Testing
CDC says gestational diabetes usually develops around week 24, and testing is usually done at 24 to 28 weeks.[2] The US Preventive Services Task Force advises screening at 24 weeks or later.[3]
CDC says people at higher risk may be tested earlier.[2] MedlinePlus says they may be screened at the first visit.[1]
Who is at higher risk
ACOG lists gestational diabetes among the higher risks with a body mass index of 30 or more before pregnancy.[4] It says everyone has a right to respectful, high-quality health care delivered without judgment.[4]
ACOG says exercise in pregnancy may lower the risk of gestational diabetes.[5]
Does it go away after birth?
CDC says about half of women who had gestational diabetes later develop type 2 diabetes.[2]
ACOG says to be tested 4 to 12 weeks after birth, then every 1 to 3 years if results are normal.[4]
Questions families ask
Does gestational diabetes go away?
ACOG says to be tested 4 to 12 weeks after birth, then every 1 to 3 years if results are normal.[4] CDC says about half of women who had it later develop type 2 diabetes.[2]
When is the test done?
CDC says testing is usually done at 24 to 28 weeks.[2]
Free from UpOnly Learning. Written for families of every faith. No outside ads and no affiliate links. Every fact on this page comes from the sources listed below. How we source and review these pages
Updated 2026-10-24: first published.
Sources
All sources were opened and checked on the date shown.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Diabetes and Pregnancy. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gestational Diabetes. Checked October 24, 2026.
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Gestational Diabetes: Screening. Checked October 24, 2026.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obesity and Pregnancy. Checked October 24, 2026.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Exercise During Pregnancy. Checked October 24, 2026.