@jmk729 when I check people I try to be more gentle and esp more gentle than the docs and go slow. They are painful..... People HATE them. The horror of the very first check is usually the worst. Once the cervix is more ripe and moves forward it is easier to reach and less painful.
also all your replies are why I love this board. Some of us got the anal touched and some of us only the virginia...... So glad I have this place to ask questions.... Even though I still called my doctors office to be sure it was nice to hear others experiences right away.
@klkonwi thank you! I am so glad to hear that it is actually awful and I'm not just a baby. I was so scared after yesterday that I wouldn't be able to handle labor at all since I couldn't deal with my Dr's "stubby sausage fingers" as my husband called them. I always feel like just crawling into bed and crying all night after, but that's probably just the hormones lol.. Thanks!!!
My test was also anal and Virginia. I think I'm going to ask to be checked at my 38 week appt this week, not because I care what the status of cervix is at this point, but just so I know what it feels like before I have to go in for the real thing.
Had appt today at 36+2! Going in tomorrow night for my induction for lots of cervical ripening! I'm closed semi soft but baby's head is really low so that's a positive! My bile acids have come back the highest they have been yet in this pregnancy so my Mfm is very glad we have induction scheduled for tomorrow and I'm relieved too! My itching has sure gotten worse over the last week too. I'm pretty sure I'm in for a long haul with my induction but I'm ok with it- feel safer being monitored in the hospital with the severe cholestasis than I do at home! At least someone will be keeping an eye on the little guy 24/7 until he graces us with his presence and any extra time he gets in utero is better for him anyway! Wow I still can't believe tomorrow is induction day!
38 weeks today! Tested my urine for second week in a row for protein. No protein, but my BP makes me feel like crap. It's not above the 140/90 mark yet. It stays around 140s/80s. No change in dilation. Going home and going to bed since I got no sleep last night.
No one has even mentioned Group B Strep to me my whole pregnancy - they don't do it in the UK. I feel like I should have my anal and virginia swabbed too. I asked my midwife and she said they only do it if you have funky smelling discharge.
Neither has anyone checked my cervix. Man, I feel outta the loop.
I'm 37+3 and baby's head isn't engaged yet - just taking it's sweet time.
No one has even mentioned Group B Strep to me my whole pregnancy - they don't do it in the UK. I feel like I should have my anal and virginia swabbed too. I asked my midwife and she said they only do it if you have funky smelling discharge.
Neither has anyone checked my cervix. Man, I feel outta the loop.
I'm 37+3 and baby's head isn't engaged yet - just taking it's sweet time.
Wow that is strange... Group b strep doesn't have "funky smelling discharge" so I am really confused at the connection.
@ElRuby yeah i got the impression she was fobbing me off as noone has ever asked me about discharge either. I've done some research and apparently the UK doesnt think that screening everyone in the UK is worth it.
Just out of curiosity, have you been screened in Germany @amark11 - you're the only other person in Europe I know here.
ETA: I just read the Wikipedia article :-S It said that Germany screens. I can get a private screen in the UK so I will do that.
I had my weekly BPP this morning which also included a growth check. The u/s tech commented baby's head was measuring smaller - about 2 weeks behind. She also said the radiologist would check it out and my OB would tell me more at my appointment an hour later...
My OB said that due to her scan measuring spot on at my 32 week u/s she was more convinced that it was a bad measurement taken today, and that she isn't too worried, but is still sending me to a level 2, perinatologist.
So, now here I am, thinking everything was perfectly fine with baby, I'm 3 weeks away from my scheduled C-section, and BAM, now this. I know my OB isn't super concerned, but now I am.
@ElRuby yeah i got the impression she was fobbing me off as noone has ever asked me about discharge either. I've done some research and apparently the UK doesnt think that screening everyone in the UK is worth it.
Just out of curiosity, have you been screened in Germany @amark11 - you're the only other person in Europe I know here.
ETA: I just read the Wikipedia article :-S It said that Germany screens. I can get a private screen in the UK so I will do that.
Yeah, but I'm checked so thoroughly every visit that I didn't even know it happened. I asked the Dr about whether he was going to check at my 39 week appt and he said, "I already have. Several times."
My colleague in the UK said the NHS has such good macro data that birth there is a real system - and unless something triggers you to get off the standard path, you're sort of herded through, with them relying on data to determine your treatment. Which is fantastic and science-based, but can be unfortunate if you are one of the very few who slip through the cracks. (My guess is that is definitely not you - not trying to instill paranoia, just thinking aloud. This colleague had kids in Madagascar, UK and Germany - and said each system had its own pluses and minuses.)
On the other hand, I am getting amazing care in Germany, but am lucky enough to be having a normal pregnancy so far. So more standardized care with, say, one GBS test and fewer bills, would have sufficed.
Ah, well, no system is perfect. Would be interested if what I'm repeating matches your experience, @Addelie
I'm so mad I had my 37 wk checkup and my doc said he was head down 1cm dialated 60% effaced and I was having contracttions non stop...then they just stop and I go to my 38 week checkup and mu doc says he's not head down anymore and we will have to get induced which I really don't want that calls for a shitty labor since I've experienced incudecing before with baby .... Now I'm just hoping he turns head down before Monday and water breaks for a natural labor lol who am I kidding
I had my weekly BPP this morning which also included a growth check. The u/s tech commented baby's head was measuring smaller - about 2 weeks behind. She also said the radiologist would check it out and my OB would tell me more at my appointment an hour later...
My OB said that due to her scan measuring spot on at my 32 week u/s she was more convinced that it was a bad measurement taken today, and that she isn't too worried, but is still sending me to a level 2, perinatologist.
So, now here I am, thinking everything was perfectly fine with baby, I'm 3 weeks away from my scheduled C-section, and BAM, now this. I know my OB isn't super concerned, but now I am.
I know it's easier said than done, but I would take more stock in what the doc says versus what the u/s tech says.
I had my weekly BPP this morning which also included a growth check. The u/s tech commented baby's head was measuring smaller - about 2 weeks behind. She also said the radiologist would check it out and my OB would tell me more at my appointment an hour later...
My OB said that due to her scan measuring spot on at my 32 week u/s she was more convinced that it was a bad measurement taken today, and that she isn't too worried, but is still sending me to a level 2, perinatologist.
So, now here I am, thinking everything was perfectly fine with baby, I'm 3 weeks away from my scheduled C-section, and BAM, now this. I know my OB isn't super concerned, but now I am.
I know it's easier said than done, but I would take more stock in what the doc says versus what the u/s tech says.
When do you see the perinatologist?
I have to wait for them to call me to schedule something.... I already called them though and left a message....hopefully they can get me in this week!
Just finished my appointment, negative for GBS, but im annoyed, I have yet to be checked. Even though I told her how much pressure and cramping I have. Ugh.
Just had my 36 wk appt. nothing special. Got the pleasure of swabbing myself. Lovely. Last month I was told I gained way too much weight- this month they got a new scale and it looks like I gained like a pound. Muahanahaha.
Other than that, the midwife couldn't find the heartbeat right away. It's so weird but just for that minute or two I was silently freaking out. They had me lay on my side- baby was just in a weird position. I'm sure there are going to be a million more anxious times ahead in parenting.
@amark11 That's a very good point. I mentioned to my care providers that I have a heart murmur and my care was then absolutely excellent regarding that issue. Now I'm back on the low-risk standard path and am just being herded through as you say. The NHS plays a numbers game - risk factors and cost all come into play (especially given that it's "free" to all and totally underfunded). Case in point, if it's not cost effective to GBS screen everyone and the numbers that fall through the cracks remain low, there's no incentive to roll out a new screening policy.
I am not surprised to hear that in Germany you're receiving excellent care - even if it is slight overkill. German efficiency at it's absolute best - I would take that any day of the week.
I'm now facing a dilemma of whether to go for a private GBS screen or not. I'll chat with DH tonight as I'm confused as to what the best thing to do is.
@Addelie I'm going to give you statistics on GBS If you have it and are not treated during labor your baby has a 1 in 200 chance of getting it and it causing the horrible infection in which infants can in fact pass away. Are there people who slip through the cracks ? Yes. For instance we have one doc who if you are negative with a 1st pregnancy and are having a second child and go into labor too early you haven't been tested ... He will not treat that person even just in case. So...... There ARE different schools of thinking on GBS....... It's not completely black and white anywhere.
@klkonwi thank you for the insight. 1 in 200 isn't really a great statistic is it? It's not awful but it's not brilliant. It may be good enough for the NHS but I'm not sure it's good enough for me. I am currently messaging my friends and looking at UK based forums to see if anyone took private tests and if so, what happened if they were positive - I'm not even sure how the NHS would treat it at this stage. I'm also going to call my midwife tomorrow for a more in-depth discussion - she's going to be so fed up with me over-informing my Brit brain!
@klkonwi thank you for the insight. 1 in 200 isn't really a great statistic is it? It's not awful but it's not brilliant. It may be good enough for the NHS but I'm not sure it's good enough for me. I am currently messaging my friends and looking at UK based forums to see if anyone took private tests and if so, what happened if they were positive - I'm not even sure how the NHS would treat it at this stage. I'm also going to call my midwife tomorrow for a more in-depth discussion - she's going to be so fed up with me over-informing my Brit brain!
Do they make home kits that you can send to a lab? It was such a simple procedure and the tx for is just antibiotics during labor.
@ElRuby@klkonwi Yep I've found a UK company that does a postal kit test for about US$55. I'm going to do it I think. I'm concerned that they may kick me out of the "all natural" birthing centre I'm booked into if I need an IV during labour but we'll see - I'll ask tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
@ElRuby@klkonwi Yep I've found a UK company that does a postal kit test for about US$55. I'm going to do it I think. I'm concerned that they may kick me out of the "all natural" birthing centre I'm booked into if I need an IV during labour but we'll see - I'll ask tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Good luck! There is a whole bunch of natural remedies that many alternative practitioners swear by... Chances are you will be just fine though!
@Addelie good luck! And as you said, talk to your midwife. I paid out of pocket for some tests that are not standard here in Germany, but are in the U.S. Reading this forum is amazing and helpful, but can also get me riled up sometimes. I have had to step away from some topics or from checking so often on here sometimes, when trying to make decisions without being too influenced.
Note the statistic is *if you are GBS positive. So the odds of your baby being infected are significantly lower than that. And my post earlier was meant to praise the scientific basis of the NHS, so I'm really sorry if it made you think I was criticizing. They are more scientific than any other system. If this were a statistically significant risk, they would cover the test. They can't allow babies to be infected. People don't stand for that.
I wish there was a right answer. But I tend to trust my health care providers, after educating myself and discussing processes with them. Hopefully you make a decision you're comfortable with, and don't let this freak you out Too much. Big hugs, lady!!
37 week appt. today. They lost my GBS test/swab from last week...in the mail?.....uhhh, is my Virginia-only swab floating around Ohio somewhere?! So, I was swabbed again. Cervix closed, happy baby!
P.s. I hope no one was naming their baby Virginia. We may have ruined that name.
37 week appt. today. They lost my GBS test/swab from last week...in the mail?.....uhhh, is my Virginia-only swab floating around Ohio somewhere?! So, I was swabbed again. Cervix closed, happy baby!
P.s. I hope no one was naming their baby Virginia. We may have ruined that name.
LOL, I had an old neighbor who's name was Virginia - Nickname Ginny, could be a new term to be used as well?
39 week appt this afternoon 2cm 80%, at this point I was ready to have the baby come with my other three so I'm surprised at how great I feel this time around
Just got home from our 40 week appointment. 2cm dilated now and the doctor said LO is definitely much lower and engaged so we're all hopeful she'll come on her own before next week. If not, we're scheduled for a Monday morning induction so it feels good to know a drop dead date either way. I'd be thrilled if she came on her own though! \:D/
Wasn't feeling so great this morning had high bp 178/109 and felt light headed and seeing spots went to birthing center they told me to keep my regular appointment and go in to that but that I should get induced soon. Went to the regular appointment dr also thought it was time. So now here I am! Back at the birthing center waiting to meet lo in 2-3 days! Bp is back down but there was protein in my urine. So just hanging out and waiting. My doc did do an anal swap with my strep but I was negative. Hope everyone has happy appointments this week!
@klkonwi when they did mine the midwife definitely stuck the swab inside my 'Virginia' and inside my 'anal'. But I was still surprised because the midwife I saw before I got the test done said I wouldn't feel anything because they just lightly graze the outside of each areas, but that swab definitely made an entrance into each area lol.
I'm supposed to have my first weekly appt tomorrow but we might have to change it because of my shingles diagnosis. I'm only contagious to those that haven't had chicken pox or the vaccine. Since chicken pox can be dangerous to a pregnant woman, they don't know if they want to see my at the end of the day or before a lunch. But I know I need to be seen since I'm 36 w 3 d and I need to do my GBS swab.
Just got back from my 36 weeks appt. I don't think they did my "anal" for my GBS swab. However, bc I'm contagious until the 11th for Shingles (can give chicken pox to LO), my OB wanted to check to see if I'm dilated. So far so good with no dilation!
@amark11 ah thank you - your response definitely has made me feel better. I have thought that I would be blissfully ignorant about GBS if it wasn't for this group (however I would choose to know rather than not know).
I totally got your point on the NHS and agreed with you and didn't take anything as a criticism - apologies if I didn't make that clear. I do trust my healthcare providers and so I'm calling my birth centre tomorrow to talk to a specific midwife whom I really trust to advise me on what to do. You're right though - I may not even have it so am keeping a secure lid on my level of concern. Big thank you hug back!
Just got home from my 36+2 week appointment. My cervix is starting to soften and I'm a whole 1/2 cm dialated. Forgot to ask for the results on my GBS swab. I'm assuming it was negative or they would of let me know otherwise. Going to follow up with them just in case. Everything is looking good.
Met a new doc in the practice. I feel like there are ten of them there. I'm so not into this group of doctors. The only reason I started with them is that part of my midwife group merged with them when their offices closed. Now all the midwives have left for one reason or another. I'm so bummed. I don't like the disconnect between doc and patient. I feel like just a number there and they are ALWAYS LATE!!! Today was a 45 minute wait for nothing special. Crossing my fingers I have good nurses to help me deliver because the docs will just be there to catch the baby. I think they can sense I'm over going there. My midwife told me about the notes in my chart that I lost it on one of the docs for being so late and the desire to switch practices this late in the game. I'm just over it. I'm running back to the other midwives once I switch insurance provides this winter.
37 week appt. today. They lost my GBS test/swab from last week...in the mail?.....uhhh, is my Virginia-only swab floating around Ohio somewhere?! So, I was swabbed again. Cervix closed, happy baby!
P.s. I hope no one was naming their baby Virginia. We may have ruined that name.
This made me Lol, oh imagine if it got sent to someone's house ... And they open it thinking its a free sample of the newest thing.. "Giant Q-tips-multi purpose use " haha (I'm easily entertained lately)
Re: Weekly appointment check-ins (6/1)
also all your replies are why I love this board. Some of us got the anal touched and some of us only the virginia...... So glad I have this place to ask questions.... Even though I still called my doctors office to be sure it was nice to hear others experiences right away.
2nd round exp 8/20/18.
Also, my swab was both anal and Virginia. Lol
Neither has anyone checked my cervix. Man, I feel outta the loop.
I'm 37+3 and baby's head isn't engaged yet - just taking it's sweet time.
Just out of curiosity, have you been screened in Germany @amark11 - you're the only other person in Europe I know here.
ETA: I just read the Wikipedia article :-S It said that Germany screens. I can get a private screen in the UK so I will do that.
I need help/ I need to vent.
I had my weekly BPP this morning which also included a growth check. The u/s tech commented baby's head was measuring smaller - about 2 weeks behind. She also said the radiologist would check it out and my OB would tell me more at my appointment an hour later...
My OB said that due to her scan measuring spot on at my 32 week u/s she was more convinced that it was a bad measurement taken today, and that she isn't too worried, but is still sending me to a level 2, perinatologist.
So, now here I am, thinking everything was perfectly fine with baby, I'm 3 weeks away from my scheduled C-section, and BAM, now this. I know my OB isn't super concerned, but now I am.
~~~ EDD for Baby #2 6/28/15~~~~
My colleague in the UK said the NHS has such good macro data that birth there is a real system - and unless something triggers you to get off the standard path, you're sort of herded through, with them relying on data to determine your treatment. Which is fantastic and science-based, but can be unfortunate if you are one of the very few who slip through the cracks. (My guess is that is definitely not you - not trying to instill paranoia, just thinking aloud. This colleague had kids in Madagascar, UK and Germany - and said each system had its own pluses and minuses.)
On the other hand, I am getting amazing care in Germany, but am lucky enough to be having a normal pregnancy so far. So more standardized care with, say, one GBS test and fewer bills, would have sufficed.
Ah, well, no system is perfect. Would be interested if what I'm repeating matches your experience, @Addelie
When do you see the perinatologist?
~~~ EDD for Baby #2 6/28/15~~~~
Other than that, the midwife couldn't find the heartbeat right away. It's so weird but just for that minute or two I was silently freaking out. They had me lay on my side- baby was just in a weird position. I'm sure there are going to be a million more anxious times ahead in parenting.
I am not surprised to hear that in Germany you're receiving excellent care - even if it is slight overkill. German efficiency at it's absolute best - I would take that any day of the week.
I'm now facing a dilemma of whether to go for a private GBS screen or not. I'll chat with DH tonight as I'm confused as to what the best thing to do is.
If you have it and are not treated during labor your baby has a 1 in 200 chance of getting it and it causing the horrible infection in which infants can in fact pass away.
Are there people who slip through the cracks ? Yes. For instance we have one doc who if you are negative with a 1st pregnancy and are having a second child and go into labor too early you haven't been tested ... He will not treat that person even just in case.
So...... There ARE different schools of thinking on GBS....... It's not completely black and white anywhere.
Yes. It can't be "that high " of a cost to test..... But I am not in Britain. So I am uneducated on costs there.
bunch of natural remedies that many alternative practitioners swear by... Chances are you will be just fine though!
Note the statistic is *if you are GBS positive. So the odds of your baby being infected are significantly lower than that. And my post earlier was meant to praise the scientific basis of the NHS, so I'm really sorry if it made you think I was criticizing. They are more scientific than any other system. If this were a statistically significant risk, they would cover the test. They can't allow babies to be infected. People don't stand for that.
I wish there was a right answer. But I tend to trust my health care providers, after educating myself and discussing processes with them. Hopefully you make a decision you're comfortable with, and don't let this freak you out Too much. Big hugs, lady!!
P.s. I hope no one was naming their baby Virginia. We may have ruined that name.
2cm 80%, at this point I was ready to have the baby come with my other three so I'm surprised at how great I feel this time around
I totally got your point on the NHS and agreed with you and didn't take anything as a criticism - apologies if I didn't make that clear. I do trust my healthcare providers and so I'm calling my birth centre tomorrow to talk to a specific midwife whom I really trust to advise me on what to do. You're right though - I may not even have it so am keeping a secure lid on my level of concern. Big thank you hug back!