https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:52:44 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are/page/2#post-2457012 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 14:12:24 +0000 Finfan 2457012@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took it once with my first pregnancy. That baby was LGA and so with my next pregnancy, they tested me twice: 1st and 3rd trimesters. I passed the one hour all three times. The last time I felt so sick, I was sure I had failed but my doctor said I had an amazing result on that one. </p> <p>My first baby was 9 pounds 5 ounces and the second was 9 pounds 10 ounces. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are/page/2#post-2456174 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 07:03:47 +0000 Ree723 2456174@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for all the responses! I did some research as I was curious as to whether the UK and other European countries had a similar rate of diagnosis of GDM as the US. In the UK, the rate is at about 3.5% of pregnancies being affected by GDM; in the US, it is between 4.6% - 9.2%, depending on how the information is obtained (according to a 2014 report from the CDC). So whether the disparity is due to lack of testing here or if the incidence rate is just lower, I'm not sure. </p> <p>I also read more about the risk factors for what would make someone higher risk - apparently nearly 50% of the pregnant population here has at least one risk factor, which would warrant the test being done. Aside from the factors I listed in my original post, another significant risk factor is family origin as certain ethnic groups are predisposed to the condition. </p> <p>There also things they check through pregnancy - if you're gaining higher than normal amounts of weight and/or if your baby is measuring large for gestational age etc. I don't know, I'm not particularly worried about not being tested. I trust the health service knows what it's doing and if there was an issue with people with GD slipping through the cracks, they would change their practice.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are/page/2#post-2456079 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 23:31:55 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2456079@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It is standard practice here. And I would have the test anyways even if it was not. You can wind up with GD even if you have no risk factors. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are/page/2#post-2455452 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:52:29 +0000 petitenoisette 2455452@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am pretty certain it is standard practice. Though I failed the 1 hour test and then couldn't make it through the 3 hour without vomiting (happened twice) and then I almost failed my second go round so they made me check my sugars for two weeks anyway (I was fine). So I will definitely be declining the 3 hour in the future if I fail the 1 again and just go straight to checking blood sugar. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are/page/2#post-2455433 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:41:48 +0000 psw27 2455433@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Will probably get tested for the next baby, but I think they test everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are/page/2#post-2455425 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:36:12 +0000 QBbride 2455425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Autumnmama79: ahh no way! We probably passed each other there :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are/page/2#post-2455410 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:29:46 +0000 Autumnmama79 2455410@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@QBbride: We're downtown in coal harbour - we were in Lynn Valley yesterday for family day! Beautiful day yesterday and today :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are/page/2#post-2455388 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:18:58 +0000 QBbride 2455388@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Autumnmama79: that's so cool! What part of Vancouver? We're in North Van :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are/page/2#post-2455384 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:16:11 +0000 Miss Ariel 2455384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Like others have said, I didn't have any risk factors but still had gd. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are/page/2#post-2455378 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:10:59 +0000 Autumnmama79 2455378@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@QBbride: An aside, but I just saw you're in Vancouver. I didn't realize there were any others here! Nice to know :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455364 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:02:54 +0000 QBbride 2455364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sort of confused, isn't every test optional? </p> <p>I took the test because although I don't have any risk factors, I felt the risks of having uncontrolled GD far outweighed the effort in taking the test. My care providers would have been supportive in whatever I decided. That's what informed consent is all about :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455348 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:52:38 +0000 Autumnmama79 2455348@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Happygal: Yes! The scheduling part is annoying. I even asked if I could go do my groceries during the one hour wait and the lab was like umm no, we can't have you burning off any energy. Who has an hour to sit around?</p> <p>I like orange crush so I actually like the drink lol. Good luck with your test! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455319 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:35:54 +0000 Happygal 2455319@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Autumnmama79: I felt that way at first, and then I took the test. :wink: I had to take some deep breaths to not throw up (my rough reaction was probably the first sign I had GD!) I'm dreading it this go round b/c I have daycare and a job to schedule things around, and I gag a little just thinking about it. But still, off to the labs I go...... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455304 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:25:28 +0000 Autumnmama79 2455304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't even ask if it was mandatory. With this baby and LO1, OB said to go do it, so I did. lol. Not really a big deal in my eyes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455298 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:22:04 +0000 Happygal 2455298@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not optional where I am, and I think it's unwise not to screen in some matter.</p> <p>I'm 8 weeks along with my second and will be doing my first screening on Friday. Not looking forward to it, but I also don't want to bury my head in the sand. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455215 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 12:46:29 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 2455215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't have any risk factors at all but still had to take it all 3 pregnancies (a fasting, 2 hour one, nonetheless!). I even took it twice my third pregnancy because my OB was convinced I had it (baby measuring big). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455193 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 12:37:35 +0000 Torchwood 2455193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Seems risky not to test everyone. I had zero risk factors and had GD with both my pregnancies that went far enough along to get tested. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455084 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 11:38:02 +0000 NavyRN2012 2455084@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had zero risk factors, a previous pregnancy with no GD, and still was positive. It was so bad I had to be on mess as wel. I'd have hated to have missed that diagnosis. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455077 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 11:32:27 +0000 gingerbebe 2455077@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My HMO rides me endlessly about it because I'm overweight. I gained 15 pounds my first pregnancy and had a 6lb 15oz full term baby. This pregnancy, I'm currently up 7 pounds at 25 weeks and the baby is measuring in at 2lbs. I think I'm probably fine.</p> <p>But I had to take the 3 hour TWICE and during my first pregnancy I had to take the 1 hour twice on top of it. Now in my second pregnancy, I'm about to do my 3 hour for the second time this pregnancy on Friday. Its such a pain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455065 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 11:29:10 +0000 Cherrybee 2455065@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I failed the risk assessment so I was tested (and I had it). But most of my friends had no risk factors so they were not tested. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455029 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 11:15:28 +0000 looch 2455029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was pregnant in Europe, no test. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455026 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 11:14:01 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 2455026@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd imagine that US doctors will always have you do it because it's one more test they can bill for. Not that I'm synical or anything...<br /> I had it done with my first two kids. I was actually debating on what to do this time. In the end I will probably do it just in case. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2455016 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 11:09:34 +0000 autumnlove 2455016@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, the dr orders an A1C blood panel (with other blood tests) at your first prenatal appointment. If you pass, you get retested with the glucose test around the start of your 3rd tri. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2454998 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 11:04:47 +0000 pastemoo 2454998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ree723: Pretty sure it is standard in the US at late 2nd tri/early 3rd tri as a screening test. I wouldn't opt out because it is asymptomatic until the symptoms are causing problems and it is so treatable. I'd want to know.<br /> I hate the test and that drink, but I will do the test every time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2454981 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 11:00:05 +0000 Mrs. D 2454981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sslm: really? hmm... when I get knocked up I'll probably still do it though. I'm plus sized, and Diabetes runs on both sides of my family.<br /> But thanks for the info! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2454960 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 10:52:18 +0000 sapphire 2454960@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, I've seen a number of patients without risk factors who get GDM. I wouldn't be comfortable with skipping! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2454958 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 10:51:44 +0000 sslm 2454958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. D: you can definitely opt out, if you're with a midwife! My sister didn't do it for either of her pregnancies. I thought about opting out for this one (second LO), but I'm going to do it... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2454855 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 10:03:07 +0000 coopsmama 2454855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My first midwife practice only had you do it if you showed risk factors.</p> <p>My second didn't make me so it but did a blood test called the A1C to look at my risk and if that had shown markers we would have proceeded with more testing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2454844 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 09:58:51 +0000 Corduroy 2454844@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I researched skipping it with LO1 since I was pretty hardcore paleo, no risk factors, didn't want to drink a ton of sugar, and wouldn't have changed my diet much as a result if I had GD (my recollection of the GD diet is that it's very similar). I didn't want the fight with the doctor so I did the test anyway. It sounded like some doctors required/recommended a 24 hour glucose monitoring test if you skipped the GD test and I was really not interested in that. </p> <p>By the time LO2 came I tested without thinking twice. Second babies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-testing-for-gestational-diabetes-a-standard-part-of-pregnancy-where-you-are#post-2454819 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 09:46:59 +0000 Mrs. D 2454819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I"m pretty sure it's standard for everyone in NS. I had to do both the 1 hour and the 3 hour because I failed the 1. yuck! </p>