Can a NHS trust not offer gestational diabetes screening although I'm increased risk?

[AnnaMariaA]

Just that really....as per NHS guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/

"Any woman can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but you're at an increased risk if:

• you are over 40
• your body mass index (BMI) is above 30
• you previously had a baby who weighed 4.5kg (10lb) or more at birth
• you had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
• 1 of your parents or siblings has diabetes
• you are of south Asian, Black, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern origin (even if you were born in the UK)
• you have had a gastric bypass or other weight-loss surgery

If any of these apply to you, you should be offered screening for gestational diabetes during your pregnancy."

I asked my NHS trust about the screening because I'm 41, but they said that they don't offer this screening based on age alone. I was surprised at that because the above clearly states that I should be offered screening if 'any of these' apply'.

You could raise a formal complaint (or PALS enquiry) about it and request they offer you one given your circumstances and the guidance?

Or before that, you can try and request one through another team from memory - is it through community midwives maybe? Or your GP?

I think it can be quite random almost who gets offered one, Trust to Trust.

I am 40 and wasn't offered one as standard..I did get one though but that was because I had traces of sugar in my urine..it was negative..
If you are really concerned ask for a test but I think they are pretty vigilant on looking for the signs and will send you for a test if they suspect GD.

That’s an information page - the actual guidelines are taken from NICE and don’t mention age.
At my trust we do screen for those over 45, other trusts screen every woman, some don’t screen anyone over 29 weeks….every Trust is allowed to implement their own policy.
The test is cheap tho, so my advice is just get the contact details of the diabetes midwife team and ask to be screened. They will arrange it for you. I wouldn’t complain unless you’ve spoken to them.

Thank you...I will try call them and ask if I could get the test, for peace of mind.