Gestational Diabetes Test Israel

One of the detested exams in pregnancy is the gestational diabetes test. There's not much online information on how this differs in Israel from the United States, where a pre-made white lemon flavored (kind of like Sprite) or flat orange soda is given. 

In Israel, a plastic regular-sized cup is distributed with a sugar powder. The woman is asked to then add about 2-3 tablespoons worth, mix and then drink it within 3 minutes (I heard prior, 5, so unclear). The nurse wanted to make sure food was eaten before the exam. As a favor, I took a little bit of my banana (in the United States this first test is sometimes done without eating). After looking into it, it's still unclear if eating is a recommendation or actually mandatory.

The straw trick didn't help as much given the consistency of the solution (which is super thick) but adding a small squeeze of fresh lemon really improved the process. Overall, would grade the experience an A-. 

Another interesting difference is providing a urine culture prior or during the exam (for the first screening). And in Israel this test is only done for women in the morning. You cannot eat or drink after the solution is in your system. 

Hope this information helps new olim, who may find themselves in unchartered waters, navigating how their prenatal care differs from what they've been used to before the big move.

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Update. Had to do the Glucose Tolerance Test. Was given two bottles of the glucose powder and told to add 3 cups of cold water to it. Also added fresh lemon and brought a huge cup to be better prepared this time. Chugged it all within 4 minutes. Here's to hoping the results are better and that with accurate timing all will be good. Added PSA - - you must set a timer on your phone in Israel as no one will be responsible to call you when to come back. Every second counts. 

Result: I passed!

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