Weekly Appointment Thread: 11.14 - 11.20

SandNStarsNJ

So what doctor (or pediatrician) visit do you have coming up and how did it go??

SandNStarsNJ

My 40 week appointment is Wednesday... which will be a first as I had my DD at 39+1. I'm super surprised this little guy will be later than my first pregnancy but he has to come eventually!

MrsMaryK2016

Just had my 40w appointment. Due date was yesterday. We did another growth ultrasound and he's measuring 9lbs 12oz so still a big baby. I was hoping this ultrasound would make it clear if we should opt for the c-section or not but no, it's still up to us to decide what to do. I've already cried this morning because I just don't know what to do or what the right decision is.

I think I'd feel a lot better about scheduling the c-section if I knew someone who had one that I could talk to about it but everyone I know has had a vaginal delivery. Ugh. Decisions decisions. I'll keep you guys updated. 

kristah2

@MrsMaryK2016 I hope you figure out what is best for your family! If you have any questions about the section feel free to PM me. good luck, it's a tough and emotional decision. I didn't have a choice as such and I was still really emotional especially that morning wondering if it was the right thing. 

kvruns

I have my 39 week appointment tomorrow (I'll be 39w4d). I'm not sure if they do membrane sweep or if I should ask about it. I'm torn, my due date is Friday and I've been content for him to stay put but a wrinkle was put in when my mom just had a hysterectomy scheduled for this Friday due to a recent cancer diagnosis. So I either want him to come in the next day or two or stay put until this time next week....but then I also was hoping he would be out before Thanksgiving although it isn't like it is the end of the world if he stays in longer it just throws off some plans.

SandNStarsNJ

@MrsMaryK2016 While I have not had a c-section, I recall reading one of our birth announcements where the baby was predicted to be in the 9lb range and ended up weighing somewhere in the 7 pounds so sometimes the ultrasound measurements can be fairly off. I recognize that might not help with your decision and wish you luck and calm in making it.

MrsMaryK2016

@SandNStarsNJ This is actually what I'm afraid of because I know the ultrasound isn't 100% accurate. I'm just so torn. I'm not against the c-section per se, more just afraid of recovery and the judgement I'm going to get. I feel almost like I'm chickening out of the vaginal delivery. And sadly I just feel like if he comes out at 8lbs people are going to judge me for opting for an unnecessary surgery. DH thinks that's ridiculous (of course, he won't get the mommy shaming so that's easy for him to say) and that we have to make decisions based on what we know right now. I know he's right logically but pulling the trigger is harder than I thought it would be. 

squish143

Had my 38 week appt today. Saw a different ob since my regular ob is in l&d all week. I'm 2cm dilated, 50% effaced. Baby's head is low and cervix is soft. Essentially we are in the hurry up and wait stage. Dr did say that once I do go into labor she thinks things will progress quickly. Really hoping baby is here before Thanksgiving but I know it's up to her and not me. 

kristah2

@MrsMaryK2016 I sent you a msg

MrsMaryK2016

@kristah2 I responded!

hollowway

I have my 40w appt tomorrow. Due date was yesterday. No signs of baby yet, though he dropped considerably over night! Hoping there's been some progress with my cervix, last week in was still high and closed. 

SandNStarsNJ

@MrsMaryK2016 Don't let "mommy shaming" dictate your choice - and I'm very sorry to hear that's something that might happen. First, it's no one's business why you choose what you choose and, second, why would anyone have to know? Listen to your body and your heart - tune everybody else out. Good luck!

eribeau

Had my 40w appointment this morning. They finally checked my cervix, still high and completely closed, but good news is doctor decided Wednesday is induction day! That is if he decides not to take her today. Haven't felt her move at all today and am currently in l&d being monitored. He may decide today, or wait, but within a few days we will have baby!

ZoeFer

I had my 40w appointment today ( my due date) with nst test and cervical check. Nst test went well, saw enough baby movements , but no contractions. Cervix is still closed but he said it is softer and baby's head is very low now. I ll have another appointment on Thur then we ll discuss the induction i guess. 
Do you need to be dilated to have the membrane sweep? My dr never mentioned that option.

kvruns

Just had my 39 appt, 1ish cm dilated, 50% effaced. She was able to feel the head this time (2 weeks ago she couldnt) but he is still pretty high up there. They gave me a time for induction on Black Friday. Dr. didn't even mention anything to try to jump start labor, and I got the feeling she thinks he will stay put til next Friday although there is always a chance. 

desoky01

Had my 40 week appointment today (I'm 40+4). Heartbeat, bp, weight, and urine look good. I've progressed even more and am 5-6cm dilated, still 90% effaced. Got my membranes swept, and we set up an induction date for Friday if baby doesn't come before. Baby just doesn't want to come out! Pretty crampy after the sweep, so we'll see what happens. 

rspalding001

Had my 39 week apt. 2 1/2 cm dilated, 60% effaced. We are waiting for test results on my last titer to decide weather or not to induce. I'll know the results by Friday. If the titer shows my antibodies have gone up then we will induce early next week, if not the choice is mine and I'm conflicted. Hopefully I just go into labor naturally before then.

MollySm

@desoky01- 5-6 cm?? Good work! It's amazing baby is still hanging on! 

@rspalding001-hopefully you go on your own soon! 

kmmnocal

38+6, just got back from appt. Cervix is low and soft but closed tight. I'm bummed! I felt it myself last week and the outside felt open (which it is, apparently) but the inside is still closed. Come on progress! 

hollowway

40 week appt today (40&2). OB checked fundal height and heartbeat and said, "we'll see you next week unless you go into labor." Pretty frustrated. Wanted a cervical check and membrane sweep and was told at this point I'll either go into labor or I won't. Um... ok... Also told him I haven't felt much movement today, but he wasn't concerned. Next appt is next Monday at 41&1. Praying for contractions.

ojsmom-2

38+2 appointment today. 4th baby as yall know (1st girl. Drama already) still effin zero. All other kids had been born by now. Zero. He will induce AFTER my due date if necessary so we're talking nove 28th to Dec 3rd. DECEMBER? !?!?! LORD HAVE MERCY. Good luck this week everyone. 

jmama1611

At tomorrow's appointment I'm having a stretch and sweep. I'm already overdue so hoping baby comes before appointment or that the sweep gets things moving!
I just want to hold my baby!

StephC0117

41 weeks today with DD. At today's appointment we did stress test & had ultrasound to check amniotic fluids. 70% effaced (same as at 11/10 appt), dialated to 3cm(1cm more than 11/10), after membrane sweep I'm at 4cm. Appointment on Friday to schedule induction possibly this weekend. Hoping labor starts on its own, really rather not be induced or c-section (& constantly attached to machine). DS was 6 days past due.

PrettyPalomino

@MrsMaryk2016 just to give you another point of view, my OB only schedules C-sections for babies measuring 12lbs or bigger by U/S (a.k.a almost never). Your body will either do it's job regardless of baby's size, or worst case scenario emergency CS (which might have nothing to do with size). 

The only thing you you should consider is how many children you want, as repeat CS's get riskier the more you have and VBAC is no guarantee. My OB told me basically the first 2 are fine but 3+ get questionable for RCS.

Do NOT add mommy shaming to the equation!! Good luck  

MTmountianrocks

I had my 38 wk apt yesterday. 4cm and 75%, baby is even lower in my pelvis which explains the mass discomfort down there.  My cervix is behind babies head. Does anyone know of exercises that can help cervix move down? I know that stuff isn't always reliable but I figure it can't hurt to try

SandNStarsNJ

Just got back from 40 week appointment and am showing no signs towards labor... they scheduled me for an NST this Saturday and an ultrasound on Tuesday with an induction on Thanksgiving night, which is a total bummer. I was really hoping to have a say in day and time if it came to a possible induction - 6pm on turkey day is not awesome. 

Time to figure out a way to trigger labor on my own. 

MrsMaryK2016

@SandNStarsNJ What a bummer! I wonder why they don't just do it Friday instead. Hopefully he comes before then so you can enjoy Thanksgiving at home.

Edit: Forgot to update on the c-section plans. After talking it over a LOT, we've decided to go ahead with the c-section. I called yesterday morning to get it scheduled and apparently the hospital is incredibly busy this week and they're not sure when they'll be able to get me in. I checked in last night and they still didn't have a day and time for me so we're sitting here in limbo. In the meantime, I'm having no contractions, baby is still high, and I still have my mucus plug so it doesn't look like he's in any hurry to arrive. My husband is in agony with the suspense and he's convinced I'm going to go into labor today on my own. I seriously doubt it but hey, it wouldn't be terrible if he was right!

UPDATE: C-section scheduled for Saturday at 2pm. I still have an appointment tomorrow to check blood pressure and all that but looks like showtime is this weekend unless he comes early!

BmcD2016

@MrsMaryK2016 I'm kind of in the same boat. I know which day (23rd) I'm supposed to go in for my c-section, but nobody has told me a time or even when to go do pre-op stuff. I'm assuming they'll call me? And my dr said that the hospital always gets swamped for holiday weeks, I wouldn't figure many people would schedule during holidays if they could avoid it. 

@SandNStarsNJ I'm surprised they're inducing on thanksgiving. Are Fridays your dr's normal day to be at the hospital with surgeries? 

atcwag

Had my weekly appt today @ 38+3. I've had a lot more pelvic discomfort this past week, so I was hoping for some cervical changes. No such luck - high & closed. 
I have a mani/pedi scheduled Sunday AM and an appt next Tuesday. 

SandNStarsNJ

@bmcd2016 that's the thing, it's a group of doctors and one of them is always at the hospital. And the even stranger thing is that I'm not formally scheduling an induction. They told me to come into the hospital and say I'm having contractions and already called the doctor even though I'm not. 

ojsmom-2

@atcwag same due date. Same situation.  I cried the whole way home and got a milkshake to eat my feelings. Lol. I know we are all lucky to have healthy pregnancies but IM. OVER. IT.

SandNStarsNJ

@ojsmom I too left my appointment and ate my feelings the form of an apple turnover! 

MrsMaryK2016

@ojsmom Milkshakes are my biggest craving right now but I've had to avoid ice cream and milkshakes the entire pregnancy because of severe heartburn. My dad knows that he better walk in the recovery room with a strawberry milkshake or he's not allowed to hold the baby lol

cwalks

38 + 4. Having a scheduled c-section Friday due to baby's head being quite large. Doctors said that there is a high chance (after 3 growth scans) I would end up with one after laboring, so gave me the option. Can't wait to have her out and be home for Thanksgiving!

jmama1611

So disappointed. No stretch and sweep today. Only 1cm and about 20%. Already 5 days overdue. When will this baby ever arrive?

atcwag

ojsmom said:

@atcwag same due date. Same situation.  I cried the whole way home and got a milkshake to eat my feelings. Lol. I know we are all lucky to have healthy pregnancies but IM. OVER. IT.

Glad to hear I'm not the only one. I was disappointed, but just keep telling myself I'm not even 39 weeks yet....a lot can happen in a week and 1/2!

hoosiermama-2

38+4. 1 cm dilated at this morning's appointment! Was not expecting that at all! Yay!!

hollowway

Tuesday my appt was with one of the "other" OBs in the practice, not my OB. Today I got a call from the nurse for MY OB, and they want me to go back tomorrow. We'll be doing an ultrasound and then I'll see my OB. I'll be 40&5, so hoping maybe we can get things going tomorrow. 

LadyBugMe101

Soooooo.... I am 1.5cm dilated and 80% effaced... my Dr stripped my membrane and expects me to go into labor within 24-48 hours. Past couple of days have been rough with back pain and pelvic pressure and today I  had a couple painful contractions. Stuff is happening and I don't know how to feel... I'm 38+5 eek! Let's hope all goes well.

hollowway

Well, got back from my second appt this week. We did an ultrasound and he's measuring around 9lb3oz. OB did a pelvic exam and while little man is head down, ges still not engaged in my pelvis and my cervix is still high and closed at 40w5d... So the plan is to go in early Monday morning (41w1d ) and attempt an induction. My DD  was 7lb5oz and had shoulder dystocia so OB is skeptical that a vaginal birth is possible with a baby who is likely 2lbs larger and thinks we'll end up doing a csection. At least we have a day! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

PrettyPalomino

Had my last prenatal appointment today! Pre-op is Monday and CS is tuesday. Baby is still breech (I knew this, the head on my sternum hasn't budged) and we cannot wait to meet her!

 I mentioned my extremely itchy belly and it turns out I have a mild case of PUPPs, OB just said it'll go away with delivery but I can take Benedryl in the meantime if it gets too crazy. I've gone this long without taking any drugs, might as well just go the distance. Only 3 whole days left!

We are totally ready except for the hospital bag. It's been a mental block for some reason! I have a list of what needs to go in the bag, just haven't been able to physically put it all in. I recruited DH to help me because I just can't. It's too real and it makes me cry of joy. Woohoo!!