The Great Question Thread

magdaaaa

@hedgepig I completely understand why women are generally against inductions - but I've been induced with both of my outside babies and it was a WONDERFUL experience both times. I had factors which played into it - mostly high BP and large babies, but regardless I am so happy with the way it went. I felt like my doctor and I were in complete control, I was given the opportunity to pick and choose how I wanted it to go, and they gave me options so I didn't feel like it was forced or unnatural in any way really. The Pitocin probably sucks, but I have no clue as I opted for an epidural and was able to get it early both times before I even started feeling contractions. Maybe I sound crazy, but I had two healthy, happy, successful, 100% pain free births to healthy, happy, perfect babies as a result.

also - I too live in the sticks but only about 42 minutes from the hospital. with that being said, my neighbor had her 3rd baby in the corn field 6 miles down the road which is soon to be a dollar general parking lot bc he came so fast and we are so far away. I'm not trying to live that truth AT ALL. sounds like you are in the right head space with weighing all of your options, and im sure you guys will make the perfect decision for you. I'm just here to wave the don't hate the induction flag because its really not as bad as it sounds!

jaclyn0405

@hedgepig I concur with @magdaaaa as well! I was induced with DD1 and the experience was awesome.  I went to my routine doctor's appointment (3) days before my official due date and noted to the doctor that she wasn't moving around as often, which ended up being the result of low fluid.  I went to L&D at 3:30, but they didn't start my pitocin until 7:45ish.  The contractions were not that bad at all, but I didn't know if they would get stronger so I opted for an epidural around 12am.  Even though they stopped the pitocin while I was getting my epidural, my body responded one and kept contracting.  I only received pitocin for another 30 minutes and she was born at 1:38am.  All to say, it was quick and fast and I would do it again in a heartbeat.  Just my two cents as well  

csardaszz

How are you ladies feeling about election day?

I want to vote in November, but the election falls the week before I’m due. That doesn’t jive with a strict pre-birth quarantine. It doesn’t look like I’m eligible for absentee voting in my state. I want to vote, but I don’t want to have to risk covid exposure so close to giving birth. I don’t know what to do. 🤷🏻‍♀️

babywiik

@csardaszz Are there some states where you have to go to an election booth of sorts to vote? I never thought about that because I always got a ballet sent to my house and then there was a ballot drop box in town where you could drive up and drop it off. I wonder if the state will implement any other voting options because of covid? I hope you can figure something out!

surlyjaneausten

@csardaszz I’m feeling very strongly about Election Day haha. I printed out an application for a mail in ballot just in case. We also have a couple weeks of early voting that I’ve never had to wait long for. So I’ll 100% be voting, but I agree it’s unfortunately a tough time for people to stand in lines and wait to vote! 

csardaszz

@babywiik I think there are 28 states where you can vote absentee without giving a reason (i.e., out of town, in the military, physically disabled, etc.). Unfortunately, my state isn’t one of them. They allowed absentee voting for anyone who wanted for June elections, but that exception to the rule ended.

@surlyjaneausten I’m feeling strongly, too. If I have to, I think I might break my quarantine to vote, if I have to. Heck, I’ll go even if I’m in labor! Luckily my district is very small, and whenever I go there aren’t other voters there.

hedgepig

@csardaszz Don't even get me started about how infuriating it is that you even have to think about this. No one should be worrying about putting their lives in danger in order to VOTE! (Or wait in long ass lines, or travel way out of their way, or any of the rest of it). I've always voted by mail, and am lucky to live somewhere where I can do that, and I am angry that there are still places where you can't 🤬 I hope that they change the rules so you can vote by mail, or vote early by then!

potofgolden

@jaclyn0405 and @magdaaaa thank y’all for sharing some positive induction experiences. I need to get on the being good with an induction train in case I need one.

@csardaszz I’m with you on the voting. I have always voted in person. I think we have mail in options, but I will probably just go in person to make sure my vote gets in the count. They are giving a wipe to sanitize the booth and a finger glove to vote here. We have early voting and it’s not very busy because you can go to multiple locations.  If you wait until Election Day it will be long and you have to go to your designated place. I’m definitely doing the early voting, because I’m pretty sure this is going to be an Election Day baby. 

laurenmicheley

Glucose Challenge Test (1hour) - How can I best prepare for this. I want to pass, obviously. Any tips as far as what to eat and what not to eat before and how long before the test I should eliminate sugar/carbs? My test is at 10:15 on Friday, btw.

krystrist2014

@laurenmicheley I don’t have too much advice - last pregnancy I failed the 1 hour but passed the 3 hour test. The one thing that my doctor told me this go round was to eat a normal amount of carbs in the days leading up to the test because apparently if you’re eating low carb leading up to the test then the globose is a shock to the system and will spike your blood sugar above normal. She mentioned this to me because I had been eating low carb prior to pregnancy and had dreams of returning to low carb after morning sickness wore off. Lol - that didn’t happen! I have my 1 hr test on the 30th. 

laurenmicheley

@krystrist2014 I had a feeling that would be an issue. Ugh, I'm just really hoping to pass!

mama-buckets

@laurenmicheley I just scheduled my glucose test today for next month. They said to stop eating/drinking 1 hr prior, and don’t eat anything high carb/sugar before hand. I figured I’d have some tea with cream (instead of my coffee with milk) and some scrambled eggs to get me through. I scheduled mine for pretty early so it wouldn’t be too hard for me hopefully. 

hedgepig

@laurenmicheley They told me to not have anything sweet before it, but to definitely eat something. 

name1109

@laurenmicheley I can’t pretend my college days were fun. But the way I see that glucose drink is chug that thing as fast as possible. Chilled is nice but otherwise down the hatch. It starts the wait clock earlier that way too....

dumbledoredies

@name1109 yep with DS I literally downed the entire thing in one big chug!

memar12

Really not happy.
I had my OB appointment today.
My blood pressure before pregnancy had always been 110/70mmhg or less, for the past 2 appointments it has been 140/60 and 140/70mmhg. My OB said that I will be monitored in case the reading above what it is at the moment.
Have anyone experienced this?

*I have also decided to get a BP machine to check at home myself.

lurvleybunchococonuts

@memar12 I know it's hard but try not to stress too much 💚 High BP is a pretty classic sign of preeclampsia and someone correct if I'm wrong but there really isn't anything you can do to prevent it. You're doing great momma and try to view the extra monitoring as just them keeping an eye on you and baby. 

Also... Soooo not looking forward to the GTT. With DD I failed the 1 hr but passed the 3 hr. It wasn't terrible, but it's not a very fun time either.
Eta: if you have an option go for orange and chill it! It's like extra sweet orange soda.

hedgepig

@memar12 That sucks - I've had a few high readings this pregnancy too, and I hate getting the hypertensive label because of it. BUT, preeclampsia is real, and scary, so it's good to keep a close eye on it. On the other hand, if those readings were just flukes, then I hope you can avoid any problems with the doctors over it. One thing that helps me is to have them take my BP again at the end of the appt, if the first reading was high. I've also started making sure that I get to my appt at least 10 minutes early so I'm not stressed/rushing, then I can sit in the car for a few minutes of deep breathing/meditation before going in.
Good luck!

ksd20

@memar12 like others said, it's good they're taking it seriously in case it is pre-e.
To make sure you're getting accurate readings, keep your feet flat on the floor, don't talk, and try to sit for about 5 minutes before it's taken

magdaaaa

@memar12 - I end up in the exact same boat with every pregnancy. this is number 3 and where I usually run 100-110/60 I was 130s/80s last appointment which was 4 weeks ago. I fully anticipate having to deal with the gestational hypertension label again this time. in my experience, it has been helpful to monitor my BP at home as you said you would do, drink LOTS of water, and just be super aware of any sudden swelling in your face or hands - beyond what would seem/feel "normal". typically I get observed closer as my EDD approaches, especially in the last 4-6 weeks. it may mean more frequent appointments for NSTs, etc - but its all good in the sense that they are keeping an eye on a situation to make sure it doesn't go somewhere it shouldn't. Ultimately, just try and relax and not stress what you can't control, because stress will only further elevate your BP. Awareness is key, and hugs!!! you're not alone, I promise!

kerriec93

@memar12 I had blood pressure issues with my last pregnancy. Definitely a good idea to get a monitor at home! My ob would have me check my blood pressure in the morning, afternoon, and night. I would keep a log of the readings and show him at my appointments. I ended up being put on blood pressure medicine during the pregnancy to help lower it. Also had to do 24 hour urinalysis which is basically collecting your urine in a container so they can check it for protein. I ended up with preeclampsia and my little guy was induced at 37 weeks. This pregnancy I've lucked out and blood pressure hasnt gone up, but just having a monitor at home gives me peace of mind. Last pregnancy if I started getting a headache it was almost a giveaway that my blood pressure had spiked. sending good vibes your way! 

auburnvelvet86

@mermar12 Coming from the other end of the spectrum, I typically also have very low blood pressure. During my last pregnancy, it was regularly quite high during the last 6 weeks or so, but never above the benchmarks they look for for preeclampsia. I also had a lot of swelling. For at least 3 appointments, I asked about this and was concerned and was brushed aside because the numbers weren't technically above the limit. At my last appointment at 39 weeks, I insisted they do a urine test to look for protein. Sure enough there it was and I was diagnosed with preeclampsia and induced that night. All turned out well,  but the experience left a very bad taste in my mouth as far as my particular midwife went and the fact that she had dismissed my concerns for three weeks prior and it seems I could easily have never been diagnosed and ended up in a really bad situation had I not advocated for myself. So, that being the case, I'd say it's a very good sign that your doctor is taking it seriously and keeping and eye on it. I second the recommendations to monitor at home and to do deep breathing before any appointments just to make sure the readings aren't being influenced by the normal increased stress of appointments. But, also like others have said, there's nothing you can do ultimately to prevent preeclampsia, so keeping a keen eye on it is the best approach.

memar12

Thank you everyone for the encouragement, times like this, remind me of how great it is to be part of this forum
@lurvleybunchococonuts I am really trying not to stress it.
@hedgepig It really sucks being termed hypertensive. I also thought about getting to the appointment earlier and relax before the readings are taken.
@ksdelong20 I will do that next appointment.
@magdaaaa Sending you Hugs!! it is not easy but we move.
@kerriec93 I got the BP monitor the same day, I have a log now. I am wondering why I wasn't sent for urinalysis, maybe my OB didn't deem it necessary at the moment. I am glad your BP isn't going up this time.
@auburnvelvet86 Sorry about your past experience and glad that you didn't have any bad situation.

**UPDATE*
I have been checking mornings and Evenings since Friday, my blood pressure have been between 108/60 and 120/70.

hedgepig

@memar12 Those readings are so reassuring! I hope they stay down for you!

memar12

hedgepig said:

@memar12 Those readings are so reassuring! I hope they stay down for you!

Indeed they are reassuring. I hope it stays down.

lurvleybunchococonuts

@memar12 So so glad to hear it's been normal at home! *fingers crossed that it was just a weird fluke*

Also, might not be a factor, but as @auburnvelvet86 said, don't be afraid to advocate for yourself!  I've had it happen where a nurse was new to a clinic and she got multiple high BP readings for me, then had a 2nd nurse come in to check it and my BP was normal. Apparently nurse 1 was used to using the automatic BP monitors. Or as @hedgepig and others mentioned ask to sit for a few moments in the exam room before they check it.  I went in for a BP check late last week because I'd been having a persistent headache and my OB nurse (whom I adore, but that's besides the point) had me sitting and chitchatting for a full 15 mins before she checked it to make sure it wasn't falsely elevated.  Keeping all my fingers and toes crossed for a good reading at your next appt

@auburnvelvet86 that is kind of terrifying I am so glad you spoke up and insisted they do the urinalysis!  I had multiple elevated BP readings right after giving birth to DD, so they did the labs for pre-e (apparently you can get it immediately after birth also I guess), but labs came back normal.  I had to go in for a few BP checks after being released but it has been historically fine before and since. It was definitely strange.  Are they keeping a closer eye on you this time around?

auburnvelvet86

@lurvleybunchococonuts Yes, I switched midwives, but at the same practice (this is the midwife who actually ended up delivering DS and who I really liked) and brought up my concerns about my last experience at my very first prenatal appointment. She had me take a urinalysis then to have a baseline and said they'd do another around 32 weeks and just generally keep a better eye on it. So that's good. And, of course, I feel much more confident simply insisting on things this time around than I did the first go around.

ksd20

I posted this in my weekly check in, but would you ladies be interested in a freezer meal thread where we can share strategies and recipes? I need to be more prepared with #2 

hedgepig

@ksdelong20 Yes! Do it!

potofgolden

@ksdelong20 I think that would be a great idea. 

bserena

@ksdelong20 yes I think that is a great idea!!

lovelee3

@ksdelong20 YES!!! That’s a great idea!

bserena

Curious what you guys think, I have a bit of a dilemma...

So where we are moving to is about 45 to 50 minutes from my work. We live in a city now and work in the city, but are moving to a more rural area, so we will have to commute. My dilemma is where to put baby in daycare? Daycare by my work (in the city) is almost double the price, but then baby would be close by during the day while I am working... so I could run up there quickly in an emergency or to breastfeed, etc. On the other hand, daycare by the house is much less expensive and I am going to try to slowly transition back to work by working some days from home, so would it make sense to have the daycare be so far?

UGH, lol. I need to put a deposit down for the in city daycare soon so I am just trying to figure this out, any thoughts/opinions would be awesome. Plus, I am a FTM so maybe there are things I am not thinking of that should be considered?

ETA: MH and I both work within 8 minutes of eachother, so either way we both would be close to daycare.

crizz13

@bserena This was our situation (except reverse) for the first 9 months of DD1s life. We lived in the city and I worked in the suburbs - so price was not a factor. We ended up putting her in daycare near where I worked for the reasons you listed. There were a number of times I was very glad I was a 5 minute drive from her as opposed to a 45 minute drive. We also ended up choosing a pediatrician that was in between home and daycare which has been a lifesaver. So many times I've picked the girls up from daycare and called the pediatrician on the way home for a walk in appointment. 

bserena

@crizz13 thank you for your input!! As a FTM it is so helpful to hear from others who have been through this already, lol.

mia80

@bserena I'm a FTM, so no practical experience, but we live on an acreage outside of the city where I work and it's about a 40 mins drive to work. We decided to go with a daycare close to home (which is a small town nearby).  We figure that baby will end up going to school here, so we thought it made sense to start him at the daycare close to the school so he'll already have friends here. DH works rural most of the time, so this way he can grab baby if we need, and we're hoping that I'll be able to work from home a couple days a week, so longer term it should work out. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the city! 

lurvleybunchococonuts

@bserena I don't have as far of a commute as you and YH do (mine is 25mins), but when DD was in daycare, we had her going to daycare closer to home than my work, we did have the option of her going somewhere closer to my work, but ultimately chose local to home.  It was far less expensive, closer to our pediatrician so if need be I'd scoop baby up then head to her doctors, and it simply worked out better for us. For a number of months I would drop DD off with my FIL and then FIL would drop her off on his way to work.  It saved us quite a bit and instead of being "full-time" she was technically "part-time". Also that way I wasn't forced to adjust my work schedule and the in-laws (primarily FIL) got extra time w/ baby.  Another factor was as @mia80 said, I liked the daycare closer to home due to class size/facility size and eventually their older classes tied into the local pre-K.  MH has since switched jobs and now works a late 2nd shift so he's home w/ her during the day until I get home from work and then we swap.  Thankfully we were some of the lucky few that didn't have to scramble right when the pandemic started and daycare closed!  

ETA: there was one day I felt like trash and went home from work early, so I let DD stay at daycare, went home to rest, and let MH pick her up after work.  I felt guilty, but it was soooo needed to let me rest! If she had been in daycare closer to my work I'd have felt like I had to pick her up OMW home from work early so not to have to drive back again.

bserena

@mia80 @lurvleybunchococonuts thank you both!

potofgolden

@bserena I haven’t had to deal with that as my mother in law watches DD. But I think closer to home would be best because not only is it the cheapest option, but it keeps LO off the road everyday.

bserena

@potofgolden that is actually a really good point! I didn't even think of that, but I am definitely going to take that into consideration now.