In 60 seconds
Your short plan for this week
Ask whether gestational-diabetes testing is offered to everyone or based on risk, how it is done and when results arrive.
Weeks 24–28 are a common diabetes-testing window, but your doctor may use a different plan based on your history.
Do not change to a restrictive diet before testing unless a clinician who knows your pregnancy recommends it.
What you may notice
Your body and how you may feel
Your care team may ask about movement, blood pressure, symptoms and diabetes screening around this period.
What is happening
Baby’s development this week
The pregnancy is entering a period when specialist neonatal care can sometimes support extremely early babies, though outcomes vary greatly.
Plain-language examples
What this means in real life
Gestational diabetes often has no obvious symptoms. Testing approaches and timing differ by health system and individual history.
A short checklist
What to do now
- Ask whether gestational-diabetes testing is offered to everyone or based on risk, how it is done and when results arrive.
- Stay active in ways that feel stable and are appropriate for your pregnancy.
- Learn what movement changes should prompt a call later in pregnancy.
Pause and check
What not to do—or what to ask first
- Do not change to a restrictive diet before testing unless a clinician who knows your pregnancy recommends it.
What may be coming up
Appointments, tests and decisions
Weeks 24–28 are a common diabetes-testing window, but your doctor may use a different plan based on your history.
Choose birth and newborn learning
Look for evidence-based antenatal education that includes recovery and newborn care.
Ask about gestational diabetes testing
Timing and testing method depend on your medical history and care plan.
Learn your baby's movement pattern
As movement becomes familiar, ask your care team what to do if it slows or changes.
Review pregnancy vaccinations
Confirm current and seasonal recommendations with your clinician.
For the support person
One useful thing a partner can do
- Help protect appointment time and plan food, transport or childcare around a test that may take longer than a normal blood draw.
Contact your care team
Contact your doctor or maternity team promptly
Some concerns need advice before the next routine appointment even when they do not feel like an emergency. If a symptom becomes severe, sudden or frightening, use urgent care instead.
See when to contact careUrgent or emergency
Urgent signs during pregnancy or within a year after birth
Get medical care immediately for these symptoms. The list is not exhaustive; if something feels seriously wrong, seek help.
Open urgent warning signs