During pregnancy, your body will be poked and prodded from the inside and outside as your baby makes itself at home and your doctor monitors your health. Among the many tests you'll undergo, a glucose screening test helps determine whether your blood sugar remains at a healthy level. Although certain laboratory tests require you to fast beforehand, drinking flavored coffee before a glucose screening should be fine.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs when a non-diabetic woman experiences high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 4 percent of pregnant women in the United States experience gestational diabetes. Although the exact cause remained unknown as of publication, research suggests that the pregnant woman's developing placenta release hormones that block the action of insulin. When the body becomes unable to produce enough insulin or use the insulin efficiently, sugar accumulates in the blood and gestational diabetes develops. Untreated or uncontrolled gestational diabetes can cause health problems in your baby, including an excess production of fat, breathing difficulties and unstable blood sugar levels.
Glucose Screening
Occasionally referred to as the glucose challenge test, a glucose screening typically occurs during weeks 26 and 28 of pregnancy. No preparation or fasting is required for the glucose screening -- so feel free to enjoy a flavored coffee beforehand. At the time of the test, you will drink a very sweet sugary solution in an extremely short period of time. One hour later, a blood sample is taken and tested for blood glucose levels. A high glucose level could indicate that your body is not effectively processing sugar. In this case, a glucose tolerance test most likely will be required.
Glucose Tolerance Test
A preparation period is required for the glucose tolerance test. For three days before the test, you need to eat at least 150 mg of carbohydrates per day. Then, you will need to fast for eight to 14 hours before the test. Since you cannot eat or drink anything except small sips of water during this time, you'll need to postpone that flavored coffee until after the test. You should also avoid smoking and exercising eight to 14 hours before the test. During the test, you again will be asked to drink a very sweet sugary beverage. After consuming the glucose solution, your blood will be drawn and tested every hour for at least the next three hours. If two or more of your readings indicate high blood sugar levels, you most likely will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Considerations
As with any type of medical advice, there is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to pregnancy screenings. To ensure the health and safety of yourself and your baby, consult your physician regarding the types of foods and beverages you should consume and those to avoid before taking lab tests like glucose screening.
