Gestational diabetes test

[homemademom]

I'm just curious about this. With my first, I started care with a hospital mw and she did the test where you drink the sticky orange goo. I passed and didn't think any more of it. I subsequently transferred to a hb mw and later had 2 other babies at home, too, and it was never offered again so I forgot all about it.

I was just wondering what the issues with that particular test are and why it's often refused by MDC moms. I've never had to think about it, but I have a new care provider this time, so I'd like to be more knowledgeable. If you could explain or point to any particular resources I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

[~Adorkable~]

I look forward to see what folks write. Besides it being discusting to take the test, it seems like info you want to have so you can address it with diet changes and stuff.

I did read in one book that the author felt like getting GD was a normal part of pregnancy and it is just how the placenta functioned, so maybe that is it. Or it could be just not wanting to have folks hover over your pregnancy like there is something wrong.
It seems to me that if that was a issue for me pregnancy I would want to know, how I went about handling it would be up to me, I don't think that agreeing to a trust is the same as agreeing to their particular recommended treatment.

[karen1968]

The trouble with the test is isn't really evidence-based. It is all based off one study which looked at a limited slice of the population - everything is extrapolated from there, and therefor a bit faulty. And still, like much in fetal-maternal medicine, it has become standard.

The thing that turned me against taking it - I refused it last pregnancy and will this pregnancy if needed - is that the test, results and "treatments" do NOT alter outcomes.

This Henci Goer article addresses some of those issues.

If you are open to having your glucose levels tested but want to avoid the glucose drink, you can request a "breakfast test", where the measurements are done immediately before and then 1 & 2 hours after a "typical" breakfast of (IIRC) eggs, toast and orange juice. Or you can request monitoring. This is what I plan to do if pressed - do a week of monitoring to see if I REALLY have blood sugar issues.

Good luck!

[homemademom]

Thanks for the link, Karen1968