Gosh...this post has been enlightening! It's been really useful! I was starting to think about starting a birth plan soon..or at least looking in to it from January.
I was told about 15 odd years ago that I would have to have a c-section so I've never been scared of the idea...I'm more scared of being induced! I've never heard 'good' experiences of it - diabetes related or not!
IF I have a choice (do I?!), I'll be opting for a planned c-section. The midwife told me at 16 weeks that there's still risks of infection afterwards and the recovery is much longer but weighing up the differences between the two I'd still opt for the section - just because I'm a worrier and my pain threshold is rubbish for labour!!!
I was told the reason for early b-day is due to the risks to baby and Momma....from what I've heard, the placenta deteriorates the longer it's there and the baby is at risk of still-birth. Also, the longer it's in there the bigger it gets (all babies are ready for birth from 38 weeks and spend the remaining 2 weeks 'cooking') so getting it out early means there's more chance of having a sort-of natural labour.