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Pregnancy

Do I really need the GTT?

46 replies

Ivortheengine8 · 26/07/2011 20:00

OK, So I am supposed to have a test booked on Thursday for the GTT, I presume it is because my BMI is 32 this time around (I didnt have one two years ago with dd) I don't have any other risk factors. My BP has come down and is now under 120/60.

Anyway, I presume I will have to drag dd(21 months) off to the hospital and wait around for it, I don't have anyone to take her and I also have an appointment at the hospital on Friday with the consultant :(

Is it really essentiel and even if it was high wouldn't I just have to watch my diet?

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BikeRunSki · 26/07/2011 20:06

I am having one in two weeks, reasons being that I am over 40, my mum is diabetic and I had hyperemisis in first trimester and didn't eat hardly at all for 7 weeks, so may have messed up my liver and kidney function. I have changed it to a day when I am at work and DS is at nursery though, no way could I have entertained him quietly for 2 hours in the hospital.

I only know one person who did have Gestational Diabetes, and she had to have insulin jabs, so it may not just be a case of watching your diet.

Ivortheengine8 · 26/07/2011 20:12

Thanks bikeRun. Maybe I could change it to another day.

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nomoremagnolia · 26/07/2011 20:15

Take the test, and hope you pass.

GD is not just a case of watching your diet - I was on insulin for GD and was induced at 38wks as there are potential risks to the baby due to early placental deteriation/abruption. It's a serious condition, though I would admit to thinking about it like you are now (as an inconvenience) but it is a serious medical condition and a complication of pg.

BikeRunSki · 26/07/2011 20:16

My hospital were quite happy about changing it. I think they would have been less happy with a 3 year old charging around the antenatal unit for 2 hours.

nomoremagnolia · 26/07/2011 20:17

I would admit to thinking about it like you are now (as an inconvenience) before I knew what I do now about the risks

Ivortheengine8 · 26/07/2011 20:17

ok nomora, I think I just thought it was a diet management thing really a bit naive I know :(

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Northernlurker · 26/07/2011 20:18

Well first off you should not be having this test (or any test) if the reasons for it have not been properly explained to you.

I refused it in two pregnancies because i didn't find BMI as a measure in isolation persuasive as a reason to have it. I was also concerned that pregnancy in obese women is over medicalised with consequent adverse effects on their birth choices. Personally in your shoes I would refuse it at least if and until another indication arises

Northernlurker · 26/07/2011 20:23

Ivor - many women who are diagnosed with GD are able to achieve the desired blood sugar levels through diet. Insulin management is the next step but not inevitable. Nor is induction at 38 weeks though in many cases it is heavily encouraged.

Ivortheengine8 · 26/07/2011 20:32

Really Northern?
I think I remember that is why the midwife said I would be having it. I know 32 is a high BMI, but I honestly don't feel 'obese' I do need to lose weight after the birth I know I do and alter my diet a bit but generally I eat fairly well.
I think I will read a bit more up on it. It just seems strange to me how I am suddenly 'at risk' less than 2 years down the line.

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nomoremagnolia · 26/07/2011 20:33

For a lot of people it is diet controlled, so you're mostly right. Just for some they need to take tablets and for the unlucky few they need insulin.

MrsZB · 26/07/2011 20:34

Ivor they changed the BMI limit from 35 to 30. I didn't have it with my son 3 years ago but did this time.

I am glad I did though because it turns out that I have got it and am being very well looked after. I didn't have any symptons. I do think it is worth having. If you haven't got it, then that's great but if you do then you need to know.

nomoremagnolia · 26/07/2011 20:38

I still resent the GD for taking over my pg and for being the reason I had a very medical pg/induction/labour and weekly hospital appointments from 28-38 wks. At the time I was diagnosed I really thought it was a lot of uneccessary fussing but having found out more about it since the birth I am glad I 'did as I was told' regarding the induction and the extra monitoring.

MatthewWrightOffTheTelly · 26/07/2011 20:40

I don't think I could put it any better than MrsZB: "If you haven't got it, then that's great but if you do then you need to know."

There are very real risks to the baby for untreated GD. It is possible to have GD without a high BMI, sugar in urine or feeling ill. And yes treatment could be diet only but you would need specialist dietary advice not just "eating healthily".

If you have a risk factor I don't understand why you wouldn't want the test TBH. But it certainly sounds like a good idea to try to get it done without DD in tow. Good luck!

nomoremagnolia · 26/07/2011 20:40

Northern - why refuse the screening test? You're not being diagnosed based on your BMI but you are being offered screening based on identified risk factors.

Ivortheengine8 · 26/07/2011 20:56

Thats interesting mrszb about them having changed it.
So those of you who have had it. Are you allowed to wander around or do they stick you in a room and leave you for 2 hours?

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nomoremagnolia · 26/07/2011 20:58

I was sent away to entertain myself in the hospital grounds for 2 hrs. In reality I sat in the cafe sipping water and watching people enjoying their cooked breakfasts

MatthewWrightOffTheTelly · 26/07/2011 21:01

You should be allowed to wander around - some hospitals may be stricter than others as to the level of wandering allowed as exercise does affect your blood sugar. I'd be amazed if you got a room tbh.

Likely scenario
Fast.
Arrive early AM
Blood test (needle or pinprick on finger)
Drink sugary drink
Blood test c. 1 hour in
Blood test 2 hours in
Allowed to go home.

Hang around in waiting room or wander around hospital in between.
Take a snack and a drink to have as soon as you finish.

HTH

MatthewWrightOffTheTelly · 26/07/2011 21:01

You were allowed water nomoremagnolia?

MrsZB · 26/07/2011 21:02

Yeah, I went and sat in the cafe and read my book!

I was dreading the test but they were all lovely and it was totally fine.

IAmTheCookieMonster · 26/07/2011 21:02

I was sick halfway through mine! Getting up early, having no breakfast and only being allowed to drink one little cup of water through the test didn't agree with my morning sickness. But luckily the results were conclusive enough not to redo it.

Northernlurker · 26/07/2011 21:03

Exercise reduces blood sugar levels. For the test to be 'valid' you shouldn't be off running up and down stairs or whatnot.

nomore - I believe it is my right to refuse whatever screening I wish. I've said why I refused it. Bit late to second guess that decision 4 and 10 years down the line!

Ivortheengine8 · 26/07/2011 21:03

That true matthew, I'd be lucky to get a room once I go into labour there!
I think the appt is at 9.15 am. Maybe I could wear dd out by walking her around the lovely grounds....then she might fall asleep

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Ivortheengine8 · 26/07/2011 21:05

But I honestly don't know how I will manage without a cup of tea. :(

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nomoremagnolia · 26/07/2011 21:06

Of course it's your right to refuse I was just interested why seeing as it was the screening rather than diagnosis/treatment. I too would refuse to be diagnosed simply based on being in a high risk group, but wouldn't refuse screening.

BikeRunSki · 26/07/2011 21:16

When I had one with DS 3 years ago, all the ladies doing the GTT got to sit around reading magazines. No walking about allowed.

Also concerned about lack of food in the morning.

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