Who: All pregnant women.

Why: To check for gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).

When: Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

How: The health care provider takes a blood sample one hour after the woman consumes a drink containing 50 grams of glucose (a form of sugar). If the screening test shows high blood sugar levels, the woman will need to take a diagnostic test to find out if she has gestational diabetes. The diagnostic test is three hours long.

Risks: None, except possible bruising or soreness at the needle site.
 
 
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  © 2008 March of Dimes Foundation. All rights reserved. The March of Dimes is a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.