Amber - thanks for the update. Glad to hear your birth started naturally (acupuncture is wonderful!), and it sounds like you've got an amazing little boy who is doing well in spite of the challenges he has experienced. Wishing you and your baby boy all the best.

Jjaney: Predicted birth weight is such a subjective thing. For some, their bub's birth weight is as predicted, but for many others, their bubs' birth weights are considerably more, or less than guestimated. Honestly, no one can accurately know the weight until your baby arrives. I had my third son at 39, he was two weeks overdue and I was induced (he was being stubborn, but he and my body were ready for birth and he arrived quickly with gel-only induction). He was 4.5kg and I birthed him without a drama.

I have heard there is a growing trend to induce "older mothers". I've heard of two cases here in Brissie recently where the women were induced before 40w purely because of their age. I can only speak from my perspective, but I birthed just the same at 39 that I did at 35 and 37 (and I had gestational diabetes while pregnant with my first son).

I also understand that some bubs whose mums have GD have a heavier birth weight. I'm sure that is sometimes the case, but sometimes it isn't. DS1 (I had GD) - weighed 2.9kg at 39w3d. DS2 (no GD) - 3.6kg at 39w6d. DS3 (no GD) - 4.5kg at 42 weeks (but presumably was heavier than the other two at 40w). No rhyme or reason to the birth weights of my children although I was probably more conscious of my diet when pregnant with DS1.

From what you've written, and assuming your GD is under control and there's no concerning medical issues with you and bub, I'd stick to your guns and not be induced. Honestly, there is a time and a place for intervention ... you just need to question if THIS is the time and place. Where babies are concerned, the medical profession is risk-adverse and afraid of potential litigation, to say the least. Your body, your baby, your choice. Your belief in yourself to birth your baby naturally will also go a long, long way towards you achieving the birth you want. So good on you for going down the path of hypnotherapy and yoga. A good support team who are in your corner and back your choices will also be worth it's weight in gold. This forum is also a fabulous source of support and insipration which can only help to empower you and fuel your confidence. Good luck and keep us posted.