Yesterday we went to the doctor for my 24 week appointment. We were in and out in 45 minutes – a record! Now if only every visit would be like this! It was just a routine appointment this time, no more ultrasounds. I was relieved that the doctor didn’t guilt me for my weight gain at this appointment, I think she’s come to accept that I’m going to gain within the normal range so there’s nothing she can do to stop that. My belly is measuring right on for where I am in the pregnancy. From here on out at every appointment the doctor measures my belly from fundus (pubic bone) to the top of my uterus and the number of centimeters should match the number of weeks pregnant I am. A higher number meaning I’m measuring ahead, but so far so good.
I also received lab orders to take the glucose challenge test before my next appointment. For those that don’t know, women that have never had diabetes can develop it while pregnant (gestational diabetes). This can cause a woman to have a large baby that will not fit through the birth canal and could lead to a c-section or other complications. The glucose challenge tests how your body metabolizes sugar (glucose). The test invovles going to the lab on an empty stomach (no water even) and having blood drawn one hour (I have to wait at the lab the whole time) after drinking the glucola (I’ve heard it liked to super sweet, flat Sprite). If I were to fail this test (140 or higher) then I would have to repeat it but it would be 3 hours. My only fear is that being borderline hypoglycemic that I’ll get sick before I even get to the lab. The good news is that I’m not in the group most prone to having gestational diabetes and even if I were to get it, after delivery it would go away (but could come back with a future pregnancy).