Had my 36 week appt today. Was feeling optimistic about making progress in anticipation of potential induction next week based on my increased activity and what I thought was the beginning of losing my mucus plug, but turns out cervix is still completely closed and today's OB (not my regular one) seemed very concerned about trying to induce next week based on this lack of progress. [And I don't need to hear natural birth/anti-induction stuff about how bad intervention is and my body knows what to do and we should just wait, etc. - we're planning early induction for a medical reason (history of placental abruption) which, while not the automatic standard of care for that history, is done quite often because the risk increases at 37 weeks, and my OB has always been ok with this approach. Plus we plan to check lung maturity first via amnio.]
I'm so anxious that (a) we won't be able to induce b/c of lack of progress and that while we wait until I do make progress I will have an abruption or stillbirth, or (b) we'll try and fail and will lose the baby to cord issues or induction complications or c/s complications.
Plus, while I've (meaning my uterus - NOT baby) measured 1-2 cm ahead a few times this pregnancy, I was measuring right on track for a while now and suddenly went from measuring 35 weeks last week to 39 this week, which today's doc said she wasn't "hugely worried" about (she didn't say not worried at all) but it cannot be normal to grow 4 cm in one week. So now I'm all worried about late onset GD, polyhydramnios, etc. (all of which increase the risk of placental abruption, cord issues, stillbirth - and see above). The doc initially attributed it to my being fat (she didn't phrase it like that) but, um, I was fat last week too, so that doesn't really help.
I'm just so scared that we're going to lose her in the next few weeks before we can safely/efficiently get her out and needed to vent. Now I'm at work and can't stop worrying and crying. Left a msg for my regular OB to ask about the fundal height thing but I'm sure she'll say it's nothing and we can look next week. But what if next week is too late?
Re: So anxious and stressed about late pregnancy and today's appt. :(
(((hugs))) sweetie! If I could go over there and hug you in person I would. In fact, if you really want me to, I will!!
I know hearing stories is not going to make your fears go away, but if it is any consolation at all, I went from measuring 2cm behind to 2cm ahead in fundal height late in the game and my MFM said it had more to do with how much DS was sticking his butt out than anything else.
Keeping you and your little girl in my thoughts and prayers!!
I pushed and pushed for an induction b/c I had GD and this kid was getting bigger (FWIW he is 25 lbs. at 9 months and almost 32" tall!) and I heard/read a lot of things about going past a certain date relative to size. No one was going to tell me otherwise, I refused to give up b/c I was so worried something would go wrong. Ironically, I was given cervadil at 11PM and my water ending up breaking on it's own at 2AM. I agree w/ PP, talk to your OB and address your concerns. You have been through a lot and you don't need the added anxiety/stress. And you have the right to have your concerns addressed to your satisfaction. Hope you get the answers you are looking for and GL!
Schmoodle, I'm so sorry your appointment didn't go as you had hoped it would.
I do know that my measurements changed a lot. At the end of my twin pregnancy, I'd go from measuring 44 weeks, back to 40, then up to 46. I think the babies shifting influences that a lot.
But you are smart to want to discuss it with your primary OB. I hope he/she can make you feel better about the whole situation.
Will you just push back your induction date?
I am praying like crazy for you, sweetie.
Because we're fancy like that.
just want to send hugs--this must all be so scary! would they consider doing a c-section next week if they think an induction wouldn't be successful?
I was wondering this as well.
great advice.
Hang in there lady! You will meet her so soon!!
My OB has never brought it up but I imagine, just based on conversations with her in the past, that she would recommend at least trying the induction first to see if we make progress, since I've had 2 prior vaginal deliveries and a successful induction before (but I was at 2-3cm when induced last time). When baby was breech and I asked if that meant we'd do a c/s at 37 weeks instead of induction, she said we could try external version before just doing a scheduled c/s (I wouldn't have done that, versions scare me, but I just think it's indicative of the fact she considers a c/s a true last resort of last resorts, which is fine with me and I don't disagree with, but I'm just scared of the alternatives as well).
So. . . as I think you know, I had delivery scheduled at 37 weeks for medical reasons, also. Then, whatever group it is that accredits hospitals came in and started nosing around and asking questions, and apparently the new guidelines don't provide for early delivery based on history alone, it must be due to a problem in the current pregnancy. . .
I went ape sh!t. Absolutely lost my marbles. I know that 37 weeks is early and every day counts and blah blah blah, but I knew without a shadow of a doubt that that baby was safer out than in!! And, even if I was wrong, I knew that having that baby out was the only thing that was going to keep me somewhat sane
(Luckily my dr. supported me and we found a way to deliver at 37w3d).
Anyway, that's just a really super-long way of saying that, even though our circumstances are/ were very different, in some twisted way, I still understand the need for a 37 week induction. And I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this stress, it really really sucks. ((Hugs))
LO #1 - 1 unmedicated/self-monitored IUI w/ donor sperm.
LO #2 - 1 m/c, 2 BFNs, 4th IUI worked (unmedicated/self-monitored with new donor sperm).
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The anxiety you must be feeling is terrible. I Think that you need to push for whatever it is that will keep you sane. A good Bishop's score is great for induction, but many women go from zero to delivery when induced!
Not that this is going to totally calm your nerves, but you are going to have a happy, healthy baby. One who is alive, and safe. Please try to keep that in mind while you wait for the OB to call back.
Amber
TTC since March '06
MFI, LPD, possible PCOS
3 chem pgs * m/c identical twins at 9w 10.06
IVF w/ICSI #2 - beta - 187! (9dp5dt), beta - 367! (11dp5dt)
IVF w/ICSI #3 - it's a girl!
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I don't anybody wants a c-section but I think I would ask if they would be willing to schedule a c-section next week if this could avoid complications and if they don't believe induction would be successful.
This is what I was going to say... I know I measured differently depending on who did the measuring.
Regardless, you have many, many good thoughts and prayers coming to you and your baby. I am sure this has to be an extremely stressful time for you, and you have every right to feel the way you do. Just keep pushing for what you know is right!
I'm sorry today's appointment was so upsetting. Sending healthy mama healthy baby thoughts your way. Hope you've heard from your OB by now!
It's so hard to face down all the terrible things that we know can happen and stay sane. I didn't have your history and I was still a mess in the last week's when I was pg with my son. I had multiple complications and knew pre-term induction or cesarean was going to be necessary. Waiting to see when it would be necessary was nerve wracking.
I was induced at 38 weeks exactly with an unfavorable Bishop's score (1cm dilated, 50% effaced), and DS was born healthy at 38w5d by cesarean when I could no longer endure another day of labor.
(((hugs))) I was super anxious during pregnancy too, and you have much more of a right to feel that way. I hope your regular OB calls back-- I don't see any reason why they would do anything different than they did with Toodle.
This.
And as far as the induction without any progress right now, that was me 3 1/2 short months ago. I was 38 weeks and my dr said I was 1cm, but I think she was being generous! I was started on pitocin at 7 in the morning and had a baby at 244 that afternoon!
Let us know what your dr says after you talk to her!