Can I drink water before my glucose tolerance test?

[89redballoons]

I'm 21 weeks pregnant, and have to have a glucose tolerance test to check for gestational diabetes, as my baby's abdomen was measuring over 95th centile at my anatomy scan last week. My BMI was 31 at booking in, but no other risk factors for GD and never had it before (this is my third pregnancy).

The test is at 8.45am tomorrow, and I was told by the midwife when I booked it that I can't eat anything after 10pm tonight. The NHS website says you can usually drink water before the test, but you should check with your hospital. Clearly I have left it too late to check, so does anyone here know?

I would struggle in this heat if I couldn't drink water! If I do have GD though I want to know about it as soon as possible, so do want to make sure I do the test properly.

I mean even if the test needs delaying for a few days it’s surely mostly important to stay hydrated in this heat to prevent you keeling over!
Id say drink water tonight and mention it in the morning if you can’t get hold of anyone now.
When I did it (14 years ago now so probably very outdated method!) I had to fast from the night before and then drink a pint of lucozade in the morning in 30 minutes (something along those lines) and sit very still. Then the midwife arrived to test my blood.

Yes they said you can drink water I’ve had two of the tests and have drank water both before and during the test

Yeah, I'll just drink a normal amount of plain water and see what they say.

I caught a vomiting bug from my toddler during my second pregnancy which dehydrated me, and I ended up in hospital overnight on a drip because it was affecting the baby's movements and heart rate, so as you say that must be the bigger risk here!

I had the test recently and was told I could have water but just sips as needed rather than drinking a whole glass.

They actually encouraged me to drink plenty during the test

That’s strange. I think I was encouraged not to drink during the test if possible. Maybe different hospitals have different rules. Drinking a lot would lower your blood sugar readings.