Glucose Screening Test Procedure in Pregnancy

Cravings in pregnancy are always at their peak. 

While indulging occasionally is fine, otherwise, it feels impossible to resist those sudden urges. Also, it’s essential to make wise choices to maintain stable blood sugar and support your baby’s growth.

Learning how to handle these cravings can help you prevent gestational diabetes and keep your pregnancy on a healthy track.

Knowing what to eat and when can satisfy your appetite without compromising your health. Here you will get every detail about the glucose screening test procedure during pregnancy. Let's get started with the blog.

What is the Glucose Screening Test Procedure?

Another name for the glucose screening test is the glucose challenge test. This test measures the body's response to sugar, which is also known as glucose. It is included as a routine test during pregnancy that helps to check the glucose level in pregnant women. 

If glucose levels are high, it may indicate a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes, a condition that affects mothers during pregnancy.

However, it can also be used to screen for type 2 diabetes patients or prediabetes before you have symptoms. 

Also read: Everything You Should Know About a Pregnancy Blood Test.

How is theTest Done During Pregnancy?

Do you know how the glucose screening test procedure works during pregnancy? This test is usually performed between the 24th and 28th week to check how your body handles sugar. You don’t need to fast before this test. First, you’ll be asked to drink a sweet glucose solution, which tastes like a sugary beverage. After one hour, a blood sample will be taken to measure your blood sugar level.

If your sugar level is higher than normal, your doctor may recommend another test called the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) for confirmation. The glucose screening test is quick, simple, and completely safe, helping ensure both your and your baby’s health during pregnancy.

How to Prepare for a Glucose Screening Test?

Before going through the glucose screening test procedure, it’s essential to follow a few simple steps to get accurate results. Proper preparation helps your doctor assess how your body manages glucose during pregnancy.

IMPORTANT:

• Eat a balanced diet with normal carbs for at least three days before the test.
• Fasting is not required for this test, but for OGTT, do not eat or drink anything (except water) for 8-10 hours before the test.
• Avoid caffeine, smoking, or heavy exercise before your appointment.
• Inform your doctor about any medicines you are taking, as some can affect results.
• Stay relaxed and wear comfortable clothing, as the test takes a few hours.

Also read: All Vegetarian Diet(Chart) Plan For Pregnancy.

What Happens After a Glucose Screening Test?

If you are doing a glucose screening test procedure and pass it, then it indicates positivity towards your health. In simple words, it means your body is processing sugar normally during pregnancy. Your blood sugar levels are within the healthy range, and there are no signs of gestational diabetes. 

However, if you fail your 1-hour glucose test, it means your blood sugar levels were higher than usual after drinking the glucose solution. This doesn’t always confirm gestational diabetes. But it may indicate that your body might not be processing sugar efficiently. 

The doctor may recommend a 3-hour glucose tolerance test. If those results remain high, you may be diagnosed with gestational diabetes and guided on proper diet, exercise, or treatment.

For high accuracy, you can book your glucose screening test at Redcliffe Lab. Here, you can get a 100% accurate report with a free consultation.

Final Takeaway.

Monitoring blood sugar levels during pregnancy is an essential part of routine checkups. This can be done through a glucose screening test, which helps ensure both maternal and baby health. For accurate diagnosis and expert guidance, you can book your appointment at Redcliffe Labs, where free consultations are available.

Regular checkups, prenatal yoga, and a healthy diet play a key role in managing glucose levels effectively. Early detection and consistent medical follow-up help prevent complications and support a smoother, healthier pregnancy journey.

FAQ

What to Eat Before 1 Hour of Glucose?

Eat a light, balanced meal with complex carbs and avoid sugary foods.

How to Prepare for a Glucose Fasting Test?

Fast for 8-10 hours, eat normally the days before, and avoid caffeine or heavy exercise.

What Should the Glucose be after 1 hour of Eating?

Blood sugar should generally stay below 140 mg/dL after one hour.

Can I Drink Water for an OGTT Test?

Yes, drinking plain water is allowed and encouraged during the test.