Gestational Diabetes and Induction

[hannahplym]

Has anyone got any info surrounding inductions and gestational diabetes?

I was diagnosed with GD at 26 weeks (v borderline, fasting was 5.3 when needed to be 5.2). I've remained diet controlled so no need for medication. Very rarely have a high reading. I'm 38 weeks today.

At our last growth scan (36 weeks) baby was measuring 50th centile and average weight so no concerns. However, at the consultant appointment straight after, despite no concerns and saying she doesn't need to see us again, she booked us in for an induction at 40+2.

At the time I wasn't prepared for this so didn't have the questions to ask so kind of just accepted it...but now I've had some time to think...if there are no concerns, why the need for induction? I would understand if baby was big or there were complications etc...

I am going to discuss with my midwife next week but just curious if anyone has any knowledge on this? I'd rather not be induced if there's no need!

There is no need for induction, you can just say thanks, but no thanks, and carry on until you either give birth spontaneously or actually want an induction.

You could agree to extra monitoring if for some reason they want to keep an eye on you. But no, there doesn't appear to be any need for an induction. Drives me MENTAL all these trigger happy inductions! What on earth is the point.

NICE guidance based on evidence is that your baby should be delivered by 40+6 in order to give you best chance of avoiding GD related complications for both you and baby.

I was in your position last year, I also had my induction booked for 40+2 but went into labour naturally on my due date.
I think if you felt strongly you could ask to have the induction moved to 40+5 or 40+6 to give you a better chance of not needing it.

Inductions are given to prevent the risk of babies growing excessively post-dates, shoulder dystocia etc.

And for the small but increased risk of intra-uterine deaths in GDM.

GDM is a high-risk pregnancy.

(My baby was closer to 70% centile on growth scan but I know the scans aren't very accurate once you get to this late stage of pregnancy.)

Thanks for all the replies.

I have since read about GD and potential placenta complications being another reason for induction...

Fingers crossed baby comes naturally beforehand!