby last time, and I still didn't do the GTT this time. My husband is diabetic so I am just monitoring my sugars with his meter and they've been fine. I think it gives you a better picture overall since you can do it at different times, and depending on how you're feeling, etc.

[KristaDJ]

Could there have been position issues that contributed to the babies feeling like they could barely come out? Were you up and moving freely during the labor and pushing stage?
I agree about using the meters as well, the GTT is just not a good way to test for gestational diabetes.

[cathicog]

I agree on the metering. It's a better indicator of how you are handling blood sugar issues, I think. Protein, protien, protein...that's how you combat low blood sugar....You should be getting about 50 grams a day, and if you make sure you are getting some about every two hrs, you can probably avoid any crashes at all...peanut butter, cheese, small portions of meat...tuna, etc, and staying away from anything white, is a good guideline. Oh, and milk, unless it's skim(whole milk is 3 % fat) ...I am wondering if there are growth hormones in it that make children bigger than they would have otherwise been? I have seen 12 lbers birthed at home...safely..

[claddaghmom]

I've been wondering along similar lines. I also understand the concept behind "big is okay" but a bit smaller would be nice. lol

What bothered me the most was that I couldn't pinpoint any dietary reasons for size (or rather, dietary influence on diabetes/sugar levels that could have influenced size). So I'm left wondering in the end if it is all in vain to worry at all.

I got hit with a lot of "you have GD!" after sending out birth announcements with her stats on them. oops.

Anyways, I gained perspective from this article:

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gdhgoer.html

I also recommend pricking yourself as opposed to a GTT. First, you can monitor as frequently as you want to get accurate updates and confirm feelings/instincts. Second, it keeps you out of a hospital setting and it keeps a number/test out of the hands of a HCP who could use it to interrupt your pregnancy.

[guest8990]

i just bought a blood glucose meter, and have been monitoring mine...

[mataji4]

Thanks for all the feedback, I'm on the hunt for a glucometer.

I agree, that I know I birthed them and I've seen several over 10 pounders born at home safely, but I am concerned about being home alone with a dystocia and I don't want to feel like my pelvis is broken like last time!

I had homebirths, moved freely, my last was a uc and I do have questions about his position though he was right on before labor. He came out with his shoulders crooked, both born at once, so he didn't get caught on my pubic bone, then he didn't restitute and I just pushed him hard out. The video is crazy as I've never seen a baby born like that before. I tore pretty badly too.

Just want to have what feels to me like a smoother birth this time so if I can sway my chances I'm going to try!