Blood tests during pregnancy

In addition to the routine blood test at the beginning of your pregnancy, there may be reasons for additional blood tests. For example, if thyroid conditions run in your family, or if you’ve previously had a vitamin deficiency. A higher risk of gestational diabetes (Diabetes/Diabetes Gravidarum) can also be a reason for blood tests between 26-28 weeks of pregnancy.

During a normal pregnancy, your body produces extra insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. However, with gestational diabetes, this doesn't happen as it should, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Pregnancy hormones can also make the body less sensitive to insulin.



OGTT: oral glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes can pose risks due to high blood sugar levels. During pregnancy, we can detect gestational diabetes through the OGTT. The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) measures the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood at several intervals. For this test, you must fast. This means you should not eat anything after midnight the night before the test, and you must not eat or drink anything the morning of the test. Drinking a little water is allowed.

Impaired GTT: glucose tolerance test

If the glucose test shows elevated blood sugar levels, it’s important to control this as much as possible through diet. We’ll guide you through the process and provide you with a kit to monitor your blood sugar levels at home. Through dietary advice, extra check-ups, and additional ultrasounds, we’ll closely monitor you and your baby. Often, gestational diabetes can be well-managed with proper dietary adjustments.

More information on gestational diabetes