Glucose Testing in Pregnancy: Exploring Safer, Smarter Options

One thing many women aren’t prepared for in pregnancy? The glucose test. Around 28 weeks, you’re often handed a bright orange drink and told to down it without question. But what’s in that drink, and do you have options?

You definitely have options.

And you deserve to know the truth about each one.

Let’s break it all down so you can feel informed, empowered, and confident about what’s right for your body and your baby.

Why Glucose Testing Matters

Glucose testing is used to screen for gestational diabetes. You may be considered higher risk if you’re over 25, have a family history of diabetes, have had a larger baby, struggled with yeast infections, slow healing, glucose in urine, or complications in prior pregnancies.

But here’s what most women don’t realize — many moms with gestational diabetes have no symptoms at all. And if it goes undetected, it can impact your pregnancy and your baby’s birth, increasing the chance of things like:

• Macrosomia (baby growing too large)
• Traumatic birth outcomes like shoulder dystocia
• Blood sugar imbalances in the baby after birth
• Medical interventions such as blood tests, IVs, assisted breathing, or formula feeding
• In rare cases, stillbirth

That’s why most providers offer screening around 28 weeks, or sooner if you’ve had GD before.

The testing is important. But how you test is also important.

Option 1: Glucola

My take: unnecessary exposure

This is the drink most women are offered by default. It contains 50 grams of glucose in a syrupy mix filled with artificial dyes, synthetic flavors, preservatives, and stabilizers.

Common ingredients include:

• Artificial colors like Yellow #6
• Sodium benzoate (linked to inflammation and endocrine disruption)
• Brominated vegetable oil (used in flame retardants)
• Synthetic flavoring agents

This drink crosses the placenta. It can be disruptive to your nervous system, your baby’s development, and your overall health. There’s no nutritional value here, and no real reason to ingest these additives — especially when cleaner, safer options are available.

Option 2: The Fresh Test

Cleaner, but still not ideal

The Fresh Test is marketed as a more natural option. It skips the dyes and brominated oils, which is a step in the right direction. But it still contains ingredients like citric acid and natural flavors, which many women try to avoid during pregnancy — especially those dealing with histamine issues or sensitive guts.

It’s better, but still processed.

The glucose solution still delivers a large sugar load — usually around 50 grams — which can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. For women sensitive to sugar or with insulin resistance, this sudden surge can lead to nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness. The experience doesn’t reflect how the body normally handles food and can feel harsh and unnatural.

Option 3: Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)

More data, but not without concerns

A CGM tracks blood sugar in real time for several days, giving a fuller picture of how your body responds to food, stress, and movement. Some moms love this option — especially those who’ve had GD in the past or want to avoid synthetic tests.

But there’s a catch: CGMs rely on Bluetooth and WiFi, meaning constant exposure to low-level EMFs. For EMF-sensitive women, this is a concern.

Not every provider accepts CGM data, and insurance usually won’t cover it unless diabetes is already diagnosed.

Option 4: Finger Stick Glucose Monitoring

Accurate, but can raise adrenaline

This is the same method many people with diabetes use. You check levels throughout the day — fasting, then 1 or 2 hours after meals.

It provides real-time, chemical-free data, but the stress of repeated finger pricks can release adrenaline, temporarily raising glucose and skewing results.

Option 5: Hemoglobin A1C

Good information, with some limitations

This simple blood test (no drink required) measures average blood sugar over 2–3 months. Many providers run it early in pregnancy, but it can also be requested around 28 weeks.

Pros:

• No dyes, chemicals, or additives
• No spikes in blood sugar
• A broader view of glucose levels over time

Cons:

• May miss short-term spikes caused by pregnancy-related insulin resistance
• Can miss recently developed elevated blood sugar
• Results may be skewed by anemia or genetics

Still, it’s an excellent early screening tool — especially if you’re avoiding synthetic solutions.

Option 6: Real Food — Midwife’s Breakfast + Jelly Beans or Organic Orange Juice

My top choice

This is the cleanest way to do a glucose challenge.

Instead of fasting and drinking Glucola, you:

• Eat a normal breakfast
• Consume 12 oz of organic orange juice or 28 Brach’s jelly beans
• Time it based on provider instructions (usually within 10 minutes)
• Avoid food and exercise after
• Get your blood drawn exactly one hour later
• Bring a healthy snack for afterward

This gives the same glucose challenge — without chemicals, without fasting, and with real food your body recognizes.

So What’s the Best Option?

My top two recommendations:

1. Hemoglobin A1C – A clean, early insight into blood sugar trends.
2. Midwife’s breakfast / Organic orange juice – A chemical-free glucose challenge if needed.

These offer the data providers need, without compromising your health or comfort.

You’re Allowed to Ask Questions

You don’t have to accept Glucola just because it’s standard. You have a voice — and the right to choose the testing method that feels best for you.

If you’re looking for personalized support with safer testing, pregnancy nutrition, and care that aligns with your values, I offer 1:1 Fertility & Pregnancy Support. This package covers these kinds of decisions — in a way that honors your body and your baby.

Your body, your baby, your choice. Learn more or book your 1:1 session here.