Fasting glucose blood test

[moose007]

I've just received a letter from the doctor's asking me to book a fasting glucose blood test after I had a blood test last week. A week ago he midwife also found glucose in my urine but this week it was clear.

I'm reluctant to do this now for a couple of reasons; I'm now 38 weeks and could really drop any day and if I had to do any fasting, I'd be passing out! I had a blood test when I was 29 weeks and everything was fine then.

So, if the test was positive, what can be done now at this late stage? I mostly feel fine though I've been a little light headed on occasion, and eating something and sitting down usually sorts it. I have developed a bit more of a sweet tooth in this pregnancy, could that be anything to do with it?

I'd call your midwife, see what she thinks about this. Or the GP who ordered the blood test...
If you do have gestational diabetes, then it's probably better to know, even if nothing can be done at this stage.

The main risks for GD are actually after the birth. If your blood sugar is elevated your baby will have elevated insulin because it doesn't have diabetes. When your blood supply is cut off this extra insulin can cause a hypo for the baby, which can be dangerous. 50% of GD babies end up in SCBU on a glucose drip.

Also there is a likelihood of the placenta failing earlier and quicker than in normal pregnancies. If you do have GD then they will induce at 40 weeks to reduce the risk of this rather than letting you go over.

There's a thread here which may help. It contains dietary advice, which given you are 38 weeks may be less relevant but I also typed up my notes from my consultant regarding the risks and how they are mitigated.

I highly recommend you do the GTT, it really isn't the case that nothing can be done. If you don't have GD it would be reassuring to know that and if you do then there are additional risks to you and your baby during labour and after birth which really need to be managed.

Good luck and feel free to post on the GD thread.

The fasting's ok as they book the test for first thing in the morning, so e.g. fast from midnight, arrive at 9am for the test to begin.

I second happycamel, it is best to know.