Gestational Diabetes birth

[chlo299]

Hi all I am 28w and just got diagnosed with GD. Could you please share your experiences and how did your birth go with it? Is it true that it's easier to opt in for c section with GD? Thanks x

The only reason some people opt for c section / advised to have one is if baby measuring big on the growth scans wich can be a side effect of poorly controlled diabetes. These vary with different trusts but mine were at 28, 32, 36 weeks and final one at 37. I had an extra one in the end and was induced at 38 weeks as baby was actually measuring small (placenta detiriation can be a side effect of GD).

Although you may be advised induction due to varying reasons (medication/ babies size), remember it is simply that, an offer. You do not have to accept it and can carry to 40+6weeks as per WHO guidelines.

My induction wasn't actually an induction in the end as I was already dilated so my water were broke and baby was born in under two hours ☺️ no medication needed to start the process and no pain relief as much to my displeasure there wasn't time 😂

I found the gestational diabetes uk website invaluable for information as I found my trust quite lacking at times.
https://www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/

I had GD with my second pg - I'm not overweight at all but was at risk anyway due to age and ethnicity. I had a c-section but it was always planned as I have other gynae issues. Tbh I found a c-secrion so much easier and more pleasant so I wouldn't have argued with a recommendation for it even if I didn't feel it was strictly necessary.

I had gd diagnosed about 34 weeks. I was able to give birth in the birth centre rather rather the delivery suite at our hospital and have a natural birth. C section wasn't mentioned but I wanted to avoid anyway. Only think they did was monitor my blood sugar every few hours and checked baby's heartbeat with the Doppler every hour.

I had GD. I struggled to control with diet only and ended up medicated towards the end so they wanted to induce before 39 weeks. I got induced at 38 weeks due to reduced movements (not related to GD). Induction worked well and I just needed the pessary. Didn’t need a c-section and did just gas and air. Baby was measuring big but was pretty average when born.

If medicated, some trusts will want to induce you before 40 weeks but the GD website has loads of advice on that. Inductions have a higher rate of emergency c-sections and some people will go for the c-section. Other options to consider though with GD, if you are opting to have a c-section before 39 weeks some hospitals prefer to give a dose of steroids before the section to develop baby’s lungs but that can affect blood sugar.

I was diagnosed with GD at 33 weeks, I drastically changed my diet to avoid sugar and I think thats what brought on giving birth at 34 weeks. My DD was 2.6kg so at least an OK weight and all went fine and well.

I had GD with my second pregnancy. Ended up on metformin and was told I had to be induced at 38 weeks due to this, but also because my dd was measuring small. I had 3xpessaries then they broke my waters. She arrived very quickly, within 2 hours, with no time for anything but gas and air. She was 5lb 6oz. At no point was a Csection mentioned.

After birth, they checked her sugar levels and as they were borderline, they demanded that I give her formula. This brought her levels up and she was allowed to stay with me and go to the post natal ward. The midwife I dealt with was evil, threatening me with taking my baby to nicu if I didn't give her formula. After that I converted back to BF and all was well and I was back home within 24 hours.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

No reason to have a C-section unless baby is getting worryingly big and shoulder dystocia is a very worrying possibility (probably talking 10lb plus). Some people opt for it as they don't want to be induced. If you're on insulin then they recommend not going much beyond 38 weeks as insulin can cause placental insufficiency. But if diet controlled there's no medical reason for not being able to go to 40 weeks if that's what you want unless baby is getting too big.

The GDUK website is really good and the facebook group was invaluable.

I had it really badly (and diagnosed t2 immediately following my pregnancy) and was on high dose insulin. Baby decided she wanted to arrive at 34 weeks. had a natural and very fast labour. baby was super healthy at birth and came home 4 days later after less than hour in the nicu. No mention of c-section at all

Had it in my second pregnancy - was a surprise as no risk factors and it was diagnosed late when my baby was measuring big.

I was diet controlled and had a lovely natural water birth at 40 weeks. DD was 9lbs so quite big but Labour was fast and easy.

i had GD and was able to manage through diet.

Take a walk after meals even a quick 10/15 mins or pace around house helped me.

Focus on proteins and always include protein and fats with a carb - helps slow down increase.

for the first two weeks I brought a libre for £50 and it helped show me what food suited me and didn't spike me for my carbs which then i focussed my diet around.

They told me i was going to have a 9lb baby at my last scan - baby came 4 days later and was 6lb 1oz. So not all GD babies are huge!

once you get the hang of it, it definitely gets easier. Just focus on getting your diet right. It actually kept me quite healthy in my pregnancy versus the first 12 weeks

I had a C-section, but it had nothing to do with my GD, I got a 9 cm before my son got distressed because of how long I was in labour.

Good luck
xx

Don't feel guilty if you ended up on medication. Not all GD can be managed by diet. Think it's something like 1 in 6 mums will need medication regardless of what they do.

Currently 37 weeks , diagnosed at 28 weeks.
I could manage my food fine but fasting numbers kept creeping up unfortunately therefore have been in insulin at night.

baby is on the bigger side but not HUGE and growth has been steady (so I probably just make big babies)
They wanted to induce at 38 weeks but I personally declined and requested a c section which is booked at 38+3. hoping baby stays in now I have set my mind to it.

I just felt the induction process was not for me and feel lucky my personal choice has been respected x

For sure - it's absolutely hormones that go out of whack!

I would much rather have an elected c section than go through an induction again! I get trauma just thinking about my induction.... 😂😭

@Optimistic66 so so sorry you went through this!

I heard some good stories but way too many awful ones about induction plus reading up on the process. I really just did not want to go through that!!

I hope your next birth is better lovely x