Gestational Diabetes / Fearing necessary C-section

KayleneTice8 · July 2014

Was diagnosed with GD two weeks ago and have been following the meal plan and "rules" to the very best of my ability. I have only gained 6 lbs this pregnancy. (Beginning weight 179 and current holding steady at 185) Ultrasound last week shows baby weighing 3lb 12oz. Mid wife seemed discouraged (way out of her character) but did say it's possible for baby's growth to slow down. I have given birth naturally twice in the past and planned the same for this last pregnancy, but now am faced with possible planned c-section. Wondering of any one else is encountering a similar issue or has in the past and any advice is always welcome.

lrobi13 · July 2014

It is a possibility for me to have a C-section due to gd but I am not overly concerned. I just want to get the baby here the best and safest way possible for the both of us.

Yes, it is different from the original plan but it is a very solid option and shouldn't get you down. We do what we have to do!

But being able to know ahead of time when you are going to deliver does have its perks so if you do have to have a section try to focus on the positives.

FX that you have a safe and uncomplicated delivery!

wildflower75 · July 2014

Do the best you can with the diet and you should be ok!!

Do not be discouraged!
A c-section is not the worst thing in the world...mine was very easy and the recovery was far easier than many of my friend's and family's natural births.

Roseypants · July 2014

I did not have GD, but had an unplanned c-section. After 44 hours of intense labor, I was thankful for the c-section. Yes, recovery is harder but in the end you still get a baby. You forget about it after a while!

ss265 · July 2014

I had GD with DS1 and a C-section (not due to GD though, but due to failure to progress). My recovery was fairly easy and I will probably do a RCS for this LO. If you do have a C-section, be sure to walk around as soon as the doctor says that it's ok. It will help with the recovery time although it will be hard to walk then. And try and rest as much as possible for the first few weeks.

KayleneTice8 · July 2014

Also seeing my regular OB..there are two in the office with three midwives. I am seen every week at this point, OB every other week.

LightBright515 · July 2014

This is a legitimate fear! I'd start researching c-sections so you are familiar and as comfortable as you can be with the whole process prior to going in.

noellemari · July 2014

I totally get where you are coming from with this being your third! Who wants a csection for their baby?

. A vaginal delivery isn't completely out just because you have GD. How big were your last babies? Right now you have what the OB world calls a proven pelvis up to x amount of lbs. For example, my biggest baby was 7lb 4oz. So I know I can safely deliver a baby up to that weight. And then keep that in mind when they are doing the growth ultrasounds while also remembering that they have a margin of error of +- 2lbs. In the meantime, read up in c-sections and what to expect. GL!!!

Emerald27 · July 2014

theresat858 said:
While GD might be an indication for an induction prior to your due date or a possible C-section, "big babies" are no longer considered an indication for an automatic C-section. I would question any doctor who says otherwise, since that goes directly against the new ACOG recommendation.

Exactly this!! The difficulty of delivery has much more to do with a baby's head circumference than his/her weight. A 10-lb baby with a 14" head may make for an easier delivery than a 7lb baby with a 16" head! It's all in the head size.

Also, like another PP said, ultrasounds after about 24 weeks are really not very accurate for predicting baby's birth weight for two important reasons:

The first is because they use averages from certain limb measurements to "guess" baby's weight. A long and lean baby might appear on ultrasound to be enormous, when really she's just tall or lanky. A short and chubby baby might appear on ultrasound to be teeny, when in reality he weighs much more than his long and lean little friend.

The second reason ultrasounds after about 24 weeks aren't great at predicting baby weight at the time of delivery is that at this point, babies tend to grow at different rates, unique to them. For all the MW knows, baby could have JUST had a big growth spurt. If baby was looking smaller than expected, a growth spurt could be JUST around the corner. Babies grow at such unique rates in the latter half of pregnancy that unless you're fairly continuously monitoring their growth, it's very hard to tell whether they're "big" or "small" for their age.

I would take these and any other concerns you have to the doctor before consenting to a planned cesarean based on baby's size. Unless baby truly appears to be enormous (and especially since it's your third!), I would fight for the opportunity to attempt a vaginal birth (IMHO).

NavyFlyer · July 2014

I'm so glad you asked this, I just got diagnosed with GD as well and am worried about the same thing!!!!

KayleneTice8 · July 2014

My first baby was 8 lb and my second 8lb 6 oz. I have been able to calm my fears a little this past week and my sugars have been way in check so I'm proud of that! Thank you all for your suggestions and reassurance!

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