When does gestational diabetes screening typically occur?

Gestational diabetes screening typically occurs between 24 to 48 weeks of gestation. This timing is important because the body undergoes significant hormonal changes during pregnancy that can affect how insulin is processed. Early in the pregnancy, such as at 12-16 weeks, the body might still be able to produce enough insulin to cope with the additional demands, so screening at that stage is not optimal.

Screening at 20-24 weeks may not capture women who develop diabetes later, which is why the window of 24 to 48 weeks is recommended; it allows for the identification of women who may develop diabetes as their pregnancy progresses. Screening after delivery is too late to prevent complications associated with gestational diabetes for both the mother and the baby during the pregnancy. Therefore, the optimal timing for screening aligns with when the risk of developing gestational diabetes increases, making the interval between 24 and 48 weeks the most appropriate choice.