No GD test for me?

april262011 · February 2011

My midwife has never brought up the GD test. I asked her about it last appointment and she said I didn't need one. When I asked her why she said that because I have no family history of diabetes, my weight gain was on track and I am still exercising. Do you agree with her? From the research I did on the internet, it seemed like GD could affect anyone regardless of their size and their fitness level. Should I request that she perform it? TIA!

SoxChamps · February 2011

You can if it would make you feel better. I didn't want to take it and mine said pretty much the same thing, plus I was neg with DD and have not had any problems with my urine dips. I am not a fan of the test, but if something will make you worry about something less, go for it!

jteneback · February 2011

I would request it. You can be asymptomatic and still have GD. My MW is pretty crunchy and she still does it as a standard diagnostic test.

jessjo04 · February 2011

I have no family history and have only gained 7 lbs so far, but I failed my 1 hr test, so those arent necessarily good indicators. I did pass my 3 hour test, though. I'd tell them that you want it done for peace of mind.

MrsMackenzie2010 · February 2011

I have never heard of anyone not doing it. I would ask for it, just for piece of mind, considering anyone can get it.

Scout05 · February 2011

Since you have asked, no, I strongly disagree with her. Honestly, I'm kind of shocked by her logic.

You can have no family history and not have gained much weight and still have GD. And the health risks to you and baby are serious. I would expect a trained MW to know that, and be on top of routine tests like this.

I would demand, not request, that she run the test. And I would also be side-eying her pretty hard right now.

ncbelle · February 2011

If it would make you feel better, request the test. It's certainly not an invasive thing or time consuming.

That said, it's my understanding that the test is actually not standard practice in other countries (like England for example). There are also other ways to monitor for GD (maybe she's doing that?).

In any case, do what makes you feel most comfortable.

azzyberry · February 2011

I do not agree with her at all.

I have no family history of diabetes nor am I obese and I had GD with my DS and now I have it again with this pregnancy as well.

Although family history and obesity CAN be risk factors they are not the cause. GD is caused by the hormones in your placenta. Everyone's bodies reacts to pregnancy hormones differently and in some cases the hormones from the placenta act as insulin blockers so that the insulin your body makes is being blocked from getting to the sugar you consume; therefore all the sugar goes into the blood stream and your body isn't able to digest it properly.

I would demand a test to be on the safe side. GD can be very harmful to your baby if it goes undiagnosed and untreated.

pamalerjean · February 2011

It's optional for me too. If you would feel better if you had it, go ahead. But your midwife probably realizes you have no risk factors and doesn't see the point.

RunningGal900 · February 2011

Scout05:
Since you have asked, no, I strongly disagree with her. Honestly, I'm kind of shocked by her logic.

You can have no family history and not have gained much weight and still have GD. And the health risks to you and baby are serious. I would expect a trained MW to know that, and be on top of routine tests like this.

I would demand, not request, that she run the test. And I would also be side-eying her pretty hard right now.

I'm with her. It's a simple, non-invasive test. I don't see the reason to not do it. I know plenty of people whose weight gain was normal, no family history and failed their 1-hour test or even ended up with GD. The repercussions of leaving GD untreated are too severe to mess around with.

ohiostategal · February 2011

Honestly I don't see a reason why anyone would NOT do it. It doesn't hurt anything and if you have GD it is much better to catch it. Why wouldn't you have all your patients take the test.

If it were me, I would not have been comfortable not taking the test.

Carbaby411 · February 2011

I would request it. I was just diagnosed with GD and I had no family history and I was also right on track. I was SHOCKED that I failed the test, but I'm really glad that I know now. The "treatment" is so simple - I'm just changing my diet and cutting out sugar.

april262011 · February 2011

Thank you, everyone, for your input. I think I'll request it for peace of mind. I don't want to be paranoid every time I eat a bunch of carbs or dessert...which has been all too often lately. Better safe than sorry!

Chickandtaco · February 2011

MrsMackenzie2010:
I have never heard of anyone not doing it. I would ask for it, just for piece of mind, considering anyone can get it.

This! I would demand you be tested. Better to test and find out you ARE negative then to not test at all. You don't want to mess with GD! Never heard of anyone NOT being tested for GD?

AMB11 · February 2011

Her response is pretty suspect considering GD is caused by the hormones created during pregnancy and your body's reaction to them. Although there are factors that can make you predisposed to GD, simply not having those factors is not a good enough reason not to test.

AlaskanKisses · February 2011

It was optional for me as well they did a blood draw and tested that as well and said everything looked good. I didn't have it with DD and she said she may do one more blood test in a appointment or 2. If your worried about it, do it. I am watching my sugar intake which I think they tell you to do anyways, but that is just to be healthy I am not worried about it. I am seeing a OB now and not my midwife FWIW.

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