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Typically babies born to mothers with Gestational Diabetes develop fat shoulders and mid bodies, thus putting your baby at risk for shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia is an obstetrician's worst nightmare. It occurs when the baby's head is easily delivered, but the shoulders are stuck inside of the mother's pubic bone. This is a life threatening condition that is extremely common in women with Gestational Diabetes. The reason being is that the excess insulin that the baby is forced to produce causes a build up of fat on the baby. While ultrasound can confirm that the baby is not heavy, it is not quite so accurate in deciding if there is a risk for shoulder dystocia.
Most modern doctors agree with delivery early to avoid the risk of shoulder dystocia while older doctors are confident in their ability to deliver a baby safely. The risks involved in shoulder dystocia by far outweigh those in being delivered 2 weeks early. I would discuss this with your OB. The risks are by far worse to go ahead and deliver at 40 weeks for you than it would be if you delivered two weeks early to prevent a potentially fatal accident.
My own pregnancy with my son who is 4 months old was one of which where I had Gestational Diabetes. My doctor opted to deliver me via c-section at last minute because my son jumped almost 2 pounds in weight in less than a week. It was very unexpected, but my son weighed almost 10 pounds at 38 weeks gestational age when he was born. I was delivered via c-section because of this discovery.
If you are concerned, please do discuss it with your OB. He/She is the only one who will know what is best for your baby.
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