Gestational Diabetes & Fetal Weight Gain: What to Expect

Question
I'm almost 35 weeks pregnant and have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, for which I am now taking insulin. At my last apointment which was at 33 weeks my consultant estimated that my baby was weighing in at around 5.5lb. I am anxious to know how much weight he is likely to gain. I am getting very uncomfortable already, his movements are realy starting to hurt..

I am 33, EDD:26/05/06. First child

Answer
If you are well controlled with insulin, it is doubtful that the baby will become macrosomic (weight of over 9.5lbs) and you should be able to have a normal vaginal delivery, at term. HOwever, if your diabetes becomes out of control and a sonogram at 37 weeks gestation shows a baby that is over 9.5 lbs, you should be delivered by cesarean section to avoid the risk of shoulder dystocia and neurological damage (if the baby's shoulders get stuck).At 35 weeks gestation, a weight of 5.5lbs is quite normal.