Some women say that the worst part of their pregnancy is the blood glucose test during their second trimester (or earlier if indicated by your provider). That syrupy, excessively sweet liquid that many women find disgusting (but women with more of a sweet tooth may actually enjoy). Patients often ask whether the blood glucose test during pregnancy is necessary, so we thought we’d break down the reasons why YES, a blood glucose test during pregnancy is essential. It can be really difficult to predict which patients are going to have gestational diabetes, and the blood glucose test is the best way to test for it. Let’s dive into some of the reasons why knowing if you have Gestational Diabetes (GD) and treating it is so important to the health of both you and your baby.
1). Untreated GD can increase the risk of stillbirth
2). Untreated GD can increase the risk for C-section
3). Untreated GD can increase the risk of trauma to your baby during delivery
4). Untreated GD can increase the risk of your baby having a stay in the Neonatal ICU after delivery
5). Untreated GD can increase the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy
6). Untreated GD can increase the risk of preeclampsia which would lead to your baby needing to be delivered right away, even if he/she isn’t fully grown
7). Untreated GD can increase the risk of the poor health in the baby including: breathing issues, high blood sugar, and jaundice at birth
As providers, we don’t like sending our patients to get lab work done more than is necessary, but testing for Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy is essential to the health of both mom and baby. If a patient has been diagnosed with GD, their provider can give recommendations to help control blood sugar levels through lifestyle habits and sometimes medication as well. Your provider may want to monitor you more closely and will encourage you to monitor your own blood sugar regularly. Managing your blood sugar during pregnancy if you have GD can help minimize or reduce the above-mentioned risks to both mom and baby.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology is a great resource to learn more about Gestational Diabetes in pregnancy. Check out their website here. Request an appointment with on of our providers here. Our goal is the safety and health of both mom and baby, and we are grateful to be a part of your journey.