Hi Moms -
I am almost 12 weeks pregnant. A week ago, my doctor ordered, and I took, a glucose screening test. My lab result was high, so I'm now going to take the glucose tolerance test. Everything I've read about the testing refers to it being performed late in the second trimester, not the first. My friends have had similar experiences, and I remember doing it in my second trimester wtih my first baby. I will be asking my doctor about it, but I wanted to know whether other folks have had to take these tests in early pregnancy, and whether their physicians have given them a reason why. BTW, I do not have a history of gestational diabetes and I am of normal weight. Also - to make clear - I understand why I need the glucose tolerance test after the screening test was high; my question is about the possible reasons why he ordered the screening test so early in the pregnancy. Thanks!
A first trimester screen is usually the result of some risk factors, like having GD before (which you didn't) or having glucose in your urine. They should pretty readily be able to tell you why they're screening you as if you have an increased risk.
Congrats on your pregnancy!
You should ask. Maybe during the urine test that they take at every appointment you had a questionable reading.
The doctor is giving you the second test because your lab result on the first test was high. The glucose screening test is a routine test and is part of a physical exam. I was not pregnant and was given the glucose tolerance test after the screening test was high.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Very exciting.
I would ask the doctor about why he/she wants the test taken so early. When I did the glucose tolerance test, my doctor allowed me to take the test using real, whole food instead of that yucky sugar solution. I had a bad reaction to that sugar drink the first time. I also had no history of GD and was of a healthy weight. Since my diet was really healthy to begin with, drinking that overly sugary drink really made me sick. I probably don't consume that much sugar in a week. Anyway, if you email me directly at ____@____.com, I can scan and email a copy of what he had me eat to run the glucose tolerance test. It might be worth running it by your doctor. It was a much nicer way to take the test. Also, go with your gut on this, unless there is a real risk to you or baby, postpone the exam until you are comfortable.
Best wishes! -J.
