Let’s talk about the one-hour glucose test.
For those of you who don’t know what this is, allow me to explain. This is a mandatory test during pregnancy that measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream. This checks for gestational diabetes, which can pose increased risk to the baby and mama-to-be.
You fast and have to drink the provided beverage, on an empty stomach, before waiting in the lobby for an hour to get labs done. Sounds simple, right?
Before I even considered being a parent I heard constant glucose test horror stories and every worst case scenario you can imagine. Once we found out we were expecting, these stories flooded my feed and became unbearable.
For the longest time, I feared the test. I was so worried about the drink and not being able to finish it. I had to unfollow several mom vlogs to keep from consuming these stories. Everyone emphasized how badly it tasted, though that wasn’t the issue for me.
One thing to know about this test is that you have five minutes to drink the glucose tolerance beverage. If you were to vomit before your hour is up and before you get your bloodwork – you’ve failed.
So there I was in my little waiting room, clutching this orange beverage, and praying that I don’t hurl. I take the first sip and, to my surprise, it’s not that bad. It tastes exactly like a flat orange soda. I pace drinking it over the course of those five minutes and I’m feeling great. I even make sure to get every last drop. I turn in the empty drink to my nurse and she directs me to the lobby of the lab where I’ll spend the next hour awaiting bloodwork.
I strut down the hallway and feel so elated that I made it. I finished the drink and didn’t feel the least bit nauseated. Though I’ve still got roughly 45 minutes to kill before my bloodwork. I spend the rest of that time on my phone. I scroll through social media, read some funny stories and anything to keep my mind busy just in case I start feeling nauseous.
I look up from my phone to scan my surroundings, as per usual, and say to myself, “The lighting in here is pretty hazy. I really should have brought my glasses in.” At this point I have 15 minutes before I get my labs done.
I look back down at my phone to avoid the “hazy lights” when my vision tunnels.
“Oh, no,” I think. My entire body goes into panic mode. I’ve had blackouts in the past due to low iron and they usually start with blurred vision and losing my hearing.
As soon as the thought leaves my mind that I may be about to pass out and need to ask someone for help, my ears explode with static. The sweat is creeping up my neck and I know that I have to alert someone that I am not ok.
Thankfully I sat right next to one of the receptionists’ rooms. I don’t remember standing up. I only remember having the realization that I needed to ask for help and then the words leaving my mouth while standing in front of the receptionist saying, “I’m really dizzy.”
I’m advised to sit down and that she would let one of the nurses know. Within what felt like two seconds, a nurse came through the door closest to me and called my name to come back and lay down. I spent the next 10 minutes lying there, fanning myself and battling what I surely thought would result in me passing out. Thankfully, after time and splashing cold water on my face, I was fine.
The nurses were super supportive and one lady even came in to fan me while the other drew blood. I left thinking surely I had failed, given my reaction to the drink. Though, a few hours later, and after one of the best naps, I got a call that I had passed.
Take it from me and be prepared for whatever your test looks like. It is best to understand that every person’s experience is unique. My experience isn’t going to be your experience!
Now, don’t do what I did and go alone, wearing a heavy sweater into a packed Alabama waiting room. Take precautions and wear comfy clothes, have a support system and maybe bring a tiny, handheld fan.
I suggest doing a little research beforehand, but don’t fall for the fear mongering. I thought these reactions stemmed from not being able to tolerate the drink, but turns out it’s pretty common. I didn’t realize some people had these reactions simply because that is a lot of sugar on an empty stomach.
My reaction, while not the most pleasant, didn’t indicate a negative result and with a very attentive nursing staff, was very tolerable. Go into the experience with an open mind and with the knowledge that there are people there to help you through it! No matter what your result is, you are strong and you’ve got this.
