Glucose Testing

[WheelDon2]

I am curious on your ladies thoughts on NOT participating in glucose testing...

I have read many articles that have stated that even if you find out you have GD, that most "treatments" (exercise, watching sugar intake, medication, etc) cannot improve the outcomes like the baby having a lower birth weight or even lowering the risk of the baby being hypoglycemic..

I know just because the risk factors for GD are: previous GD with previous pregnancies, having type 1 or 2 diabetes, a family history of diabetes, a BMI of 30+, being an older mom, or being of non-white ethnicity...doesn't mean that I couldn't have GD.

So I am curious if anyone has not done the testing and/or what are the benefits of doing the testing if:
1) I do not fall into any of the risk factors and ...

2) the "treatments" don't necessarily change the outcome..

(Not looking for hate just input )

 

[Kholl]

Hey! I am declining the glucola drink cause the ingredients are garbage and I had a horrible reaction to it with my first pregnancy. I am, however, testing my blood sugar 4x a day for 2 weeks instead. But honestly I’m just doing that for my providers’ peace of mind! I eat a VERY low-sugar diet, mostly just eat protein/fat/veggies and that’s how I’d eat to treat GD anyway so I feel pretty confident. I do think it’s nice just for peace of mind to see what my blood sugar is doing but overall I am not concerned and if it weren’t pushed I likely wouldn’t even do that.

 

[liz85]

I had to do this as my parent has type 2. That was the only reason. I didn’t think it is necessary in my hospital unless you have risk factors x

 

[MissKW]

I am active, eat well, have a healthy bmi etc but still had to do the test just because a parent has type 2 due to an unhealthy lifestyle. My mum also had GB when she was pregnant with me, but she gained 8st so clearly got carried away with her diet (I was a 9lb baby).
I really struggled drinking the gunk and almost finished it before I puked it all straight back up again. They let me off with it in the end and said I didn't have to try again if I didn't want to as I would most likely have the same issue again anyway and was generally low risk.
I had a lovely healthy baby boy and no problems.
Do what you feel is best and just try to look after yourself. If you do notice any symptoms then I would suggest getting it done if you can, but as you said there's not a great deal that can be done anyway, you would just be monitored more closely and offered treatment.
You don't HAVE to do anything, it's totally your choice. If your midwife starts to get worried they will let you know.
I had protein in my urine once as I decided to have a pack of cookies the night before lol, each sample after was completely clear though, so take that into consideration also as the protein can be a sign of GB

 

[keeptrying14]

I’m thinking of declining this too. This is my third pregnancy but the first one which has been mandatory at 28 weeks it’s used to only be if there are risk factors which I don’t have. I have had bad hg in this pregnancy and my first and the thought of stomachaching that drink makes me want to gag already!! I don’t know how they would feel about it if I didn’t tho. I’m only 8 weeks and haven’t mentioned it yet xx

 

[WolfMamma]

I couldn't do mine due to constant nausea which meant I couldn't fast. I was planning on declining it anyway as again with constant nausea, the thought of the drink makes me want to heave and I just know that I wouldn't keep it down.

I am overweight but that is my only risk factor and I've not had any other symptoms of it so far. They are keeping an eye on my blood sugar just in case.

 

[MoominGirl]

In my area, it's only recommended if you have risk factors. I don't so I haven't had it. It's totally your choice if you want to have it or not.

 

[firstfreakout]

I've been told I have to do it as my BMI is exactly 30 having not lost the weight from my previous pregnancy. Tbh I'm a bit pissed about this as it means more inconvenient appointments with childcare issues and two more blood tests.

If you don't have any risk factors, I wouldn't worry about it. I have one factor and I'm considering blowing it off

 

[Mayflower85]

Wheeldon, why do you have to have it? Is it mandatory in your area? I'm having it because my BMI is exactly 30, if I'm told I have to have things done, then I don't really question it and just go along with it!
A

 

[WheelDon2]

Wheeldon, why do you have to have it? Is it mandatory in your area? I'm having it because my BMI is exactly 30, if I'm told I have to have things done, then I don't really question it and just go along with it!
A

I'm not necessarily being told I have to. Its a recommendation by my midwife. A great majority of women in the States are afraid to not do it then something happen to their baby...You ladies from the UK are a lot more easy going when it comes to prenatal care than the ladies I've talked to from the States.. just love your guys' advice

 

[Kholl]

Haha yes I live in the States and 100% of pregnant women are asked to do the test and it’s a big deal to decline it which is why I opt for the blood sugar monitoring. I do think that the prenatal approach is overkill here and I do feel soooo much pushback for my own more hands-off approach to pregnancy... all I hear here is that GD has nothing to do with risk factors and everything to do with how your placenta affects you so there’s no knowing who will get it. I’m like, BOTH can’t be true! It is frustrating.

 

[Summergurl]

Oh I wonder if blood sugar testing is available here in the U.K.?

I have to have it again this time and whilst I'm not against it and it doesn't bother me being tested what bothers me is them trying to take blood from me. It's so tricky to get blood from me my booking in bloods ended up being taken from both hands and it fills me with dread knowing they're going to struggle and prick me all over and nit listen to mr when I tell them what arm and vein to get it from!

 

[firstfreakout]

Oh I wonder if blood sugar testing is available here in the U.K.?

I have to have it again this time and whilst I'm not against it and it doesn't bother me being tested what bothers me is them trying to take blood from me. It's so tricky to get blood from me my booking in bloods ended up being taken from both hands and it fills me with dread knowing they're going to struggle and prick me all over and nit listen to mr when I tell them what arm and vein to get it from!

This is my main reasoning for not wanting to do it, though the booking in midwife called me today and said I had sugar in my urine and need to do another urine test. If that's positive for sugar then I might have to do an early glucose test. Awesome.

When I go for bloods my veins are awful. Whereas most people have their blood taken from the crease of their elbow, mine now have to be taken from two inches higher than that from a massive vein in my upper arm. It hurts a lot more and leaves a bruise the size of a £2 coin, BUT they get it first time - and it still works even if the flow is slow. I'd rather that than being stuck 8 times. Once I even had to have a paeds needle and an ultrasound machine to find a vein when I was dehydrated... I feel your pain with this

When you get your bloods make sure you TELL them which vein and how, and don't give them a choice. I tell everyone they get one shot - if they don't get it first time, they're done. I have one nurse at my local surgery who has never failed to get blood from me because she listened and now knows what to do, but whenever I go to the hospital to see midwives etc I get sent to phlebotomy for the 'experts' to do it, because the midwives aren't confident enough when I say my veins are awful.

You can also tell when they're not going to get a vein, because they spend ages feeling the veins and changing which needle they use. If they take longer than 30 seconds to think about it, I withdraw consent because I know now that they're not confident enough. It sounds awful and bratty, but it saves me from feeling sick afterwards and having anxiety attacks so I really don't care.

Honestly, just tell them they get one shot. They usually nail it first time or they send you to those who do it hundreds of times a day and never miss.

(Although having said ALL of this, I still don't want to be a pin cushion for the next 7 months and am trying to avoid as many as possible!)

 

[Summergurl]

Well this is it. When I give blood they know exactly what vein. It's a wobbly one but someone always manages to get it, first time. The midwife wasn't confident in using that vein hence both arms and hands being pricked. Think il, defo tell them they get one shot, and be more stronger at telling them like you!

 

[firstfreakout]

Well this is it. When I give blood they know exactly what vein. It's a wobbly one but someone always manages to get it, first time. The midwife wasn't confident in using that vein hence both arms and hands being pricked. Think il, defo tell them they get one shot, and be more stronger at telling them like you!

If you're seeing the midwife at the hospital, they can just give you a slip of paper to head to phlebotomy to get it done there and then. Just tell her you're not confident and would rather go there. If not, just go with the one stick thing. In my experience medical staff have always been understanding when I've said that, and either it gives them the confidence to get it first time, or they send you to someone who is a badass at blood draws.

I was told at my booking in to take charge of my care this time and not let anyone do anything I'm not comfortable with, or haven't been explained about first. So I guess we just have to remember that while it's their job, it's our experience

 

[MoominGirl]

Well this is it. When I give blood they know exactly what vein. It's a wobbly one but someone always manages to get it, first time. The midwife wasn't confident in using that vein hence both arms and hands being pricked. Think il, defo tell them they get one shot, and be more stronger at telling them like you!

If you're seeing the midwife at the hospital, they can just give you a slip of paper to head to phlebotomy to get it done there and then. Just tell her you're not confident and would rather go there. If not, just go with the one stick thing. In my experience medical staff have always been understanding when I've said that, and either it gives them the confidence to get it first time, or they send you to someone who is a badass at blood draws.

I was told at my booking in to take charge of my care this time and not let anyone do anything I'm not comfortable with, or haven't been explained about first. So I guess we just have to remember that while it's their job, it's our experience

Just wanted to add to this. I'm a cancer nurse so I take bloods and cannulate lots of difficult veins. I certainly wouldn't say I'm badass at getting blood but I'm pretty good at getting difficult ones. If a patient told me their veins were difficult and to use a particular one, I would ALWAYS listen to them!! You know your veins better than anyone!! There are some patients whose veins you just don't get on with and others do so if I knew I had someone I've struggled with, I'd get a colleague to swap. I never understand people who just want to poke and prod. I'd sooner back out if I wasn't confident and give someone else the best chance of getting it first time.