By Melanie Whyte; Popsugar
Pregnancy can be a roller coaster of screenings, tests, and health check-ups to ensure you and the baby are happy and healthy. One of these routine prenatal checks is the pregnancy glucose test, which screens for gestational diabetes. It's a relatively common condition that affects up to 10 percent of pregnancies in the United States every year, according to the CDC. But issues can arise with the baby's development if it goes undiagnosed.
Gestational diabetes is a condition some pregnant people can experience if their pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to control their glucose levels. Symptoms can include intensive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and bladder, kidney, or skin infections, according to Emily Volk, MD, FCAP, president of the College of American Pathologists. Leaving the condition untreated puts you at a higher risk for pregnancy-related hypertension, also known as preeclampsia, and can impact the baby's development. Also, "Too much glucose in the urine can be damaging to the kidneys over time," Dr. Volk says.
A pregnancy glucose test can help your provider know early on whether or not you're at risk for gestational diabetes. And if you are at risk, they can create a treatment plan that keeps you and baby safe. While there may be some fear around the pregnancy glucose test (it usually involves drinking a not-so-tasty sugary beverage to measure the body's response to sugar), it's a normal part of the pregnancy-care journey. Keep reading for a breakdown on what to expect from a glucose test during pregnancy in addition to expert tips on how to prepare for it.
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