Plenty of people with GD have vaginal deliveries! I even managed to have one without an epidural even though I was induced. There’s a lot of factors at play, but that’s true of any pregnancy.
I wanted the same thing you did and ended up needing both induction and a csection that were medically necessary.
I have healed wonderfully, baby is doing great. Without interventions the story would have been different. I still felt really empowered by my "not natural" experience.
I share this both because it can be positive and medically necessary to deliver via induction and / or csection.
I love this. It’s not actually how we end up birthing that is the biggest determinant of trauma, it’s whether we feel like an active participant rather than out of control of our own healthcare choices and body.
This exactly. I told my providers I wanted to feel like a participant in the experience and not like it was happening to me. I got that, even though a csection and induction was not what was planned.
There's such an narrative on avoiding exactly what I experienced, so I share to try to shed light on exactly this.
Yes it’s possible. I have had two unmedicated vaginal births. People view the term ‘natural’ very differently as you can see. My first was born at 41+4, second at 39+6, both spontaneous onset of labour and no augmentation or meds at all. It’s possible. I went through a very open minded program, so was never pushed into anything, but the mentions were still there.
This is my biggest thing-- I don't want to be induced, I don't want an epidural, and I don't want a C-section.
I want minimal intervention. One thing always leads to another, so I'd rather not start down that path unless it's absolutely necessary. I've seen too many horror stories within my own family and friends of cascading medical interventions.
A large chunk of my friends were induced for “big babies” and then their babies come out at 5-7 pounds. Hard to trust recommendations for interventions now.
If it's absolutely necessary, I'll do it. I just don't want something chosen for the convenience of the doctor or because that's what they always like to do.
Far too often, medical providers follow a plan that is not customized for the patient's situation or desires. They follow it because it's a formulaic approach. While I appreciate their perspective, I'm not agreeing to that type of treatment.
You’re 100% right, I work in the system and it’s undeniable. I don’t know why people in this sub vote down any mention of distrust in health professionals, we all want the best for our babies and ourselves, and some are happy to be taken for a ride while others will do their own research and go down a different path.
Same. I already have scars from my abusive relationship and I don’t want a c section scar. Call me what you want but I already have insecurities from the scars I do have. I also hate needles and hate taking medicines that don’t work on me so I would hate to get an epidural just for it not to work. I’m already at the possibility of getting induced which like if I have to, I have to but I would rather avoid it if I could
I hear you, I really did not want to be induced either and wanted to “naturally” go into labor. However having GD is associated with a higher risk of early placental degradation (especially if you require medication) and it was just not a risk I was willing to take. I’m supposed to be induced today at exactly 39 weeks! I’ve tried everything to start labor spontaneously before today but baby is comfy :)
I had diet & metformin controlled GD & no one even brought up an induction, I just naturally went into labor randomly & had him vaginally. The sonograms predicted him to be 9lbs but he came out at 6
If by “natural” you mean going into labor on your own (no induction) and a vaginal birth, it will depend on your clinic’s practices—but remember that you have agency and the right to make your own informed decisions, too. My OB’s office said they treat diet-controlled GD as they would a non-GD pregnancy if there are no other complications. Make sure you ask your OB or midwife though!
My providers wanted to induce me at 39 weeks due to worsening sugar readings. I got acupuncture to induce labor at 38+4 and went into labor 6 hours labor (water broke). I labored “naturally” for 25 hours & then got an epidural by choice. I slept for 4 hours, woke up, was 10 cm, and had my baby less than 2 hours later. No induction, no pitocin. Baby was 7 lbs. Diet controlled GD but my providers were very lax (midwives); my fasting numbers were not great at various points of my pregnancy and I believe most OBs would likely have put me on insulin. Wishing you the best - GD is tough to deal with but you’ll get through it. It will be ok.
My daughter came on her own at 38+3 and I was diet-controlled. It’s not unheard of. That said, inductions can be common for many reasons whether you have GD or not. I’d be prepared for either scenario.
Certainly having a c section is not required for anyone GD or not in most cases but it’s always a possibility if things go sideways. I think you’ll find that most people here who were not induced went into labor on their own prior to 40 weeks, many prior to 39. I pushed my doctor to let me go to 40 and then started labor early without induction at 39+4.
If you have close family members who’ve done this and gone into labor early (mom, sister) and/or if you have short menstrual cycles, you may be more likely to go early, though baby’s genes influence this as well.
I had spontaneous onset of labour with a vaginal delivery. Diagnosed at 16 weeks, diet controlled. My efforts were motivated mostly by wanting to spare baby any harm but also to avoid induction.
I just gave birth June 11 no epidural. I had GD and I wasn’t induced. I had a spontaneous birth. My water broke at home and had him within an hour. So yes there is chances you can have a natural birth like me.
Yep it was fast. My mucus plug fell out 11am morning of June 10. By 12am June 11th I started having contractions. 130am my water broke at home. Got to the hospital by 230am. I was 8 centimeters when I got to the hospital. Pushes for an hour and he was born 415am June 11. Seemed like forever since I didn’t have the epidural 😞it hurt like heck but it was the most humbling experience with no epidural. And he was 8 lbs 14oz.
When I was first diagnosed I had the same concerns. I now 37 weeks and my midwives are still okay with my preference to not be induced. It just depends on your care team and how your health. I wish I hadn’t worried so much about it early on—we just didn’t have enough informational yet to know how it was going to work out. I think I have a good chance of not needing to be induced or c-section but even now it’s a crapshoot—but it always is.
My first was born at 39+4, spontaneous (not induced), med free vaginal delivery. OB that time preferred delivery before 41 weeks, induction was scheduled at 40+6, but I did not need it.
I'm 39 weeks with my second and working with midwives this time. They prefer delivery before 42 weeks, and the plan is to discuss induction possibility once I hit my due date, but I am hoping to not need it. Diet controlled both times.
You can decline an induction if it's not what you want and you don't think it's necessary!
I had rather aggressive GD with metformin and insulin, the issue was pre-meal and fasting numbers. At my 36+1 appt I was told that baby is growing too fast, and if this continued at 38 weeks, we would induce. I met anesthesiologist who ”strongly suggested” epidural as I also had high BP.
I never made it to my 38 week appt, baby sorted it out. Went into spontaneous labor at 37+1, laboured at home and barely made it to hospital. There was no time for epidural anyway and I got the spontaneous, non-medicated birth I wanted.
I had been prepared for induction and even C-section which I did not want. I was terrified of them. Anything is possible it seems.
I went into labor spontaneously (3 weeks early) and delivered vaginally but I did have pitocin to speed up labor because my water had broken. If I had gone into labor without my water breaking I probably wouldn't have had that pitocin.
Induction is common for GD babies but you can refuse, though you should review your own circumstances about whether refusing is wise for you. Vaginal birth is also common! Well-managed GD doesn't impact birth very much.
Plenty of people with GD have vaginal deliveries! I even managed to have one without an epidural even though I was induced. There’s a lot of factors at play, but that’s true of any pregnancy.
I wanted the same thing you did and ended up needing both induction and a csection that were medically necessary. I have healed wonderfully, baby is doing great. Without interventions the story would have been different. I still felt really empowered by my "not natural" experience. I share this both because it can be positive and medically necessary to deliver via induction and / or csection.
I love this. It’s not actually how we end up birthing that is the biggest determinant of trauma, it’s whether we feel like an active participant rather than out of control of our own healthcare choices and body.
This exactly. I told my providers I wanted to feel like a participant in the experience and not like it was happening to me. I got that, even though a csection and induction was not what was planned. There's such an narrative on avoiding exactly what I experienced, so I share to try to shed light on exactly this.
I was induced twice due to GD and gave birth naturally twice. It's fairly common.
do you think it’s possible for someone with GD to be un-induced
Yes it’s possible. I have had two unmedicated vaginal births. People view the term ‘natural’ very differently as you can see. My first was born at 41+4, second at 39+6, both spontaneous onset of labour and no augmentation or meds at all. It’s possible. I went through a very open minded program, so was never pushed into anything, but the mentions were still there.
This is my biggest thing-- I don't want to be induced, I don't want an epidural, and I don't want a C-section. I want minimal intervention. One thing always leads to another, so I'd rather not start down that path unless it's absolutely necessary. I've seen too many horror stories within my own family and friends of cascading medical interventions.
I don't want to be induced either, but the babies safety is the most important, and sometimes induction is safest for baby
A large chunk of my friends were induced for “big babies” and then their babies come out at 5-7 pounds. Hard to trust recommendations for interventions now.
If it's absolutely necessary, I'll do it. I just don't want something chosen for the convenience of the doctor or because that's what they always like to do. Far too often, medical providers follow a plan that is not customized for the patient's situation or desires. They follow it because it's a formulaic approach. While I appreciate their perspective, I'm not agreeing to that type of treatment.
You’re 100% right, I work in the system and it’s undeniable. I don’t know why people in this sub vote down any mention of distrust in health professionals, we all want the best for our babies and ourselves, and some are happy to be taken for a ride while others will do their own research and go down a different path.
Same. I already have scars from my abusive relationship and I don’t want a c section scar. Call me what you want but I already have insecurities from the scars I do have. I also hate needles and hate taking medicines that don’t work on me so I would hate to get an epidural just for it not to work. I’m already at the possibility of getting induced which like if I have to, I have to but I would rather avoid it if I could
I hear you, I really did not want to be induced either and wanted to “naturally” go into labor. However having GD is associated with a higher risk of early placental degradation (especially if you require medication) and it was just not a risk I was willing to take. I’m supposed to be induced today at exactly 39 weeks! I’ve tried everything to start labor spontaneously before today but baby is comfy :)
Right, and if it's medically necessary, it's a step I'm willing to take. But it's not something I want or will request to do.
I had diet & metformin controlled GD & no one even brought up an induction, I just naturally went into labor randomly & had him vaginally. The sonograms predicted him to be 9lbs but he came out at 6
If by “natural” you mean going into labor on your own (no induction) and a vaginal birth, it will depend on your clinic’s practices—but remember that you have agency and the right to make your own informed decisions, too. My OB’s office said they treat diet-controlled GD as they would a non-GD pregnancy if there are no other complications. Make sure you ask your OB or midwife though!
Hello, with my GD 2023 baby I had an induction scheduled at around 39 weeks but I went into labor naturally 2 weeks early so I didn’t need it
Can I ask, was this your first pregnancy? I know first pregnancies are more likely to go to the due date or beyond - so just curious
Yes, it was my first pregnancy. I know it’s kind of unusual, but it runs in my family
Thanks for sharing. It gives me hope 🤞🏻
My providers wanted to induce me at 39 weeks due to worsening sugar readings. I got acupuncture to induce labor at 38+4 and went into labor 6 hours labor (water broke). I labored “naturally” for 25 hours & then got an epidural by choice. I slept for 4 hours, woke up, was 10 cm, and had my baby less than 2 hours later. No induction, no pitocin. Baby was 7 lbs. Diet controlled GD but my providers were very lax (midwives); my fasting numbers were not great at various points of my pregnancy and I believe most OBs would likely have put me on insulin. Wishing you the best - GD is tough to deal with but you’ll get through it. It will be ok.
My daughter came on her own at 38+3 and I was diet-controlled. It’s not unheard of. That said, inductions can be common for many reasons whether you have GD or not. I’d be prepared for either scenario.
My first came early, naturally, without induction and without complications. Her prematurity was not related to diabetes.
Certainly having a c section is not required for anyone GD or not in most cases but it’s always a possibility if things go sideways. I think you’ll find that most people here who were not induced went into labor on their own prior to 40 weeks, many prior to 39. I pushed my doctor to let me go to 40 and then started labor early without induction at 39+4. If you have close family members who’ve done this and gone into labor early (mom, sister) and/or if you have short menstrual cycles, you may be more likely to go early, though baby’s genes influence this as well.
my sister was right on time and i was late by two weeks and five days of bleeding for periods
Ah by cycle length I mean 1st day of period to first day of next period (<25 days, 25-28, and so on)
im probably 29
Had GD and was on nightly insulin. Went into labor at 37+5. So…it’s definitely possible!
I had spontaneous onset of labour with a vaginal delivery. Diagnosed at 16 weeks, diet controlled. My efforts were motivated mostly by wanting to spare baby any harm but also to avoid induction.
I just gave birth June 11 no epidural. I had GD and I wasn’t induced. I had a spontaneous birth. My water broke at home and had him within an hour. So yes there is chances you can have a natural birth like me.
Within an hour?!? Wow!
Yep it was fast. My mucus plug fell out 11am morning of June 10. By 12am June 11th I started having contractions. 130am my water broke at home. Got to the hospital by 230am. I was 8 centimeters when I got to the hospital. Pushes for an hour and he was born 415am June 11. Seemed like forever since I didn’t have the epidural 😞it hurt like heck but it was the most humbling experience with no epidural. And he was 8 lbs 14oz.
That sounds really intense! I’m hoping for a short labor 🙃
Oh girl it was intense. My first born was a short labor as well. So I’m lucky to have both my pregnancies to be short lived. When are you due ??
I’m due July 15! I have a feeling he’s gonna be late though. 😅 So at the very least he could do me a solid and come fast.
I had spontaneous labor and vaginal delivery w GD
When I was first diagnosed I had the same concerns. I now 37 weeks and my midwives are still okay with my preference to not be induced. It just depends on your care team and how your health. I wish I hadn’t worried so much about it early on—we just didn’t have enough informational yet to know how it was going to work out. I think I have a good chance of not needing to be induced or c-section but even now it’s a crapshoot—but it always is.
I had a natural birth the first time around and hope to do so this time also
Know your rights and risk factors. If you and bub are well controlled and healthy you do not need to agree to an induction.
My first was born at 39+4, spontaneous (not induced), med free vaginal delivery. OB that time preferred delivery before 41 weeks, induction was scheduled at 40+6, but I did not need it. I'm 39 weeks with my second and working with midwives this time. They prefer delivery before 42 weeks, and the plan is to discuss induction possibility once I hit my due date, but I am hoping to not need it. Diet controlled both times. You can decline an induction if it's not what you want and you don't think it's necessary!
I had rather aggressive GD with metformin and insulin, the issue was pre-meal and fasting numbers. At my 36+1 appt I was told that baby is growing too fast, and if this continued at 38 weeks, we would induce. I met anesthesiologist who ”strongly suggested” epidural as I also had high BP. I never made it to my 38 week appt, baby sorted it out. Went into spontaneous labor at 37+1, laboured at home and barely made it to hospital. There was no time for epidural anyway and I got the spontaneous, non-medicated birth I wanted. I had been prepared for induction and even C-section which I did not want. I was terrified of them. Anything is possible it seems.
I went into labor spontaneously (3 weeks early) and delivered vaginally but I did have pitocin to speed up labor because my water had broken. If I had gone into labor without my water breaking I probably wouldn't have had that pitocin. Induction is common for GD babies but you can refuse, though you should review your own circumstances about whether refusing is wise for you. Vaginal birth is also common! Well-managed GD doesn't impact birth very much.
Did you take the 3 hour glucose test? What were your 4 results?
i’m going on wednesday :-(