If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that I was absolutely not looking forward to having my glucose tolerance test at 27 weeks pregnant. Since I’ve never been pregnant before, there was only one reason why I was nervous about it… all the horror stories that I had heard.
People vomiting the sweet drink up and having to drink more. The drink being so sweet and disgusting. Waiting an hour was torture and the list goes on and on. Needless to say, all this hype made me concerned about the test.
You should know that the glucose tolerance test is not at all bad. I would say that the worst part (for me since many of you were able to eat/drink prior to it) was that I couldn’t have any food or water from midnight last night and on. I missed having water more than I did food, although around 830am I was pretty damn hungry!
My appointment was at 830am and when the orange drink (glucola) was brought to me (chilled), I just gulped it down. Many of you said that that was the way to do it and I totally agree. It had to have been no more than 8oz of drink, so really, it’s not bad at all. Plus, I was so thirsty that I really didn’t mind it.
Yes, it’s sweet, but not overly like I expected. It tasted like the Sunkist orange drink minus the carbonation. A breeze, I tell you!
Luckily after I drank the glucola I had my regular scheduled appointment. The belly is measuring a good 28 weeks from the outside and the little babe’s heartbeat was around 150 bpm. It sounded awesome and it’s something that I look forward to each time. At first I was probably so shocked that I was even with child and it didn’t really sink in as to what exactly I was hearing.
Now I can’t help but smile and look at my husband, who is also smiling. It’s just great!
I was up 3 pounds like past month and the nurse actually said “That’s great, you’re doing good!” It’s so funny to me to be congratulated (almost) for gaining weight.
I did talk to my OB about my anxiety because it’s just not getting better. In fact, it’s probably getting a bit worse and I think there’s a serious issue when I don’t sleep at night and check to make sure that the alarm is on like 10 times at night, even though I hear Tarzan turn it on. So strange.
Immediately what I liked is that she didn’t rush out to write me a prescription. I’m not one for popping pills for all occasion, so it was nice to hear her thoughts on my anxiety.
First, she said that it is normal and could be the extra hormones, or even something from my childhood that is resurfacing. This is really interesting because when I was little I was so afraid of some of the same things that I feel anxiety about now. Weird, huh?
She said that I should learn how to meditate and get to a “safe” place where I know that I’ve done all I can to protect myself and the little babe. She said that it’s important to realize that there are some things out of my control and getting freaked out about them isn’t going to make anything better. Very true.
She said to come up with a phrase or two that I can repeat over and over and combine that with deep breathing. Or I could even imagine myself in some kind of plexiglass bubble with a door and I allow each thought I want to come in the door. Everything else stays outside of my bubble. I know this sounds extremely cheesy, but the thing is that I’m willing to try and do anything first before having to resort to medicine.
I’m a firm believer in mind over matter and controlling my thoughts, but the problem is that I fall victim to my thinking all of the time. I just can’t wrap my mind around conquering thoughts that freak me out. Oh, I wish I was like my husband in this case. He’s a pro at doing this.
Anyways, I need to look for a “meditation for dummies” kind of book that will teach me step-by-step on what to focus on and how to do it. If you have any suggestions, I welcome them with open arms!
She also said that if I couldn’t learn how to do this to the point where I feel better, I could trey to take a Benadryl or two at night to hopefully put me in a deeper sleep so that my thoughts don’t keep me up at night and freak me out. She said that Benadryl is absolutely fine to take daily, so there’s another option even.
She wants me to call her in 2 weeks to let her know how I’m doing. If I’m doing better, great. If these above ideas don’t seem to be doing it for me, she would recommend something like Prozac. Now, before you jump all over me about Prozac, just know that I have reservations about this too, but if it means that I’m in a better place for myself and the baby, it just might be worth it!
After my appointment was over, Tarzan and I hopped on the elevator and went to get my blood drawn. The phlebotomist was awesome and I didn’t feel a thing when she drew my blood!
Once we left the professional building, Tarzan and I went out to breakfast. It was so yummy!
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I pass this test because I don’t want to have to do the 3 hour one. I hope to find out the results this week, so keep your fingers (and toes) crossed for me too!
Oh and if your glucose tolerance test is coming up soon, don’t fret. Really. The worst thing is that you might be hungry or thirsty, but the drink isn’t bad at all.
You might also want to read:
= a post from Mommy Jane 
= a post from Daddy Tarzan
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That’s interesting that they didn’t let you eat before the test. They’ve never done that with me before. And you’re right, it’s not THAT bad. Glad it’s over for you!
Good luck on your test results! I’m glad your experience wasn’t so terrible. Plus, it’s great that you got to have a “fun” appointment right after your drink. I’m sure that makes the wait between drinking and the blood draw so much easier to deal with.
Interesting info about the anxiety. I’ve noticed myself becoming more anxious lately, too – I didn’t realize it was so common. Especially the stuff about childhood fears resurfacing. Good information to have! I really, really hope you’re able to find peace without the meds.
Elaine – I was definitely in the minority when it came to having to fast. I’m not sure why my doctor makes you fast, but I did read that fasting makes sure that the results are a little accurate. I just hope it will work in my favor
You can see my past blog about it here and all of the comments from others: http://www.hisboyscanswim.com/1820/glucose-1-hour-test-when-pregnant-to-fast-or-not-to-fast
Thanks Leanna – I hope I’m able to as well. It’s such a weird place for me to be in right now because all of these feelings are so completely new to me. At times I do feel like I’m crazy and very OCD about the whole thing. It’s so bizarre. Hopefully I will be able to wrap my mind around it all and make myself a little less crazy and a lot more sane!
Everyone always told me how horrible the test would be. I don’t drink soda or anything sweet really, so I stressed about it. You’re right…it isn’t bad. Just turn the bottle up and drink it down. And the appointment in between helps to pass the hour.
I had some of the strangest dreams ever while I was pregnant. All sorts of bad things would happen and all sorts of good things too. I walked alot during my pregnancy. At a nice pace and I could zone out all the noise around me….just a thought. My cousin used Benadryl to help her sleep while she was pregnant.
I enjoyed reading your blog post. I’m 29 weeks… and last week took my glucose test. I failed it… so yesterday was the 3 hour test. I’m with you on the drink… it’s not as bad as I thought. I was thirsty… just like you so I gulped it down… both times. I think it has more to do with your gag reflex as to whether or not you can keep it down. I was told during my first test the max is like 139 and I was 149. So hence the 3 hour test. My nurse said not to worry… she was sure I’d pass it.
She was WRONG. I found out today I failed two of the 4 blood draws. The first one by 1 point, the second one by 30+ points.
I know hormones have a lot to do with my emotional state… and yes, I’m dealing with lots of anxiety and crazy dreams. But I cried for hours today. I was crushed… devastated. I know it’s not the end of the world… but I’m 40 years old and this is my first child. My husband and I have been married for 2 1/2 years… and we started trying right away. I’m so blessed to be pregnant. But I’m also miserable. I had migraines a lot during the first trimester. Thankfully I didn’t throw up but maybe 2 times. I’ve been tired constantly. I’ve already had lots of swelling. I’m having to wear a maternity belt because of the pressure… and in the last month I’ve had horrible carpal tunnel.
Today, I saw a hand specialist and got some injections in my wrist. I was already a basket case from just finding out I had gestational diabetes. I was so hoping that even though I had to get these injections, I could finally get some relief. Imagine my surprise when the dr. said, “your hand, thumb and index finger will be numb for a day and then it will take a couple of days for you to start to feel the results.”
As soon as I walked to my car I busted into tears… again.
This is so much harder than I imagined.
And yes, thank God for Benadryl. I take it every night. It helps some… not like a true sleeping pill…but just glad it helps.
Next step for me is to see an endocrinologist. Not looking forward to it… but am looking forward to meeting my little boy soon.
I appreciate your blog and your sharing. It helps to not feel so alone in this experience.
I’m starting to be convinced that my doctor’s office is in some sort of Twilight Zone! Everyone gets the yummy orange drink (some have even said lemon lime!) and I got some nasty fruit punch
I held it down alright, but I would have much preferred an orange-soda flavor over fruit punch, which I’m not a fan of in it’s regular form. Glad it went well for you and all extremities are crossed for you (the ones that still can cross at this point lol!) 
I had my test last friday and like Jane it wasnt that bad.
I had a eat a carb rich diet for 3 days before hand and then I had to fast from 9 pm the night before. The hospital I am booked in with only do the 3 hour test right off the bat, so no one hour test for me, but I survived and it was no where near as bad as I thought it was going to be. My Fiance was not able to come with me so it was a long long 3 hours so I just sat and watched morning television, and I was starving afterwards but treated my self to a tummy breakfast afterwards, then it was off to work for the rest of the day. I get my results next week.
As for anxiety I dont suffer from it but my fiance does and it has become worse in some ways since I have become pregnant I struggle with how to deal with him at times as I can not fully understand what he is going through, His anxiety gets so bad that he thinks he is having a heart attack and has actually called an ambulance one time as it got so bad, he has been taking medication for it but hasnt taken anything for a while. I am so scared he will have a panic attack while I am in labour and he will be carted off to another ward and wont be able to support me while I am giving birth.
Thanks for this post. I go in for the glucose test Friday morning, but I think I’m just not supposed to eat or drink anything for an hour before my appointment. This is my first child too, and I enjoy following your exploits, since you’re just three or four weeks ahead of me. It helps me know what to expect!
FYI – My blog has several posts on my anxiety attacks and the decision to go back on Zoloft. My most recent post is a litany of anxiety. Misery loves company!
So glad to read this as my test is next week. I am 23 weeks.
Yes, I agree, the test was a piece of cake! I heard the horror stories too, but had no problem. My sis failed both her 1 hrs, but passed the 3 hrs. I think it’s cause her doc didn’t advise her to fast, as mine did.
Amazing that your doc gave you all that good advice about relaxing. Also, you might try doing like 10 mins of prenatal yoga right before bed. Or a warm bath or a 10 min walk. Or try falling asleep to your ipod. That always does it for me. And as a last resort: tylenol pm or benadryl.
I thought the GTT was super simple as well. I saw the results but haven’t had them explained by my midwife yet.
I stay away from the horror stories, this way I don’t fret about something that I don’t need to. In my 1st trimester, I was so freaked out about having a miscarriage. I was only worried about it because I was reading all sort of stuff online and in online pregnancy groups. Of course, I didn’t need to worry and everything was fine.
My friend gave me good advice. She said you need to trust your body and it will make sure everything is alright. Sometime our head gets in the way. This is coming from a person who didn’t get any monitoring throughout her pregnancy, no ultrasounds, no tests, etc. She just trusted her body to take care of things. It’s true our bodies have been doing this for ever, if it didn’t work right, there wouldn’t be any humans!
Glad you made it through your test
I did develop gestational diabetes with my youngest (I was almost 38 when I had him) but thankfully it was controlled by a strict diet (no fun, but so worth it). He was just over 8 lbs when he was born and totally healthy. (and he will be 18 in less than two weeks! )
You will be fine, and so will little Tarzan… what an adventure you are on!
Reading this is good for me because I will have this test on Saturday. Glad the drink doesn’t taste that bad but the part I’m stressed about is the blood draw
I just had my test done this past Monday. I wasn’t even told I was going to have this done but luckily had read about it here before going in. Luckily my appointment was early and I decided to wait on breakfast until it was over. The drink was just as you said. The worst part for me was sitting in a cold boring room for an hour until it was time to have my blood drawn. I still wish I could have Josh with me at these appointments but October isn’t too far off and he will be home soon.
i’m a little late with finding this blog, and have been reading it every night (i’m 37 weeks pregnant) ever since i found it to get up to date
this was a great post, i really thought i was alone with the whole anxiety thing and do THE EXACT SAME THING with the whole alarm thing haha. i’m so paranoid! and have been for a while. i hate that every sound makes me jump, and it keeps me up most nights. i feel really silly, but it’s great to know i’m not alone! i love this blog!
oh and, sorry to post another comment, and i don’t know if you back track to answer questions, but did it get better once little tarzan was here?
Aye Vee – So glad to have you as a new reader!! In regards to the anxiety – yes it has gotten a million times better since Monkey arrived. The first three weeks of his life were when I felt really bad w/ postpartum depression, so not sure if that covered the anxiety or if the anxiety just wasn’t present anymore. At 3.5 weeks I got on Lexapro for the PPD. I learned that the medicine is used to treat depression & anxiety.
Now Monkey is almost 10 wks old & I never ever ever feel like I did with pregnancy anxiety. Again, I’m not sure if it’s the Lexapro that is helping or if the anxiety just simply went away.
Good luck to you & I hope that it passes when your little baby arrives!