Week 24: Viability & Glucose Test
A medical milestone — plus the gestational diabetes screening
Week 24 is the viability milestone and the week the glucose screening test (gestational diabetes) is typically ordered. The glucose test involves drinking a sugary solution and having blood drawn an hour later. If she fails the initial screen, a longer 3-hour test follows. This is routine — don't stress about it.
What's happening this week
The baby is gaining weight steadily — about 6 ounces per week from here. The inner ear is fully developed, giving the baby a sense of balance and orientation. The lungs are maturing but not yet ready for independent breathing. She may notice Braxton Hicks contractions — irregular, painless tightening of the uterus.
Your checklist
0 of 4 completeThe one-hour glucose challenge: she drinks a glucola solution (50g sugar), waits one hour, and gets a blood draw. Some OBs let you eat before; some don't. If the result is elevated (usually >130-140 mg/dL), she'll need the three-hour glucose tolerance test to confirm.
GD affects 6–9% of pregnancies. It's manageable with diet, monitoring, and sometimes insulin. It's not caused by anything she did wrong — it's about how the placenta affects insulin sensitivity. If diagnosed, you'll work closely with a nutritionist.
Research the process for adding the baby to insurance after birth. You'll have 30 days from the birth date. Know: which parent's plan to use, what the process is, and what documentation you'll need (birth certificate, SSN application).
Starting around week 24–28, your OB may recommend daily kick counts. The standard: 10 movements within 2 hours during the baby's active period. This is a simple but important monitoring tool. Set a daily reminder.
Recommended products
Glucose Test Prep Snack Pack
Pre-portioned snack packs with protein-rich, low-sugar options to eat before the glucose screening (if her OB allows eating beforehand). Helps avoid the nausea that comes from drinking glucola on an empty stomach.
Blood Glucose Monitor Kit
If diagnosed with gestational diabetes, a home blood sugar monitor becomes essential. This kit includes the meter, test strips, and lancets. Many OBs recommend starting monitoring immediately after a GD diagnosis.
The glucose challenge test, typically administered between weeks 24 and 28, screens for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). About 15-25% of women fail the initial one-hour screen, but most of those pass the follow-up three-hour test. Only about 6-9% of pregnancies are ultimately diagnosed with GDM.
Gestational diabetes occurs when the placenta's hormones interfere with the mother's insulin sensitivity. It's not caused by eating too much sugar. Risk factors include age over 25, BMI over 25, family history of diabetes, and certain ethnicities. If diagnosed, management typically involves dietary changes, blood sugar monitoring, and in some cases medication. With proper management, outcomes are excellent for both mother and baby.
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