Pregnancy is a time of great joy for a mother-to-be! It is also a time in a woman's life that could be a bit overwhelming. There are regular doctor's appointments, where the pregnant woman undergoes different types of testing in regards to her health and the health of her unborn baby. One of the most important tests that will be performed is the pregnancy glucose test. This is one of the steps in checking for gestational diabetes, which occurs when the placental hormones cause a rise in blood sugar. Many women have questions regarding this test, including what it is for, why it is necessary, and what happens if they do not pass.

What is the Pregnancy Glucose Screening For?

When a woman is pregnant, her doctor will typically recommend the glucose screening to check for gestational diabetes, a high blood sugar condition that affects some expectant mothers. Since gestational diabetes rarely has any other symptoms, this test is important in order to determine if a woman has it.

There are risks associated with gestational diabetes.  Just a few being the mom having high blood pressure and risks of preeclampsia.  There's possibility of having a large baby with broad shoulders (shoulder dystocia) and this can cause issues during delivery, potentially leading to NICU care. 

Remember, that a positive result does not always indicate gestational diabetes! If you test positive on the glucose screening, your doctor will perform the glucose tolerance test, which will tell you definitively whether you have gestational diabetes or not.

If a pregnant woman is found to have high glucose levels, keep in mind that while they normally return to normal after delivery of the baby, you may be at increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

Is it Safe?

Yes. Talk to your doctor about any concerns.  The web can be amazing with the amount of information it offers, but also it delivers much mis-information from all kinds of sources.  The small amount you drink, the testing and science behind it, has shown this is a safe and important way to ensure you are healthy and especially your baby.  

When is the Test Performed?

Although the glucose screening test is usually done sometime between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, a doctor may recommend that it be done sooner. This is especially true if a woman is at high risk for diabetes or if you have high levels of glucose in your urine during early prenatal appointments. The test may also be done early if a woman is overweight, has an advanced maternal age, or has delivered a large baby in the past.

For the test, you won't be required to change your diet. You will be given a liquid to drink that contains glucose (it might taste like a flat orange soda), and your blood will be drawn approximately one hour later. If your glucose levels are too high, you will be asked to come back for the glucose tolerance test.

Tip: Make sure that drink is cold so you can down it easily!  You'll have to finish it in five minutes and also won't be allowed any other drinks or food during this duration of the test.  Book the test for early morning and it's a helpful idea to eat a good dinner the night before so you won't get too hungry.

How To Stay Healthy

As we all know, it is important to stay as healthy as possible during pregnancy!

It's amazing that just walking during pregnancy can manage your blood sugar levels.  Make sure to eat a rainbow of nutritious foods.  Sweet cravings are okay, but balance them with your walks and healthy foods for baby and mom.

Even if the test is negative, you still need to monitor what you eat and limit your sugar intake. It is essential to consume whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and foods that slowly release sugar. Your doctor can provide detailed information regarding the best foods to eat, and whether it is safe for you to exercise.

It may also be recommended that you consult a nutritionist. Managing your blood sugar is vital for your health and your unborn baby.

What if the Glucose Test is Positive?

If the glucose screening test and the tolerance test are both positive, you may be prescribed an anti-hyperglycemic medication to help control your blood sugar. Insulin injections are also common in treating gestational diabetes. It is important to monitor your blood sugar throughout your pregnancy. You'll do this by pricking your finger with a tiny needle first thing in the morning and an hour or two after meals to test your glucose levels. Although this may be slightly uncomfortable, remember that you are doing it for your health and for the health of your baby.

When managing your blood sugar levels during pregnancy, it is important to know which symptoms may indicate high blood sugar. Call the doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Nausea
• Extreme thirst
• Blurred Vision
• More frequent urination than normal
• Extreme Fatigue

Your doctor will provide you with the necessary steps to take, and may refer you to a specialist in order to control your blood sugar levels.

As many as 18% of women experience gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This condition can increase the chances of delivering a baby that weighs more than 9 pounds. It can also increase the need for a cesarean section, as well as raise the risk for preeclampsia.

By controlling gestational diabetes, you can go on to have a healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. Make sure to communicate any questions or concerns with your doctor. He or she can best advise you on how to manage your glucose levels during this time.

If you are at the time of having a glucose test or have passed this time, then you're more than halfway towards the end of your pregnancy! Now is the time to go over your Third Trimester Checklist and stock up on comfy nursing tanks and nursing hoodies for when the baby arrives!

Keep going, mama! You're doing great!

Going through pregnancy can become more challenging if you're used to eating certain foods during your pre-pregnancy days. However, you know how important eating healthy is to your own health and to the health of your growing baby.

The good news is if you're looking for the best possible nutrition, superfoods have become the new go-to source. You're perhaps new to this category of health food.

What kind of superfoods should you consume? It's best to think of some of the newer superfoods out there that not many think about. Maybe some you've never heard of! Take a look at 13 of them and when you should consume them during each trimester.

1. Egg Yolks

You're seeing many superfood experts saying egg yolks are becoming important in baby development during your first trimester. One reason is the fat-soluble vitamins inside of the yolks. Vitamin D, in particular, helps stave off many potential diseases. Plus, choline in eggs yolks aids in developing your baby's brain. Stick to pasture raised, no soy, organic eggs. They cost more, but they are better for you and taste great.

2. Almonds

While a basic superfood, don't overlook having at least a few almonds every day. A quarter cup of these provides enough Vitamin E to further develop your baby's cognitive functions while in early pregnancy stages. The more you can nurture your baby's brain, the smarter our next generation becomes.  Brain boosting foods are just as important for the baby in the womb as it is outside the womb.  Raw almonds are great to keep in the car so you can eat a few at some point during the day. 

3. Liver

Eating liver might sound highly unappealing, but it's a great multivitamin source without having to take a supplement. It also contains important Vitamin A, and it's more effective from food than through a supplement. Besides, many pregnant women don't get enough Vitamin A. Limit consuming this type of meat to once a week or only every other week. 

You might want to use small amounts of liver in other meats if you're skeptical of the taste.  Try chicken liver chopped small, sauteed in olive oil with a bit of minced garlic, onions, and parsley. Goes yummy with rice on the side. 

4. Spirulina

As a good source of iron, spirulina is a great source as you progress to your other trimesters. You'll especially like this if you don't want to eat meat.  It is great in smoothies or in an acai bowl.  When you are at your local juice shop ask them to put just a bit in your smoothie. 

It's possible to buy spirulina in a health food store to add to various foods.  Buy only top high-grade spirulina and as studies don't confirm that this is okay for everyone during pregnancy, and do consult your doctor first before consuming spirulina.  Use only a small amount...everything in moderation.  

5. Quinoa

This is a great protein source, and it's also designed for vegetarians. You'll find lots of fiber here as well, giving you more than your needed requirement per day.  Wash it very well in cold water before preparing and try in a salad, or as a side to protein. 

6. Coconut Water

Here you have a very safe superfood beverage you can drink that helps with early pregnancy stages and provides electrolytes. When facing morning sickness, you could become dangerously dehydrated. Coconut water prevents this from happening, though make sure the product you choose is pure and without sugar.  It's perfect for breaking up the monotony of plain water all day. 

You'll discover this type of waterworks in numerous other positive ways from boosting energy to regulating your moods.

7. Seaweed

Maybe this sounds as unappealing as liver, yet it's a good source of iodine for baby brain development. Many pregnant women don't get enough of iodine to suffice.

It should be the highest quality of seaweed. 

You can place seaweed in different foods from soup, salad, to a broth.  A favorite is avocado rolls where you get the best of seaweed and healthy fat combined.  Seaweed snacks are delish as well. 

Only use very limited amounts, all in moderation.  Ask your doctor before incorporating seaweed to be sure what is good for you.

8. Pumpkin Seeds

As oddball as it sounds to eat pumpkin seeds, they have magnesium, manganese, copper, protein, and zinc. You can get your daily supply of these essential vitamins by eating pumpkin seeds in different forms, as in roasted or salted.  Choose the raw kind to get the most nutrition out of them.  It's a perfect salad or oatmeal topper. 

9. Avocados

Many women in early trimesters use avocados to ward off morning sickness. You can keep on eating them through other trimesters to get your healthy fats and gain lots of fiber.  This is the perfect snack! Avocado toast anyone?

Quick and Simple Avocado Toast

• slice of your favorite bread, toasted
• spread thin, olive oil on top
• sliced or mash organic avocado 
• place the fried egg on top
• sprinkle sea salt, cracked pepper, and crushed chili flake
• garnish with cherry tomato, radish, basil, or anything else you like!

10. Bone Broth for More Minerals

The more minerals you can take in, the healthier your baby's body is going to become. Bone broth is an excellent source of calcium and magnesium as just two. In addition, this is a better source if you don't like dairy products.  Seasoned bone broth soup is delicious on a cool evening with noodles or veggies to satisfy any palette. 

11. Dates

In your final trimester, consider eating dates since evidence shows they help soften the cervix for when you give birth. Besides that, they're high in fiber and give you plenty of energy when you need to keep going.  This is a healthier form of sugar if your cravings sweets.  Try a banana oatmeal date shake!

12. Pineapple

As another late-stage pregnancy superfood, pineapple is also said to soften the cervix. It pays to mix some dates with pineapple in some of your meals since you won't find any better superfoods for the final stressful month before going into labor.  Pineapple is also perfect in kale or spinach smoothies to hide the greens flavor and sweeten things up. 

13. Kale & Spinach

Don't forget about plain old kale and spinach, something you can consume every day through each trimester. There isn't any better superfood containing everything you need.

Those of you who don't love the taste of kale can blend it into a smoothie for a power drink, or chop some spinach on top of pizza or in a salad.  Try buying organic only and the kind that is already triple washed so it's very easy to incorporate into your diet.

Easy Blueberry Spinach Smoothie

• Vitamix or Nutribullet necessary
• a handful of raw spinach
• cup of organic frozen blueberries
• one cup favorite greek yogurt - strawberry, blueberry, vanilla flavors work well
• half of a ripe banana
• organic apple juice 
• a few ice cubes
• blend until smooth

Keep reading us at robertwilsonassociates to learn more about proper diet tips while pregnant. Check out our prenatal and postnatal apparel as well to keep you prepared now and for the future.