It’s time for a check-up!
It’s that time of the pregnancy: 24 weeks, and Thursday morning I’m off to the midwife for a glucose tolerance test.
Ugh. I don’t mind drinking flat orange soda (though I don’t care for orange soda), but I do hate the part that involves needles. I’m just hoping I won’t pass out - that’s what I hate about needles. It’s only one blood draw if I pass the test, but if I allow myself to dwell on it I dread this test more than labor itself. If I manage not to dwell on it, it’s 5 minutes of unpleasantness, then a nice rest on the couch because they’re afraid to let me stand up too soon.
In spite of this, I can’t help but look forward to the appointment. I love being measured and seeing how much the baby has grown, and I love hearing the baby’s heartbeat! I even love the fact that it’s time for the glucose tolerance test, because that means I am nearly 6 months along.
But if you think of it, maybe you could pray that I won’t pass out, because Ugh, I hate when that happens.
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Filed under: pregnancy/labor
I don’t mind the needles, but the flat orange soda makes me gag.
I do love hearing little baby heartbeats though. That, I love!
I know what you mean Kim, I hate that test too and do NOT like having my blood drawn! I force myself to talk through the draw as if I’m not having it and somehow tricking myself into not thinking about
We are expecting again
We had a miscarriage last October and are now expecting in the end of October, so I’m in that really fun extremely tired and pukey season of pregnancy. I’m still need to try out those legumes (but the funny thing is that I made some beans and then mashed them and I had to feed them to the chickens because I couldn’t bring myself to eat them because I was feeling so sick. How’s that for backwards?! I think I might have to try some store bought in a can ones!
Hope your test goes well and that you don’t pass out!
Oh I never enjoyed these either! And I don’t even mind orange soda! I will be praying that all goes well and will be eager to hear your good report!
You know, you should do some research on this (if it’s not too late). I really would not recommend that test, there are alot of questions if it is necessary or conclusive. Have you had GD in the past? Or big babies?
Jana,
Thanks for your input on this. I have done a bit of research on the subject. I’m not one to submit to needles without question.
I used to decline the test, but our 8th daughter was stillborn in 2004. I had most of the symptoms of GD and that was the best guess as to the cause of death, so now we do the test.
Although I’m not diabetic, I do monitor my glucose levels occasionally to keep in tune with my low blood sugar symptoms and I am often very low.
I’ve always passed the glucose tolerance test with no trouble since my blood sugar tends to be very low rather than high, but I’ve never felt as bad or gained as much weight as I did during that pregnancy. I think it’s entirely possible that I had GD that time, which makes it very possible that I will have it with future pregnancies.
I’ll say a little prayer that you don’t pass out, Kim.
Jenni (that’s my daughter’s name!) — congratulations on being pregnant! Hope the pukey stuff passes soon.
I had GD with m y last pregnancy, and was easily (except for the fact that it was summer and I REALLY missed ice cream) able to control it with diet.
I always looked forward to my OB visits too. I loved hearing the heartbeat!
Good luck — it will be over before you know it!
I hate tests too, but can see why you do this one….hope it goes well.
I’m with Carletta!
We’re newly expecting #6! YAY!!! Due around the same time as Jenni (later, with my track record). ‘Been very blessed with minor nausea (ducking!)
God bless! I’ll pray!
I have had 5 out of 7 pregnancies with gestational diabetes. If you get a high reading on a one- hour test, they have you submit to a three- hour test.
After 2 or 3 diabetic pregnancies, I finally asked the doctor if I could skip the formality of the one- hour and go straight to the three hour test. (cue the crickets) He said, “I’ve..I’ve never had anyone ask me that before.”
He consented, and I was spared the uneccessary preliminary test.
I can take the needles, and I can take the orange stuff, but the HUNGER! Fasting, and then three and a half hours at the lab? I would always bring money and head STRAIGHT to In and Out for a burger before returning home. I would be shaking!
Now, I just start my pregnancies with the assumption I must watch what I eat and I begin taking my blood sugar readings after every meal. I skip the whole blood test altogether because of my history. I work closely with my O.B. and endocrinologist.
I would never recommend anyone skip the test for any other reason. It’s an importnt diaognostic tool with no harm to the baby, even if it were unreliable, which I don’t think it is.
Since you already know you have “sugar issues” I will add that I’ve been told that hypoglycemia and diabetes are really two sides of the same coin.
I have always gone back to “normal” after the baby is born. Glory to God.
I pray the best for a healthy pregnancy and baby for you:)
Blessings,
Suzanne
Kim,
I hope I didn’t offend or seem to be a know it all…I completely understand. And you definitely do NOT seem to be someone who does something without understanding it.
I also should’ve clarified…in my situation, due to *when* the test was given, I believe, they “missed” diagnosing me with my 3rd baby and I ended up with a big baby, but praise God no complications. On my 4th pregnancy, again the early test would’ve missed it most likely, but later I had other symptoms and began home testing and altering my diet and felt wonderful, best I’ve ever felt and had the most “normal” sized baby yet.
Again, sorry for not being more clear and my presumptions…
Blessings on a very healthy pregnancy!
Jana,
I didn’t take it that way at all, and I’m not easily offended anyway. I enjoy hearing from others who are willing to ask these questions rather than meekly doing what they’re told. We can be like the Bereans in more than just one way.