First timer

persephonerose

I don't get a lot of the abrevations that I have seen on the forums here so I'm trying to keep up with you all!

This is our second month of trying. My doctor who has been a major advocate for me over the past 7 years is guiding me through the first stages of us trying to conceive. However, she has already told me I will need to see a specialist if I do become pregnant. She is a D.O. not M.D and does not have birthing privalages.  She does all of my well woman check ups and it seems weird not to have her for the pregnancy.  

I have high blood pressure, she just switched me over to a new medication that is better for pregnancy. Additionally, I have fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis and I'm 35.  I have been off of all my medications for the RA and fibro for almost 6 months now so we can try to have a baby.  

I am really nervous about being high risk. And without any of my pain medications it makes it difficult to get in the "mood".  I am about 85% positive I ovulated on the 12th. But it could have been a few days before. I've had some light cramping and a weird bloatedish feeling but it just seems way to early so I imagine its just my body amping up for my cycle which is due on the 25th. 

Anyone here with RA? My doctor says about 85% of women go into remission while pregnant and nursing. I just wondered if anyone had any experience with that.  I would really prefer the water birth if possible because it would ease the stress on my joints, if I'm not in remission. Has anyone had a water birth and been high risk? Plan to have one? 

By the way, this waiting to test sucks! I am trying really hard to make myself wait 10 more days until the slated start of my cycle but I'd really rather know now one way or the other. 

Angellove32086

Well, first let me tell you all of the abbreviations are spelled out and explained in the Bump Board Glossary which can be found on the lower left hand row where the other blogs are listed. Also, Because I am high risk I can tell you that my hospital and those around me will absolutly not allow a water birth. in fact, most of the hospitals around have high risk birthing rooms specifically for women who are high risk that are set up for extra monitoring and thats if they let you try for a vaginal delivery. Im sure that just scared you but thats what to expect because high risk pregancies are exactly that high risk. They do this because especially with high blood pressure things can change so rapidly they dont want to have to pull you out of a tub and so on. Also I want to let you know that when you do pick a hospital try and find one with a Level 3 NICU. level 3 is the most equipt to deal with high risk babies and if they have any problems that is where they are taken. If your baby has health issues (which can happen to babies whose mothers are prefectly healthy throughout their pregnancy)  and needs help after being born and you arent at a hospital with a good NICU they will life flight your baby to the nearest one. The important thing to realize is that they only life flight your baby, you are left stuck in the recovery room without baby and cant even go see baby until after you are released from the hospital! I know you are TTC (trying to conceive) so just know its a long road with a ton of ups and downs but you will hopefully make it through. Good Luck!

persephonerose

Thank you for all of the information.  You would think having to consider all of those things might make me feel more worried, but I'm a planner. I prefer to know specifics so I can consider all the options ahead of time. Its actually calming to me to know I have looked at all the variables. In addition because of the limited mobility due to joint deterioration pre-planning is really important for me.

After reading your post I found out that Austin has 3 level 3 NICU hospitals, one being Dell Children's hospital.which is supposed to be state of the art.  So certainly a good time to start looking into those.  

 Thanks again!