I'll start since I just got back from one. Just a regular OB appointment but kind of left with lots of different emotions:
1) My blood pressure is still at my normal (98/66) which I'm happy about, since I know preeclampsia is a risk with twins 2) I haven't gained any weight. like- 0 pounds. I was overweight to begin with, but I dropped 10 pounds first trimester and have just almost reached my starting weight now. If I didn't bring it up, I don't think the doctor would have said anything, but when I did bring it up- she said she wasn't too concerned and that as long as the babies are growing fine, it should be okay. Originally they told me optimal weight gain was 25-30 pounds for me with twins, but I guess I'll aim for 10 over this final trimester. I'm nervous about having tiny babies.... which will lead me to my next contradiction.... 3) My 3 hour GTT came back "borderline". They told me I passed, but when I saw the doctor today, she said since they did it early because of the twins, and it was borderline, I could be developing GD, and so she does want me to see a nurse about my diet and monitor my sugars, since the worst thing would be delivering babies with undiagnosed GD. Again- she's not too worried, but better safe than sorry, and I agree. She said I don't want to be delivering 2 big babies (which is a total contradiction to point 2). 4) She measured my belly and didn't tell me my measurements- which was an interesting strategy. 5) Heard both heartbeats Best part of the whole appointment. Based on where the doppler was, Baby A is sitting pretty far below my belly button- so that explains the pressure and taps on my cervix I've been feeling. 6) WHY IS DISABILITY SUCH A PROBLEM. I'm lucky to get disability insurance through work, but they want my paperwork and a consent from my doctors to release records to get the process started, and the secretary at my doctors office told me 28 weeks is far too early and they normally don't take it until 36 weeks. She's like are you planning on going out early- I DON'T KNOW LADY I can't predict when these babies are coming just take the damn paperwork. I'm giving it to them at my next appointment in 2 weeks IDC what they say.
Wow- that was a long update for just a regular OB appointment. Sorry for anyone who read that whole thing
@amb0924 I am overweight as well and was always told, even with ds’ pregnancy, that no weight gain would be ideal. I wouldn’t be too concerned as long as babies are growing and healthy 🙂.
AFM, I had my first NST with ob follow up today. The NST took like an hour because we had to chase them around to get their heartbeats for a good length of time. My blood pressure was also high at 142/92 so we are doing bloodwork and a 24 hour urine catch to get an idea if pre-e is an issue. I feel like it would be just one more thing to add to the list at this point 😔.
@amb0924 I can only vouch for the belly measurement, but usually with twins they don't since there's not really a way to have the measurement correlate to the size of the baby when there are two in there
@amb0924 with dd I was overweight to begin with & lost weight during my pregnancy firstly with severe morning sickness & the due to severe diet restrictions after being diagnosed with gd. Dd was anticipated to be large from measurements & scans & ended up being 8lb 5.5oz at 2 weeks early. Which was smaller than anticipated but larger than she probably would have been had I not had gd or been diagnosed earlier than I was.
This time round, I was diagnosed at 14 weeks & started insulin immediately. Again due to the severe diet change, ive lost weight rather than put on & there have been no concerns about that. multiple pregnancies also are higher risk for developing gd. all that to say, gd is very much manageable (albeit a pain in the ass) & it is much better to be diagnosed & treat it than not. If you have any questions or just want to talk about it, feel free to message me!
I'm with the others that were overweight in previous pregnancies. I wasn't given any guidance with DS1 and I gained 30lbs, 22lbs net. He was 7lbs13oz. This time I was told 15-20, but I am in better health and weighed less when I became pregnant this time, so I'm kind of like... Eh.
I'm also at risk for PreE and IUGR due to age and BP, but also GD due to weight and age and I'm like... Won't they cancel each other out baby size wise? (kidding) If I end up with GD, my plan is to redo my WW subscription and follow the meals and points for BF part time.
thanks @leprechaunlady! I'm reassured to know you are n the same boat. I just got nervous without gaining weight even though CLEARLY my belly is growing I am 1000% in agreement I'd rather just manage it even if it's borderline GD. These babies are higher risk already, want to give them the best environment to grow as possible- but also as Kbrown2385 said- just another thing to add to the list with the Lovenox/Heparin shots and being high risk to begin with. I know you of all people understand that too!
@c1kc1kpol1cn1k that's what they had originally told me regarding measuring the belly- but then when she did it today it was one of those things where it's like- well you know what the measurement is now I want to know! this was the first appointment they measured. Maybe she kind of just forgot?
@amb0924 yep - 7x finger pricks a day to check blood sugar, 2-3 insulin injections per day & a daily blood thinning injection, im a human pin cushion these days. But we’re on the downhill side now & we got this!
@amb0924 sounds like everything is going great! I'm also being put on a diet despite no GD just as a precaution.
@kbrown2385 hope it's not PreE! I had a similar BP several weeks ago, started the baby aspirin and really watched my salt intake and it steadily went back down and as of yesterday it's normal at 108/75 so hopefully yours could come down too. Either way, better to catch it earlier than later. 🤞 for you.
Well I did my 3 hour GD test yesterday and I swear it was excruciating! But, test results came back today and I do NOT have GD! 😁😁 That being said, because I am already severely overweight, have gained about 15lbs total after losing in the first and gaining in the 2nd tri, my OB would have preferred 0 weight gain, AND because baby is currently in the 99th percentile 😲 OB is having me see nutritionist and suggesting I start a GD diet anyway to help with his growth rate so I don't end up with a giant baby. I know in utero weight is an estimate anyway, but I'd rather be safe than sorry, so following doctor's orders and treating myself like I gave GD even though clinically I don't. At least I don't have to prick myself with a needle everyday because I really hate needles!
And bonus, my blood pressure came down again. I'm now totally normal. Don't know if it's the baby aspirin but I'm a happy camper. 😊
@amb0924 Sorry you got such conflicting information at that appointment. FX for no GD, but I'm also glad it seems the babies are doing well!
My next appointment is on the 7th--my 1HR glucose test. I got pretty nauseous with it last time and am hoping I'll be okay this time.
Guys are there symptoms for GD? I feel like I remember the answer could be no from my last pregnancy but I've been deprived of so many American sweets for the last 10 months that I'm PRAYING I don't have to wait another 3 to resume eating them.
@mslan@biolprof I'm doing my GD test on Monday too. Fx for smooth tests and good results for all!
I looked up if GD has symptoms on the internet out of curiosity (never had it before) and found that while there may be no symptoms, some woman have fatigue, excessive thirst, excessive urination, nausea, large-measuring baby, etc. This is a fairly hilarious list since more than half can be attributed to pregnancy in general (e.g., who here isn't tired and peeing all the time? 😂)
@peppyj9 congrats on your blood pressure going down! That's great news!
@amb0924 that sounds like quite the "normal" appointment. And for the disability stuff, I get 36 weeks for a single baby, but I don't get the problem with being ready earlier with twins. It doesn't make any sense.
GD test Tuesday morning. Fingers crossed I pass. I barely passed last pregnancy.
And I am another who failed the 1 hour test by 2 lousy mg. The doc even said "sorry!!" cause now I have to do the 3 hour. Also i'm slightly anemic. I already take so much iron....ugg the thought of more is sad days....
After the scale debacle two weeks ago, where we ended up just guessing the weight, I was worried what the gain would be. They have a new scale, which tells me maybe the old one died, lol. But, it was 0 gain. So, either we overestimated and I had a gain, underestimated and I lost some, or just stayed neutral... In any case, I'm still on par to gain the recommended 15-20lbs this pregnancy.
Blood pressure is back down. Urine is clean. Baby is active. Off to the MFM tomorrow for my growth scans, plus Glucose...syphilis (state law)... Iron.... Etc.
My doctor just shakes his head every time and says I'm a little over where I need to be. Like dude, I'm on track to gain 35lbs, which is still in the normal range, chill. He only wants me to gain 25lbs though, and thinks it'll help my chances of a VBAC, so I gotta listen to the man.
I had endocrine clinic today - my sugars have been a little out of whack this past week to 10 days & they are altering my insulin dosage to see if that helps. Then at the end of my appointment the consultant said that I needed to come back next week again. To which I replied no, I have twin clinic on wednesday next week, I wont be coming here on tuesday aswell. I’ll make an appointment for 2 weeks time & email in like usual & make a call if I need to come in in 2 weeks time again after that 🙄
@marebear15, my OB is over the moon and commented, "You're look so much better this pregnancy! Less swelling. Happier. You're doing great!" Yes, I keep telling you guys I was in better health, and this pregnancy is easier, of COURSE I'm doing better! 🙄
Am I the only one who's flu shot made me forget that I even got my Tdap? Man my right are my hella sore for a few days after the flu shot, while my left was sore for a bit then completely fine.
I'm still waiting on my 3rd trimester blood work and glucose test. But I'm assuming no news is good news so far. But it does seem pretty delayed for blood work that was done on Thursday.
@marebear15 I'm hoping for vbac too and my OB never once said a word about weight gain with regards to it. It's strange how different they all are about taking about weight.
@biolprof sorry!! Hopefully you pass the 3 hour. My OB mentioned the range had changed from last pregnant, so I'm hoping I'm not going to be in the same boat. I barely passed last time.
Man that drink affected me so much worse this time around. I feel awful still.
Just back from my midwife apt, I have a team of 3 and this is the first time I met this particular midwife and I love her! She definitely matches my personality, I hope she is the one who will be at the birth. She said we can go right to 2 week appointments so thank god for that. She also said last time I was in I had a lot of sugar in my urine so that was a bit of a concern and I had to do another test, if it come's back high again then off I go for the 3 hour glucose test! (even though I passed the 1 hour ...ugh). She's also being proactive and is sending me to the hospital to book a growth scan (since DD was big). She didn't give a specific time to go by, more like within the next couple weeks. If the scan show's a large baby then they want me going in again around 37 weeks. Anyone experience this before?
@stashattack my flu shot was actually worse than my TDAP which is surprising. Usually the TDAP is worse for me...
@marebear15 I'm on track for 35 pounds of weight gain too I think and my docs have literally not said a word about weight my entire pregnancy. I wouldn't worry too much. People's bodies do their own thing. Continue to eat healthy and the rest will be!
@persnickity good luck today. It seems like a lot of people fail the 1 hour so I'm unsure why the reduced the reference ranges...perhaps too much undiagnosed GD?
@leprechaunlady glad you don't have to go back next week. What's with these physicians and wanting appointments!
Am I the only one who hasn't had urine's done since first tri? Is that a high risk thing?
@biolprof i've had a urine test every appointment and i'm def not high risk. It's just standard at my practice. So IDK. You are lucky though and I'm jelly. Especially since I have an app that I use to track my BP each week so I don't have to start going to more often appointments. I'm still on a monthly schedule for now.
My NST went well this morning. If we had any doubt there were two in there it was dispelled today. Baby girl was all over the place. I’ve never felt her move as much as she did. I was there for a good hour trying to get a good chunk of her heart rate on the monitor. Also, my blood pressure was down to 134/82 so I was happy with that. I gained 2lbs since Friday though so it looks like my fluid retention is getting crazy. I had to ask Dh if my food intake has been crazy or not. Seeing the scale go up so fast is not something I want to keep seeing.
@kbrown2385 I think she was a little taken aback at my response & just kind of looked blankly at me. So i explained I have already had this conversation with the lead consultant and my husband is a doc & i email in twice a week so its not like im not on top of things 🙄
@biolprof I only had urine done in first tri, they don't test that anymore here. I only had a concern at my last appointment and asked them to test. Question: when you did your flu shot how long were you "out" for? Is it safe to do it on a friday evening and be good the next day or?
@biolprof I didn’t start urine samples until this pst Friday. I thought it was weird since every other ob I’ve been to always did it every appt. I guess it all just depends on the office.
@c1kc1kpol1cn1k so glad you like the new midwife! I had growth scans bi weekly starting at 30 weeks with ds. He was a 9lb 10oz baby born at 39 weeks.
@kbrown2385 did you notice there was a great jump in the size at the biweekly scans or a gradual "normal" increase? My concern is if I go to early and the results show all is good, she doesn't need me to then go for any more scan's, then I think, what if baby had a slow week and then after a specific week has the growth spurt and we don't catch it? Am I overthinking here haha. DD was also 9lbs10oz and born 39 weeks to the day
@c1kc1kpol1cn1k from what I remember his was pretty gradual. He had been measuring 4 weeks ahead from the anatomy scan to the end though so we knew he was going to be big. I think they did the scans mainly because they couldn’t believe I didn’t have gd and he was just big. They also had me do the glucose test three times so they didn’t really have faith in any of the testing lol.
@biolprof last time, I had to leave urine samples every visit. This time they said the standard of care had changed so that I only started doing them at 28 weeks
@biolprof, I've had urine done at every appt with all my pregnancies, and my post loss check up. They check bilirubin and protein levels, as well as concentration.
@biolprof I also get my urine tested every visit. However, they never really explained that I was supposed to go to the bathroom and leave one on my own, where as my previous OB office gave me a cup and told me to leave a sample at the end of every visit. I ended up asking and found out I was supposed to be leaving one every time. You could always ask at your next appointment and clarify what they want you to do.
@biolprof - I haven't had urine checked since the beginning. Last time the receptionist mentioned something about starting it up at 32 weeks. Two babies ago I was at a university hospital, and they stopped doing it completely and said that the new recommendation was only to do it if there was a sign of an issue. But then I was at a different office for my next baby, and they did it the whole time. So it seems that different offices have different procedure. Because it was the university that said not to do it at all (and that was my best delivery of all), I don't worry about skipping it now.
@biolprof good luck on your 3 hour GTT. I've heard that lots of people who fail the 1 hour (particularly by just a smidge) go on to pass the 3 hour, so fingers crossed! I also haven't done a urine test since the first tri bloodwork. It seems to be different from practice to practice. For DS, I did one every time. For DD, from 20 weeks onwards (and then only because I had PreE with DS), and this one I haven't had to do urines at all. In assuming if my BP starts acting up, they'll ask me to though.
@biolprof it's also protocol at my OB to leave a urine sample each time.
However, speaking of changing protocol, found out at MFM today that they no longer measure my cervix after 24 weeks, which is a change in protocol since I became pregnant apparently. Had a growth scan today-- obviously, doctor needs to read the results that the tech took, but tech said everything looks normal with both babies and both placentas, which is always great to hear. To be honest, I think she messed up which was Baby A and Baby B- I told her which I thought each was but she was convinced "the one on the left is Baby B" where I thought Baby B has always been transverse across my belly. Luckily for me, it doesn't matter too much because both babies are around the same size, but I can see how this is confusing! Baby A is measuring 2lbs 14oz and Baby B is 2lbs 12 oz. Baby A is 50th percentile and Baby B is 45th percentile- so I'm happy with their growth
I also had appointment for GD with the nurse at MFM today. I'm going to start monitoring my sugars and sending to her weekly. Hoping this can be controlled with diet.
Re: November Appointments
1) My blood pressure is still at my normal (98/66) which I'm happy about, since I know preeclampsia is a risk with twins
2) I haven't gained any weight. like- 0 pounds. I was overweight to begin with, but I dropped 10 pounds first trimester and have just almost reached my starting weight now. If I didn't bring it up, I don't think the doctor would have said anything, but when I did bring it up- she said she wasn't too concerned and that as long as the babies are growing fine, it should be okay. Originally they told me optimal weight gain was 25-30 pounds for me with twins, but I guess I'll aim for 10 over this final trimester. I'm nervous about having tiny babies.... which will lead me to my next contradiction....
3) My 3 hour GTT came back "borderline". They told me I passed, but when I saw the doctor today, she said since they did it early because of the twins, and it was borderline, I could be developing GD, and so she does want me to see a nurse about my diet and monitor my sugars, since the worst thing would be delivering babies with undiagnosed GD. Again- she's not too worried, but better safe than sorry, and I agree. She said I don't want to be delivering 2 big babies (which is a total contradiction to point 2).
4) She measured my belly and didn't tell me my measurements- which was an interesting strategy.
5) Heard both heartbeats
6) WHY IS DISABILITY SUCH A PROBLEM. I'm lucky to get disability insurance through work, but they want my paperwork and a consent from my doctors to release records to get the process started, and the secretary at my doctors office told me 28 weeks is far too early and they normally don't take it until 36 weeks. She's like are you planning on going out early- I DON'T KNOW LADY I can't predict when these babies are coming just take the damn paperwork. I'm giving it to them at my next appointment in 2 weeks IDC what they say.
Wow- that was a long update for just a regular OB appointment. Sorry for anyone who read that whole thing
AFM, I had my first NST with ob follow up today. The NST took like an hour because we had to chase them around to get their heartbeats for a good length of time. My blood pressure was also high at 142/92 so we are doing bloodwork and a 24 hour urine catch to get an idea if pre-e is an issue. I feel like it would be just one more thing to add to the list at this point 😔.
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
multiple pregnancies also are higher risk for developing gd.
all that to say, gd is very much manageable (albeit a pain in the ass) & it is much better to be diagnosed & treat it than not. If you have any questions or just want to talk about it, feel free to message me!
I'm also at risk for PreE and IUGR due to age and BP, but also GD due to weight and age and I'm like... Won't they cancel each other out baby size wise? (kidding) If I end up with GD, my plan is to redo my WW subscription and follow the meals and points for BF part time.
@kbrown2385 fingers crossed no PreE for you!
@c1kc1kpol1cn1k that's what they had originally told me regarding measuring the belly- but then when she did it today it was one of those things where it's like- well you know what the measurement is now I want to know! this was the first appointment they measured. Maybe she kind of just forgot?
@kbrown2385 hope it's not PreE! I had a similar BP several weeks ago, started the baby aspirin and really watched my salt intake and it steadily went back down and as of yesterday it's normal at 108/75 so hopefully yours could come down too. Either way, better to catch it earlier than later. 🤞 for you.
Well I did my 3 hour GD test yesterday and I swear it was excruciating! But, test results came back today and I do NOT have GD! 😁😁 That being said, because I am already severely overweight, have gained about 15lbs total after losing in the first and gaining in the 2nd tri, my OB would have preferred 0 weight gain, AND because baby is currently in the 99th percentile 😲 OB is having me see nutritionist and suggesting I start a GD diet anyway to help with his growth rate so I don't end up with a giant baby. I know in utero weight is an estimate anyway, but I'd rather be safe than sorry, so following doctor's orders and treating myself like I gave GD even though clinically I don't. At least I don't have to prick myself with a needle everyday because I really hate needles!
And bonus, my blood pressure came down again. I'm now totally normal. Don't know if it's the baby aspirin but I'm a happy camper. 😊
@amb0924 Sorry you got such conflicting information at that appointment. FX for no GD, but I'm also glad it seems the babies are doing well!
My next appointment is on the 7th--my 1HR glucose test. I got pretty nauseous with it last time and am hoping I'll be okay this time.
Guys are there symptoms for GD? I feel like I remember the answer could be no from my last pregnancy but I've been deprived of so many American sweets for the last 10 months that I'm PRAYING I don't have to wait another 3 to resume eating them.
I looked up if GD has symptoms on the internet out of curiosity (never had it before) and found that while there may be no symptoms, some woman have fatigue, excessive thirst, excessive urination, nausea, large-measuring baby, etc. This is a fairly hilarious list since more than half can be attributed to pregnancy in general (e.g., who here isn't tired and peeing all the time? 😂)
@amb0924 that sounds like quite the "normal" appointment. And for the disability stuff, I get 36 weeks for a single baby, but I don't get the problem with being ready earlier with twins. It doesn't make any sense.
GD test Tuesday morning. Fingers crossed I pass. I barely passed last pregnancy.
After the scale debacle two weeks ago, where we ended up just guessing the weight, I was worried what the gain would be. They have a new scale, which tells me maybe the old one died, lol. But, it was 0 gain. So, either we overestimated and I had a gain, underestimated and I lost some, or just stayed neutral... In any case, I'm still on par to gain the recommended 15-20lbs this pregnancy.
Blood pressure is back down. Urine is clean. Baby is active. Off to the MFM tomorrow for my growth scans, plus Glucose...syphilis (state law)... Iron.... Etc.
Edit - UGH. Now I want to hurl.
My doctor just shakes his head every time and says I'm a little over where I need to be. Like dude, I'm on track to gain 35lbs, which is still in the normal range, chill. He only wants me to gain 25lbs though, and thinks it'll help my chances of a VBAC, so I gotta listen to the man.
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
@biolprof sorry!! Hopefully you pass the 3 hour. My OB mentioned the range had changed from last pregnant, so I'm hoping I'm not going to be in the same boat. I barely passed last time.
Man that drink affected me so much worse this time around. I feel awful still.
Just back from my midwife apt, I have a team of 3 and this is the first time I met this particular midwife and I love her! She definitely matches my personality, I hope she is the one who will be at the birth. She said we can go right to 2 week appointments so thank god for that. She also said last time I was in I had a lot of sugar in my urine so that was a bit of a concern and I had to do another test, if it come's back high again then off I go for the 3 hour glucose test! (even though I passed the 1 hour ...ugh). She's also being proactive and is sending me to the hospital to book a growth scan (since DD was big). She didn't give a specific time to go by, more like within the next couple weeks. If the scan show's a large baby then they want me going in again around 37 weeks. Anyone experience this before?
@marebear15 I'm on track for 35 pounds of weight gain too I think and my docs have literally not said a word about weight my entire pregnancy. I wouldn't worry too much. People's bodies do their own thing. Continue to eat healthy and the rest will be!
@FyreFlyeRush congrats on a great appointment
@persnickity good luck today. It seems like a lot of people fail the 1 hour so I'm unsure why the reduced the reference ranges...perhaps too much undiagnosed GD?
@leprechaunlady glad you don't have to go back next week. What's with these physicians and wanting appointments!
Am I the only one who hasn't had urine's done since first tri? Is that a high risk thing?
PG #2: EDD 8/15/23 Miscarried 9w1d 1/11/23
PG #3: EDD 12/15/23
@kbrown2385 great you had a good appointment!
@c1kc1kpol1cn1k so glad you like the new midwife! I had growth scans bi weekly starting at 30 weeks with ds. He was a 9lb 10oz baby born at 39 weeks.
I also get my urine tested every visit. However, they never really explained that I was supposed to go to the bathroom and leave one on my own, where as my previous OB office gave me a cup and told me to leave a sample at the end of every visit. I ended up asking and found out I was supposed to be leaving one every time. You could always ask at your next appointment and clarify what they want you to do.
BFP 3.8.16 EDD 11.20.16
However, speaking of changing protocol, found out at MFM today that they no longer measure my cervix after 24 weeks, which is a change in protocol since I became pregnant apparently. Had a growth scan today-- obviously, doctor needs to read the results that the tech took, but tech said everything looks normal with both babies and both placentas, which is always great to hear. To be honest, I think she messed up which was Baby A and Baby B- I told her which I thought each was but she was convinced "the one on the left is Baby B" where I thought Baby B has always been transverse across my belly. Luckily for me, it doesn't matter too much because both babies are around the same size, but I can see how this is confusing! Baby A is measuring 2lbs 14oz and Baby B is 2lbs 12 oz. Baby A is 50th percentile and Baby B is 45th percentile- so I'm happy with their growth
I also had appointment for GD with the nurse at MFM today. I'm going to start monitoring my sugars and sending to her weekly. Hoping this can be controlled with diet.