Last Wednesday I took the dreaded 28 week glucose screening to check for gestational diabetes, a high blood sugar condition that some women get during pregnancy.I was prepped beforehand. The midwife told me to have a low-carb, high protein breakfast, and that when I arrived for my appointment, they'd have me drink a sugary solution (dubbed orange death by my doula), wait an hour and then they'd draw my blood.
So Wednesday morning I housed my greek yogurt/fiber one concoction, had my one cup of caffeinated coffee and headed off. Upon arrival - well, since this joint always runs 30 minutes late if you're not the first appointment in the a.m., 30 minutes after arrival - they handed me this bottle, which was full of orange liquid, and told me that the clock started when I finished it.
Glug, glug, glug. Orange death. It took me about 3 minutes to drink. It tasted like the syrup they use to make Fanta. Before they mix it with the carbonated water. Not that I've ever tasted it. But, in my head I have.
Anyhow, down it went. I almost vomited, but was told that if I did, I'd have to come back another day and start all over, so I thought happy thoughts and swallowed the excess saliva. Joy.
My midwife had told me that her very unscientific opinion was that people who hate the drink are usually negative. Those who don't mind it (aka have a real sweet tooth) often test positive. Maybe her unscientific opinion deserves a journal article because today they called and told me I was all clear - a huge relief. The test is known for producing a plethora of false positives, which then results in the patient having to endure an extra long test.
Here's a description: For three days before the test, you'll be told to eat at least 150 grams of carbohydrate a day. If you eat a normal diet and have an extra piece of bread at each meal, you'll likely be getting enough carbs. For eight to 14 hours before the test, you can't eat or drink anything but sips of water (and you're not supposed to smoke or exercise either), so you'll want to schedule it for first thing in the morning. When you arrive for the test, the technician will take a blood sample to measure your "fasting blood glucose level" and then ask you to drink either a more concentrated dose or a larger volume of the glucose solution. Then brace yourself for three more arm pricks, as your blood is tested every hour for the next three hours. The technician should alternate arms each time she draws your blood.
So, I'm pleased as punch that I passed. Orange punch that is...
