The timing is important; you want to have the party at least four to six weeks before your due date so that you'll have plenty of time to borrow or buy any necessities for your baby that you still need -- and so you'll actually have energy to enjoy the party! Shop baby shower decorations.
Your doctor will tell you if you should fast (avoid consuming food, beverages and medications, usually for nine to 12 hours) before your blood test. If you aren't fasting when the blood sample is drawn, only the values for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol will be usable.
How to Fast. If you are required to fast prior to your blood test, you should receive specific instructions. Most cholesterol and triglyceride tests require fasting for 12 hours prior to the blood draw, while fasting blood glucose typically requires at least an 8 hour fast. Most people have fasting lab tests completed early in the morning, so if they need to fast for 12 hours, they can be sleeping for most of the fast.