Can you Have a Home Birth if you Have Gestational Diabetes?

Can you have a home birth if you have gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes doesn’t have to define your birthing experience.

With careful planning and support from an experienced midwife, it’s still possible to consider a natural birth with gestational diabetes in the comfort of your own home. 

Let’s explore gestational diabetes and what it means for home birth considerations. 

Understanding Gestational Diabetes and Birth Plans

Gestational diabetes is when your body struggles to process sugar during pregnancy, leading to higher blood sugar levels. While there can be increased risks involved with gestational diabetes, it doesn’t automatically rule out the possibility of a safe and empowering home birth.  

A successful home birth depends on several factors, including how well your blood sugar is controlled and whether any complications arise during pregnancy. But with the right care team, including a midwife experienced in gestational diabetes management, you can make an informed decision about whether a home birth or hospital birthing experience is best for you and your family.

Home Birth vs Hospital: What’s Right for You?

Deciding between a home birth and hospital birth is a deeply personal decision. Hospitals offer immediate access to medical interventions if complications arise, but for those with well-managed gestational diabetes, a home birth can provide a more intimate and empowering experience.

Our midwives are skilled in helping you weigh the pros and cons of each option. We can offer personalized care that takes your health, preferences, and goals into account. By working together, you can make the choice that feels right for you and your family.

Related: 6 Considerations to be a Good Candidate for Home Birth

Home Birth Risks with Gestational Diabetes

You may be wondering if a home birth is safe with gestational diabetes, and it most certainly can be. Many birthing parents with gestational diabetes have smooth and successful births, but there are some risks to be aware of when considering a home birth. 

One of the primary concerns is the increased likelihood of macrosomia, which is when the baby grows larger than average for their gestational age. This can make labor more challenging and may increase the risk of shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during birth). In these situations, immediate access to medical interventions might be necessary. 

Another potential risk is a sudden drop or spike in blood sugar levels during labor, which could affect both the birthing parent and the baby. During a home birth, midwives experienced in gestational diabetes will monitor these changes closely and advise you if a hospital transfer is needed.

It’s also important to consider the possibility of related complications like high blood pressure or preeclampsia. Regular prenatal care and communication with your midwife can help identify and address these risks early.

While these risks sound serious, proper management of gestational diabetes and collaboration with a skilled midwife can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications. Your midwife will also have protocols in place to handle emergencies and transfer to a hospital if necessary, ensuring that your safety remains the top priority.

Home Birth Considerations

While home birth planning with gestational diabetes, it’s important to keep in mind some careful considerations.

It’s essential to partner with a Certified Professional Midwife who can guide you in managing your blood sugar, monitor your progress throughout pregnancy, and provide tools and resources for a safe home birth.

Staying proactive about your health is equally important. This might involve following a balanced diet, engaging in light physical activity, and consistently monitoring your blood sugar levels. These steps can help not only reduce your potential risks but also help you feel more confident and prepared for labor. 

Your home environment also plays a significant role. It’s important to create a safe and comfortable space so that you feel supported and secure during labor. Here again your midwife will help you prepare with insights into what supplies and setups will work best.

Lastly, consider taking an online childbirth class that’ll help you gain valuable insights about the whole pregnancy process so you can feel more informed and at ease. 

Sign up for Hearth & Home’s Childbirth Course

Hear From Birthing Parents with Gestational Diabetes 

Hearing from someone who’s gone through what you’re going through can be incredibly reassuring. One of our birthing parents, who managed gestational diabetes during her pregnancy, chose to give birth with Hearth and Home. Her experience highlights the power of making informed choices as well as the compassionate care that comes with having our team by your side. 

Here’s what she had to say:

“When I first found out I had gestational diabetes I was heartbroken. I thought it was the end of my wish for a home birth; however that couldn’t have been further from the truth. My one-hour test was elevated and Hearth and Home recommended I do the three-hour test to get a better idea of my status. When the three-hour test confirmed I had gestational diabetes, Hearth and Home quickly went through the paths forward. 

I knew I wanted to try and manage the diabetes without insulin so Hearth and Home connected me with a nutritionist who was able to help me develop a plan for my blood sugar through diet and exercise. 

Hearth and Home helped me navigate my diabetes and lessen the stress and worry I had for a healthy baby. I was able to carry my baby past my due date without Insulin and gave birth to a healthy, totally normal sized baby. I can’t imagine getting the same kind of support for my gestational diabetes in traditional OB care.”

Move Forward with a Safe and Healthy Home Birth

While it can be perfectly safe to have a home birth with gestational diabetes, it’s something you need to decide for yourself. Every birthing parent’s situation is unique and your decision will ultimately depend on your health, support system, and the birth experience you wish to have. 

If you need help deciding if a home birth is right for you, feel free to reach out! Our midwifery team will be happy to answer your questions and help you create a birth plan that reflects your values and priorities.