Gestational Diabetes

I  just had an email from a client with a concern I get quite a lot, so I thought I would share this and my response:

“Hi Pip,

The main concern I have right now is that I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes (borderline) and even though I have very healthy diet and lifestyle and blood glucose levels are all within target range every time I measure, my Obstetrician has advised he will not let me go past my due date, and I really was hoping not to be induced.  So actually the thought that I might have to be induced is my main concern right now, which I have to overcome~J “

Hi J,

As you do the course you will realise you have to use your BRAIN technique and trust your body and instincts.

Obstetricians can get caught up with looking for a problem when actually everything is just fine.

Gestational diabetes is a perfect example of this.

Plus there is a big difference between “routine care” and “evidence-based” care.

Always ask to be shown the evidence and remember it is your birth, not theirs.

Also, know that all Australian obstetricians are meant to follow this guideline:

 “Women who have been fully informed regarding a recommended course of action, and the potential consequences of not pursuing such management, should have their decisions respected if they decline such a course of action.”  http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/doc/standards-of-maternity-care-in-australia-and-new-zealand.html

Knowledge is power and very comforting, so here are lots of articles you might like to read about gestational diabetes and induction.

Buckley, S. J. (2008). ‘Gestational Diabetes Testing’. In Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: A Doctor’s Guide to Natural Childbirth and Gentle Early Parenting Choices. Retrieved  from http://www.fullcirclemidwifery.com/2009/02/gestational-diabetes-information/

Goer, H. (1996). Gestational Diabetes: The Emperor Has No Clothes. The Birth Gazette, 12(2). Retrieved  from http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gdhgoer.html

Odent, M. (2004). Gestational Diabetes: A Diagnosis Still Looking For a Disease? Primal Health Research: A New Era in Health Research, 12(1). Retrieved from http://www.bellybeginnings.com/Handouts/GestationalDiabetes-Odent.pdf

http://evidencebasedbirth.com/does-gestational-diabetes-always-mean-a-big-baby-and-induction/

http://www.sarawickham.com/quotes-and-shares/quote-of-the-month-for-may-gestational-diabetes/

http://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-for-induction-or-c-section-for-big-baby/

http://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/ten-things-i-wish-every-woman-knew-about-induction-of-labour-the-article/

Can we really say there is a clear reason to induce just for borderline gestational diabetes and a suspected big baby?

Kind regards Pip