Induction scheduled due to gestational diabetes.

[Berry119]

At my 36-week scan, the diabetic consultant informed me that I would be induced at 38 weeks. I'm currently 37 weeks, but I haven't received any appointment or call from the induction team yet. Does anyone know when they typically schedule the appointment in uk? Feeling so tensed as I need to arrange a child care for my 5 years

If I remember rightly (8 years ago) I was told the week before that I would be in on the Monday at exactly 39 weeks

If you're worried I would approach your midwife or the consultant and ask them - I'm sure it's different in different trusts but I saw a consultant at c.35 weeks and she booked me an induction there and then for 39+3 (for a big baby but not GD, not sure I will take up the offer of induction but certainly she was able to book it in right away).

It’s an offer of induction, nothing is mandatory. Consider if it’s the best option for you.

You don't HAVE to be induced for GD.

I've just had my second GD baby and they pushed for induction at 38w. I declined and booked it for 39w with the intention of moving it if I hadn't gone naturally by then. My growth scans were fine and my sugars were controlled. I eventually delayed my induction to 40+4 (NICE guidelines are 40+6 so I really don't know why they push 38/39w!) and went into labour naturally at 39+6. She was born on her due date at 6lb 12oz.

I dread to think what would've happened if I went ahead with the induction at 38 weeks, she would've been in the 5lbs and probably needed special care, and no doubt my induction would've ended up as an EMCS if my body/baby wasn't ready.

Have a look on the GDUK website about induction and make an informed decision.

Thanks ☺️

Due to complications in my first pregnancy, the consultant had always recommended my second be induced at 38 weeks. Then developed GD in second pregnancy and felt comfortable with the advice that induction was safest. Had a scan at 37 weeks which indicated a slowed growth rate and they phoned the labour ward to book me in - I think it’s done fairly last minute so they can plan the caseload - I was told I would be prioritised over ladies being induced without complications for example. This was a Weds afternoon, and I was booked in for Friday morning.

DD had her own ideas, started natural labour on the Thursday morning and was holding her 2 hours later 😂

I had a horrible(4 day 😭) induction with my first, but had a healthy DS as a result, and personally I felt I was happy to deal with whatever the consultant considered best the second time round. I had a great medical team tho and trusted them. I know people have different experiences, go with what you feel is right. If you go for induction then I would expect them to plan it as close to 38 weeks as the labour ward have space for, but not to get much more than a couple of days notice. You’re less likely to be bumped down the priority list, but no guarantee how long it’ll take so be prepared! x