Speaking of GD...

ellie9487

Is there anyone that is planning on not doing the glucose tolerance test with this pregnancy?

rebecca1198

Why would you not, especially now that it's free under Obamacare?

ellie9487

With my midwife all testing is an option. I'm just curious if anyone was opting out of it.

flowerx2

Why would you opt out? I think it would be important to know.

panda10

The test is no fun. I did find out that I was slightly anemic and upped my iron at that appt. I think if you talk with your dr. and have no risk factors and make an educated decision about choosing not to, then don't. I don't have time to judge!

Shell+Bell

If I can opt out I will for sure. I had GD with my 2nd DS. So I'm already testing my blood sugar and being careful with what I eat. If I can avoid sitting in the blood clinic for 2 hours having 3 needles I will!! But the OB will probably want me to, and if she does then I'll do it.

alphalyrae

My midwife practice recommends it.

ellie9487

Yeah. I've heard that using a blood sugar monitor is a lot more accurate than doing the GTT. I failed the 1 hour test miserably but passed the 3 hour one with flying colors with my first pregnancy. My midwife is all about chosing protein over carbs and limiting your sugar intake throughout your pregnancy. Not just if you have GD. I have a while to make a decision as to whether or not I will do it. I just can't stand the fact that I'm pumping my body full of sugar for one test that may or may not be accurate.

starskristen79

If you are already testing your sugars, then sure, you will know if you have it before it is even time for the test. However, that is the only reason I can imagine skipping the test. Not eating sugar and not being obese is not insurance against getting GD.

ellie9487

@savannah_girl I am totally playing devil's advocate here but the test (like any other screening) is not 100% accurate. There is a chance that you could test negative for GD and actually have it. I am aware there is no way of preventing it. It just shouldn't take something like GD to get you to watch what you eat. I'm still doing my research on this screening.

honey740

Some people need insulin to control GD, it's not all diet based. It's a freaking sugary drink and blood draws and can diagnose GD and protect you and baby from some life threatening complications. Yes, I do judge people that opt out. My sister eats very healthy and is a size 0, she had GD and I did not (I am plus sized and do not eat anywhere near as healthy as she does). Anyone can develop GD.

runningyogimama

I'll do the 1 hour test, but if I fail it again, I will just track my blood sugar rather than take the 3 hour test. I was sick.for.days.

blazinangel1702

The glucose test is like a stress test. If you eat low carb to start with when you take the glucose test it will shock your system and you WILL fail it. Just talked to my doctor about it since I had to take one early this morning. I did fail it. So now I'll be monitored the entire pregnancy.

CamrynnsMommy

I too will do the 1hr test, but won't do the 3hr, I'll just go straight to testing my sugars.

typeset

I ate Jelly Belly jelly beans for my one hour rather than chug the orange sludge. I'm hoping they'll let me do that again. No reason to opt out of jelly beans. 

danabsd

I didn't know it was optional.  Even if it was I wouldn't opt out.  The risks of untreated GD are far scarier than a sugary drink and a blood draw.

Most women who have gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies. However, gestational diabetes that's not carefully managed can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels and cause problems for you and your baby, including an increased likelihood of needing delivery by C-section.

Complications that may affect your baby.

Excessive birth weight.

Early (preterm) birth and respiratory distress syndrome.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Jaundice.

Type 2 diabetes later in life.

sthomas1222

I'm hoping to opt out or at least do am alternative test. but if I opt out it's b/c my MW had agreed & we're going to treat me like I have GD again. knowing I had it last time I just don't think it's a wise choice to flood my body with that much sugar. If she insists or we think isa good idea to testi would do am alternative test like eating X amount of carbs/sugar (some will do X # of skittles or w/e) which I think is going to better show how you handle it than an ooverloaded nasty drink. But that's just me. There's research that goes in both directions.