2nd Time GD Moms - Guidance?

jilld23 · March 2012

Good afternoon all!

I was diagnosed with GD at 27 weeks and since then have been able to control the diabetes with a low dose of glybuyride at night. Honestly - my numbers have been awesome.

At 32 weeks our baby girl was measuring 60% size and they were really pleased with how she looks. Then this past Monday, we had our 36 week growth scan, and she is measuring in the 90+% at 7 lbs 15 oz. Eeek. My doctor talked to me about this and they are concerned about shoulder dystocia due to the fact that her belly is so chubby now.

They are ordering another scan on 3/20 as I would have her no later than 3/25 and they want to have an idea of how big she REALLY is, but at this point, I am so not sure what to think. I am hoping and praying that she just decides to come on her own any day now, but I know that as a first time mom, that is probably not likely.

Has anyone else been told that their baby would likely have shoulder dystocia and not go right for the csection? I really want to try to deliver vaginally, but I don't want to make a decision that could hurt my baby.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated and I apologize in advance if my post is a bit of a ramble.

PregsterDD · March 2012

FTM here, gestational diabetic and my LO is measuring in the 80th percentile. I am a L+D nurse so I can offer my advice. They can't give you an exact measurement on the baby, it can be off by a pound in either direction. You can opt for a trial of labor (induction) at 39 weeks. In most cases if your baby isn't going to fit, you will either stop dilating, descending or both, or your will push and the baby won't descend. That would be an indication for a c-section. Shoulder dystocia is always a risk. They have to inform you of this. The nurses and doctors would be prepared for this at your vaginal delivery and they have maneuvers that are safe for you to still have a vaginal delivery. You seem to be well informed now all you can do is pray about it. Whatever you decide will be the right decision.

smacb · March 2012

I had gestational diabetes with my son and with this baby. I had a c-section at 38 weeks. With my son, his head was measuring with my due date, but the rest of him was measuring way ahead. There was concern about my placenta and I hadn't made any progress on my own. My OB strongly recommended a c-section but said it was my choice and he would induce me if I wanted and induction with the understanding that I would probably end up with a c-section anyway. I was happy with the decision to have a c-section. My little boy came out completely healthy and with shoulders wider than his head.

mlf625 · March 2012

Like the pp said, the measurements can be off. My OB was within a few ounces with each of our babies, but I've definitely heard of them being off by a pound or more.

DS was measuring at 9lb at 39 weeks. I hadn't dilated or effaced at all. My OB didn't want me going overdue with GD, and particularly with a 9+lb baby, and the shoulder issue was one of the reasons why. He and I discussed pros and cons of induction v. c/s, and for me, the c/s won out. My worst case scenario was going through labor THEN having the c/s (which many women say makes for a harder c/s and recovery), and I didn't have any emotional attachment to a vaginal delivery, anyway. I also had a lot of anxiety about the baby being okay (I'd had two m/cs prior) and I knew the emergency c/s scenario would push me over the edge. For me, it was the right choice to just schedule the c/s. I had a great c/s experience each time and am hopeful for the same this time.

One other thing to consider is how many children you eventually want. It seems many OBs get hesitant about c/s after 3, so if you're hoping for 4 or 5 kids, that may weigh your decision to attempt vaginally first.

I'd talk more with your OB and go from there. Good luck!

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