Doctor wants to deliver at 38 weeks

There is no reason to make this decision before you get to 38 weeks and before you have the c-section I would hope that you had a radiologist estimate the weight and amniotic fluid rather than just the OBGYN doing it. C-section is not the end of the world though so if it turns out that you do need one, you'll be fine.

Sorry to hear you're stressing about this as I'm sure it cannot be easy, but only YOU can make this decision about what to do. You either have full trust in your OB or you don't. If you don't then you must get a 2nd opinion. As long as you do what is best for you and your baby then that is all that matters. No doubt in a few weeks time you'll be cuddling your little one and be totally in love with your baby that this will all be a distant memory, hopefully. All the very best!

I agree...your OB's insistence is clearly not sitting well with you so it would give you great peace of mind to seek another opinion. Perhaps ask here about OB's who are supportive of VBAC, and see if you can talk to one of them. I'll second everything caduku said about measurements, weight etc and if your GD is under control and everything else is going well, suggestion of a 'big baby' is not cause for a definite CS. Just in case...start wrapping your head around the idea of a CS. Good OB's will do what they have to do to end up with a healthy baby and a safe Mum. Don't be pushed into something you don't want if your gut is telling you that you can have a natural birth, but be prepared that you may not get the birth you wish for if OB's consistently agree that CS is the way for you. Take care of yourself and look forward to holding that precious wee baby in your arms.

I gave birth at 40w+ 4d, baby was 3.8 kg, had gestational diabetes, C-section. If you have any doubts on what the doctor is suggesting, I believe it is better to get another opinion before deciding on anything.

I think it probably comes down to the trust you have in your OB. Whilst I haven't had either of these issues, I have had friends that have had very bad cases of gestational diabetes, and have had to be delivered early by c-section (and at the 38 week mark - so this doesn't sound outside of usual protocol - but it is completely dependant on how 'bad' your case is, as to how far they will let your pregnancy progress). It is quite common for a baby with a mother suffering from gestational diabetes to be measuring 'large' - it is one of the issues associated with GD. I am only a week ahead of you, and DD was measuring 2.7kgs last week - which is quite a 'solid' weight, for this stage - normal, but a good weight. Another .3kgs may not sound like a lot, but you need to remember that until the 35/36 week mark, you baby isn't actually putting on much weight - this comes in the last few weeks of your pregnancy, so the fact you are already outside of 'normal' ranges could indicate your baby will put on a lot of weight in the next 5 weeks. From this point, 'normal' weight gain is approximately 250grams per week - so you would be looking at a 4.25kg baby - working on the assumption your baby is putting on a 'normal' weight, but with GD they tend to put on more. It also sounds like you have the added complication of excessive amniotic fluid - which can also cause problems for you, resulting in emergency c-sections being performed. I happened to look up the fluid information the other day because I was curious that the OB kept on saying mine was in normal range, so was wondering what would happen if it wasn't... From what I understand, if you have excess fluid there can be problems with the umbilical cord, or you can have problems with your placenta when your waters break - both are serious enough to warrent an emergency c-section, which is why they tend to book a c-section in advance prior to your waters actually breaking to avoid you have any serious health complications. Personally, on the face of it, it does sounds like your OB is weighing up both your complicating factors and giving advice to ensure your safety and the healthy delivery of your baby, but again, it depends on the faith you have in your Doctor. If you are really doubting her sincerity, you could either a) call her office and find out what the fluid measurement is, and do a quick online check of normal ranges - along with the weight measurement that you know; or b) go and get a second opinion just for your comfort, but you will probably want this to be with someone you can 'trust' in case there is conflicting information. I know it is extremely disappointing to have a plan of what you want to happen taken from you (I can imagine if I was told I couldn't have a natural birth this time after having one last time, I would asking a lot of questions), but ultimately, you just want to ensure that both you and your baby are safe. I hope that helps!

The gestational diabetes is something I know very little about and obv I am not a medical professional but IMHO I would: Seek another opinion despite the hassle.. Ultrasounds are NOT conclusive in predicting baby's weight.. 3kg is not massive... 4kg is not massive so I don't know why I often hear docs over here getting their knickers in a twist about 'big babies'... who knows how big your baby actually is exactly nor how big on delivery. I had a VBAC and I fought hard to get it. I would go research other doc's opinions, Try Dr Oksuz at Healthbay or Dr Raja at American . Wishing you lots of luck and keep on top of that diet control of the diabetes cos it will be the biggest area they will refer to with concern to go for a c-section... You could even try to hire a doula? x