A Natural Approach To The Glucose Test During Pregnancy
Pregnancy - it's a whirlwind, isn't it? There's excitement of new beginnings. Anticipation of meeting your little one. And let's be real, a dash of overwhelm thrown in there too. In the midst of all the prenatal appointments, around weeks 24 to 28, there's the Glucose Test.
Picture this: you're have to chug a full bottle of an orange drink on an empty stomach (ew!) That bottle is full of syrupy sugar and chemicals. An hour later, you get a blood test.That's how it usually works.
If that gave you the ick...same! So I have good news for you. It doesn't have to be this way. You have choices when it comes to the glucose test during pregnancy.
Let's dive into what this test is and how you can get it done in a healthier way. I promise I'll try not to sound so scientific :)
What is the Glucose Test?
The goal of the glucose test during pregnancy is to check if you have gestational diabetes (GD). This is when blood sugar levels become elevated, which can pose some risks for both mom and baby.
The blood test will tell you if your body was able to regulate your blood sugar after the sugar high from the drink.
Here's the thing, though: the amount of glucose consumed is what's relevant for the test. Not the drink itself. In other words, there are healthier ways to get your suga-high for the test.
What's in the Glucose Drink?
The drink given to women for their glucose test during pregnancy is called Glucola. It contains either 50, 75 or 100 grams of sugar in different forms. Unfortunately, Glucola has ingredients we wouldn't want to consume when pregnant (or ever!)
The ingredients will vary depending on the specific drink. However, most have the following concerning ingredients.
Red-Flag Ingredients
food dyes
brominated vegetable oil (BVO)
dextrose from corn (artificial sweetener)
sodium benzonate
A Closer Look
First, there's the food dyes. We've all heard of Red 40, Yellow 5, etc. And we all know they are bad for us. So why do they add food dyes in this drink? To make it look pretty? No, thanks.
Then, the BVO. This substance is banned in California and in many countries. BVO is actually patented in the US as a flame retardant.
Finally, the dextrose. An artificial sweetener that often makes people feel jittery and get a headache.
I know, it's pretty crazy! But don't worry, mama, you can opt out of all these chemicals. There are more nourishing and wholesome alternatives.
2 Natural Alternatives to The Glucose Test During Pregnancy
For a natural and balanced approach, my midwife offered me these options. You'll notice I included the amount of carbs for each food. This is because after you eat, your body breaks down carbs into glucose. The amount of glucose is what the glucose test is all about.
Option 1 - What I did!
1-2 eggs (0g carbs)
2 slices of bread (30g carbs)
8 oz Orange Juice (20g carbs)
Option 2
1 cup plain yogurt (10g carbs)
1 cup of strawberries or ½ cup of blueberries (10g carbs)
1 medium white potato or 1 small sweet potato (30g carbs)
These are just two of many natural alternatives that are possible. These substitutes for the glucose test during pregnancy offer a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. This can help prevent a sharp sugar high and the dreadful sugar crash that follows.
Empowering Ourselves Through Informed Decisions
I share my journey and the questions I had not as a medical professional, but as a fellow mama. And with everything, I think it's important to put things in perspective.
In the grand scheme of things, the sugar drink for the glucose test during pregnancy is probably not going to cause long-term health issues. Sure, it might just leave you not feeling well for a while. But let's not forget, it would be worse to have gestational diabetes go undetected.
The point is that we have healthier options when it comes to the glucose test and other aspects of pregnancy and birth. It's about understanding what's going into your body and the effects. Especially with a precious little baby growing inside. There's simply no need to subject our unborn babies to unnecessary harmful ingredients. No matter how small the risk.
In our mom era, let's remember to question the status quo. To advocate for alternatives that align with our wellness goals. And to work with our providers to find the best, most natural options for us and our babies.
So, mama, I encourage you to do your research, explore your options, and trust your instincts. You have the power to make informed decisions that resonate with your goals. And most importantly, don't forget: you're doing an amazing job!
*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.