gestational diabetes, who's getting tested?

[MellyMel]

I'm really in a bit of a toss up here, and anyone else's experience would really help me. I just don't know if I should get tested. I'm measuring normally, and not gaining too much weight, but I did begin this pregnancy a bit overweight. I guess it doesn't hurt to get tested, I just don't know if I should. Any help??

[samsmamma]

I have no idea of my MWs do the test or not. I'm going to ask at my next visit (just about 3 weeks from now!)

[crsta33]

I have the test sometime in the 3rd trimester (if I remember correctly) My midwives have me eat jelly beans instead of the glucose drink most places use. Then a finger stick 30 minutes later. If you don't pass it you have to have the glucose tolerance test which is much less fun and many more sticks.

I passed the first test last time. I'm hopeful this time. Is there anything you can do (or that you shouldn't) that will help ensure a good result from the test if you can't opt not to have it done?

Christa

[BensMom]

I don't plan on it. I hate the test and the diagnosis for the most part. With DS, I failed the 1 hr and had to take the 3 hr GTT - what a miserable test! And I was eating whatever I wanted then!

I do have risk factors, being overweight, blah blah. If I start spilling sugars or something and the MWs are concerned, I might consent to home monitoring or something, with diet modifications. But barring any catastrophe, I dont plan to get the 1 hr or 2 hr GTT.

This is the basis my disdain!

[flyingspaghettimama]

I will, only because there is adult-onset diabetes in my family, and because I found an alternative to the drink or jelly beans (both of which are grody-o to me) - there's a breakfast option, where you eat a set meal at a set time. It requires the midwife to be flexible though regarding appointment, etc. I think it's probably available in other practices too, but it is something you have to ask for. I was refusing to take the GD test due that disgusting drink (after which I got all sick and shaky - and then they want to take your blood!), so she suggested this, which I can do. I imagine it's a lot more accurate as well.

[DreamsInDigital]

My midwife won't let me waive the test this time, although I did with my last pregnancy. The basis for the requirement? My baby was over 9 lbs. I wish I could fire her for being such an idiot.

[gratefulbambina]

yep & I have to take it early due to my hypoglycemia

[BensMom]

Originally Posted by DreamsInDigital

My midwife won't let me waive the test this time, although I did with my last pregnancy. The basis for the requirement? My baby was over 9 lbs. I wish I could fire her for being such an idiot.

You know, my son was over 9 lbs too. And you know what? He stayed big! He was huge as a baby, always 90th/90th on the height weight percentiles. He is still pretty tall at age 4, although he is tall and thin. I have large bone structure and everyone on my side of the family has thick German frames! My DH is a little more small boned, but he is tall, too. Is it not unreasonable for these medicos to beleive that some babies are just meant to be big?

Anyway, its very frustrating! I fully expect to birth a 10-11 lb baby this time. Not that I wouldnt appreciate a 6 lber, but I just dont see it happening unless we have a preemie and thats not worth it.

Maybe big babies are not a freak of nature, but part of natures plan!
That we would see more of, if Drs werent inducing mamas at 38-39 weeks on a regular basis these days

[PicnicBear]

Hmm -- it doesn't sound too pleasant. I might refuse it. I don't think I have diabetes. Everything so far has been fine (knock, knock). We'll see what they say, but maybe I will skip it.

[flyingspaghettimama]

Originally Posted by BensMom

You know, my son was over 9 lbs too....

Maybe big babies are not a freak of nature, but part of natures plan!
That we would see more of, if Drs werent inducing mamas at 38-39 weeks on a regular basis these days

And my consulting perinatologist also said that midwife-attended babies just tended to be bigger, due to the women's better health and lack of interest in inducing. He said this was a good thing, and not something to be scared of. I think I looked kind of scared - my last was 4 lbs, it wasn't too hard to give birth. I have no idea what double that would feel like!

[BensMom]

Well, typically, the difference between 7 and 9 lbs is not much. Fat is squishy and most babies have heads in the 14 inch range. The biggest factor in ease of delivery is the babys position in the pelvis. www.spinningbabies.com or a search on optimal fetal positioning will yeild some good info.

Now a 4 lb-er? That's probably a whole 'nother ball of wax. Hopefully this one will stay in there and cook a little longer for you!

[MrsMoe]

My urine does not show any glucose at all, and if my bloodwork they took 2 days ago comes back normal, I will not be getting it done.

[Hornet]

I'm not testing either. I remember when the changed the guidelines for the test and all these women were being told they had gestational diabetes when had they been tested two weeks earilier they would have been fine. It seemed so crazy. You usually show other signs when you have gestational diabetes (sugar in your urine) and increased thirst so I would keep on the look out for that before I even considered it. You could also just test your blood if you know someone with diabetes or at a heatlh fair. Far less invasive.

[Awaken]

I am doing it, I figure can't hurt, might help. I haver zero risk factors, my son was 5.5# and I have always been hypoglycemic and had trouble gaining wt while pg, but I figure it'll all come out normal so who cares. The glucose drink didn't really bother me. I'd rather save my battles for something I truly don't want to do.

I'm also a dietitian, so I guess if I did need to make diet changes I would like to know and be doing the right thing.

Interesting article Jen- I only skimmed it but want to go back and read it more thoroughly- thanks for posting!

[*Amy*]

I am borderline hypoglycemic, so I may take it if my midwife wants me too. I've done it twice before (not during pregnancy) and I don't think it's a really big deal.