How often should glucose screening be conducted during pregnancy?

How often should glucose screening be conducted during pregnancy?

• A. 10-12 weeks
• B. 16-18 weeks
• C. 24-28 weeks
• D. 32-34 weeks

Answer: (C)

Glucose screening during pregnancy is primarily aimed at identifying gestational diabetes, which can occur in the second trimester. The recommended timeline for this screening is typically between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. This window is when the risk for developing gestational diabetes is at its highest due to hormonal changes that affect how the body processes glucose. The reason for screening at this time is that early pregnancy glucose levels are generally stable in most women, and testing too early may yield false negatives or not capture the condition as it can develop later. Conducting the screening during this period allows for timely intervention if needed, which is crucial for both maternal and fetal health. Other timeframes suggested, such as earlier in the first trimester or later in pregnancy, do not align with established guidelines and thus are not recommended for routine screening. Early screening can miss cases that develop later, while late screening may not allow adequate time for management before the delivery. Therefore, the correct timing is crucial for effective monitoring and management of gestational diabetes.

Glucose screening during pregnancy is primarily aimed at identifying gestational diabetes, which can occur in the second trimester. The recommended timeline for this screening is typically between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. This window is when the risk for developing gestational diabetes is at its highest due to hormonal changes that affect how the body processes glucose.

The reason for screening at this time is that early pregnancy glucose levels are generally stable in most women, and testing too early may yield false negatives or not capture the condition as it can develop later. Conducting the screening during this period allows for timely intervention if needed, which is crucial for both maternal and fetal health.

Other timeframes suggested, such as earlier in the first trimester or later in pregnancy, do not align with established guidelines and thus are not recommended for routine screening. Early screening can miss cases that develop later, while late screening may not allow adequate time for management before the delivery. Therefore, the correct timing is crucial for effective monitoring and management of gestational diabetes.