Gestational Diabetes and Other Testing

[oct08]

Hi!
I'm due Oct 08, so am currently 26 wks. I have just been to my obstetrician (who is great, but EXTREMELY laid-back). I did a urine test to check for protein, but have also read about other tests that should be done around this time :


Glucose levels checked (gestational diabetes)
Blood test to check iron levels
Antibody screen
Vaginal swab to measure for bacteria (group B strep screening)

I mentioned the check for gestational diabetes to my obs but he said I didn't need it since I'm not obese and don't have diabetes in my family history. Though he did say he'd do the test if I wanted.

I just wandered if anyone has any comments on these tests I mentioned above, or any other tests I should be asking my obs to do...? He has said I don't need anything else done before my due date ... does this sound right, or am I just worrying too much?!

Thanks!

[youngmum2b90]

Hi there,

i am not due in october (i believe i will prob have baby in october tho)

i feel that way OB does all the tests but never does a urine test or anything (which worries me)

I had the blood tests for GD, iron and antibody at 27.5 weeks... i would have it as i had low iron levels so good thing to have it done!!!

Hope all goes well :)

[PrincessT]

The Gestational diabetes test is important as reults are not strictly restricted to those with a history of diabetes or who are obese etc.. they certainally are factors contributing to GD but they are not the answer to wether or not you will get it. A friend of mine, who is very fit (a PE teacher) and had no history of diabetes in the family had it and other I know with greater risk factors have been fine.

I didnt have an antibody screen during my last pregnancy and I think they would have checked my iron levels if it was needed during the bloods taken from the GD test.

The strep test is important if you are having a vaginal birth. Some women carry the group B strep bacteria in their vagina which can pass on to the baby. A swab is taken and tested. If you are positive, I think they put you on antibiotics. Thats all I know because I had a c/s and not too sure.

Hope that helps.
x

The strep screening is

[loulousmum]

My Dr does no routine testing other than the Glucose test, but I agree with Princess T - if there was a need - either arising from earlier blood tests or from how I am feeling, he probably would.

I've had two planned vaginal births and never had the Strep test!! Oops!:eek:

[oct08]

Thanks so much for your replies - they've been very helpful! I'll definitely be asking for the glucose test.

This is my 1st time on one of these sites, and it's been really good - I don't think you can have too much support!

Good luck!

[kirra]

Hi midwifes at my hospital insist all of their patients get the glucose test I guess it will help them as babies are larger with mothers who have gestational diabetes. I failed my first one yet again did this with my first preg. Hoping I will pass the second one again this time which I hate as its sitting in a waiting room for 2 hours.

Glad they made me have the blood test turns out I am very very anemic, Hemoglobin is fine but my body isn't storing iron, this is from not replenishing after the last preg. I have been very low emotional tired dizzy and not handling the basics of things the last month and now it all makes sense from not having enough iron, I really thought I was going mad thats a reason why I have not checked in here for a few weeks didn't want to bring others down.

Strange he wouldn't check that as some women are put off meat during their preg and won't eat any.

[Twiglet]

I got a whole info pack from my Ob when on my first visit. This is an extract of what myt OB does……….

Your First Visit
At your first visit routine tests called booking blood tests will be arranged these include


Blood group (ABO & Rhesus),
Screen for antibodies,
Haemoglobin,
Rubella (German Measles),
Hepatitis B & C
Syphilis

Routine tests at every visit
Urine specimen – screening for protein and glucose (sugar), BP , Maternal Weight – Not done every visit unless it is indicated, Ultrasound-by the obstetrician each visit
Gestational Diabetes 26-28 weeks
We routinely screen all pregnant women for gestational diabetes in pregnancy, at about 26-28 weeks along with your iron screen you will be ordered a
Glucose Challenge Test (GCT), which is a blood test taken 1 hour after you drink a high-sugar preparation.
If this is positive, a
Glucose tolerance test (GTT) will be done. A GTT is a blood test, taken 1 and 2 hours after you drink a high-sugar preparation. You will also be required to fast overnight for a GTT and book an 8am appointment with the laboratory. If you have a strong family history of diabetes you will automatically have the GTT.
Group B Strep is done at 35-37 weeks
At 35-37 weeks swab from the entrance of the vagina and the rectum will be taken to screen for Group B Strep. Ask your midwife at the next visit after your swab was taken & she will give you the result. The labour ward will already know & it will be documented on your hand held record (white card).
If found to be present, IV antibiotics will be recommended in labour.

Then there are additional test as required

[BazzasMum]

I had the lot last pregnancy. This time, the middies haven't even checked my urine!!! Slack huh?

Not getting glucose test, not in risk group. Had antibodies done at 9 week bloods, and again at 16 wks (nurse couldn't find my results). Had iron studies done at 16 weeks and 26 1/2 wks - no idea of results. Assume they'll do Strep B at 36 weeks again. if not, I'll request it.