Anyone been linked to an insulin drip due to GD in pregnancy AND been induced?

[DawnAS]

Hi All,

I was diagnosed with GD at 28 weeks (am now coming up for 33 weeks) and am now using insulin. I have already been told that I will be immobile during labour as have to be attached to an insulin drip and also a heart monitor for the baby.

In addition, they have said that they will not let me go full-term and will probably induce between 39-40 weeks. They're hoping to avoid doing it at 38 weeks as our little girl is currently still well within normal size ranges (the middle line currently).

This is our first baby (and last I think...) so I guess it's almost a benefit that I've never experienced a spontaneous labour anyway, but has anyone got any experience of this scenario so I know the sort of thing to expect?

Any advice, gratefully received.

Thank you!!

[doulalc]

It is becoming more common to induce with a diagnosis of GD, but if levels are well maintained, and baby does not appear to be overly large, it really is more of a precaution than a true medical necessity. At least they are planning to hold off until closer to your due date...that is a definite plus

You could refuse, they can't force you to be induced, but not everyone is comfortable with going that route.

Since you will be on a drip anyway, they will likely go that direction for an induction as well. Depending on what changes your cervix may have done up to that point can be a deciding factor in how they will determine the means they want to start you off with. Could be a pessary, could be rupturing membranes.

Induced labours can go very smoothly or they can be quite prolonged. Even with being on an IV and needing monitoring you still should have some options of movement. There would be no reason you couldn't use a birth ball next to the monitor, sit in a chair, stand and lean against the bed, etc.. If they have telemtry monitoring, you could even walk around a bit and just take your pole with you. Take advantage of any opportunity to be upright and changing positions once in awhile.

[DawnAS]

Hi Doulalc,

Thank you so much for your response. I'm going to see my MW on Thursday this week so will ask her lots of questions then.

It just feels at the moment that my ideal scenario is now taken completely out of my hands.

Your information is so helpful though. I do have a birthing ball so will hopefully be able to use that. We're going to try and bring on the labour ourselves by trying all suggested methods, but if it doesn't work, I guess it'll be an induction.

I'm sure it'll all be worth it when our little Jelly arrives though...

Thank you again.

xx

[JetLi]

Being tested for GD at he moment so this could crop up for me, and its making me miserable. I read on another thread that it is worth making the drip and monitor their problem rather than yours - so if you want to be active then the hospital will have to work the monitoring and insulin around that. No-one can force you to deliver flat onto your back - I will try and find the other thread.

[JetLi]

It was this link that I saw earlier - not specifically about GD but it made me feel a bit better about things.

[yorkshirepuddling]

I had GD, was on an insulin drip and induced as well - Although I would have preferred to be more mobile, the actual experience wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.

You forget about the insulin drip apart from having your blood constantly tested throughout.

[susiey]

I was on a drip with a blood thinner in it and unless I was being monitored I could keep active the drip was on wheels and was fine.

My labour was induced both times and although painful ( though have no comparison I had the birth I wanted - I wanted diamorphine but not a epidural)

I hope you get the labour and birth you hope for