Gestational Diabetes Screening in Leesburg
Expecting mothers should get a gestational diabetes screening in Leesburg during their second trimester, beginning at or beyond the 24-week mark. With this test, our obstetrics professionals can determine if a woman may develop diabetes despite not having this illness before pregnancy. This screening includes a complete medical history, an examination for certain risk factors, and an oral glucose tolerance test.
It is important to note that a patient with a family history of diabetes, is at risk of developing this illness during pregnancy. In addition, women could be at high risk of diabetes if they were overweight or obese before pregnancy. In these cases, a diabetes screening may take place as early as 13 weeks.
How Does a Glucose Screening Determine Gestational Diabetes?
The glucose challenge screening is a standard test for gestational diabetes in Leesburg and Centreville. It is typically performed during the early part of the third trimester. The glucose challenge screening is an initial test and requires no preparation or fasting. For the test, the expecting mother drinks a thick, sweet liquid. Then, an hour later, the doctor or nurse draws the mother’s blood. Blood glucose levels usually peak within an hour after intake. The purpose of this screening is to see how the body metabolizes sugar.
High blood sugar is an indication that the body is not processing sugar efficiently. If the test results are positive, a physician may order a glucose tolerance test. It is important to clarify that a positive result on gestational diabetes screening is not a diagnosis. Further evaluation is needed.
Preparing for a Glucose Tolerance Test
Unlike the initial screening for gestational diabetes, there is some preparation for the glucose tolerance test. Doctors recommend the patient eat a minimum of 150 mg of carbohydrates for three days before fasting for at least 14 hours ahead of the glucose tolerance test. For this reason, patients try to schedule tests for the early morning.
On the day of the test, a medical professional draws blood to measure the patient’s fasting blood glucose level. The patient will then drink a more concentrated glucose solution. After this, blood gets drawn every hour for the next three hours.
After the test, patients should arrange to have someone drive them home because there may be some light-headedness, nausea, or other side effects from the fasting. Pregnant mothers in Leesburg and Centreville should discuss any concerns they may have about the gestational diabetes screening with their doctor.
Speak with an OBGYN in Leesburg About Gestational Diabetes Screening
Remember, a positive test result does not guarantee that you or your baby will have diabetes. Pregnant women who test positive for gestational diabetes have treatment options. First is a change in lifestyle, particularly diet and exercise. Additionally, doctors may recommend closely monitoring your blood sugar levels throughout the pregnancy, and may prescribe some medication as well.
Screening for gestational diabetes is vital to your health and that of your baby. If you are a mother-to-be, contact our office to schedule your gestational diabetes screening in Leesburg.