Anyone declining the GD test?

A37licia · May 2013

I don't even know how that goes over with OBs, but I've been considering and researching for the last several weeks whether I'd do it and finally decided today with my midwife that I'd decline. She was fine either way, and the main reason I am not taking it is the management of it for the rest of my pregnancy and home birth wouldn't change whether I had it or not - I already eat a real food (traditional/nourishing foods), am keeping my weight gain in check and am on the low side for sugar. I eat very few processed sugars and foods and am getting regular exercise.

Anyone else not end up taking it?

JocelynB0911 · May 2013

While its fine for some just eating healthy and exercising doesn't mean you won't have gd. I can only assume that's what you're talking about.

My BFF is a registered dietician, eats very well, exercises, perfect pre pregnancy weight but ended up with it. She then had to go on insulin at one point. I'd personally rather know then end up with potential issues later.

revlaurawittman · May 2013

auroraloo:
No. I've never seen a decent argument for declining it. GD is not like type II in that current diet doesn't matter. Even if you eat well enough to manage it now, I'd still want to know, and want to MAKE SURE I'd be managing it well.

This. All of this.

mello13 · May 2013

I would not consider declining, because I have seen what can happen if it goes undetected/unmanaged. A person may have a great healthy eating/exercise fueled daily lifestyle, but that does not mean they are safe. Often GD requires the use of insulin to keep it controled and keep the baby healthy. Seems to me that taking an hour (or even 4, should I need the second level test) out of my day is little to ask to keep my baby healthy.

A37licia · May 2013

Maybe I should have posted this on Natural Birth instead LOL. Stick out tongue

I've done research over the years on this and am less mainstream than most ladies here. Just wanted to see if anyone else decided the same - there is not overwhelming research on testing or managing GD, though the standard procedure in the OB field is of course to test for that and many things. That's one reason I go to a midwife (and yes I know midwives even vary greatly on this). There is also conflicting evidence about managing with insulin and the cascade of interventions that happen in those births a lot of times. About 15% of women require insulin, but by the comments above, one would think it is half or more.

avn0306 · May 2013

Zembits:
auroraloo:
No. I've never seen a decent argument for declining it. GD is not like type II in that current diet doesn't matter. Even if you eat well enough to manage it now, I'd still want to know, and want to MAKE SURE I'd be managing it well.

This is what's important to know... Pregnancy hormones and genetics can affect GD, not just your diet and lifestyle. Some people eat really well and still have to go on meds.

All of this. I think its a really bad idea to skip this test. There is a reason they ask everyone to take this now. It used to be just for women who were "at risk" but they found out it can happen to anyone.

motherof3dragons · May 2013

I think this is a test I would not want to risk skipping. It's a simple test and it's so important.

OpheliaChem · May 2013

auroraloo:
No. I've never seen a decent argument for declining it. GD is not like type II in that current diet doesn't matter. Even if you eat well enough to manage it now, I'd still want to know, and want to MAKE SURE I'd be managing it well.

This. I'm not skipping the test. Don't you want to know for sure? Plus GD doesn't just involve you - it involves baby. A lot of GD babies are bigger at birth and many OBs won't let you go much past your due date because of the risk.

AshleyPT · May 2013

I never did the traditional drink the orange drink glucose test with my first, but our midwife monitors glucose in your urine and through a few finger pricks. If she sees anything borderline then you have to do the traditional test.

This pregnancy they said I just needed to eat 50g of sugar (what's in the drink) one hour before coming into the office to have a finger prick. They say the drink is just to standardize the sugar consumption. I would imagine that even if you technically decline the standard test that they still need to monitor you in some way for GD, because our midwives would red flag that for a home birth.

A37licia · May 2013

AshleyPT:
but our midwife monitors glucose in your urine and through a few finger pricks. If she sees anything borderline then you have to do the traditional test.

I do test urine in each visit. There's no doubt if I started spilling a lot of glucose that we wouldn't take a closer look at things.

A37licia · May 2013

auroraloo:
in my mind, Ashley is the resident "crunchy" expert on this board, if she approves your pee tests, I'll leave you alone.

LOL!

A37licia · May 2013

auroraloo:
A37licia:
auroraloo:
in my mind, Ashley is the resident "crunchy" expert on this board, if she approves your pee tests, I'll leave you alone.
LOL!
To be fair, she hasn't approved them yet!

Well, it doesn't matter anyway. I'm not here for anyone's approval Stick out tongue Yes

strlitemiss · May 2013

I don't think risking sudden GD onset to avoid take a sugary drink and a blood test worth it.

magdalina.h · May 2013

Nope not declining. I know plenty of people who are similar to you and are diagnosed with GD. Having GD go untreated can be fatal to baby

CutieBean79 · May 2013

Is there a downside to taking the test? Since I haven't heard of any risks by doing the test (but understand the risks of not doing the test) then I will stick with the doc's recommendation. I just don't get why you would decline a noninvasive test. To assert yourself?

sprocketsmom · May 2013

No way. I declined a flu shot, but there is no downside to me taking the test, other than drinking the orange drink which isn't that bad, and the risk is too great in my opinion. Not worth not doing it.

Cleo421 · May 2013

There's no way id decline. OP, I'm geniunely curious as to why you'd decline. I could understand if it were invasive or risky, but its not. Am I missing something?

PrettyInPearls23 · May 2013

No. No way in hell am I declining a non-invasive test that has zero risk to my baby so I can find out if I have a condition that could prove fatal to my child should it go untreated.

kgravil85 · May 2013

Cleo421:
There's no way id decline. OP, I'm geniunely curious as to why you'd decline. I could understand if it were invasive or risky, but its not. Am I missing something?

Ditto and I'm actually curious too.

AshleyPT · May 2013

auroraloo:
A37licia:
auroraloo:
in my mind, Ashley is the resident "crunchy" expert on this board, if she approves your pee tests, I'll leave you alone.
LOL!
To be fair, she hasn't approved them yet!

Ha! It's actually baffling to me to be considered the resident crunchy expert.

Yeah, I just shared my experience I don't know about any stamps!

My OB was actually the one the first time around who said I didn't have to do it and I didn't put up any sort of a fight or even question doing it in the first place so I was a bit confused about why she didn't feel the need to, but she said they monitor blood and urine so carefully now, that I didn't have to. (I switched from an OB to a midwife at 28 weeks).

I honestly didn't look into at all after that so I know zero about urinalysis sensitivity, risk factors, etc. So I'm definitely not an expert here. I know my midwives are anal and they want all the information because they're not planning an out of hospital birth with any question marks which makes me believe their monitoring would be sufficient to diagnose GD.

MamaInMN · May 2013

A37licia:
Maybe I should have posted this on Natural Birth instead LOL. I've done research over the years on this and am less mainstream than most ladies here. Just wanted to see if anyone else decided the same - there is not overwhelming research on testing or managing GD, though the standard procedure in the OB field is of course to test for that and many things. That's one reason I go to a midwife (and yes I know midwives even vary greatly on this). There is also conflicting evidence about managing with insulin and the cascade of interventions that happen in those births a lot of times. About 15% of women require insulin, but by the comments above, one would think it is half or more.

The Natural Birth board will have the same reaction this one has (it came up about a week ago).

I'm with you in mindset regarding many things - we've denied most tests, haven't had ultrasounds, etc. But this is one that we won't refuse. That 15% you mentioned that need insulin is still a very high percentage, when you think about it. To me, if the test will tell me something potentially wrong and then there's something we can DO about it, it's worth it. Especially considering that there is not risk or harm in getting the initial screen.

Surfergirl013 · May 2013

PrettyInPearls23:
No. No way in hell am I declining a non-invasive test that has zero risk to my baby so I can find out if I have a condition that could prove fatal to my child should it go untreated.

All of the above. I have a friend who is a personal trainer, eats only organic, super healthy and got GD...Why on earth would you risk it?

KaramelSutra · May 2013

andjess11:
A37licia:
Maybe I should have posted this on Natural Birth instead LOL. I've done research over the years on this and am less mainstream than most ladies here.nbsp; Just wanted to see if anyone else decided the same there is not overwhelming research on testing or managing GD, though the standard procedure in the OB field is of course to test for that and many things. That's one reason I go to a midwife and yes I know midwives even vary greatly on this.nbsp; There is also conflicting evidence about managing with insulin and the cascade of interventions that happen in those births a lot of times.nbsp; About 15 of women require insulin, but by the comments above, one would think it is half or more.
I am not doing it. You're not alone! My midwife laid out the information, had me do some research, and then we decided it was unnecessary. She tests my urine every time and said if that shows anything or I start to gain a ton of weight we can revisit the option. To me it just seems unnecessary. I have no risk factors and everything has been going great. You have tons of people claiming it's absolutely necessary, but I can't figure out why. So few people end up with GD, I think it's better to watch for warning signs and symptoms and then have the test if needed.

This is so silly to me. As a second time GD momma, I've NEVER spilled glucose in my urine. Ever. And with my first pregnancy? I gained 5 lbs and had a 10lb 11oz baby. True, the management is ever changing, and definitely not a perfected science, but why would you risk it? I don't understand. Not one bit

foxyroxy · May 2013

I really, really don't understand declining the test. How is more information ever a bad thing? You can still decline interventions; you'll just be doing it from a well-informed place.

coraggiosa · May 2013

I don't understand why you would decline a non-invasive test that gives good information about the health of your pregnancy. To each their own, I suppose.

I'll be having my GD test next Tuesday. I hope I pass!

Coffejes · May 2013

Sounds like its the possible treatment course that has the OP concerned...such ad taking insulin and possible adverse effects.
Why not just take the test and then decline the treatment? Who knows if it will even get that far. And this way you avoid major probs that sneak up on you and can be fatal for baby.

luminousbluestar · May 2013

Just be aware that diet isn't always enough. Some people need to be on insulin during pregnancy if they are gestational diabetics. If you are in fact GD and untreated it can have very serious effects on the healthy of your unborn baby. I just don't see why drinking something sweet and having a blood test is so invasive that it outweighs the risks.

jeapplegate · May 2013

It sounds like you are making the decision on 2 false assumptions.

- all women with GD have it due to their poor diet and it's their fault they have it.

- there is nothing to be done except change diet.

The are lots of women with healthy diets that have GD. Your healthy diet argument is ridiculous. If you have GD despite a healthy diet you need insulin to prevent harm to your baby. Refusing to control your GD with insulin if needed is being reckless with your babies health.

I don't give a crap what you do, but I feel bad for your baby that you are willing to risk unnecessary birth complications and neonatal hypoglycemia to avoid a couple of blood tests. I also don't want anyone to mistake anything you are saying as true.

I know some people are talking about urine glucose, but if someone on a low sugar diet is spilling glucose in their urine their BS is too high and probably has been too high for awhile. The glucose tolerance test is more sensitive and can catch it early before you develop consistently elevated BS so that interventions can be put in place before the baby is exposed to high BS.

A37licia · May 2013

This is fascinating to me, and I'm surprised that despite the fact that I discussed this with my care provider and she and I are on the same page with it, that my decision to many of you is chalked up to being uninformed, selfish or a risk taker, or that my post was taken as asking for opinions about my decision. Interesting. Maybe I should have gotten opinions here instead of talking to her. I'll remember that for next time. Stick out tongue

On that note, should I take the GBS test? LOL!!

vulpini · May 2013

GD is caused by pregnancy hormones and has absolutely nothing to do with how healthy your diet is. The test is non-invasive and poses no risks. The information gained from the test can affect your baby's health and your ability to carry to term and have a vaginal birth. I see no reason to decline it.

shakes · May 2013

A37licia:
This is fascinating to me, and I'm surprised that despite the fact that I discussed this with my care provider and she and I are on the same page with it, that my decision to many of you is chalked up to being uninformed, selfish or a risk taker, or that my post was taken as asking for opinions about my decision. Interesting. Maybe I should have gotten opinions here instead of talking to her. I'll remember that for next time. On that note, should I take the GBS test? LOL!!

Well since it can lead to meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia and still birth....yes. You can decline antibiotic treatment for effective homeopathics and herbal methods taken 2-3 weeks before delivery. I think you're taking the natural approach out of context here. I am pro-natural (our family sees both a naturopath and an MD, as well as a TCM herbalist and I chose to work with midwives. I have also studied herbal and homeopathic care and am currently working on a diploma in nutrition. All of this works in a complimentary style to modern science not in place of it) and would never decline a drink or bacterial swab to help ensure a healthy, uncomplicated birth and healthy baby. But if you're more interested in being self righteous, go nuts. Good luck.

bails12345 · May 2013

I am not declining the GD test, but I do plan to get a second opinion and seek alternate management if I am diagnosed with GD this time around. Last time I was diagnosed and was sent to a weekly clinic conducted by my hospital. Long story short, I had a very bad experience with that clinic, and now question whether I even had GD in the first place. Because of my diagnosis, however, I was induced with my daughter. It turned into a disaster, and I required an emergency c-section, which then led to a hemotoma, which left me bedridden and dependent on visiting nurses. AND, after all that, my daughter was born at a very normal 7 lbs, 7 ozs.

honeymonster · May 2013

I'm in the UK and have an independent midwife and her advice was not to have the glucose tolerance test. She said it's very controversial and the main risk of having gestational diabetes is having a large baby. As I'm small myself and eat a healthy vegan diet she said it's unlikely I'll have a large baby, and even if I did, women have been birthing large babies for thousands of years so it's no issue. Also from the research I've read, the guidelines for what constitutes gestational diabetes are actually pretty suspect. The acceptable level that is now used as a benchmark was based on a test group of women who weren't in optimal health and many people believe that the point at which blood sugar is deemed to be 'dangerous' is far too low. Therefore many women are diagnosed with GD when they don't actually have it. It's normal to process sugar differently during pregnancy anyway.

I don't have any tests unless I've done my own research and think that it's worthwhile and beneficial. The trouble is lots of doctors tell women things are compulsory and don't allow them to make their own informed decisions. Thanks goodness for my open minded midwife that looks at evidence and not just protocols.

And regarding the queries about the safety of the test.. Well, imagine starving yourself for 12 hours then swallowing several bars of chocolate. Some people just don't react well to this. I've even heard that it can induce problems with processing sugar after the test!

PrettyInPearls23 · May 2013

A37licia:
This is fascinating to me, and I'm surprised that despite the fact that I discussed this with my care provider and she and I are on the same page with it, that my decision to many of you is chalked up to being uninformed, selfish or a risk taker, or that my post was taken as asking for opinions about my decision. Interesting. Maybe I should have gotten opinions here instead of talking to her. I'll remember that for next time. On that note, should I take the GBS test? LOL!!

I'm glad to see you think your health and the well-being of your unborn child's health is something to joke and laugh about.

jeapplegate · May 2013

honeymonster:
I'm in the UK and have an independent midwife and her advice was not to have the glucose tolerance test. She said it's very controversial and the main risk of having gestational diabetes is having a large baby. As I'm small myself and eat a healthy vegan diet she said it's unlikely I'll have a large baby, and even if I did, women have been birthing large babies for thousands of years so it's no issue. Also from the research I've read, the guidelines for what constitutes gestational diabetes are actually pretty suspect. The acceptable level that is now used as a benchmark was based on a test group of women who weren't in optimal health and many people believe that the point at which blood sugar is deemed to be 'dangerous' is far too low. Therefore many women are diagnosed with GD when they don't actually have it. It's normal to process sugar differently during pregnancy anyway. I don't have any tests unless I've done my own research and think that it's worthwhile and beneficial. The trouble is lots of doctors tell women things are compulsory and don't allow them to make their own informed decisions. Thanks goodness for my open minded midwife that looks at evidence and not just protocols. And regarding the queries about the safety of the test.. Well, imagine starving yourself for 12 hours then swallowing several bars of chocolate. Some people just don't react well to this. I've even heard that it can induce problems with processing sugar after the test!

I don't know what they do in the UK, by my GD screen only involved a 1 hour fast and the sugar was the equivalent of eating a snickers. NBD

JocelynB0911 · May 2013

honeymonster:
I'm in the UK and have an independent midwife and her advice was not to have the glucose tolerance test. She said it's very controversial and the main risk of having gestational diabetes is having a large baby. As I'm small myself and eat a healthy vegan diet she said it's unlikely I'll have a large baby, and even if I did, women have been birthing large babies for thousands of years so it's no issue. Also from the research I've read, the guidelines for what constitutes gestational diabetes are actually pretty suspect. The acceptable level that is now used as a benchmark was based on a test group of women who weren't in optimal health and many people believe that the point at which blood sugar is deemed to be 'dangerous' is far too low. Therefore many women are diagnosed with GD when they don't actually have it. It's normal to process sugar differently during pregnancy anyway.

I don't have any tests unless I've done my own research and think that it's worthwhile and beneficial. The trouble is lots of doctors tell women things are compulsory and don't allow them to make their own informed decisions. Thanks goodness for my open minded midwife that looks at evidence and not just protocols.

And regarding the queries about the safety of the test.. Well, imagine starving yourself for 12 hours then swallowing several bars of chocolate. Some people just don't react well to this. I've even heard that it can induce problems with processing sugar after the test!

I'd like to touch on the whole 12 hours without eating. I'm praying that you are exaggerating here. In my three pregnancies I have had to fast for no longer than 4 hours.

As others have said if you want to take that risk fine but modern medicine exists for a reason. Regardless of if women gave birth to larger babies for thousands of years, how many of those babies had severe issues as a result?

Op, what did you expect when you posted this? You knew you were going to get opinions on why you shouldn't risk it.

kje120 · May 2013

No, I'm not declining it and I don't see any reason why anyone would.

honeymonster · May 2013

Seriously, over here we have to fast overnight for at least 12 hours! Funny how much things vary from country to country.

NNGnome · May 2013

My glucose test with my first PG I had to fast for 12 hours (they see you first thing in the morning, so really you just go before breakfast), but this time I asked, and they said I could eat before the test, just to not eat a donut or sth just before s it can throw off the results LOL. This is in a different Lab , but they are both being done in Ontario, so I guess how they do the test is different wherever you go.

I still think taking a quick glucose drink test does no harm, and you can decide further treatment if needed once the results come in, to refuse it makes no sense.

mrs.mickulz · May 2013

foxyroxy:
I really, really don't understand declining the test. How is more information ever a bad thing? You can still decline interventions; you'll just be doing it from a well-informed place.

This exactly! If you want to explore alternative treatment options, that's your call, but I don't see where going through a simple drink and blood draw to gain valuable information is a good idea.

Mgraber2010 · May 2013

It's not a serious test. Just drinking a sugar drink and getting your blood drawn a few times it only takes a few hrs. I would want to know since it can affect my baby and would feel really bad if something was to happen to her just cause I didn't want the test!!!!

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