UPDATE #2 Glucose Test/I hate the nurse.

amandazap · January 2016

So, last week I went in for the first prenatal appt which consists of sitting down for an hour with the nurse, just going over any changes in medical history. (I had ds 1/27/15, so not much changed with me.) At one point, she was questioning my weight. I have gained 15 pounds since giving birth and she asked me why. I just stared at her. Like, what am I supposed to say? I sit around all day on my recliner eating bon bon's and tacos? (OK, that last part may be true).

This is all while my husband is sitting there so I got a little red. I didn't feel like my weight gain was a big deal since I am the EXACT weight I was when I got pregnant with ds. She paused, looked at her computer, and said, "I'm going to go ahead and order a glucose test." I just looked at my husband. Stunned, I just sat in awkward silence.

I didn't have my first glucose test last time until around 6 mo and I passed with flying colors. So, I'm a little confused as to why she ordered it so soon. She also told me I need to have it done before my appt with my OB on 1/28.

I feel a little fat-shamed. I'm not gonna lie. And I'm pretty average sized. So I am debating whether or not to call my OB directly and be like...can you please explain this to me? What do you guys think? Or should I just take the dang test? Hubby thinks I'm overreacting. Maybe I am.

***UPDATE***

My OB's nurse just called me back and stated they order an early glucose test for people who have BMI's over 31 (mine is 34) and if I had a 9 lb baby in the past (ds was 8). I asked her why I was not ordered a test this early last time she stated, "I don't know, it must have been an oversight on our end." I then asked if I can decline the test this early and she stated it is recommended that I take it but it's ultimately up to me. I declined. I will do the other glucose tests though down the road.

***UPDATE #2***

The nurse just called. I FAILED my glucose test. She said the cutoff is 140 and my result is 152. YAAAAAAY for the 3 hr test! So, I am proof. TAKE THE TEST!

mumblefrog86 · January 2016

I would take the test, it wont hurt anything and if you do have GD it at least is caught early. I think weight and age play a huge role on when they recommend it.

bearsandbeets7 · January 2016

I would have been so mad! That's so rude. I was overweight when I got pregnant with DD and gained like 30 lbs total, I was back to my pre pregnancy weight by my 6 week checkup. I got extremely lazy after having DD and when I went to my first appointment this time I was 55 lbs heavier than when I first got pregnant with DD. That being said, my OB didn't even say anything about my weight. I know that I have to be healthier this time around with the extra weight but that nurse was out of line in my opinion. I probably would've responded with, well I prefer cheeseburgers over salad so I guess that's why.

Ceventa · January 2016

Yeah, that wasn't the nicest way for the nurse to go about the topic of weight and glucose testing. I understand the concerns she might have, but at the same time she should know that you are already going to be stressed about the possibility of any little thing being wrong, so being rash like that would just make you upset. If I were you just take the test. Best case you pass again with flying colors and can just look at her like...

Worst case, you don't pass and you catch the issue early and are able to manage it. Either way, it's a win for baby and mama!

texasmama2014 · January 2016

Ok I'm confused? You gained weight after he was born, but are at the same weight you were at when you got pregnant? Did you lose last pregnancy? Maybe since they're so close together and she saw the gain she's concerned that you're already at risk for type II? I don't know. Seems pretty strange to go straight to GD. I would take it up with my OBGYN to get clarification, the GD test sucks, and since you have a baby at home its really inconvenient to feel horrible all day after it. Is there another nurse you could request?

Jenniferk08 · January 2016

Not sure of your age but I know because I'm AMA and overweight they want to do my test earlier than usual. Just take it as extra knowledge and them wanting to catch things earlier.

jacmkelley · January 2016

Honestly for me, I would just be stuck on the whole interaction. WTF? It's your call on the test. But I'd be more concerned on how she treated me and why she felt that was appropriate. I'm sure she is just keeping your health in mind but there are kinder ways of doing so. And she could have explained her reasoning to help you understand. And are you kidding me? If you turned beat red she should have said something to comfort you in her decision.

I'd be livid. Not ok. And let's face it, we are pregnant women with tons of hormonal changes. Whether she meant to be rude or not, she should've changed her demeanor when you were blushed.

I think calling and asking for the reason would help you feel better and not resent the test to begin with. I'd call my OB.

ginger819 · January 2016

texasmama2014 said:
Ok I'm confused? You gained weight after he was born, but are at the same weight you were at when you got pregnant? Did you lose last pregnancy? Maybe since they're so close together and she saw the gain she's concerned that you're already at risk for type II? I don't know. Seems pretty strange to go straight to GD. I would take it up with my OBGYN to get clarification, the GD test sucks, and since you have a baby at home its really inconvenient to feel horrible all day after it. Is there another nurse you could request?

After I had DD I lost 15 pounds off of what I had weighed pre pregnancy thanks to having a terrible bout of morning sickness until over 20 weeks and the loss of appetite sticking around until about 2 weeks post partum. DH was literally forcing food into me. Then when my appetite came back I gained back the weight and now am the same weight as when I got pregnant last time.

I would have been upset if my Dr. or nurse had asked why I had gained it back. Maybe you could ask for a different nurse like a pp suggested?

ThisisNumber3 · January 2016

Due to my weight (I'm not gigantic by any means but according to BMI overweight/obese) and the fact that my first born was over 9 lbs (LGA). I had to have my glucose tested twice last pregnancy, the first time around 15 weeks, the second time around 25-28 weeks. They are just trying to make sure they can help you and your baby if you do have GD or later on go to develop it.

amandazap · January 2016

texasmama2014 said:

Ok I'm confused? You gained weight after he was born, but are at the same weight you were at when you got pregnant? Did you lose last pregnancy? Maybe since they're so close together and she saw the gain she's concerned that you're already at risk for type II? I don't know. Seems pretty strange to go straight to GD. I would take it up with my OBGYN to get clarification, the GD test sucks, and since you have a baby at home its really inconvenient to feel horrible all day after it. Is there another nurse you could request?

I had lost about 20 pounds during my pregnancy with ds due to my night time nausea.

Toricharline · January 2016

Since all of that is likely just based on her personal opinion, I would just tell her no thank you and wait to take it. Just because they tell you something does not mean that you have to do it. Especially since you have already been pregnancy before and had a healthy pregnancy. Talk to your doctor. Don't feel pressured or bullied into doing something you don't want to do. I've known "heavier people" to get GD but most people I've known who have had it are actually quite skinny and fit. Just do what you think is best for your situation, not just what some one tells you to do.

texasmama2014 · January 2016

amandazap said:

texasmama2014 said:

Ok I'm confused? You gained weight after he was born, but are at the same weight you were at when you got pregnant? Did you lose last pregnancy? Maybe since they're so close together and she saw the gain she's concerned that you're already at risk for type II? I don't know. Seems pretty strange to go straight to GD. I would take it up with my OBGYN to get clarification, the GD test sucks, and since you have a baby at home its really inconvenient to feel horrible all day after it. Is there another nurse you could request?

I had lost about 20 pounds during my pregnancy with ds due to my night time nausea.

Then unless she has some other reason to suspect GD she should have been a lot less harsh. Definitely talk to your OB about it, and see if another nurse can be assigned to you. (Not sure thats an option, there are only 2 medical aids in my office, not even nurses, and they rotate. However, I see an OB that has a private practice and I see her every time no matter what.)

amandazap · January 2016

I just put a call in to his nurse so fingers crossed that I can weasel my way out of this one and wait til the 6 mo test!

bananers · January 2016

I'm sorry she had such horrible bedside manner, but if a medical professional is recommending you take the test, why not just take it? Knowledge is power and the worst that could happen is you drank something gross and had another blood draw.

AmandaG225 · January 2016

I have a question for you ladies, I was told that I would need an early glucose test as well. I didn't get an explanation as to why but after reading your comments, I sure it is because I am overweight and DD was 9lbs 3oz at birth. I know the normal glucose test is done around 24w but I have know idea when an "early" one would be done. I am guessing maybe around 16w?

amandazap · January 2016

bananers said:

I'm sorry she had such horrible bedside manner, but if a medical professional is recommending you take the test, why not just take it? Knowledge is power and the worst that could happen is you drank something gross and had another blood draw.

I actually didn't mind the taste of it last time I had it (I got the fruit punch), I guess I'm one of the weird ones. As far as just taking it, for me personally, I just don't think it is necessary based on my medical history this early in the game. My dh is trying to convince me just to take it as well, but taking a test "just because I'm fat" doesn't exactly sit well with me. If I had a family history of diabetes or GD then I would absolutely get it. But I don't. I don't feel I know more than the medical community by any means. I have declined a lot of tests so far (Downs, syphilis, etc) this is just another one. Like I said before, I will still get the glucose at the normal times.

amandazap · January 2016

AmandaG225 said:

I have a question for you ladies, I was told that I would need an early glucose test as well. I didn't get an explanation as to why but after reading your comments, I sure it is because I am overweight and DD was 9lbs 3oz at birth. I know the normal glucose test is done around 24w but I have know idea when an "early" one would be done. I am guessing maybe around 16w?

I was only 9 weeks when this one was ordered.

bananers · January 2016

I guess IMO there's a difference between declining testing for Downs or something that wouldn't change the course of pregnancy, and testing for something like GD that would absolutely change the course of your care/maintenance. You say you don't know more than the medical community but going against medical advice is exactly that.

Your body, your choice. I guess I just wouldn't eff around when it comes to things like GD. (shrug)

amandazap · January 2016

bananers said:

I guess IMO there's a difference between declining testing for Downs or something that wouldn't change the course of pregnancy, and testing for something like GD that would absolutely change the course of your care/maintenance. You say you don't know more than the medical community but going against medical advice is exactly that. Your body, your choice. I guess I just wouldn't eff around when it comes to things like GD. (shrug)

Totally see your point and I have an internal war going on about it for all reasons we have been mentioning. I'm sure dh will convince me that I am being stubborn (shock) and come Saturday when I have my blood panel, I will probably swallow my pride and just do the damn thing.

cbpalagi · January 2016

I did it at 7w because I have pre-diabetes and I thought it tasted good...it just made me super nauseous and dizzy afterwards, but those feelings subsided by the time they drew my blood

StarLiteKiss · January 2016

I had to have the test done this time at my first appt as well! All of my kids were all under 8 pounds at birth. But Diabetes runs in my family and I am considered overweight. I am the same weight I was when I first got pregnant with my last child and didn't have to take the test until later in pregnancy. My nurse practitioner was the one who ordered it as well. The way I look at it is yes it sucks but they are just taking precautions. Plus this test gives them a baseline to compare to when it has to be redone again later on.

ThisisNumber3 · January 2016

@AmandaG225 - Last time I had them around 15 weeks and 25 weeks (maybe more like 26-28)

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