ANTENATAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE DECISION TO HAVE AN ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST

Aim We aimed to investigate the factors that may affect the pregnant’s decision to have an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24-28 gestational weeks. Material and Methods This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted prospectively with 307 pregnant women. Demographic characteristics of the pregnant women, pregnancy follow-up findings, antenatal tests, and their decision for having an OGTT were questioned and recorded. All the factors were analyzed that may have a possible effect on the OGTT decision. Results Fifty-three percent of the participants had OGTT during pregnancy. The rate of positive OGTT was found to be 8.5%. Body mass index, gravida, history of abortion, miscarriage risk, weight gain during pregnancy, the rate of using antenatal folic acid and iron supplementation were similar between the groups that had and did not have OGTT (p gt;0.05). In the univariate model, age, parity, planned pregnancy, regular follow-up, educational status and physical activity were found to have a significant effect on predicting patients who will have OGTT (p lt;0.05). Also, antenatal screening tests and level 2 obstetrics ultrasonography were shown to have a significant independent effect in predicting patients who will have OGTT (p lt;0.05). Conclusion By evaluating the factors that may affect the decision of pregnant about OGTT during pregnancy follow-up, we can predict the patients who tend not to have GDM screening and we can increase the screening rate by giving these pregnant women more detailed information. Thus, we have a chance to diagnose and treat more GDM and reduce related mortality and morbidity.