Is early induction indicated because of my preexisting diabetes?
Do I have to be induced before 40 weeks?
Many women who live with preexisting diabetes may hope to carry to their due date at 40 weeks and often wonder if it is possible to do so while living with diabetes.
Ten years ago the medical community recommended that people living with preexisting diabetes have their labor induced at 37 weeks of pregnancy in order to prevent stillbirth and other potential complications related to diabetes and pregnancy. Just six years ago, the recommendation was adjusted to 38 weeks of pregnancy.
Currently delivery recommendations
Today, the current recommendation is to plan delivery, for people with well-controlled and uncomplicated diabetes, for between 39 weeks 0 days and 39 weeks and 6 days. The reasoning is to balance the benefits of in-utero fetal development and mitigate the risk of stillbirth.
A recently published study completed by the National Institutes of Health discusses how one benefit of induction at 39 weeks is the reduced risk of a cesarean section.
Does this mean that I can’t carry to 40 weeks?
Not necessarily. While it may be more likely for women who have well-controlled diabetes and no additional medical or pregnancy complications, make sure to check with your medical provider and discuss what is best for you. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact them immediately. Stay on the lookout for another post discussing the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) delivery recommendation, the earliest, at 39 weeks gestation.
