All pregnant women, whether they are in a high risk group or not, are typically screened for gestational diabetes.
This usually occurs between 26 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, when the hormones that cause gestational diabetes are at high levels. You do not need to do anything for this screening test.
Any woman might develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
The typical steps for the screening test at your health care provider's office are:
If you have a positive result, you may be given a three-hour glucose tolerance test on another day to confirm if you have diabetes.
The typical steps to confirm gestational diabetes using the glucose tolerance test are:
Your health care provider will review your test results and tell you what happens next. Information covered may include:
Your health care provider's clinic may have a diabetes dietitian or educator help you, or you may be referred to a diabetes center at your hospital.