Glucose Test Alternatives

Nowadays, it’s extremely normalized to take the glucola drink for the pregnancy glucose screening, and while that’s totally OK if you’re down for it, know that there ARE alternatives for those looking for more natural options, with no toxic ingredients, and way less risk of side effects (like sugar crash, elevated heart rate, dizziness, nausea & fainting).

Because the glucola drink has a combination of up to 100 additives including preservatives, artificial colorings, oils, dyes & more.For my three pregnancies, I’ve always known I wanted alternatives to the drink, but I’ve also always gone to midwife’s instead of OBGYNs, and they have always offered an alternative before I even had to ask!If you’re looking to do an alternative, I suggest you bringing up the topic from the start (even when you’re interviewing your team) to make sure they are aligned!

Here are my top 3 alternatives to suggest:

1. A natural option of food / drink combo with natural sugars (like orange juice and bananas). If this is selected/approved by your provider, they’ll tell you the exact amounts of everything you need to eat an hour prior to the blood drawn.

2. A 100% natural, nontoxic prepacked drink with 50g of sugar - that’s FDA registered - made specifically for the glucose test as a clean alternative. You need to purchase this yourself and have your team approve. I find my clients with OBGYN (not midwife’s) like this option most. SHOP HERE.

3. Test at home with 3 full days with a glucose monitor.  You can use a tiny needle called a lancet to prick your finger for a droplet of blood. You then analyze the blood using a blood glucose monitor. People usually perform this test when they wake up and after meals.