Labor and Delivery with Gesta... Health Article

Your healthcare provider will work with you to plan your delivery. If you control your blood sugar, you are more likely to have a normal birth. Taking a childbirth education class can also help you prepare for labor and delivery. You and your baby will be monitored to make sure you're both doing well.

Planning Your Delivery

Your healthcare provider will recommend the best way to deliver your baby. If your tests are normal, you can probably go into labor naturally and deliver your baby through the vagina. If your baby is large or your tests show a problem, your labor may be started early. The baby may also be delivered by cesarean section.

Monitoring You and Your Baby

Both you and your baby are watched closely throughout your labor and delivery.

• Your blood sugar is monitored. If it's too high, you may need insulin. Keeping your blood sugar normal during labor helps keep your baby from having low blood sugar after birth.

• Your contractions may be measured. A monitor is placed on your abdomen.

• Your baby's heart rate is monitored. This helps make sure the baby is doing well. A monitor is placed on your abdomen or inside your vagina. The baby's heart rate is also checked after delivery.

• Your baby's blood sugar is tested. This is done in the first hour after delivery. If the baby's blood sugar is low, the baby will be monitored and treated for a few hours.