An oral glucose tolerance test, often called OGTT, is used to assess how the body handles glucose during pregnancy. It is not part of routine care but is offered when there is a medical indication, such as glucose found in urine, a certain BMI level, hereditary factors, or signs of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.

The test is usually carried out at a laboratory unit. You arrive fasting, which means no food or drink except water since the evening before. First, a fasting blood sample is taken to measure the initial glucose level. You then drink a defined glucose solution. After two hours, another blood sample is taken to assess how the body has processed the glucose. In some cases, an additional sample may be taken after one hour, depending on local guidelines.

The result shows how the body regulates blood sugar during pregnancy. Elevated values may indicate gestational diabetes and can lead to further assessment. The test reflects the body’s glucose handling at that specific point and is interpreted together with other medical information.

OGTT is performed only when there is a clear clinical question and is not part of standard antenatal care in an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Alma’s tips 🌿

A helpful tip can be to ask how the result will be documented and whether it will be explained to you directly or at a later appointment. You can also ask what is considered a normal glucose level in pregnancy, since the reference values differ from non-pregnant levels. If you’re unsure why you were offered the test, you can ask what indication applied in your case and how it relates to pregnancy follow-up.