Diabetes Screening in Pregnancy
Screening for diabetes during pregnancy is an important part of prenatal care. At Premier Care for Women, we follow the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines to help ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby.
Why Do We Screen?
Some women develop a type of diabetes during pregnancy called gestational diabetes. This condition can affect the baby’s growth and increase the risk of complications during delivery. Early detection and management help reduce these risks and support a healthy pregnancy.
When Is Screening Done?
We typically screen for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you have certain risk factors, such as a history of gestational diabetes, obesity, or a strong family history of diabetes, we may recommend screening earlier.
How Is the Screening Performed?
We use a two-step process for diabetes screening:
- Glucose Challenge Test (GCT):
- You’ll drink a sweet glucose solution.
- One hour later, a blood sample is taken to check how your body processes sugar.
- If your results are above a certain level, we’ll schedule a follow-up test.
- Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT):
- This is a more detailed test done while fasting.
- You’ll drink a glucose solution, and your blood sugar will be tested at several intervals over a few hours.
- This test helps confirm whether gestational diabetes is present.
What Happens If I’m Diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes?
If you are diagnosed, we’ll work closely with you to develop a personalized care plan. This often includes:
- Monitoring blood sugar levels
- Nutrition counseling
- Regular check-ins to ensure you and your baby remain healthy
- Medication if needed
In some cases, especially if blood sugars are elevated or if there are concerns about the baby’s growth, we may recommend antenatal testing later in pregnancy. This may include non-stress tests (NSTs) or ultrasounds to monitor your baby’s well-being more closely.
Most women with gestational diabetes go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries with the right care and support.