Your provider just told you they want to induce you at 39 weeks (or earlier). Maybe you were expecting it. Maybe you weren't.
Either way, you probably have questions:
Why do I need to be induced? What will it be like? How do I prepare? Will my baby be okay?
Take a deep breath, mama. You've got this.
Induction is very common with gestational diabetes—and for good reason. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know:
Why induction is more common with gestational diabetes
When induction typically happens
What the induction process looks like (step-by-step)
How to prepare (what to pack, birth plan tips)
What happens after baby arrives
Real birth stories from mamas who've been there
You've managed gestational diabetes through your pregnancy. You can do this too.
Managing gestational diabetes through pregnancy and birth is easier with support. Join the HIgedi app and connect with thousands of mamas who've been through induction. Download the free HIgedi app here.
If you have gestational diabetes, your provider may recommend induction between 37-40 weeks. Here's why:
The placenta can age faster with gestational diabetes.
High blood sugar can affect placental function over time
An aging placenta may not deliver nutrients and oxygen as efficiently
This can affect baby's growth and health
Inducing before 40 weeks reduces this risk
Babies born to mamas with GD can be larger than average.
High blood sugar can cause baby to grow bigger
A larger baby increases the risk of birth complications (shoulder dystocia, C-section)
Inducing at 39 weeks (instead of waiting for spontaneous labor) can reduce these risks
Note: Not all GD babies are large! Many are perfectly average-sized. Your provider will monitor baby's growth with ultrasounds.
The risk of stillbirth is slightly higher with gestational diabetes, especially after 39 weeks.
This risk is small but real
Inducing at 39 weeks reduces this risk
Research shows that induction at 39 weeks for GD mamas improves outcomes
Important: This doesn't mean your baby is in danger right now. It means your provider is being proactive to keep you both safe.
GD increases the risk of other pregnancy complications.
Preeclampsia (high blood pressure)
Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)
Poor blood sugar control despite medication
If you develop any of these, your provider may recommend earlier induction (before 39 weeks).
My Story (Julija, HIgedi Founder): I was induced at exactly 38 weeks due to preeclampsia. It wasn't what I had planned, but my provider explained that it was the safest option for me and my baby. Looking back, I'm grateful for the care and guidance I received.
Timing depends on your individual situation.
Well-controlled gestational diabetes: 39-40 weeks
Poorly controlled gestational diabetes or complications: 37-38 weeks
Preeclampsia, high blood pressure, or other concerns: Could be earlier (as determined by your provider)
Your provider will consider:
How well your blood sugar is controlled
Baby's size and growth
Your overall health
Presence of other complications
Always follow your provider's recommendation. They're making decisions based on your unique situation.
Induction can feel overwhelming if you don't know what to expect. Here's a breakdown:
If your cervix isn't ready for labor, your provider may start with cervical ripening.
Methods include:
Cervical Ripening Balloon (Foley Bulb)
A small balloon is inserted into your cervix to help it soften and dilate
Usually stays in for 12-24 hours
Can be uncomfortable but not usually painful
Prostaglandin Gel or Insert (Cervidil)
Medication placed near your cervix to help it soften and thin
Can take 12-24 hours to work
May cause mild cramping
What to expect:
You may be sent home or asked to stay at the hospital
This phase can take time—be patient!
Once your cervix is ready, the next steps begin
You'll be admitted to the hospital and hooked up to monitors.
Fetal heart rate monitor (to track baby)
Contraction monitor (to track labor progress)
Blood pressure cuff
IV line (for fluids and medication)
Blood sugar monitoring:
Your blood sugar will be monitored closely during labor
You may not be allowed to eat (hospital policy varies)
IV fluids will keep you hydrated
Pitocin is a medication that starts or strengthens contractions.
Given through an IV
Dosage is gradually increased until contractions are regular and strong
Contractions may feel stronger than spontaneous labor
What to expect:
Contractions will start slowly and build
You'll be monitored continuously
Your provider will check your cervix periodically to track dilation
If your water hasn't broken on its own, your provider may break it manually.
This is done with a small tool (looks like a crochet hook)
It's quick and usually not painful (though it can feel strange)
Breaking your water often speeds up labor
You have options for managing pain during induction.
Options include:
Epidural
Numbs you from the waist down
Most common pain relief during induction
Allows you to rest while labor progresses
IV Pain Medication
Takes the edge off but doesn't eliminate pain
Can make you drowsy
Natural Pain Management
Breathing techniques
Movement (if allowed)
Massage, music, visualization
Talk to your provider about your preferences ahead of time.
Once your cervix is fully dilated (10 cm), it's time to push!
Your provider will guide you through pushing
Baby's heart rate will be monitored closely
If baby is large or there are complications, your provider may recommend a C-section
After baby arrives:
Baby will be checked immediately (Apgar score, weight, measurements)
Skin-to-skin contact (if possible)
Breastfeeding support (if you choose to breastfeed)
Your blood sugar will likely return to normal immediately after delivery.
The placenta (which caused insulin resistance) is gone!
You may not need to test your blood sugar anymore (ask your provider)
You'll have a glucose tolerance test at 6-12 weeks postpartum to check for Type 2 diabetes
You can read more in our Postpartum Blood Sugar After Gestational Diabetes post.
Babies born to mamas with gestational diabetes may have low blood sugar after birth.
This is because baby's body produced extra insulin in the womb
Baby's blood sugar will be monitored for the first 24 hours
Feeding baby frequently (breast or formula) helps stabilize blood sugar
If baby's blood sugar is too low, they may need IV glucose
This is routine and doesn't mean anything is wrong.
Breastfeeding or formula feeding—both are great options.
Breastfeeding can help regulate baby's blood sugar
Colostrum (first milk) is packed with nutrients
If breastfeeding is challenging, formula is a healthy alternative
Fed is best!
For You:
Comfortable clothes (loose, easy to nurse in)
Toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, lip balm, hair ties)
Phone charger (long cord!)
Snacks (if allowed—check with your provider)
Pillow from home (for comfort)
Music, books, or entertainment (labor can be long!)
Birth plan (if you have one)
Going-home outfit (comfortable, not tight)
For Baby:
Going-home outfit (newborn and 0-3 month sizes—you don't know how big baby will be!)
Car seat (installed and ready)
Blanket
Hat and socks
For Your Partner/Support Person:
Snacks and drinks
Phone charger
Comfortable clothes
Pillow and blanket (if staying overnight)
If you're writing a birth plan, include:
Your pain management preferences (epidural, natural, etc.)
Who you want in the room
Skin-to-skin contact preferences
Delayed cord clamping (if desired)
Feeding preferences (breast, formula, or both)
Any cultural or religious practices
Be flexible! Birth doesn't always go as planned, and that's okay.
Induction can feel like you're losing control of your birth experience.
Here's what helped other mamas:
Educate yourself (you're doing that now!)
Talk to your provider about what to expect
Connect with other mamas who've been induced
Trust your body (you've got this!)
Let go of expectations (every birth is different)
Focus on the goal (meeting your baby!)
"I was induced at exactly 38 weeks due to preeclampsia. My doctor reassured me that 38 weeks is full-term and the perfect time—I shouldn't be worried.
The preeclampsia appeared very unexpectedly. I had no signs or symptoms. During a routine medical appointment, my doctor tested my blood pressure and it was high. That's when everything changed. My doctor didn't allow me any physical effort until induction, so I had to rest and wait.
I was admitted to the hospital at 8 AM on October 21st, 2021. They broke my waters between 10-11 AM. My sugar baby was born at 6:57 PM that same day—less than 11 hours from admission.
I initially hoped for a birth without medication, but... those pains! I went for an epidural at the end. And this feeling when it hit... I felt warm all over my body. It finally felt like a magical moment. From epidural to labor, it all went so quickly.
My baby was born healthy—50 cm and 2.78 kg. His blood sugars were all perfect. My blood sugar returned to normal immediately after delivery.
Looking back, I'm so grateful for the care I received. Induction wasn't what I planned, but it was what we needed. And meeting my baby made every moment worth it."
1. Why do I need to be induced if my blood sugar is well-controlled?
Even with well-controlled blood sugar, gestational diabetes increases certain risks (placental aging, stillbirth, macrosomia). Research shows that induction at 39 weeks improves outcomes for GD mamas and babies. Your provider is being proactive to keep you both safe.
2. Can I refuse induction?
Yes, you always have the right to make your own medical decisions. However, your provider is recommending induction based on evidence and your individual situation. Have an open conversation about the risks and benefits before making a decision.
3. Will induction hurt more than spontaneous labor?
Pitocin-induced contractions can feel stronger and come on faster than spontaneous contractions. However, pain management options (like an epidural) are available. Many mamas report that induction is manageable with the right support.
4. How long does induction take?
It varies! Some mamas deliver within 12 hours, others take 24-48 hours (especially if cervical ripening is needed first). Be patient with your body—every labor is different.
5. Will I be able to eat during induction?
Hospital policies vary. Some allow light snacks and clear liquids, others don't allow food once Pitocin starts (in case you need an emergency C-section). Ask your provider ahead of time.
6. Can I still have a vaginal birth if I'm induced?
Yes! Most inductions result in vaginal births. However, if complications arise (baby's heart rate drops, labor stalls, etc.), your provider may recommend a C-section. Trust your medical team—they want the safest outcome for you and baby.
7. What if my cervix isn't ready for induction?
Your provider will start with cervical ripening (Foley bulb, Cervidil, etc.) to help your cervix soften and dilate. This can take 12-24 hours. Once your cervix is ready, Pitocin will be started.
8. Will my baby's blood sugar be okay after birth?
Babies born to GD mamas may have low blood sugar after birth (because they produced extra insulin in the womb). This is routine and monitored closely. Feeding baby frequently helps stabilize blood sugar. If needed, baby may receive IV glucose.
9. Will my gestational diabetes go away after delivery?
Most likely, yes! Your blood sugar usually returns to normal immediately after delivery (once the placenta is out). However, you'll need a glucose tolerance test at 6-12 weeks postpartum to check for Type 2 diabetes.
10. Can I breastfeed if I had gestational diabetes?
Absolutely! Breastfeeding is encouraged and can help regulate baby's blood sugar. If breastfeeding is challenging, formula is a healthy alternative. Fed is best!
11. What should I ask my provider before induction?
Why are you recommending induction at this timing?
What will the induction process look like?
Can I eat or drink during labor?
What pain management options are available?
How will my blood sugar be monitored during labor?
What happens to baby's blood sugar after birth?
When can I go home after delivery?
12. Is induction at 39 weeks safe for my baby?
Yes! 39 weeks is considered full-term. Research shows that induction at 39 weeks for gestational diabetes mamas reduces risks without increasing complications. Your baby's lungs and organs are fully developed at 39 weeks.
13. What if I go into labor naturally before my scheduled induction?
Great! Call your provider and head to the hospital. Natural labor is always an option if it happens before your induction date. Your provider will still monitor you closely because of your GD.
14. Will I need a C-section if I'm induced?
Not necessarily! Most inductions result in vaginal births. However, the C-section rate is slightly higher with induction compared to spontaneous labor. Your provider will only recommend a C-section if it's medically necessary for you or baby's safety.
15. Can my partner stay with me during induction?
Hospital policies vary (especially post-COVID). Ask your provider about visitor policies. Most hospitals allow one support person to stay with you throughout labor and delivery.
16. What if I'm scared or anxious about induction?
It's completely normal to feel scared! Talk to your provider about your concerns. Connect with other mamas who've been through induction (the HIgedi community is a great place!). Consider hiring a doula for extra support. Remember: you've managed GD through pregnancy—you can do this too.
17. Will induction affect my milk supply?
Induction itself doesn't affect milk supply. However, if you have a long labor or complications, it may take a few days for your milk to come in. This is normal! Keep feeding baby (breast or formula) frequently, stay hydrated, and ask for lactation support if needed.
18. What happens if induction doesn't work?
If your cervix doesn't respond to cervical ripening or Pitocin, or if labor stalls, your provider may recommend a C-section. This doesn't mean you failed—sometimes our bodies need a different path. The goal is a safe delivery for you and baby.
Induction might not be the birth story you imagined when you first got pregnant. But here's what I want you to know:
You didn't fail – Induction is a medical tool to keep you and baby safe
You're still in control – You can advocate for your preferences and ask questions
Your body is strong – You've managed GD through pregnancy; you can do this
Every birth is beautiful – Induction, spontaneous, C-section—they all end with you meeting your baby
You're not alone – Thousands of GD mamas are induced every year and have positive experiences
Managing gestational diabetes through pregnancy and birth takes strength, patience, and courage. You've already shown all three.
Preparing for induction? You're not alone.
The HIgedi app connects you with thousands of mamas who've been through induction with gestational diabetes:
Real birth stories and experiences
Tips for preparing and coping
Support and encouragement
A community that gets it
Download the free HIgedi app and connect with other mamas
We're here for you.
SOURCES
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) - Gestational Diabetes Practice Bulletin
American Diabetes Association (ADA) - Gestational Diabetes Guidelines
Research: ARRIVE Trial (A Randomized Trial of Induction Versus Expectant Management) - induction at 39 weeks outcomes
Real experiences from HIgedi community members and founder
**Medical Disclaimer**
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your gestational diabetes management, induction timing, birth plan, and any concerns. Every pregnancy is unique, and your provider can give you personalized recommendations based on your individual health and circumstances. Induction decisions should be made in consultation with your medical team.
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