Testing your blood sugar level at important times during the day will help determine if proper diet and weight gain have kept blood sugar levels normal or if extra insulin is needed to help keep the fetus protected. Self blood glucose monitoring is done by using a special device to obtain a drop of your blood and test it for your blood sugar level. Your doctor or other health care provider will explain the procedure to you. Make sure that you are shown how to do the testing before attempting it on your own. Test strip a chemically treated strip to which a drop of blood is applied.
Color chart a chart used to compare against the color on the test strip for blood sugar level.
Glucose meter a device which reads the test strip and gives you a digital number value. Your health care provider can advise you where to obtain the self-monitoring equipment in your area. You may want to inquire if any places rent or loan glucose meters, since it is likely you won't be needing it after your baby is born. You may need to test your blood several times a day. Occasionally, you may be asked to test more frequently during the day or at night.