What to do if gestational diabetes hasn’t started at 40 weeks

If a woman with gestational diabetes mellitus has not started labor at 40 weeks, she can follow the doctor’s instructions to induce a trial of labor, and if she is unable to deliver through the vagina, she should be prepared for an elective cesarean section in advance. Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes mellitus that occurs during pregnancy, and is often combined with macrosomia and amniotic fluid, and some fetuses that are too large may not be able to be successfully delivered through the vagina. If the mother has had diabetes in previous pregnancies, fetal arrest, intrauterine fetal death, or fetal developmental abnormalities, a cesarean section should be chosen on medical advice. Mothers undergoing labor induction should be monitored during labor for diet, blood glucose, urinary ketones, and fetal heart rate. For those with satisfactory glycemic control, if there are no maternal or fetal complications, the pregnancy is usually terminated at 38-39 weeks of gestation under close monitoring. Blood glucose should be strictly controlled throughout the pregnancy and hospitalization should be done at any time if blood glucose control is not satisfactory. If gestational diabetes mellitus is combined with complications such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, fundopathy, and intrauterine distress, the pregnancy should be terminated at the appropriate time after promoting fetal lung maturation. Mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus should consult a medical professional to control their blood glucose levels, and should be seen under medical supervision.