Sweet as Candy ;p

    Woke up early today because I have an appointment at the hospital to check my blood sugar, a routine laboratory test for women 24 weeks and above of their pregnancy. But why do we have to check this? Here's a little bit of information for all expecting and for those who wants to be soon.

       =  macrosomic or large babies/caesarian delivery


The glucose challenge test measures your body's response to sugar (glucose). The glucose challenge test is done during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes — a type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy.
     The glucose challenge test is done in two steps. First you drink a sugary solution. One hour later, your blood sugar level is measured. The results of the glucose challenge test indicate whether you might have gestational diabetes. If the test is positive, additional testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
     Most women who have gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies. However, without careful management, gestational diabetes can lead to various pregnancy complications, such as excess fetal growth — which may increase the risk of birth injuries or prompt a C-section delivery.
     The glucose challenge test is done in two steps. When you arrive at your health care provider's office or lab, you'll drink about 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of a syrupy glucose solution that contains 1.8 ounces (50 grams) of sugar. Often, the glucose solution is cola- or orange-flavored. One hour later, a member of your health care team will take a sample of blood by pricking your fingertip or inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. This blood sample will be used to measure your blood sugar level.
   
Results of the glucose challenge test are given in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
One hour after drinking the glucose solution:

• A blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is usually considered normal
• A blood sugar level of 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) or higher may indicate gestational diabetes

Some clinics or labs use a lower threshold of 130 mg/dL (7.2 mmol/L) when screening for gestational diabetes.
If the results of your glucose challenge test indicate the possibility of gestational diabetes, your health care provider will do another blood test — typically the glucose tolerance test, which is done over the course of two to three hours — to confirm the diagnosis. ( BY: Mayo Clinic Staff )

       It is indeed very important for pregnant women to follow the laboratory tests, antenatal check ups and scheduled ultrasounds to ensure the safety and development of  their growing babies. As one, I feel very responsible for the welfare and health of the life growing inside me that is why both my husband and I make sure to follow all doctor's orders. As an expectant mom, the enlarging tummy, kicking and puching fetus make all the seem to be little sacrifices that I have to do for her safety.