Do the NHS test for gestational diabetes?

NHS do test but I believe you only get the test if you meet certain categories

I can’t speak for all hospitals (& am sure some trusts may not) but generally yes this is tested for but there are two types of tests a mini & full. Most will only do the mini test so you make the drink at home following direction so many hours before your 28 week appointment and then get bloods taken and see the midwife for the usual check. Some will need the full test usually based on history so for example my dad had diabetes so get the full test which where you have to fast, go in and have a blood test, then have the drink and wait 2 hours and have another blood test.

They do test but they don’t test everyone. I believe you have to meet certain risk factors to be offered the test. I don’t have any of the risk factors so I was not tested for it in my first pregnancy nor was it even mentioned really.

When do they test for it?

28 weeks, your midwife should have informed you if you are expected to receive it. Sometimes there may be reasons later on they then decide to test you for it.

I was told from my booking appointment that I’d be getting the test due to have an ethnicity risk factor, mines at 26 weeks and will be done on site at the hospital

It varies between trusts. I’m at different trusts 1st pregnancy to now. 1st trust was Chelsea and Westminster and they do the mini glucose test for everyone low risk at around 28 weeks and then full test for anyone who is required after their results. If you meet certain risk factor criteria then you go in for full test anyways. At my current trust you only have the test if you meet certain risk factors but no mini test for those who don’t

I'm having one at 25 weeks only because my father is a type 1 diabetic so it increases my risk. If you're not a high risk factor they won't test because it's not necessary. Sometimes they will do one later on in the pregnancy if your risk factor changes.

I had bloods done at my first midwife appointment (I think it was 14 weeks) and although my levels weren’t over the limit they were close so I’m having the gestational diabetes test done at 24 weeks