January Appointments

pdx2020

@dunder_mifflin, I’m O neg and have had the shot twice already. Surprised they had zero interest in testing my partner’s blood type, and do feel like if I hadn’t done a stupid amount of research I wouldn’t know what was going on every visit 🤷🏼‍♀️ But I can definitely understand your frustration!!

@miss.sally, ugh the worst! Hope the rest of your day is relaxing and easy. 

EmilyLove25

@dunder_mifflin OMG that's like one of those crazy adoption stories where you thought you were someone else, but you aren't... Also as a TTM who has always had OBs, I would totally expect this from them and NOT from a midwife. I hope you don't feel uncomfortable with the care. Glad you are getting the shot!

@miss.sally UGH. I am SO sorry. I hate that you are feeling so miserable. I feel like I would throw that up too on an empty stomach.

AFM had my 32 week growth scan/pointless appointment. Baby is measuring 50th percentile for almost everything and is estimated 4 pounds 4 ounces. Fluid is normal etc. And no reason other than me being insane to think I'll go early haha. I legit have no clue why I am going back to the 34 week appointment (pointless), but I can't wait for 36 weeks! Group B test and they can start doing checks if you want them... and I just love 36-39 weeks when realistically things could start happening! 

miss.sally

@EmilyLove25 sameeeee with the 36+ appointments! It’s so insane to me that we are so close. Like. What?! 

mrsvp614

@miss.sally I'm so sorry! That's the worst! Hope you're feeling better soon, but super annoying you have to go through this again. 

mrsc918

@dunder_mifflin yikes, that’s a big screw up on their part and I’d be frustrated too! Def let them know you expect better from here on out! 

@miss.sally Aww man, that sucks!! Hope you have better luck next time and can get it over with!!

@EmilyLove25 There’s something comforting hearing people are actually excited for the final weeks to come lol I only hear god awful things plus I’m FTM so I’m just terrified of it all lol

puppylove8910

@varimama I love my booty when pregnant. Haha! I will say my hips have spread wayyyyy faster this time around which I'm hoping makes for a positive and quick delivery! But yes, my pregnancy weight tends to be in my booty and thighs. Move over Kardashians! Hahaha😂

puppylove8910

@miss.sally oh no!!! I'm so sorry this morning was such a disaster. I wonder if you could try monitoring your blood sugar for a week instead? Because who's to say you won't end up throwing up again... I can't even fathom all that sugar on an empty stomach. It was tough enough on a protein filled stomach. 

@dunder_mifflin OMG, that is crazy! Honestly, I would triple check your blood work before proceeding with the shot. Lab error is a real thing.

EmilyLove25

@mrsc918 Haha yes the end is SO exciting. You've been anticipating this for MINIMUM 9 months but most likely MUCH longer... and you have no clue when it could happen! Also the baby drops a little lower a week or two before labor and you can breathe again haha. I totally get being scared, but on my life, giving birth (labor, pushing, all of it) was the BEST experience of my entire life and transformed every single thing about me and how I view the world and life and ALL for the better. Your body can do this! 

stac4056

@varimama I do the blood pressure check and urine protein check every appointment, could it be that the risk of pre-e ramps up toward the end so those things would be more important to check? Maybe you could ask if you can go check your blood pressure somewhere nearby and report it in to them.
@dunder_mifflin How strange about your blood type, I would def want to have it tested again! I always feel like it must just be me not asking enough questions or something, but I always feel so in the dark when it comes to healthcare everything. 
@puppylove8910 I also love my pregnant self's butt!! I don't have much to speak for when not pregnant, so it's nice to get a little booty!
@miss.sally Oh noooooo, so sorry that you threw up and have to go through that again

I am on the two week schedule so go back this coming Monday. Feeling a little nervous about my OB, he's really old and my SIL just had him do an ablation and had major complications from it. My last C-Section was done by a resident with him overseeing and it was perfect, but he'll be doing this one, eek.

dunder_mifflin

@EmilyLove25 @stac4056 @puppylove8910 @mrsc918 Thank you all so much for validating me! Lol, I actually called them and spoke to them and expressed my concerns and how it made me feel less confident in my care. I have 3 midwives and the one that told me at my 29 week appointment, I met for the first time yesterday (I am supposed to have 2 but there was a staff shuffle of sorts that occurred and patients are assigned 3 for the time being, but I digress). I spoke to the same midwife today, which I think was good because it literally was not her fault that I didn’t know before and I expressed my concern about thinking I was B+ and how I would want it double-checked in the event of lab error. She completely understood, noted there’s no risk if I get the shot and I happen to be RH+. That really helped calm any concerns I had down but I told her I wouldn’t have been anxious all morning had I been able to chat with my mom and ask all of these questions from a place of knowledge vs. an information bomb that I felt was dropped on me. She agrees I was told later than I should have been and how that was stressful for me to re-arrange my schedule last-minute to get the shot this morning at the hospital. She said with some things they don’t like to tell patients too early in the event that it gets forgotten. But I said I like to be informed and I am very organized and also a healthcare practitioner myself and thus I would have liked to know. I would have had it done on time and set a million reminders. She completely validated my concerns and apologized for the late information and understood how I felt. So we’re all good, I’m overall very happy with the care and I had an otherwise fantastic appointment with her. It was just like 😱😱😱 in the moment.

@pdx2020 I, too, found it strange they did not want to test my husband. Regardless I would have gotten the shot, but it’s strange, right?? 

dunder_mifflin

@miss.sally I’m so sorry to hear about your morning!!

silverhope

Catching up on threads. 

@miss.sally that is awful. I’m so sorry you threw up. I hope the next test goes much better. Did they have any tips to prevent feeling nauseous for next time?

@EmilyLove25 birth was def not the best experience of my life. Most monumental/interesting: yes. Best? Not close ha. But I hope all FTMs get the feelings u did!

@puppylove8910 and @stac4056 wish I liked my preggo butt. I just yesterday realized how wide it is. I was alarmed looking in the mirror and was like, that’s me? 

miss.sally

@silverhope unfortunately no tips. Since it’s a fasting test there isn’t much you can do differently. My midwife never called back but hopefully she will today and they’ll offer an alternative because I’m not doing that again. 

kagesstarshroom

@miss.sally You might be able to do what I did & draw your blood 4x day/week and have them look at the results/call if any are higher than they are supposed to be. 

aerie_star

@dunder_mifflin You should have been told that when they found out. That's really terrible. 

My mother insisted I was B+ my whole life. Turned out she was wrong and both my younger sister and I are B-. My older half sister is B+, so I've just assumed she mixed us up. If it helps, rhogam is nbd imo. I've had it 5 times. I've also dealt with blood group jaundice in a newborn if you have any questions (DD had ABO incompatibility at birth). 

My OB is big on hand holding and even gives me deadline/suggestions for completing things pregnancy-wise. I still need it to some extent honestly and its great to have someone else give me some reminders cause I'm forgetful. I found it super helpful in my first pregnancy as well, so I agree with you. 

stac4056

Checked back in with my OB today, and felt more confident in his ability at this appointment. There was another woman seeing him at the same time, in scrubs and made a comment about being with him a moment before in the adjoining hospital, so I assume she sees him in action and continues to use him as OB. We locked in a c-section date, this baby will be delivered on 2/26 if she doesn't come sooner!! A little nervous as that's not a full week before her due date, only 4 days. But, I had to induce DD out at 41+6 and DS made it to his exact 39 week scheduled c-section, so fingers crossed she remains as comfy as they were!!

mrsvp614

@stac4056 So crazy that it's time to lock in birthdays already!

I had a 32 checkup and ultrasound today. First the ultrasound tech said, "baby's in a breech position, are you planning a c-section?" Uhhh, nope! Doctor later assured me that there's plenty of time for him to flip. Thanks tech for making it sound like I was doomed! I recall DS1 also being breech/transverse at one appointment, but he later flipped.
Tech also said baby's femur was measuring very short, but doc assured me that all other measurements are okay, so it's probably nothing. 
I'm already starting weekly appointments now! Ahhh! 

silverhope

@mrsvp614 my baby is breech right now too and I was/am stressed about it but y OB said not to worry just yet. 

treetop19

@emilylove25, @mrsc918, agreed, the end is exciting.  the most exciting thing for me is just not knowing when LO is going to make her debut. 

@miss.sally, sorry your test ended that way.    hopefully you can get in again soon.

@mrsvp614, my LO is breech too.  I have nst's and ultrasounds every week, so it should be interesting to see if/when she flips.  

EmilyLove25

@mrsvp614 WTH is up with that tech. "Hey, when are you planning your FOR SURE c-section and somethings up with your baby's leg. Have a good day!" There is a reason they are supposed to let the doctor do the talking. And SO much time to let him flip!

stac4056

@mrsvp614 It's very surreal feeling!! Yea I can't believe your tech either, wth!!!

puppylove8910

Had such a pointless appointment today. Waited an hour for only TWO minutes with the doctor. Why are appointments every two weeks necessary? At least my next appointment will be a growth scan so that's something 👍

dunder_mifflin

@aerie_star glad to hear I’m not alone! Similar stories the midwives have held my hand pretty well the whole pregnancy but I think this one was an oversight. But they realize they messed up and apologized. We will see next week at my 31 week appointment if it’s brought up again, I have a different midwife than the one I had last who heard my complaint. 

@[email protected] ugh that is so frustrating- she probably made you feel panicked over something you don’t need to worry about yet or potentially at all. 

silverhope

@puppylove8910 very much feel this. My OB/NP always only see me for a hot second and last time I legit waited 2 hours to see them. Sigh. I can’t wait to be rid of this insanely busy practice post-baby.

i’m gonna find a nice gyno who isnt busy after this baby when I don’t need a good OB anymore. 

mrsc918

Oh man. I left my appt (31 week checkup) so irritated with my OB. I swear any ailment I have, her first and only recommendation is straight to medications! And I noticed a lot of you girls talking about “growth scans”, so I asked my OB and she said “We don’t do those unless there’s some complication or we think you might be having a big baby.” So all she does is heart rate, see what position she’s in, and then measures my belly with a tape measure to see if I’m growing on track and “we would only be concerned if you were growing 4 weeks ahead.” 

And then I mention I’m having contractions maybe once or twice a day (lower abdomen with back), and she says “Oh we don’t care about that unless it’s happening every 5 minutes - then go to the hospital.” Yet in my childbirth class last weekend they said be concerned if you’re having any regular contractions if you are under 37 weeks bc if you are preterm we want to know ASAP and hopefully slow things down if you really are going into labor. So it’s like no lady...that’s bad advice you’re giving me. Ugh.

I could honestly write a novel about all the things that irritated me about that appt but I’ll spare you all. Man, I have been ragey lately! Bah! 

varimama

@mrsc918 well your OB is right about scans. I’m not getting one either bc I’m only measuring a week ahead. Mine also only does HR, position, and fundal height Until 35 weeks. I’m sorry you’re feeling frustrated with your provider but try to remember you’re paying them because you hopefully trust their medical opinion. It might not align with everyone else’s doctors and you also don’t know everyone’s medical history. Some women are getting more scans because of being AMA or a condition with a previous pregnancy etc... Try to relax, if your doctor isn’t concerned you shouldn’t be either! They’ve done this before! 

varimama

I forget where RRLT was being discussed but I asked my OB his thoughts yesterday considering its supposed to shorten labor and we have an hour drive to the hospital. His opinion was that it’s not going take a labor that would be really long to suddenly be less than an hour so he thinks it’s safe. He said he’s honestly not sure it’s as effective as people think it is but he said it won’t hurt anything so if I like it feel free to drink it. I’m not a tea drinker so I’m going to give it a shot but if I don’t like it then I’ll probably skip it. 

kailanae

@mrsc918 Just to help ease your mind a bit about the growth scans - my practice also just does viability/optional NT scan/anatomy scan.  Anatomy scan is the last one unless you have complications that warrant additional ultrasounds.  My practice also isn't concerned about occasional contractions unless they are consistent (several in an hour) and don't go away with rest.

puppylove8910

@mrsc918 I'm sorry your appointment didn't go well. With my DS, my OB only checked urine, BP, Doppler and Fundal Height until 36 weeks. My appointments were always SO fast. I never had a growth scan with DS because my fundal height always paired with the gestational week I was in. I was 33/34 years old during that pregnancy. This time around I'm having a scan at 33 weeks probably because I'm AMA. 37 when I deliver. Although, no doctor has specifically called me AMA they probably just want to make sure all is ok. I wouldn't worry! 

Malidocious

Time is FLYING!!!  My next appointment is a week from tomorrow, when I'll be 34 weeks.  They have been measuring my uterus, but have never expressed that I'm measuring ahead (or behind) schedule, so I'll take that to be good news.  They've also not given me an estimated baby weight, but I figured that would happen sometime around the 36 week mark when appointments start happening every week.  I'm so clueless to this whole thing, lol.

@dunder_mifflin Oh wow, I can't believe they didn't tell you when they found out!  What the heck?!  I am SO glad you called and expressed your concerns.  So glad they cared, too!

@miss.sally Oh no!  I'm sorry you threw up!    Hopefully you're able to get tested a different way -- without the fasting and glucose drink.

@mrsc918 As a fellow FTM, I've always heard horror stories about the tail end of pregnancy so I'm just getting more scared over here as the weeks tick by.  It's refreshing to hear people who are actually excited about it versus put out.  It brings me some peace, lol.  

@EmilyLove25 Hearing you talk about childbirth has given me so much peace of mind, and I'm more excited than nervous now (although still very nervous, haha).    I appreciate it.

@puppylove8910 Seconding the pregnancy booty love!  My weight has mostly gone to my boobs and booty (and baby bump).  My face has started to round out though in the first trimester and I'm less thrilled with THAT.  I'm also unsure what the point is for these appointments every 2 weeks... nothing ever happens.  I get weighed and measured every time, but I feel like the waiting takes up more time than the actual appointment.

@stac4056 That's wonderful that you've locked in a c-section date.  It'll be here so soon!!  Eee!!

@mrsvp614 @silverhope @treetop19 @EmilyLove25 Did they tell you when the baby normally flips over and goes into the head down position?  My little one has been breech a lot, but we haven't discussed c-section or anything.  I'm hoping she'll flip on her own.  My appointments have been a lot like @mrsc918's -- heart rate check, push on my uterus to see what position baby is in, and then measure my tummy.  I'll have to ask about a growth scan, I guess.

varimama

@Malidocious growth scans aren’t normal unless there are complications. Also my dr doesn’t typically tell me how I’m measuring unless I specifically ask or if there is an issue. I usually don’t bc if he thinks it’s ok that’s good for me. I did ask this time bc I look way further along than in my pregnancy with DS but he explained that’s normal during second pregnancies and this babe is measuring along the line of what DS was at this time even if I look bigger. I don’t think they give you a weight estimate unless you get an u/s and  u/s are notoriously wrong so don’t freak out one way or the other. My babes seem to turn head down early. DS was heads down from the anatomy scan to birth and this babe seems to be following track so im not sure when they mention other options for breach. I do know that babies can turn at any time, even right before or during labor, it’s happened to friends of mine. 

creativesoul63

@mrsc918 just to echo the other ladies, my OB also told me that my anatomy scan would be my last US unless there’s complications. I get weight, BP, baby heartbeat and fundal height checked each appointment. No idea how much the baby supposedly weighs which other ladies know (although I hear weight estimates are pretty inaccurate anyway). These appointments are so quick and seem a little pointless, but it does do wonders for my peace of mind to hear her heartbeat! I’m fortunate that my OB never has a long wait and I’m usually in and out in 30 min or less. I’d be way more frustrated if I had to wait hours for a 15 minute appointment!

chichiphin

just to +1 for anat scan being the last U/S unless something is wrong or my fundal is way behind or way ahead... AFM - I'm trying to decide if I want cervical checks or not. I'm going to ask if they become mandatory at some point at my 32 week. Curiosity may get the better of me though even if the checks don't actually indicate if labor is near. 

EmilyLove25

@mrsc918 Agree with all the ladies! And @Malidocious my OB doesn't do a growth scan unless there is a reason. I only had one because I had only gained 5 pounds, so they were worried the baby wasn't big enough or something was up. Baby was fine! Also growth scan's sound great, but they give you a laughably inaccurate measurement and you can't even really see the baby's features because they are so scrunched in there. I also think she was probably trying to reassure you re: the contractions. I tend to be on her side with this, because sporadic ones aren't regular... so if you are having them once or twice a day every day but that's it, that's not really "Regular." All of that said, I SO feel you on feeling rushed in the OB and sort of hurried along. I think if I could do my births all over again, I'd go to hospital midwives. I like being in a hospital, but philosophically align more with midwives. You might consider that the next go around (if that happens!). 

puppylove8910

@chichiphin Cervical checks didn't predict anything with my DS. At 38+5 I had zero dilation and no effacement. The OB was pretty sure she was going to see me in her office the following week. Well, 39+2 my water broke at home and by the time I got to the hospital I was 3cm dilated, 80% effaced. I'll probably pass on the checks this time around unless I start contracting frequently. 

kailanae

@chichiphin my midwives offer optional cervical checks once we are down to weekly appointments - you can decline them if you want.  I've heard of people that are a few cm dilated for weeks and others who aren't at all like @puppylove8910 then go into labor.  Unless there is a reason the midwives think it is necessary to check for me, I pass on them.

miss.sally

I was dilated to 3cm for three full weeks before finally getting induced On my due date last time. I was also in prodromal labor so that isn’t surprising. It’s already starting with this one so I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m starting to dilate. I can definitely feel a lot of pressure on my cervix. 

I’m in the last leg of my three hour Glucose test! Woohoo! I’m super lightheaded and starving, but I didn’t throw up this time so hallelujah. They let me go in a different room with recliners so I think that helped. I also ate my weight in spaghetti last night because my midwife told me to carb load. Lol

mrsc918

Thanks ladies! I feel much better about not having growth scans now! But no @varimama I def don’t trust most doctors. I work in a hospital, so I see a lot of things that make me question how reliable doctors actually are lol 

And yeah, I’m not worried about my contractions at all. Just frustrated that she would say to “not worry about contractions unless they are 5 minutes apart” when I’m only 31 weeks and I’m actually suppose to go into L&D ASAP if they become regular to make sure it’s not preterm labor lol 

mrsc918

@miss.sally Yay!!! Glad to hear your glucose test is going much smoother this time around!! 

@EmilyLove25 Yes I def have been wishing I looked into midwives more! Bc if I don’t even trust doctors, why wouldn’t I have bothered looking into midwife instead? Lol maybe next time. If I have another lolol

stassischroeder

mrsc918 said:

Thanks ladies! I feel much better about not having growth scans now! But no @varimama I def don’t trust most doctors. I work in a hospital, so I see a lot of things that make me question how reliable doctors actually are lol 

I struggle with trusting doctors too. My mom is an RN and I've personally witnessed enough negligence and oversight to make me skeptical. I certainly don't think that most people in the medical profession have ill intentions, but there are definitely holes in the medical system. I wouldn't hesitate to get a 2nd opinion if your gut is telling you to! I think its up to us to be as informed as possible and advocate for ourselves. If I hadn't essentially forced my OB to check me for cervical scar tissue before my last delivery, I could've very well ended up with an unnecessary csection.