Glucose Test Pregnancy – Second Trimester Pregnancy Journal Weeks 21-28

It’s been a while since I’ve checked in with you all! Honestly, it’s because in the second trimester of pregnancy there isn’t a lot to talk about. I’m eating all the food, and feeling pretty good so not much to report on. At least that was the case until yesterday when I had my 1-hour glucose test during pregnancy. Spoiler alert, I failed. Ugh. So, here’s a rundown on everything that’s been going on, prepping for baby #2, my food habits, what to eat before glucose test is taken, the 1-hour glucose test normal range, my failing value, and what happens next. Glucose Test Pregnancy Journal Weeks 21-28

Second Trimester Pregnancy Journal Weeks 21-28 + Glucose Test Pregnancy Info

So things have been going pretty smooth. No changes since my last post other than the belly is growing, the kicks are stronger (and nearly constant, I swear!), and I’m pining for July when he’s finally here! We’re actively prepping for baby #2 and getting as much done now as we can.

Prepping for Baby #2

Since we have a toddler who will be 2.5 years old when baby #2 arrives, we’re actively prepping for baby #2 changes. This means getting the new toddler bedroom safety proofed with furniture wall anchors, outlet plugs, and cord covers for our baby monitor.

We’re also attempting to start potty training to avoid 2 kiddos in diapers. We’re not holding our breath on this one…

I’ve started compiling a list of all the things we’ll need to make life with two a little easier. You can check out our current list here but I’ll dig into this later in my pregnancy.

Food Cravings and Weight Gain – Second Trimester Pregnancy

My food cravings are all over the place. I’ve always been a person who craves specific food at any given time and I don’t like to just eat something to eat it. It makes meal prep a bit difficult but I enjoy eating and feel satisfied when I eat what I really, really want. So, while pregnant and the cravings are intensified, it can be a challenge to keep good food on hand and actually eat it before it goes bad.

Let’s just say, being pregnant over the winter in Minnesota has not treated me well. Being stuck indoors, the stick to your ribs comfort food, plus ALLLLLLL the holiday gatherings and holiday candy have taken its toll. At this point, I’ve gained about 5lbs more this pregnancy compared to the last pregnancy at the same time. At my most recent 28 week appointment, I asked the stand-in doctor (mine is on vacation for 2 weeks) if this was normal for a second pregnancy and I got the ugly truth. It’s not. She suggested I cut back on the snacking and focus on healthier options to keep on track for my remaining 11ish weeks.

Honestly, this was something I didn’t really need to be told. I just feel like yuck and I know it’s my eating habits contributing to that feeling. I gained 30 lbs last time which is smack dab in the middle of my healthy range and I’m shooting for the same this time. SO, I’m cleaning out the fridge and pantry today and getting back on track!

Wish. Me. Luck.

{At my 28 week OB appointment – yeah, I wore the fancy shoes}

 

Glucose Test Pregnancy Version

Pregnancy weight gain aside, things have been going great. I’ve been pretty energetic (the past 2 days not included) and my moods have been pretty good (again, the past 2 days NOT included – man that third trimester hit with vengeance this week!)

The biggest news came yesterday at my Glucose test pregnancy version (which is different than the type 2 diabetes version). As I mentioned, I failed the test. I had a bad feeling going into it. Possibly because of my eating habits, possibly because I had it at 2 pm this time vs. 8 am last time. Either way, I wasn’t confident going in and the results showed why.

Tip for getting the most accurate results: schedule it for early in the morning to get the best gage on what your number is before eating a full day’s worth of food. Which brings me to my next point, what to eat before glucose test pregnancy version.

What to Eat Before Glucose Test Pregnancy Version

It’s really important to not try to sway the test in any way. Gestational Diabetes (what the glucose test pregnancy version tests for) is not something you want to go untreated. It can cause problems with the baby and your pregnancy if untreated.

So, what to eat before glucose test pregnancy version. In the days leading up to the test, eat as you normally would. This will ensure you’re getting a real look at your diet and how your body is processing sugar. As I said, schedule your glucose test for early in the morning and avoid eating a breakfast high in sugar or bad carbs. Avoid cereals, fruit juice, and bread opting instead for eggs, meats like bacon and sausage, or cheese. This will ensure you’re not starting out with extra sugar in your system which can sway the results.

For the 1-hour glucose test pregnancy version, they do not take an initial blood draw so there isn’t a baseline to go off. You want the juice they give you to be what they are basing your sugar values off of, not your breakfast.

{Tastes like the orange drink for your childhood, not that bad!}

1 Hour Glucose Test Normal Range

The 1-hour glucose test normal range is going to be below 130-140 depending on your clinic/hospital. My OB uses 135 as the cut off for “normal” and anything over that will require a second, more precise 3-hour long test to determine if you actually have Gestational Diabetes. If your levels are above 180-190 you will likely be immediately diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and a second test may not be required.

My Failing Value + What Happens Next

Unfortunately, my results came back at 145, just over normal, which means I need the second test. I’m hoping that since I barely failed I’ll pass the next round. I also took my test at 2 pm and had a pretty terrible breakfast and lunch before I went in. I should have known better and prepared accordingly but I let my rough day and bad mood get the best of me and I ate the pie for breakfast. Ugh. Do as I say, not as I do.

So, tomorrow I go in at 8 am for the 3-hour test. I have to fast for 8-10 hours prior to the test and can’t eat until after. They’ll draw my blood before I drink the good stuff and then every hour for 3 hours. This will determine how my body is breaking down the sugar over time. More details to come but from what I have read, if I fail 1 of the 3 hourly tests they will retest in a few weeks. If I fail 2 of the hourly tests I’ll be diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. Then, I’m not sure what happens.

I’ll keep you all posted on exactly what happens at the test and how it all turns out. Wish me luck and send me all the good vibes! I’M SO NERVOUS!

 

Ending My Second Trimester of Pregnancy

My second-trimester pregnancy symptoms were mild and overall I felt pretty good. Tired here and there and sleep was hit or miss but really, it’s been uneventful. The third trimester starts officially at 28 weeks and as you can see, it came in with a bang. I’ve been exhausted the last couple days and the moodiness is hitting as well (sorry family!). But the biggest challenge is definitely dealing with the glucose test pregnancy version and the possibility of having gestational diabetes. I’m praying for good news!

 

Did you fail your 1-hour glucose test pregnancy version? If so, did you pass the 3-hour test?

Share your experiences in the comments below!

 

Until Next Time,

XO,

Meg