Is it automatic (doctors recommendation) to have a C-section if you have Gestational diabetes? did you guys got induce at 37 wks instead of 40 wks? afraid that the baby might be too big? did you have a choice whether to get induce early or not?

I had GD with DS3 and DS4, and had vaginal deliveries. We were going to go to 40 weeks with both, but they both decided to get here earlier. Even so, there was never a plan for a C section. DS3 was 36 weeks, and weighed 7lbs, 11 oz, DS4 was 33 weeks, and weighed 4 lbs, 3 oz.

Your doctor will monitor and measure your abdomen weekly and probably do an U/S as you get closer and will make a decision based on your and the baby's health.

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I had GD with my first son. They did induce labor at 40 weeks, and I delivered vaginally. A c-section was never mentioned, unless in case of an emergency.

With GD, if you eat low carb foods as the doctor instructs the baby should not get too large. If the baby doesn't get too large, you will not need a csection. The group of doctors I worked for, induced at 39 weeks. I however, did not have GD and still had an 11 pound baby, so I would be sure to follow your doctors instructions.

Generally the two problems the doctors look for with a baby born to a mom with GD is: Large baby and baby with low blood sugar (at birth).

This is an interesting article on GD:

Article by Henci Goer on the Uselessness of Standard Management of Gestational Diabetes - FROM RONNIE Falcão's MIDWIFE ARCHIVES

I had GD with my son, he was born 10lbs 13ozs vaginally. There was never any mention of getting a C section.... but that was in 1989 - perhaps protocol has changed?

I was wondering about this too. It's driving me crazy not being able to know what sort of diet, or the lik until the 23rd. I'm so worried it's not funny. I'm terrified every bite of carb or sugar is hurting my baby. It's nerve wracking.

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I had gestational diabetes with both of my boys and a c-section was never mentioned with either one of them in regard to the GD. They did mention that the would do one if it became needed during delivery, but that was a in general warning that they tell everyone, not because of the GD. My first son was born naturally (not induced) at 40 weeks (on his due date) at 8 pounds, 10 ounces. I was measuring perfectly with him, so they weren't worried about his size. They actually told me that he would be 7 - 71/2 pounds. My second son, they were concerned about his measurements from an ultrasound even though I was measuring a week or two behind the entire pregnancy, so I was induced at 39 weeks. He was 7 pounds, 7 ounces - so he would have been about 8 pounds if born at 40 weeks.

I wouldn't worry too much about needing a c-section as long as you follow the diet that the doctor gives you. If your doctor is telling you that you will have a c-section just because you have GD, I would personally look for a new doctor. My sister, as well as several of my friends had GD and not one of them needed a c-section. None of the books that I was given by my doctor or the nutritionist mentioned having a c-section just due to GD either.

I wouldn't worry super much about the diet. Just eat foods without sauces and dressings in normal amounts and you will probably be ok. I'd also watch how much fruit, pizza, bread and pasta I ate, but eat alot of non-starchy veggies and a normal amount of meat. I think that they say a serving of meat, for someone with or without diabetes, is the size of a deck of cards. Somehow serving sizes have just grown over the last few years.