When is the recommended time to check for gestational diabetes?

The recommended time to check for gestational diabetes is between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. This timing is based on the understanding that gestational diabetes typically develops during the second trimester. Screening during this period helps identify women who may not have had diabetes prior to pregnancy but who develop insulin resistance as hormonal changes occur.

Screening too early, such as in the first trimester, may not yield accurate results since the majority of cases emerge later in pregnancy. Checking during labor is not practical, as the focus at that time is on managing the current delivery rather than screening for diabetes. Postpartum testing, while important for women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, is not part of the routine screening timeline for gestational diabetes itself. Thus, the 24-28 week window is vital for ensuring early detection and management of the condition, which can significantly impact both maternal and fetal outcomes.