G diabetes and 2 docs can't agree on enduction(now 37weeks pregnant)?

[Natasha S]

Hi girls.
I have a weird question, but that's exactly what my situation is. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes when I was 7 months along. First doc tried to control sugar level with diet only. Out of 4 tests a day 1 result was constantly higher than it should be. So he put me on the medicine (pill).
Now this doc (responsible for keeping track on my sugar level, baby's size and so on) mentioned several times the idea of enduction about 10 days before my due date.While my ob/gyn (who will be delivering our baby) doesn't see too much sense in induction since the baby is not too big at all for his gestational age.
Tomorrow we have an appointment with my ob'gyn, and hopefully she will tell us the final decision, but I just wonder why 2 docs are having such a big different point of view and whom we should follow. I don't want to take a risk with baby's health, so I don't know who is right and who is wrong.... If you have any clue to this situation, please explain it to me.

[Cher H]

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.

[Jenn H]

the truth is, there is no sure way of saying how big your baby really is! But I would go with the person who is delivering your baby, they have probably helped you through your entire pregnancy. BUT 37 weeks, your baby is considered "done" so if you did need to be induced, your baby will be fine! Talk to you OB about this and see what happens. Whatever way is safest for you and baby, you need to go with.