OGTT Test: Why Should Pregnant Mums Take One

OGTT in Pregnancy

The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is a common blood test performed during pregnancy. It determines your risk for gestational diabetes and monitors your blood sugar levels throughout your pregnancy. 

This test can be done at any time during your pregnancy. However, it is most commonly performed between 24 and 28 weeks gestation or after completing your first-trimester screening tests.

The OGTT involves drinking a 75-gram glucose solution, similar to one cup of orange juice. After this drink has been consumed, your blood will be drawn at specific times over the next two hours so that we can measure your blood glucose levels and other hormones that may affect these levels throughout this period. 

This process allows your doctor to determine if there are any issues with your metabolism or insulin production at this time in your life cycle, which would put you at risk for developing gestational diabetes later on down the road (or even requiring immediate delivery if necessary).

Why Is an OGTT Done in Pregnancy?

Your doctor may recommend an OGTT if he or she thinks that you might have gestational diabetes. It’s also used to check for other conditions, including preeclampsia (a type of high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy), Rh sensitisation (when your body has developed antibodies against the Rh factor in the father’s blood), and problems with fetal development or birth defects. 

During an OGTT, doctors also look for signs of thyroid disease, liver disease, kidney disease, lupus erythematosus (SLE), chronic hypertension (high blood pressure), and other complications.

Is OGTT Recommended for All Pregnant Women?

The OGTT is not recommended for all pregnant women, but it is recommended that low-risk women who are between 18 and 40 years of age receive one. This can help to determine if there are any issues with blood sugar levels or diabetes.

If you do not receive an OGTT during your pregnancy, you may still have a glucose tolerance test done after you give birth. This will help to determine if you have gestational diabetes.

Fasting for Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

Fasting is a term used to describe skipping a meal before your OGTT. You have to fast for at least 8 hours before the test. This means that you should not eat or drink anything except water. 

Fasting is an important part of the OGTT. The fasting blood sugar level is measured before you drink the glucose solution. This lets health professionals know your normal blood sugar level and can help them decide if you have diabetes or not.

What Should I Eat Before the OGTT Test?

The best thing you can do to prepare for the OGTT is to eat a healthy meal the night before—but not too much. You want to ensure you’re eating enough to keep your blood sugar stable but not so much that it causes indigestion or discomfort.

Aim for a balanced meal of lean protein, like chicken or fish, and complex carbs, like whole wheat bread or brown rice. You also need healthy fats like avocado or nuts to absorb nutrients and prevent insulin spikes.

Make sure you have something light in your stomach before the test (like water), so the test results are accurate.

Do I Need to Drink All of the Sugar Solution?

Yes! You need to drink all of the sugar solutions, even if it tastes bad. This is because the test uses your body’s reaction to the amount of sugar you consume, not just the number of glucose molecules in your blood.