Gestational diabetes test at 37+3?

[Skylucy]

My midwife reported "static growth" at my 36 week appointment this morning, so sent me in for a scan. Bizarrely, turns out baby's actually big (too much growth in abdominal circumference and too much amniotic fluid), so I'm now being sent for a glucose tolerant test...when I'll be 37+3. I'm really worried - isn't it way too late to investigate this? (I have no other indicators, and didn't have GD with my first baby). If I do have GD, I'll apparently be induced at 39 weeks, which I really, really don't want!

Any stories of late testing out there? Or induction refusal? Or general growth measurement confusion?! Feeling scared, worried and sad.

I refused induction for GD and opted for a c section instead. It was better as they could test the baby's sugar levels asap.

Thanks @faeriequeen. Would they not have been able to do that following a vaginal birth?

I have GD, there is a slightly higher increase of stillbirth, plecenta failure etc which is why the guidlines suggest you don't go over 40+6 but its still your choice to refuse induction. I am planning a vaginal birth and they will check babies sugar levels after he is born

I found out I had gd with dd at 35 weeks. I had loads of excess fluid and when I saw a different midwife instead of my regular one she referred me for a scan which the resulted in me having a GTT.
I had an induction at 37 weeks which was a really good experience. I was monitored during labour and had my sugars checked every hour.
I was ok with being induced and my daughter was fine, a normal weight and has had no issues with blood sugars.
We were home after 24 hours of monitoring. I've had no other issues and despite being closely monitored throughout my next two pregnancies I didn't get it again.

I'm sure they could, but the fear was that as the baby measured big it could be a long labour, with risks to the placenta and of shoulder dystocia (all GD risks) so a c section was the safest option.

I was induced both times with GD and both times were absolutely fine.

I think the thing I learned at the time (from chatting on here!) was that the ‘rules’ about how long they will let you go, what kind of birth you can have etc etc varied wildly between regional health authorities.
I was put in the diary for an induction at 40 weeks both times - as it turned out, I went in a few days early with DC1 as my BP was up. Second time round I went in as scheduled. I was on a monitor during labour but I was able to get up and move around no problem.

Can I ask why you are so dead set against the induction? Is there anything in particular that is worrying you? I was quite pleasedto have a set date tbh, because it meant I didnt have to have a middle of the night 45 min dash to the hospital in labour. The thought of that terrified me!

Some really positive experiences here, thanks!

@Piffpaffpoff Unfortunately I’ve just heard too many horror stories about induction and the interventions they often necessitate - I guess I feel that fundamentally it’s wrong to precipitate a labour that your body’s not ready for. I went into labour spontaneously with my daughter and had a great experience (like you I was monitored throughout, but this was due to a heart issue). I was super excited to get the all-clear for a home birth this time, so this may just be a case of needing to “come to terms” with a different scenario. Great to hear you had such a good experience of induction.

Hi, sorry to jump on this thread but I have to go for a gestational diabetes test tomorrow (I'll also be 37+3) due to baby's stomach measuring a little bit large. I had the normal GTT test at 28 weeks and it was all clear. I was only referred because of my dad's medical history. My question is, am I supposed to drink only water and have no food before my appointment like last time? The midwife who made the appointment didn't mention it and I've been trying to phone my local midwife team but there is no answer.

Agh I'm sorry @BonusPoints I've only just seen this. Yes, I believe it would be a full fast for the preceding 12 hours (water sips only). I assume the test would be the same each time.

Hope it goes well - I had mine on Thurs and still haven't had the result (I'll only hear if it's positive, which seems ridiculous!!). My baby has a big tummy too. I'm really worried that if it's not GD, what is the explanation for that, and my high level of amniotic fluid??

I was induced at 38 weeks for GD with my last baby and had no interventions at all. Well, they had to manually break my waters but that was it. Gas and air was enough, he was out in three pushes. It was a very positive experience.
My second was induced at 39 weeks for different reasons, and that was also absolutely fine.

You're not guaranteed to have intervention just because it's an induction.

That's ok. I did eventually get hold of the midwife team and they confirmed that I could eat and drink as normal. The appointment I had today was for me to take my own blood sugar readings 4 times a day for the next week. Then I have to email the results and all being well won't need any follow up. Even if I did, they wouldn't be able to arrange another scan for a week after that so it would be 4 days before my due date! I did have a bit of a meltdown as I just don't see the point but when she explained what would happen if I DID have GD and left it untreated, I felt a lot better about it. I am so fed up now and wish they could just induce me and get it all over with!