Preparing for Gestational Diabetes Screening

Tips and Insights Provide information on the glucose screening test, including preparation tips and understanding potential results.​

What to Know (and How to Prep) for Your Gestational Diabetes Screening
A calm, conscious guide for mamas navigating the glucose test with clarity and confidence.

🌿 First, take a deep breath...

If you've got that gestational diabetes screening appointment circled on your calendar, you're likely wondering what to expect—and maybe feeling a little unsure about how to prepare. This is one of those "milestone moments" in pregnancy that doesn't get as much airtime in mom groups or bump apps, but it carries real importance. Not because something is necessarily wrong, but because this is how your provider helps keep both you and baby safe and thriving.

And while it might sound like "just another test," for many moms, this one can stir up a lot of emotions—concern about the results, confusion about how to prepare, even guilt about what we've been eating (you are not alone in that). The good news? There's nothing to fear, and you don't need to go into this blind. With a few holistic tips and a solid understanding of how the test works, you can walk into your screening feeling grounded, informed, and in tune with your body. Let's talk about what's happening behind the scenes with gestational diabetes, how the screening fits in, and the most balanced ways to prepare without stress.

🧃 What Is the Gestational Diabetes Screening?

Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, most providers recommend a glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes (GD). This is a type of temporary diabetes that can develop due to the hormonal shifts in pregnancy, which sometimes affect how your body processes sugar.

Here's what's going on in simple terms:

Pregnancy hormones can make your body less sensitive to insulin (the hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells). If your body can't keep up with the extra demand, glucose levels rise—and that's where gestational diabetes can show up. It's not your fault and doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. It simply means your body is adjusting in a new way, and we want to support it.

🩺 How the Test Works

There are two main types of tests, but the initial glucose challenge test (GCT) is the one most mamas take first:

The One-Hour Glucose Test (GCT):

• You'll drink a sweet, glucose-rich beverage—usually about 50 grams of sugar.
• Flavors vary (think: orange soda, flat Sprite, or fruit punch).
• You'll wait for 1 hour, during which you shouldn't eat or drink anything else.
• After the hour, your blood will be drawn to see how your body processed that sugar.

If your result is higher than the threshold your provider uses, you may be asked to take a follow-up 3-hour glucose tolerance test (GTT) for a more detailed look. That longer test involves fasting, multiple blood draws, and a higher glucose dose.

🌱 How to Prepare (In a Nourishing, Non-Stressful Way)

Let's get one thing clear up front: You don't need to "study" for this test. The goal is accuracy, not perfection. But there are gentle ways to support your body's natural rhythms and feel your best before and after.

1. Eat Balanced, Stabilizing Meals in the Days Before
   There's no special diet required, but focusing on whole foods with fiber, protein, and healthy fats can help your body regulate blood sugar more efficiently.
   Try:
   • Eggs + avocado on sprouted toast
   • A bowl of lentils with roasted veggies and olive oil
   • Oats with chia, almond butter, and cinnamon
   Avoid skipping meals or loading up on sugary, processed snacks—those can spike blood sugar and leave you feeling off.
2. Stay Well-Hydrated
   Water supports digestion, energy, and glucose metabolism. Aim for 8–10 cups a day, especially in the day leading up to the test. Unless your provider says otherwise, it's usually fine to drink water before and during the waiting period.
3. Clarify If You Need to Fast
   For the one-hour test, most providers don't require fasting, but a few might—especially if you're doing the test early in the morning. Don't guess. Call and ask if you're unsure.
4. Schedule Your Test Strategically
   If mornings are when your body feels most balanced, schedule the test earlier in the day. Also consider childcare, work, or commute logistics—you may feel a little woozy after, so having support is key.
5. Pack Post-Test Snacks
   That sugary drink can feel intense—some mamas describe it as "syrupy soda on an empty stomach." After your blood draw, you'll likely want to eat something grounding. Pack:
   • A handful of almonds
   • Apple slices with nut butter
   • A turkey or hummus wrap

✨ If You're Diagnosed with GD, Here's What Happens Next

First, a gentle reminder:

This is not your fault.

Gestational diabetes affects up to 10% of pregnancies, and many mamas who live healthy, mindful lifestyles still develop it. It's about how your unique body responds to pregnancy—not your worth, your willpower, or your wellness.

If your provider confirms GD after the 3-hour test, you'll get support in managing it through:

• Nutrition counseling with a dietitian or diabetes educator
• Glucose monitoring at home
• Sometimes, medication or insulin, if needed

Most moms with GD go on to have healthy pregnancies and births. It just means you'll have more eyes on you—and more support. You may even learn more about blood sugar balance than you ever expected (a surprising silver lining).

If holistic care is important to you, don't be afraid to ask about:

• Integrating gentle movement like prenatal yoga or walking after meals
• Using magnesium, chromium, or cinnamon (always ask your provider first)
• Practicing stress management through breathwork or meditation (stress impacts glucose too!)

🧘🏽‍♀️ A Loving Final Note

Mama, this is one piece of your journey—not the whole picture. The glucose test doesn't define your pregnancy or your power. Whether the results are totally normal or you need some extra support, what matters most is how you're showing up—with care, curiosity, and compassion for your body.

You are doing beautifully. You are allowed to ask questions. And you're never alone in this.

So take a deep breath. Let go of the pressure. And remember:

✨ Let this be easy. Let this be kind. ✨