Birth choices

Women with gestational diabetes are advised to give birth no later than 40 weeks and 6 days and should be offered elective birth by induction of labour for vaginal delivery, or by caesarean section if indicated.

In certain cases, women with gestational diabetes may be advised to consider an elective birth earlier than 40 weeks and 6 days if there are any maternal or foetal complications. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of delivering pre-term and deliveries often happen earlier if you develop complications such as pre-eclampsia (a condition characterised by high blood pressure) or the baby is macrosomic (significantly larger than average).  If this affects you, you may require a medical assessment to determine the risks of different labour options. In these circumstances, the birth would probably take place in a unit with obstetric cover (a unit that has specialist care for any women that may be deemed high-risk) and there is an increased chance of babies needing to be cared for in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).

Diabetes should not in itself be considered a contraindication to attempting vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section.  For certain pregnancies, women whose baby is large may be asked to discuss the risks and benefits of vaginal birth, induction of labour and caesarean section.