Final answer:
An elective C section may be offered to mothers with GDM commonly around 39 weeks of gestation or earlier if necessary, taking into account the size of the baby, the mother's health, and other potential risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
An elective Caesarean section (C section) may be offered to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in certain situations. Healthcare providers might recommend this surgical procedure if there are concerns about the baby's size, the mother's health, potential delivery complications, or uncontrolled blood glucose levels. This option is considered when vaginal delivery might pose a risk to the mother or the baby. As a major abdominal surgery, a C section carries its own risks and is usually scheduled at about 39 weeks of gestation unless there are indications to deliver earlier for the safety of the mother and the baby. It's important to weigh the benefits and risks of an elective C section with a healthcare provider specializing in high-risk pregnancies.