Anyone NOT induced with Gestational Diabetes?

[Inquiringmind]

Well, I have GD. Based on my internet surfing, it looks like many doctors induce at 37 weeks. So, today I asked my provider what the likelihood of induction was for me. She indicated that it would be likely that they would want to induce at 38-39 weeks.
Has anyone here had GD and not been induced?
Does anyone have links to research that shows the benefits and/or risks of early induction with GD?

[tngirl11]

I had GD in both my previous pg and have never been induced. My first pg was with twins, and I had them early, so that doesn't really count, but my last pg went to 40 weeks and 5 days and ended in a wonderful, uncomplicated, natural delivery. As long as you have your blood sugar under control, there is just no reason why you should be induced. My DS was heavy at 9lbs 10oz, but he was very solid--not at all chunky. In fact, my midwife guessed he was a pound less than that. I figure, as long as you manage your GD, it's basically as if you don't even have it, kwim? I know I looked up information like you're looking for when I hit my due date just in case. If I can find it, I'll post the links for you.

[tngirl11]

Okay, here is one good article that I had found. It's by a woman named Henci Goer, who has done a lot of research into GD and its implications. Once you get several pages into it, she discusses induction and why it isn't a good option.
http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregna...,,9cgc,00.html

[Realrellim]

I'm sure they don't induce in every case. I appear to have it based on some blood sugar readings that can't be explained away and suspect I'll get a diagnosis of some sort when I have my appt next week. But, I had a u/s today that showed baby measuring at 12th percentile, so clearly, I'm not growing a big one. I think the only reason, in my case, that they'd want to get the baby out at 37 weeks is if there were other complications (like pre-e again) or if the baby's growth seemed to be compromised by the GD.

That said, I realize I'm a really atypical case. I myself am scratching my head at how I'm growing a small one, measuring small, and yet have blood sugar readings that are too high unless I stick to the carbs suggested in the GD diet for each meal. (Maybe I'll get lucky and my midwife can explain it away next week? Probably not likely though, seeing as they insisted I start checking my blood sugars after my 1-hr test came back with elevated levels and I refused to do the 3-hr.)

[folkgirl]

I have a very severe, medically-managed case of GD. This is my second pregnancy and the first was the same way, except it's worse this time. The maternal fetal specialist does not suggest induction before 40 weeks and the 40 weeks thing is only for insulin-dependent GD (and that's based on old research and I may not heed it myself this time). My original provider was chomping at the bit to induce me at 37. This is not the standard of care; this does not follow ACOG's guidelines on GD. It is old school and way, way more likely to result in a c-section and/or a premature baby.

[lifeguard]

I had gd that was hard to get under control. I was induced BUT not because of the gd - because of umbilical cord problems. My ob was wonderful but the endo would have had me c-sectioned in a second if it was his choice.

[zannster]

I won't be induced...but I don't have an OB.

[umsami]

I've had GD with three pregnancies. Inducing at 37 weeks is way too early IMHO. I believe 39 weeks is the standard. Has to do with placenta breakdown and increased risk of stillbirth... also with baby's size.

I was induced with #1 and #3, but #2 came on his own.

If your MFM is pushign for an induction at 37 weeks, I'd push back. There's so much out there (even some recent stuff) that says that is often too soon... and that every day counts. I'd really try for 39 weeks, if everything looks good. You'll probably be having twice weekly fetal monitoring by then... as well as biophysical profiles (ultrasound).

I've been with three different MFMs, and they've all said 39 weeks. I would only expect one to induce at 37 weeks if they were seeing problems.

[umsami]

For research, try http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18457474?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez. Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_SingleItemSupl.P ubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=4&log$=relatedreviews&l ogdbfrom=pubmed

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...&ordinalpos=16