Dr says he will induce at 39 weeks to prevent stillbirth. Or earlier if needed. The frequent ultrasounds and stress tests will decide. Should we deliver locally (lev 2) or drive 6 hrs for higher level care?

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I would strongly consider the other hospital. There is a very high likelihood of baby needing some support to increase their blood sugar after birth and this may require NICU. My GD was perfectly managed (never had a high glucose reading) and yet my baby needed 2 days in NICU to regulate her blood sugar. I was told then this is extremely common with GD moms - and I so wish someone would have prepared me for that likelihood earlier.

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Update: were scheduled for the big hospital 6 hrs away! I’m super excited and will be in great hands!!

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I had a spontaneous labor and delivery early. Since it was so early, I didn’t know I was even in labor. Just chalked it up to Braxton Hicks and severe constipation. I know something was off though so I went to the closest hospital. Ended up delivering our son and had a level 3 NICU team come from the hospital I was supposed to deliver at. Do what’s best for your baby. I can’t stress that enough. Good luck to you, mama!

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This is a question for your doctor. I wouldn’t drive 6 hours home with a newborn-that’s not really safe IMO. I moved from a very small l&d with no NICU to a hospital with a level 3 NICU and maternity center. But I only added 10 min onto my drive. 
But it really depends on why your being induced and what could be wrong with you and the baby.

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Tough one mama. Hang in there!!

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Level 2 NICU will send out babies less than 35 weeks depending on policy. I’d ask about that before deciding.

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He offered for me to deliver at the better hospital since that’s where his team of high risk specialists are located. He flies in once a month to our small town for the high risk patients. I’m so tempted! But the logistics are daunting

Dr says he will induce at 39 weeks to prevent stillbirth. Or earlier if needed. The frequent ultrasounds and stress tests will decide. Should we deliver locally (lev 2) or drive 6 hrs for higher level care?

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