When does gestational diabetes screening typically occur during pregnancy?

Gestational diabetes screening typically occurs between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation as part of standard prenatal care. This timing is crucial because it aligns with the period when insulin resistance may begin to develop as a result of normal hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Screening at this stage allows for the identification of women who may be developing gestational diabetes, enabling timely management to reduce risks for both the mother and the baby. Screening earlier in pregnancy, such as at 12-16 weeks, is generally not recommended as gestational diabetes may not yet be present or detectable. Likewise, performing screening later than 28 weeks, such as at 30-34 weeks or 36-40 weeks, may miss the optimal window for intervention and could lead to undiagnosed gestational diabetes affecting maternal and fetal health. Therefore, screening occurring at 24-28 weeks ensures both effective monitoring and management of potential gestational diabetes.