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Childbirth/Gestational Diabetes and Induction

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Expert: - 3/24/2009


Question
I am 36wks pregnant, I have failed all my Glucose testing and my Dr cannot get me in to see a specialist for Gestational Diabetes. Will they Induce me if I cant get to the specialist and my Glucose levels are still high ??

Answer
Lyndsey,

Gestational diabetes by itself is not automatically a reason for induction.  

There is no evidence that induction or c-section improves outcomes for mothers or babies when your sugars are well-controlled.

The answer to this question will depend on how high your sugars are and how you are controlling them, i.e. with diet and exercise, insulin, etc.

Here are some articles that explain more on Gestational Diabetes and courses of treatment:

http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/what-is-gestational-diabetes.html
http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/gestational-diabetes-treatment.html
http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/treatment-for-gestational-diabetes.html


If your doctor does want to induce, you can ask the specific reasons and risks/benefits of induction vs. spontaneous labor.  Induction brings many risks that are not inherent to spontaneous labor, for both you and your baby.  It is advisable to avoid induction and c-section unless truly medically indicated and a diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes does not automatically qualify in this area.


Best,
Catherine  

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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