Experiences of Gestational Diabetes/Polyhydramnios/Big Babies!

[nora91]

Hi everyone! Looking to understand other experiences of GD/poly/big babies, particularly around birth choices and any of the risks you encountered. (This will be my first baby, 33+4 currently)

in Mid Jan my boyfriend and I had a private scan where they told us baby was measuring ahead and to contact my midwife. We did so and a growth scan showed baby was tracking 98th percentile. This caused some concern but we were reassured he looked healthy. However, after a few strange symptoms I requested a repeat glucose test (after passing my first mid Dec) and I was told I had developed GD a couple of weeks ago.

I am managing this with diet and so far haven’t had any spikes but am concerned about the impact of GD to baby, particularly after birth and the potential of his sugars plummeting. We went back for another scan last Monday which showed he is still tracking very large (was told that they found this at the anomaly scan but they didn’t tell us), and they also told me I have polyhydramnios.

I have felt so anxious the last week with the diagnosis, given some of the risks around cord prolapse. I’m starting to think about delivery and what is going to be safest for me and the baby. I’m only very petite myself (5”2) and already feel uncomfortably huge.

i wondered if anyone could share their experiences with and after delivery following these diagnoses. They are advising we make a plan at the next growth scan in a couple of weeks,and I think they will suggest a section x

I had polyhydramnious with both my sons. I was hospitalised with number 1 because he was turning and moving around a lot! I had ELCS with both at 38 weeks . Both boys BS were ok but both went to SCBU for 24hrs because their O2 sats were slightly low.

I had gestational diabetes picked up after my GTT, like you, due to growth scans. I was managed by diet only. I was told my baby was measuring large and the midwife stressed the risk of things such as shoulder dystocia. I opted for an induction at 38+5. However, during labour, they discovered my pelvis was too small to birth naturally and I had a c-section which was beautiful and not traumatic in the slightest. My little girl was born weighing 7.12, no issues with her blood sugars or mine following birth and I have had clear blood tests since.
I am now in the first trimester of another pregnancy and had my first GTT today so they are keeping a very close eye on it but I’m not worried about what may come as I feel so much more knowledgeable.
Feel empowered to do your own research and make informed decisions supported by healthcare professionals. But equally, if it comes to c-section, you can have a positive birth experience!

@richspoilt thanks so much for sharing! My baby is super active, constantly on the move! Can you remember if your poly was in the mild/moderate/severe bracket?