Fear of being induced- gestational diabetes

[Booni]

Hi Ladies, I am 36 week pregnant and being diagnosed with gestational diabetes only last week. I was very confident about going into labour - I did the hypnobirthing course and couldn't wait for this to happen up until now. Last week I was told I might have to be induced between 38-41 weeks, depends on how big the baby is and my blood results...and that's when everything has changed. My sister had a very traumatic induction 7 years ago and the stories I have heard definitely didn't help... since I found out about the possible induction I fear labour every single day. My anxiety is very high atm. Any advice will be appreciated xx

I was induced at 37.5 weeks due to GD and it was fine.

Initially boring, I had pessary inserted about 10am on the wednesday, then just waited around, with some periods of half hour monitoring and BP checks. Lots of wandering the halls, reading, watching tv/films and waiting, a few tightening over night but no consistent contractions.

Thursday morning they checked me, and decided I could have my waters broken so had to wait a bit more for someone to be free to do that. That was done about 1pm and immediately went into contractions.
Gas and air, some pacing, tried bouncing on the ball but didn't like it. DD was born just after 6pm so 5 hrs after waters were broken.

I had to stay overnight as they needed 3 sugar readings from DD, I was a bit fed up of the hospital as it was too hot and noisy so was bugging the nurses from 6am about what time I could leave, they got fed up of me and let me leave at 8am on the Friday, so I just bundled DD up in her car seat, grabbed my bag, called a taxi and was home by 8.20am which surprised DH, who thought he'd be walking to the hospital and getting a taxi home with me (he doesn't drive).

It really was fine, just take entertainment and lots and lots of snacks, food was minimal and infrequent in the hospital.

I was induced last week due to GD and high BP and it was fine apart from the wait to get onto the labour ward (2.5 days).

Ive been induced twice now and both have been a positive experience.
You do tend to hear the bad over the good, and regardless of what me, your sister or Jane down the road experienced, has no baring on your induction.

Ps - if you feel so strongly, you can refuse to be induced. They cant force you

My goodness, almost the exact same happened to me. Diagnosed GD at 37 weeks with no symptoms when discussing home birth with a cow of a midwife.

The actual induction at 40+1 was completely fine. Pessary in at 12pm, baby out around 11pm. No trouble getting things going but also not a crazy fast labour. It was the same pain level as my second spontaneous labour and I had the same pain relief (virtually shit all due to no one realising how far along I was, just some amazing gas and air at the end).

But really, you don't HAVE to agree to an induction at all. I found the diabetes midwives at my hospital to be really sympathetic but the consultants to be total tickboxers. Although physically it was fine I felt really like I'd been bullied into it against my will and ended up having birth trauma counselling when pregnant with my second (also due to terrible postpartum care). YOUR body, YOUR choice. They can absolutely advise you and tell you about all the risks but it's YOUR choice at the end of the day. I don't really have a problem with the induction but I am still so cross that I was made to feel like I HAD to follow instructions.

I was induced at 38 weeks for GD (well, because he was measuring big not necessarily the GD), I was terrified and not going to lie it wasn’t great and ended up with EMCS, but would do it all again!

I think everyone is different, every labour is different and week makes a difference (I.e. think it’s more likely to be successful the further on) but I’m sure you’ll be great! Feel free to ask any questions ☺️ X