How necessary is the gestational diabetes test?

**sasha** · May 7th, 2008, 01:13 AM

Really, if you're not at risk at all? I mean, I am assuming that being at risk would include weight gain or other symptoms, am I right?

It's just... it's really yuck. And I'll have to find care for S when I go, and it's a long way to drive, and I don't think I need it. But I want to be really informed so that I can say "no" and have them respect my well-informed decision LOL!

**Antheia** · May 7th, 2008, 01:30 AM

Personally i wouldn't risk skipping the test. GD can be dangerous if not treated. Yes many things can increase your risk but i don't think anyone has zero risk. I think there is always still a chance of getting it. But it is up to you, so if you don't want to get it done then that's fine. I would just research a lot about the symptoms so you can keep a look out if anything becomes suspicous.

**Schmickers** · May 7th, 2008, 04:46 AM

Not necessarily very necessary at all. Many hospitals have stopped offering it routinely, unless there are other risk factors. The information available varies, and so there is no clear guideline as to whether testing is beneficial or not. From an Australian research project that aims to rationalise investigations during pregnancy:

In the absence of high level evidence to either support or abandon the
practice of screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), midwives
and doctors may reasonably a) not offer screening b) selectively offer
screening to all women with risk factors or c) offer screening to all
pregnant women.

http://www.3centres.com.au/guideline..._screening.pdf

It should be noted that in the full booklet the 3 Centres Collaboration produces, they suggest having the test, but essentially this is only because it is what has always been done - as they themselves point out, there is not enough evidence for them to recommend it or rule it out.

**~Raven~** · May 7th, 2008, 06:50 AM

I don't think being overweight is always a factor in GD. One lady from my anti natal classes had it and she wasn't.

**Chocaholic** · May 7th, 2008, 07:05 AM

I have been asked by my Ob and GP to do the full test (which is two hours) rather than the screening test (which is one hour). I did not have GD with my first child but because he was a reasonably big baby (4.3 kg), they both believe there is a higher chance that I will get GD. Oh, I am overweight and my grandfather had diabetes so they are other risk factors apparently.

I know the test is gross but I would prefer to rule out GD rather than having to continually watch for symptoms. After all, if it can help safeguard my baby against complications during the pregnancy then I want it.

It is your choice and regardless of what your choice is, if you are comfortable with it then go for it.

**Cricket** · May 7th, 2008, 07:09 AM

What are the other risk factors for GD? When they check your urine for glucose spilling - would that be an early warning sign, or would you be in fairly rough shape by then? It seems to me that if everything is progressing normally, with clear urine tests every time, and a "normal" growth rate for mother and baby, that you would be OK to pass on the test. But I suppose it's always better to be safe than sorry.

**visitor1** · May 7th, 2008, 10:45 PM

I don't think being overweight is always a factor in GD. One lady from my anti natal classes had it and she wasn't.

I am overweight and ive never had it with either child...not even close to a high level...

**[M]umma[M]ia** · May 8th, 2008, 07:47 AM

yes u need to go have the test! that is why its there....one day of drinkin that sweet stuff aint gonna kill you. u dont have to be overweight or anything to have it and if u do and dont know u cud be putting ur baby at risk.