At what point in pregnancy is glucose screening typically conducted?

Glucose screening is typically conducted around 24-28 weeks of gestation as a standard practice during pregnancy. This timing is crucial because it coincides with the peak insulin resistance that may occur in the second trimester, which is when gestational diabetes can develop. The screening is done to identify women who may be at risk for gestational diabetes, a condition that can have implications for both maternal and fetal health if left undetected and untreated.

Implementing the screening in this window allows for timely intervention if gestational diabetes is diagnosed, which can include lifestyle modifications or treatment to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome. The guidelines recommend this specific time frame to capture the majority of women who might develop glucose intolerance during this critical period.