Posted by My OB said WHAT?!?.
Jun
9
Posted by My OB said WHAT?!?.
“Too Bad You Tested Negative For Diabetes…”
“Too bad you tested negative for diabetes, or we could have *MADE* you go in for a cesearean.” OB to a mother planning a VBAC.
There are 41 comments to this post.
Well, at least he’s transparent about his motives. I guess.
WTH? Why are these doctors so in love with the cesarean section that they would wish diabetes on a woman just so they could cut her?
Has anyone ever heard a doctor say, “It’s too bad you tested negative for high cholesterol. We could have *made* you have bypass surgery!”
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I had a doctor like this and I did test pos for GD. I hated EVERY moment of care with these doctors. Even though I had PROOF that I was taking care of myself and doing insulin and still pushed for a VBAC they were NOT supportive. I tried to find a different doctor and I couldn’t. I ended up with a 7lbs 2oz baby with perfect blood sugar four days late and a c-section because I didn’t have anymore fight in me. He is almost two now and finally weighs (he is underweight) that dreaded 20+ pounds that they warned me about.I am one of those women that HATE OB’s now because of my experience with them.
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Brige Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 9:49 am (Quote)
I refuse the GD test… its a horrible diagnostic test and is often wrong, my FIL is a doctor and was like please don’t do this to yourself, who guzzles a pint of sugar water while pregnant while on an empty stomach, he said to eat a normal meal and then test your blood sugar, you can also monitor your own urine at home for protein and sugar over spill… Bleh… MY BODY MY CHOCICE
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sara Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 11:45 am (Quote)
I refused it also. It just seems like a flawed test to begin with, and if you are eating healthily and exercising there is little chance that your baby will be huge. I just never showed up for the test and they stopped asking. I mean, they can’t MAKE you show up to take it.
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Cmat Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 12:04 pm (Quote)
For you ladies that refused it, were you with midwives or an OB? I didn’t think to refuse it and wish I had. They made me take the 3hr because I was “on the high end” but hadn’t actually failed the 1hr. I didn’t find this out that I hadn’t failed until much later. It WAS torture not being able to eat for the better part of a day and the drinks made me want to vomit.
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CCindy Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:05 pm (Quote)
I refused the horrible drink with an OB. I think they just got a fasting sugar, but I remember reading about a panacake test, which rather than do that drink you get to stuff yourself with pancakes and syrup. I don’t remember exactly. This was either 95 or 98. My major reading binge was 1994. You can refuse anything.
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Sonia Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 7:26 pm (Quote)
That is the major thing that I have taken from this last pregnancy is that I didn’t realize that I could refuse anything. I started to when they wanted me to RAISE my insulin and it made me feel like crap. It was so bad that I would be fine, my dh would inject me (never could do it myself!) and then within ten minutes I would get the spins and I would be VERY unsteady. We started checking my sugar before my injection and then after and it DROPPED me on my head after I had my injection, so I never raised it. I didn’t realize until after that it was probably completely unnecessary to begin with since my numbers were all controlled except my fasting number which still was not seriously high (think 100-103). I think they just saw an overweight mom, with a VBAC wish and decided from the get go that my wishes were going to be met with every scare tactic known. I was told I was going to die, baby would die, that if we both lived that he was going to be somewhere around 10-15lbs. UGH….I could go on, but you already all know how it goes…
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Katiecnm Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:16 pm (Quote)
That’s exactly what I have my clients do. If they want the Glucose Challenge Test (and some do, that’s the beauty of letting the client choose for herself), I ask her to eat protein for breakfast. And I say exactly what your father does. It’s one number one time under artificial conditions. I’d much rather have a clearer picture of what’s happening. And my Amish clients can see for themselves that their diet isn’t conducive to good glucose levels!
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Michelle Potter had this to say,
Jun 9, 2010 @ 9:30 am (Quote)
What?? He flat out TOLD her that he was looking for an excuse to MAKE her have a c-section? That’s an attitude more in line with selling used cars than practicing medicine! (Well, no, even used car salesmen don’t TELL YOU that they’re trying to find a way to screw you.)
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Sarah Dorrance-Minch had this to say,
Jun 9, 2010 @ 10:15 am (Quote)
Points for transparency about your motives, Doc, but now I’m going to fire you. It’s been, um, real.
NOTE: Without a court order, and temporary power of attorney/medical guardianship transferred to the doctor or the hospital, nobody can be forced to undergo a c-section, or any other medical procedure.
That’s even if you happen to be a pregnant woman, in labour, who happens to have real diabetes. (Diabetes is a high risk medical condition, yes, but it does not automatically mean a c-section; a mother with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes needs to shop around for a care provider who is supportive if she wants to give birth naturally, and obviously her condition needs to be monitored because it comes with its own set of possible complications, but it does not have to automatically mean surgery.)
I take Henci Goer’s view of “gestational diabetes.” You’ll notice that I put the term in quotation marks…
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LeedleFishy had this to say,
Jun 9, 2010 @ 1:02 pm (Quote)
My dad & grandpa both have Type II diabetes, I was diagnosed with GD during my first pregnancy, and although I haven’t been diagnosed with Type II yet, I’m fairly certain based on symptoms that I have it.
Although I’m beginning dietary & lifestyle changes to keep my sugars under control and continue to avoid a need for medication, I do expect GD to be an issue in subsequent pregnancy. It may not be accurately diagnosed for all women, but I’m absolutely positive that it was a real health issue for me. (Although it was entirely managed with diet, exercise, and Metformin, and never posed a threat to my baby’s weight.)
I notice comments about how diabetes is serious, but that the test for gestational diabetes is not a good gauge? So I’m wondering what course of action you ladies would suggest when the doctor wants to test, likely earlier than that standard 28 weeks.
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Mistie Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 1:37 pm (Quote)
My Midwife (CPM, LDEM) told me that if I just wanted to monitor my sugars [the same way diabetics do] with a diabetic testing hand-held for a week or so or whenever I felt like I wanted to check my sugar levels, that that would suffice. My Mother is diabetic and was staying with us frequently to help out so I used hers. Also, she said that there really was no concern for me because of my diet/nutrition. This is what good/great pre-natals are for.
So you could do that or, nothing.
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MollyO Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:44 pm (Quote)
“This is what good/great pre-natals are for.”
Exactly. Sadly, most OB’s don’t even touch on nutrition during prenatals, which is so sad because poor nutrition is the cause of a couple serious complications.
A lady I know recently had a c-section for suspected pre-ecclampsia and when I searched the web, all the doctors said they “didn’t know what caused it” and the midwives said “needs more protein, balanced diet”
Was this OB trying to be funny?
“Well, doc, you were able to MAKE me change care providers. I’ll be sure to pass along your cut-happy name to all my friends.”
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Sonia Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 7:35 pm (Quote)
What was even worse for me was the dietician they sent me to. They were specific for Diabetes and I can’t tell you how wrong they were for me. They wanted me to eat what felt like twenty-five times a day and I felt like I was eating all day long. Heavy on the carbs, I had to cut all my carbs out except for a small amount and then my numbers were fine, but it took me a week or two to figure that out.
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Brige Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:02 pm (Quote)
I think most women can tell when something is up… dizziness after meals, fatigue, etc. I think it is super super important to have a balanced diet that suits your bodies needs (gives you the fuel for the day and makes you feel good, not sluggish, nauseous etc.) you can test your urine, and blood sugar at home if you are super worried about it… Exercise really helps, I try to do a brisk walk everyday for 30-60min, and I do pilates… I’m definitely a Larger lady (pleasantly plump as I like to say) and both of my OB’s/their staff have pigeon holed me into a “high-risk” group… I’m 5’4″ and weight 195…
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Jane Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 5:10 pm (Quote)
I’ve heard that it’s better to have a meal where the amount of glucose is measured and to test your blood sugar after that, rather than doing the sugary drink all at once. Honestly, how many pregnant women roll out of bed in the morning, slam a can of Coke, and then go straight back to bed. 
But in a doctor’s office, you’re given this drink, and you pretty much stay still (sitting, most likely) for an hour until they take your blood. Well, without normal exercise or any other food in your system, your body isn’t going to react normally. It’s better to test your normal eating habits than to test a completely artificial situation.
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Sonia Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 7:38 pm (Quote)
(Although it was entirely managed with diet, exercise, and Metformin, and never posed a threat to my baby’s weight.)
What do you mean Metformin? I know what this is, but I was told that I HAD to go on insulin because I am allergic to sulfa and glybride is a sulfa drug? Is Metformin okay in pregnancy???
If so that is just ONE more thing that these stupid ass “doctors” did!
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Aron Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 5:10 am (Quote)
“I notice comments about how diabetes is serious, but that the test for gestational diabetes is not a good gauge?”
Like others have mentioned, the glucose test is highly fallible and a better test (most often done with midwives) is to get a fasting test done first thing in the morning, go out for a big breakfast at IHOP and enjoy pancakes, OJ and eggs, come back and take another test. It’s a much more realistic gauge of how your body reacts to sugar. And of course, counselling women on healthy eating habits and how to monitor their sugar intake is far more effective than forcing them to drink a liter or sugar-water and coming out with an UNsurprising false-positive.
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Susan Reply:
June 11th, 2010 at 11:23 am (Quote)
Diabetes can be a killer in pregnancy. However, the danger period is the first trimester. Diabetics are told to have their blood sugars well controlled at least 3 months before trying to conceive. You want to be about A1C of 5 – 5.5, no higher. The dangers are a particular heart defect or a baby being stillborn. So yes it is serious. The glucose test isn’t given until halfway through the pregnancy because it is only to catch people who will get GD in the third trimester. Puts pounds on the baby, can deteriorate the placenta. I agree with everyone saying a self-test after a big meal is more accurate. The main thing is if you know there is any chance of having high sugars now you need to get that under control before you get pregnant or asap if you’re already pregnant. Borrow someone’s kit and test your sugars.
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brige had this to say,
Jun 9, 2010 @ 2:54 pm (Quote)
Cmat- obs both times… Were a miltary family and tricare doesn’t cover midwives so we see the ob as kinda a use for tests etc for free… I try really really hard to be on a super healthy diet when I’m pregnant… Low carbs, good lean proteins lots of fruits and veggies, but ultimately I think you have to do what feels right… And knowing the “signs” that maybe what you’re putting into yóur body isn’t working best with it… Its all kinda trial and error
I thought the only major potential set back for gd was a “large” baby… Which for most obs is anything over 5-6lbs right (lol) I might not be 100% on that but in most instances it can be regulated with diet and exercise… MOST… But overdosing someones system just to see how it reacts/ I mean everyone is going to have a bad result if you push it far enough… its ridiculous… Esp given the delicate balance of hormones and body during pregnancy…
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Brige,
We are a military family too and I have had a midwife with all of my pregnancies. Not only does tricare cover it, but there are midwives in almost all military hospitals. My first pregnancy was in Germany and I had a German midwife. You may want to look into that if you plan on anymore children…
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brige Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 2:35 pm (Quote)
In the two places we’ve been stationed so far, and the third one we’ll be at the end of this pregnancy there haven’t been midwives… (we’re headed to Minot, ND which the hospital has a BC but also a 50% c/s rate, I’m not going anywhere near there) Tri-Care covers Authorized “in network” CNM’s currently there is a big movement to write into Tri-Care telling them about the needs of CPMS to be covered… I can see why in Germany their would be tons of midwives… we’re also Air Force, so alot of our bases send you off base to have your OB care because their facilities aren’t staffed for l&D… like in San Antonio they sent people to Milford Hall which is an Army Hospital= NO Midwives, here in Shreveport, LA No Midwives, Minot, ND, midwives with a 50% c/s rate… we don’t mind paying the 3-4 grand out of pocket its a great tax write off…
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I just moved to Princeton, NJ (or near it) during my 3rd trimester. The homebirth midwives I wanted to go with are in-network with Tricare! But not any other insurance companies. Of course, now that my husband is out of the military and we have civilian insurance…Damn, the one time Tricare would have facilitated the care I want.
PS I ended up going with a great in-network midwife practice, though no home birth 
Maybe next time I’ll be able to afford the 6000$ out of pocket expense for the home birth midwives.
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It’s better to test your normal eating habits than to test a completely artificial situation.
That’s exactly what my Midwife told me.
I find it so intriguing that women seamed to have babies for thousands of years without *having* to do all of there unnecessary *tests* just to have a healthy baby.
You know, if women would eat just 6 servings of beans/legumes a day (with the rest of our diet, I’m not suggesting we all live off only beans), diabetes would be virtually non existent because of the fiber and nutrients, even with the processed, refined sugars we consume. Now, imagine how that would drop if we got rid of high fructose corn syrup and the other refined sugars. Diabetes used to be a very rare disease indeed.
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Oh boy, I was so busy when this was posted that I forgot to check in!
For any of you wondering about the background story: I had had a previous c-section at 38+5 weeks due to pre-eclampsia and fetal distress, and delivered a 4.4 lb baby. It was a horrible experience and I desperately wanted to avoid repeating it, I really wanted a VBAC. During my second pregnancy I was monitored very carefully, my blood pressure remained steady and the baby was developing just fine. So fine, in fact, that doctors could see she was growing larger and larger. They had me repeat the 3hr glucose test TWICE, even though the results of my 1hr glucose test were also normal, “just to be on the safe side”.
As I passed my due date and the baby kept growing larger, I was put under a lot of pressure to submit to a C-section. This particular doctor made it very clear that he thought I was being irresponsible by refusing a C-section, he also said things like “if you were my sister I would not allow you to go through with this”, etc. (All this happened in Israel so I could not select my OB, the doctor was whoever happened to be on call when I came in for my checkups.)
In the end though I did end up having another C-section because of a placental abruption! I was just entering week 42 of my pregnancy, in the middle of the night I thought my water had broken but when we turned on the light the sheets were SOAKED with blood. We called an ambulance and forty minutes later the baby was in my arms! She weighed 9.8 lb, more than twice as much as her brother did at birth.
Today my son is 8 and my daughter is 7, both are healthy and very tall for their ages – I think my daughter’s birthweight was high simply because she’s a big kid, her brother’s birthweight was low because of the toxemia.
I will say though that my second C-section was a much more positive experience than the first, the staff on call were very kind and said things like how sorry they were that I couldn’t carry through with my birth plan, kept me informed of their decisions, took good care of my husband who was having a panic attack in the next room, and were generally respectful and upbeat. Perhaps because it was such a clear-cut emergency that there was no room for deliberation!
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Um, I’m pretty sure that nobody can *MAKE* you have elective surgery, diabetes or not.
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