This is probably a stupid question, especially for a 3rd time mom, but my first 2 were delivered at home/birth center and all my prenatal care was through them. Since we can't afford to go back to them because insurance is stupid and won't cover it... When should I start looking for/seeing an OB for prenatal care? I'm going to be very picky with my OB and would prefer a midwife.
This is probably a stupid question, especially for a 3rd time mom, but my first 2 were delivered at home/birth center and all my prenatal care was through them. Since we can't afford to go back to them because insurance is stupid and won't cover it... When should I start looking for/seeing an OB for prenatal care? I'm going to be very picky with my OB and would prefer a midwife.
Honestly, I would ask the same questions of an OB as a midwife. I think the only extras I would be concerned about is their stance on C-sections, non-traditional labor positions, and their opinion on episiotomies.
With an OB, your focus needs to also be on the delivery center. The nurses will be the ones with you the whole time, and will have a bigger impact on your experience. Tour the delivery ward, and ask a bazillion questions while on tour. Ask if they do room-in, if they do mobile monitoring, how collaborative they are with the mother during labor, if they follow birth plans, if they let you walk, how willing are they to hold off on pitocin, etc.
@LuckyInIreland I wonder if you could schedule an initial new patient appointment earlier then usual so you can get in and get a feel for the doctor? Maybe if you explain that you would like to come in now just to establish care and ask some initial questions they won't make you wait.
@kindbytealikat I feel you so much on the throwing up during labor. I had a bad reaction to my epidural (my blood pressure crashed) and I threw up a bunch throughout labor after that. I couldn't shake the nausea and I didn't even think to ask for anti nausea medication or anything. I definitely will this time if something similar happens!
So I know it's important for the doctor to know what blood type you and your partner are because of Rh but what if you don't know your blood type? Would they just test us?
@JJMNO1616 I am Rh- (A- blood type). I didn't know this before becoming pregnant the first time. They did a blood test when testing for hcg (I was having a missed MC). They told me they always assume the father is Rh+ since it's more common so they likely won't test YH. The only reason (I know of) that this is important is for miscarriages and birth when your blood can mix with babies. If you are negative and baby is likely positive your body can create antibodies against the baby. So this isn't an issue until MC or birth (which you get a shot at 28wk).
Anyone not have their hCG double but everything was still a normal viable pregnancy?
@toesinthesand-2 yes, me. These were my numbers last pregnancy with DS: 4+2: 306 4+4: 567 4+6: 905 (none quite doubling but were going up) 5+6: 8715 (then a huge jump a week later!) Keep in mind doubling is ideal but as long as it's going up, it's good news.
and re: butt swabs... I agree it's weird but nbd. I was positive for group b strep. I was induced during delivery and they used that IV to administer the GBS drugs too so it was nbd. I do remember it being cold but not lasting long.
I guess this isn't really a question, I'm just freaking out. I've had a mild cold for about a week now. My daughter had the same symptoms. Just found out she has a rash and, from the description, it's textbook parvovirus. So I'm pretty sure I have it as well or at the very least have a strong chance of catching it. I'm super worried now but nothing I can actively do about it. I guess time will tell. Anyone else have parvovirus in previous pregnancies with good outcomes?
Me: 35, Hubbie: 33 Married DH: 2013 DD: Dec 2015 BFP 8/14/17 --> Due 4/27/2018
My dr. did a single hcg and progesterone draw (not something they did with my last preg) and my hcg was 3677 and progesterone was 10.3. I was exactly 7 weeks when I did the draw. They put on my results message (on the patient portal/email) that results are in normal range. But the charts show both of those as low??? Are those numbers too low??
@Melis222, the progesterone is within normal limits. Mine was 5.somethinf at my first draw, and I was freaking out, because with my daughter in was 9 and I had to take progesterone. But apparently the numbers have been changed and 4... something is now normal. The hcg is a little low, but doubling is more important than how high it is, so 1 draw isn't a good enough indicator for how well your HCG is doing.
@Melis222 ditto to what holly321 said. They really need to do 2 draws to confirm the numbers are rising regarding your hcg. The numbers can really vary person to person. Are you high risk or having any spotting?
As far as the progesterone i tested at 8.8 when I was 6ish weeks. My Dr said this was "borderline low." She said anything below 5 would really concern her but she likes to see it at 20 if possible so she put me on progesterone suppositories. But i don't know I spoke to another Dr who said some women can have viable pregnancies with low progesterone. I never had issues with my previous 2 daughters. So if you're concerned I'd definitely speak to your Dr. But if you're not having any spotting or other issues I wouldn't be too concerned. Good luck!
@Melis222 I wouldn't freak out about the hcg number, the range of normal is HUGE and like @holly321 said, what matters is that it doubles. Do you have a repeat blood draw scheduled?
@melis222... I should add, with my "low" progesterone with my daughter, I had the blood work at 5ish weeks, they lost my results and I didn't find out it was low until I was 9.5 weeks. I only took a few progesterone supplements (and found a new OBgyn) and my DD was just fine.
No repeat draw scheduled but I have an Ultrasound tomorrow. I'm not spotting but hace had an occasional wipe of brown or pink tinged discharge. (Tmi...sorry)
Wondering what I can expect at my first OB appt? The office said the appt would be an hour. I have been working with an RE (just graduated yayyy!) so I have had a couple ultrasounds already. I haven't had a Pap in two years but is that something they would do at 10 weeks?
@saralee797-2, I have had paps at first OB appointments for a pregnancy, if I hadn't just had one. Does the OB office have their own lab? I don't really know why it would take an hour, unless they are doing their own ultrasound.
Wondering what I can expect at my first OB appt? The office said the appt would be an hour. I have been working with an RE (just graduated yayyy!) so I have had a couple ultrasounds already. I haven't had a Pap in two years but is that something they would do at 10 weeks?
I honestly don't remember if they did a Pap at my first OB appt when I was pregnant with my first. I know they did take some bloodwork and then I had my first ultrasound that day as well. And then I think he just went over some basic pregnancy stuff with me.
@saralee797-2 You will fill out paperwork about your history. They will usually go over any questions if you have any. They most always give some kind of pelvic exam on the first visit. If you need a pap they will give you one and I know sometimes they swab up there to check for STD/STI. It's so hard to say because there are so many different practices. I would just be prepared for just about anything.
Thanks @mispanda@holly321@sparklingdiamond I usually bleed a little after a pap so the thought of it is sort of scary. I was already checked for STD/STI because of IVF so I really have no idea what to expect. Oh well.
@saralee797-2 I remember my OB doing a Pap at my first appointment. Finding the HB . Peeing in a cup. Other than that she went over some basics, answered a few questions, told me what other appointments I needed to schedule (u/s, NT scan). It definitely did not take an hour (unless you add in the time sitting in the waiting room )
What is with that @sapphires-and-diamonds ? I waited 40 minutes yesterday. Not that I had to go back to work or anything *eyeroll* sure let me sit here all day doc.
What is with that @sapphires-and-diamonds ? I waited 40 minutes yesterday. Not that I had to go back to work or anything *eyeroll* sure let me sit here all day doc.
Tell me about it! There were times I waited for over an hour just for the receptionist to say OB had to leave for an emergency delivery and I was forced to reschedule.
@saralee797-2 my midwives said my first appointment would be an hour as well, and the most high tech thing they do in office is doppler. I have to go elsewhere for bloodwork and u/s appointments.
Ladies who are on progesterone. When does your RE/OB have you stop it? I'm on suppositories and my RE wants me to keep taking them until 11 weeks. I feel like that's early but he is the expert. I'm just nervous to stop them but in a way I can't wait! They really are a pain in the ass to deal with.
Wondering what I can expect at my first OB appt? The office said the appt would be an hour. I have been working with an RE (just graduated yayyy!) so I have had a couple ultrasounds already. I haven't had a Pap in two years but is that something they would do at 10 weeks?
I think it depends on your doc. For 10 weeks, they will want to take blood, do a U/S, and do a bunch of screening questions to assess the pregnancy risk, and need for genetic testing.
Mine wants me to take progesterone until 12 weeks but honestly I'd like to get off as soon as my placenta takes over. So if 10 weeks is ok I'd rather get off then I'll ask next appointment.
Is anyone currently on or ever been on PIO shots? Last night's was super painful to the point that I screamed. I want to switch to vaginal suppositories but they won't even consider it until we get a HB, and even then I know it's going to be an argument because of IVF. I want to be able to speak my case clearly, because I can't take another night like last night. My rear still hurts now.
RIP Dr. Irving Fishman - 10/1/19-7/25/10 - thank you for holding on for me. You made my wedding day complete.
@sparklingdiamond the general consensus is that it is ok to dye hair. If you want to be super safe do it after first tri.
@saisongbird I don't have direct experience with it, but helped a friend go through it. She said heating up the dose first (lukewarm) made it hurt much less. Also, she had confusion with the needle guage. There is one that's basically built for a horse, and the directions she got made it seem like she had to use it. It turned out she was using a huge size that she actually didn't need to, and switching to the smaller needle was much better. She also had good results with sitting on a heat pad after the shot.
One last thing:. If you are allergic to nuts, the suspension oil is usually sesame based, and that can trigger nut allergies.
@saisongbird Hey! Yes, I am on PIO until 12 weeks. Are you injecting in the right place and alternating sides each night? I think that is crucial. Also are you icing the injection site? I have found that it makes it more difficult to inject the oil. You can try warming the location with a heating pad before and massaging the area and heating more with a heating pad after. I feel your pain. My butt cheeks could definitely use a break but my RE said that PIO is best and she did not want me to switch. I feel like I would feel guilty if I switched and something happened.
Hey, @ngolimento and @saralee797-2 , I'm doing all those things already. 22 gage needle for injection, icing before, heating after, alternating each night, massage afterwards, and pinching while injecting. Last night was BAD.
I was on crinone 1x daily with my first, starting at about 7 weeks. My progesterone was barely 7 when they put me on it at 7 weeks. Yesterday's bloodwork showed it at 30.9, and I'm five weeks tomorrow. IDK if DH hit a nerve when he injected me last night, but IF is such a mental game and this nearly broke me.
RIP Dr. Irving Fishman - 10/1/19-7/25/10 - thank you for holding on for me. You made my wedding day complete.
Ok, at what point would you call your OB/midwife about anti-nausea meds? I am able to keep down some meals still but I'm so nauseous I can't concentrate all day. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna call Monday, but I just wanted to see if anyone else had experience with it
I am using Diclegis already, because my MS is really bad. Like, I have it from the time I wake up until the time I got to sleep. All day, every day. I'm currently doing 3 tabs total in a 24 hour period, and it's a Class A pregnancy drug that has been around since the 1950's (under the name Bendectin). It's currently a lifesaver for me.
In my previous pregnancy with DD they prescribed me Zofran, but I think they tend to stay away from that if possible anymore. It did help me a lot with that pregnancy as well. I guess I just don't handle the change in hormoes well!
I posted this in the questions last week so I'm going to give it another shot here... I need some good ideas for high protein/low carb snacks. Any ideas? Bonus if they're peanut free for my peanut free classroom (while I'm at school). I'm hypoglycemic and would really like to avoid sugar crashes this early.
Has anyone experienced severe fatigue and if so any advice? I'm a FTM, a little more than 5 weeks along and surprised to be feeling symptoms this early. Have been dog tired for the past 5 days straight. I've been avoiding caffeine for 2 months so I don't think it's a caffeine withdrawal issue, could be work but I've been getting plenty of sleep. I'd appreciate any advice.
I suffer from a lot of fatigue, and the only thing that helps me is naps Sorry!
So I know it's important for the doctor to know what blood type you and your partner are because of Rh but what if you don't know your blood type? Would they just test us?
They'll test you I think in the end of 2nd tri/beginning of first. I had to get Rhogam for blood type mismatch, and it was noted in the chart and taken care of at birth. Easy peasy.
Hey, @ngolimento and @saralee797-2 , I'm doing all those things already. 22 gage needle for injection, icing before, heating after, alternating each night, massage afterwards, and pinching while injecting. Last night was BAD.
I was on crinone 1x daily with my first, starting at about 7 weeks. My progesterone was barely 7 when they put me on it at 7 weeks. Yesterday's bloodwork showed it at 30.9, and I'm five weeks tomorrow. IDK if DH hit a nerve when he injected me last night, but IF is such a mental game and this nearly broke me.
I think icing before makes it worse IMO and I was also told not to pinch but to spread flat. I also found that it hurts less when I do it myself but I really like H to do it because it's easier to alternate areas etc. Maybe (hopefully) you just had a bad poke like you said. Hugs lady this shit is so hard.
Here's a dumb question. 3rd time mom. Last time I was pregnant was 2011, so things have changed tremendously since then, as far as prenatal care. I've never had an ultrasound before 16 weeks. My new OB office says they always do an ultrasound before 10 weeks. So I'm going at 9 weeks to do it. What is it for? Also, will it be vaginal? Obviously I'll ask them when I go in for my first appointment at 8 weeks, but I figured I'd ask here too.
Here's a dumb question. 3rd time mom. Last time I was pregnant was 2011, so things have changed tremendously since then, as far as prenatal care. I've never had an ultrasound before 16 weeks. My new OB office says they always do an ultrasound before 10 weeks. So I'm going at 9 weeks to do it. What is it for? Also, will it be vaginal? Obviously I'll ask them when I go in for my first appointment at 8 weeks, but I figured I'd ask here too.
There is so much more now, it's overwhelming.
It could be vaginal, but most likely it will be via stomach. 7 - 12 weeks is standard for a first appt if you are not in a high risk category. They are checking on the formation of your baby's heart, and measuring the heart rate.
ETA: they also give you a delivery date and see if the fetus is on track. But mostly the appt is all about the heart.
STM+: is it out of the ordinary to already have RLP? I had some gnarly crampy pain that felt like it yesterday and I couldn't tell if it was gas, consultation, cramping, or RLP! Lol
Re: Weekly Questions - 8/20
When should I start looking for/seeing an OB for prenatal care? I'm going to be very picky with my OB and would prefer a midwife.
Married DH: 2013
DD: Dec 2015
BFP 8/14/17 --> Due 4/27/2018
With an OB, your focus needs to also be on the delivery center. The nurses will be the ones with you the whole time, and will have a bigger impact on your experience. Tour the delivery ward, and ask a bazillion questions while on tour. Ask if they do room-in, if they do mobile monitoring, how collaborative they are with the mother during labor, if they follow birth plans, if they let you walk, how willing are they to hold off on pitocin, etc.
@toesinthesand-2 yes, me. These were my numbers last pregnancy with DS:
4+2: 306
4+4: 567
4+6: 905 (none quite doubling but were going up)
5+6: 8715 (then a huge jump a week later!)
Keep in mind doubling is ideal but as long as it's going up, it's good news.
and re: butt swabs... I agree it's weird but nbd. I was positive for group b strep. I was induced during delivery and they used that IV to administer the GBS drugs too so it was nbd. I do remember it being cold but not lasting long.
Married DH: 2013
DD: Dec 2015
BFP 8/14/17 --> Due 4/27/2018
As far as the progesterone i tested at 8.8 when I was 6ish weeks. My Dr said this was "borderline low." She said anything below 5 would really concern her but she likes to see it at 20 if possible so she put me on progesterone suppositories. But i don't know I spoke to another Dr who said some women can have viable pregnancies with low progesterone. I never had issues with my previous 2 daughters. So if you're concerned I'd definitely speak to your Dr. But if you're not having any spotting or other issues I wouldn't be too concerned. Good luck!
RIP Dr. Irving Fishman - 10/1/19-7/25/10 - thank you for holding on for me.
You made my wedding day complete.
@saisongbird I don't have direct experience with it, but helped a friend go through it. She said heating up the dose first (lukewarm) made it hurt much less. Also, she had confusion with the needle guage. There is one that's basically built for a horse, and the directions she got made it seem like she had to use it. It turned out she was using a huge size that she actually didn't need to, and switching to the smaller needle was much better. She also had good results with sitting on a heat pad after the shot.
One last thing:. If you are allergic to nuts, the suspension oil is usually sesame based, and that can trigger nut allergies.
I was on crinone 1x daily with my first, starting at about 7 weeks. My progesterone was barely 7 when they put me on it at 7 weeks. Yesterday's bloodwork showed it at 30.9, and I'm five weeks tomorrow. IDK if DH hit a nerve when he injected me last night, but IF is such a mental game and this nearly broke me.
RIP Dr. Irving Fishman - 10/1/19-7/25/10 - thank you for holding on for me.
You made my wedding day complete.
In my previous pregnancy with DD they prescribed me Zofran, but I think they tend to stay away from that if possible anymore. It did help me a lot with that pregnancy as well. I guess I just don't handle the change in hormoes well!
I suffer from a lot of fatigue, and the only thing that helps me is naps
They'll test you I think in the end of 2nd tri/beginning of first. I had to get Rhogam for blood type mismatch, and it was noted in the chart and taken care of at birth. Easy peasy.
There is so much more now, it's overwhelming.
ETA: they also give you a delivery date and see if the fetus is on track. But mostly the appt is all about the heart.