For many women, the process of getting tested for gestational diabetes ranks as one of the more stressful events in their pregnancies. After all, most of what most people hear about gestational diabetes is scary. Add to that the fact that most people know little to nothing about gestational diabetes, and the unknown can be terrifying. Just the words “gestational diabetes” is enough to send shivers down soon to be mother’s spines.
If you are worried about getting tested for gestational diabetes, relax. Information is the key to understanding, and that is exactly what you need to help relieve your fears about what comes next on this crazy journey.
Here are some facts about gestational diabetes testing:
Everyone Gets Tested
Every woman gets tested for gestational diabetes during her pregnancy. No matter your weight, medical history, or age, your doctor will have you tested for gestational diabetes. This is because any woman could potentially have gestational diabetes, no matter if she has every risk factor or none at all. It is for the safety of you and your unborn child.
Although every woman does get tested, there are some risk factors that can make certain women more likely to have gestational diabetes. Some of these risk factors include: being overweight, previous gestational diabetes pregnancies, previously having a large baby, and age. These risk factors make it a little more likely that you may have gestational diabetes, but do not mean you absolutely will. You can also have gestational diabetes if you have no risk factors, which is why everyone gets tested.
Gestational Diabetes Is No One’s Fault
Even if you have every risk factor, you are not guaranteed to get gestational diabetes. If you do, it is not your fault. Gestational diabetes is not something that you can cause, and there is no real way to prevent it. Remember, even women who are exceptionally healthy and have no risk factors can and do have gestational diabetes. All you can do is be as healthy as you can and follow your doctor’s orders.
Testing Is Easy
In the grand scheme of things, testing for gestational diabetes is relatively easy and not as scary as it might sound. You simply have to drink a glucose solution, and then have your blood drawn one hour later. Some doctors will ask you to fast before the test; others will simply recommend that you do not eat any carbs before the test.
There Are Two Rounds of Testing
If you do not pass the first round of glucose testing, there will be a second test. A large number of women who do not pass the first round of testing actually go on to pass the second round. The second round is similar to the first, but the glucose solution is stronger and your blood will be drawn three times in one hour increments.
Getting tested for gestational diabetes may seem daunting, but it is a lot less scary than many people think. Just remember to relax and know that you are going in armed with the knowledge of what it means to be tested for gestational diabetes. After all, it is all in the name of growing your healthy baby.
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