Had my 37 week appointment today! I was given an ultrasound to check baby's weight and size because the dr thought he may be large. Turns out he's right on track and not too large at all. He's measuring for June 14th (DH and I's wedding anniversary) but his due date is still June 8th. He's also head down and is facing my back luckily. The dr checked me again and I'm 60% and almost 3cm. She doesn't even think I'll make it to 39weeks (I delivered my first at 39.5weeks) Even though I was tested for Group B and had an iron check she didn't mention it so I'm guessing Group B was negative and my iron was good. But I'll probably still ask her next time to make sure. I'm adding a photo from the ultrasound of my beautiful baby's chubby face. He's looking right at the camera. I'm in love.
@esampson1983 - I have seen it done this way.. Basically they schedule you for a section and in the OR attempt to turn baby.. If it works they induce labor..if not... Well you get the c section you were scheduled for. They do it this way also in case of emergency while turning, they are ready to go. Also, if they will place your epidural prior, then you don't have to feel it... And they can use that epidural for section if needed. But I've also seen patients come in for their sections to find out baby is head down! So I'll be thinking positive thoughts that's the way it goes for you!
Had my 35 week appointment today. Great news: doc thinks baby has turned head down!!!! That's super exciting. We will do another growth scan next week (I'm still measuring 3 weeks behind) and confirm he's head down. LO movements feel differently, so I feel like he's definitely turned.
Had an ultrasound to check the lump in my breast and should get results for that tomorrow. Doc didn't seem too concerned about it, so I'm not either. Glad he wants to be thorough though.
Here's why we don't do epidurals before ECV...... The pressure and uncomfortable part of the cesarean is felt more with epidurals than spinals. Spinals are the standard for cesareans at our hospital. So ask if that's an option.
37 weeks today. Had my appt, urine good, BP good. Did a second GBS swab because the first result was missing... Only to locate the results minutes after the second swab. Had an intense cervical check, still 1cm, now 75% effaced and I kind of wonder if there may have been some stripping going on. Lost my plug last week and there's been some bleeding and cramping so far tonight.
Here's why we don't do epidurals before ECV...... The pressure and uncomfortable part of the cesarean is felt more with epidurals than spinals. Spinals are the standard for cesareans at our hospital. So ask if that's an option.
I asked about what drugs would be used ECV and was told by the physician's assistant that it would be discussed at the pre-op appointment. I want to know sooner than that so I can make an educated decision about whether I even want to go through with the ECV at this point and mentally prepare myself for whatever I decide. I'm going to compose a list of questions for the doctor (DH and I sat down and made a pro/con list for ECV vs. just doing a c section and we have more questions and no decision at this point) and send them to her; I'm not trying to jeopardize her time but I really want to be able to make the best decision for my baby and myself.
On a side note: baby boy is moving like crazy right now! Wowzas! Hope he moves head down.
Thank you so much for all your support! I know that my situation is so minor compared to what many of you are going through so it means a lot to me that you are taking the time to answer my questions and giving me things to consider.
Had my 35w4d appointment today blood pressure still a little high. Apparently I heard one thing and my dh heard another from the Dr. She wants me on bed rest while I thought she meant that I would need to go on that soon. So when I got home from work dh was like we need to talk about why you aren't ok with bed rest blah blah. So tomorrow I'm going to call hr and see what to do I guess. I also had the most painful strep b test. Not sure what the hell she did down there but I've had extreme pain when urinating and blood now, I know the blood is normal if you have a cervical check. So I'm just waiting for it to stop. I have a growth u/s on friday. Anyone else feel like they wake up and can't breathe? I don't know if it's because the kid is just on top of my lungs or not but man it is super annoying. Cervix is soft but closed.
Why do I get the feeling some of you ladies were on the receiving end of cervical checks/membrane stripping disguised as the GBS test? My midwife did not even enter my vagina to do the swab- just a swipe with a qtip on the outside. She THEN asked if I would like to be checked today, and I said no thank you and that was it!
Little late to the game but my appt on Monday was kind of exciting. Baby's heartbeat was 125, which was normal, and when my Dr examined me I was 1cm dilated and 50% effaced! That was surprising even though she suggested last time that increase in discharge could be mucus plug leakage. Maybe TMI but I'm pretty excited about it! lol
Why do I get the feeling some of you ladies were on the receiving end of cervical checks/membrane stripping disguised as the GBS test? My midwife did not even enter my vagina to do the swab- just a swipe with a qtip on the outside. She THEN asked if I would like to be checked today, and I said no thank you and that was it!
I was thinking this too. My GBS test was literally a quick swipe around the external parts of my vagina with a swab. I could wipe after using the toilet harder than the GBS test. There was nothing about it that should make someone bleed. Mine also asked me if I wanted to check my cervix and I said no. The swab took two seconds and I was done.
I do have an appointment tomorrow where I believe I am supposed to have a cervical check, tho... So I'll be able to compare then
Apparently you guys got the nice Dr's on the step test! I had to tell her to stop because whatever she did hurt really bad and I had tensed up. The bleeding stopped and now I feel fine but yea that shit was not cool. Still waiting on the results but at this point with all the blood pressure issues I doubt I'll be not at the hospital within 4 hours anyway. The good news my hr team said I qualify for my extra 2 weeks of full pay even if I go on leave now yay! Now just waiting for the dr. To confirm that was what is needed before I file any paperwork.
Had my 37 week checkup this morning. Group B was negative I'm 1cm & 50% effaced, Dr said he's very low. It's progress from being nothing last week Btw my group b test wasn't painful at all, just a quick swap down there nothing internal infact the nurse did it.
Why do I get the feeling some of you ladies were on the receiving end of cervical checks/membrane stripping disguised as the GBS test? My midwife did not even enter my vagina to do the swab- just a swipe with a qtip on the outside. She THEN asked if I would like to be checked today, and I said no thank you and that was it!
Maybe this is better suited for a FFFQ but doesn't a membrane sweep happen when they're looking to start labor? Would OBs secretly do this at 36 weeks? I was just googling info about membrane sweeps (because i honestly know nothing Jon Snow) and it seems like something they do to jump start labor. As sick as I am of being pregnant, I'd be a little worried to go into labor shortly after my next visit!
Had a very speedy 34 week check up this morning! Still very crazy for me to think by the time my next appointment rolls around at 36 weeks, it will be JUNE 1st and i'll start going weekly. SO EFFING BANANAS. This stuff is getting so real it's nuts.
So my doc was able to feel that my baby's head was down and could confirm her butt is squishing my ribs and gall bladder. So while it's still early enough that she could keep on flipping around, it was comforting to hear that she's in a good spot now. It made me happy to be able to picture what she looks like in there
ETA: Also, i haaaaaaaate discussing it but it's seriously killing me watching the scale continue to jump up so quickly. I feel like if i knew i was gonna give birth at 37 weeks, I wouldnt feel that bad but if im going to go to 41 weeks then I'm in serious trouble.
Why do I get the feeling some of you ladies were on the receiving end of cervical checks/membrane stripping disguised as the GBS test? My midwife did not even enter my vagina to do the swab- just a swipe with a qtip on the outside. She THEN asked if I would like to be checked today, and I said no thank you and that was it!
My GBS test was conducted externally and my doctor explained when she was doing the GBS swab. I was just surprised that this ended up being more uncomfortable than I was expecting and my cervix check wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. The GBS swab wasn't painful, just uncomfortable. I am sure it was just because the skin down there is more sensitive due to the extra bathroom visits the last couple weeks.
I just got done with my 38 week appointment. Finally starting to dilate (1cm, 50% effaced). I know it means nothing but its nice to know my body is starting to get kind of prepared. I was hoping to talk about inducing right at 40 weeks or a little sooner since I have to go back to work at the end of June no matter what, and I wanted more recovery time. Unfortunately the hospital won't let them induce until you're a week over due. So that was definitely a bummer. Heart beat was fast, but nothing to be concerned about.
Why do I get the feeling some of you ladies were on the receiving end of cervical checks/membrane stripping disguised as the GBS test? My midwife did not even enter my vagina to do the swab- just a swipe with a qtip on the outside. She THEN asked if I would like to be checked today, and I said no thank you and that was it!
Maybe this is better suited for a FFFQ but doesn't a membrane sweep happen when they're looking to start labor? Would OBs secretly do this at 36 weeks? I was just googling info about membrane sweeps (because i honestly know nothing Jon Snow) and it seems like something they do to jump start labor. As sick as I am of being pregnant, I'd be a little worried to go into labor shortly after my next visit!
I doubt any responsible practitioner would purposely do this at 36 weeks, but I was warned by my birth class instructor that often times membranes can be stripped accidentally during cervical checks. And I wouldn't put it past an impatient OB to do it at 38 weeks without telling you. All it is is them getting a finger or two between the membrane of the amniotic sac and the cervix, and if you are any kind of dilated and effaced when they do the check it's bound to happen if they aren't being extremely delicate. I have it specifically in my birth plan that I don't want any cervical checks prior to active labor and I don't want my membranes stripped. I would rather save the pain for things coming out, not hands going in!
@serenamarr being due SO close to July 4th has lead me to believe some of the OBs might want to get me delivered a little early. No one likes a pregnant lady in labor ruining their bbqs and vacations LOL
Just finished with my 37 week appt. Doctor checked me and said I'm at 1 plus. I asked what that meant some I was expecting a number of cm and percentage and she just said I'm soft and looking good. Any idea what 1 plus means?
36 weeks, GBS was barely even noticeable for me(just an external swab) and the cervix check wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Had an ultra sound and now they are saying we need to converse about C-section or trying to flip this little baby as she is breech. Doesn't it seem early to be thinking about a possible C?
@JKTitus14 at this point baby is quickly running out of room to turn from breech, so that's why the c-section is brought up. It IS possible for baby to turn, but it becomes much less likely at this point because of the sheer size discrepancy.
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
Normal uneventful 5 minute appointment. GBS negative (wahoo-- didn't want to labor at the hospital, was really considering someone from work coming over to give me the first dose on the sly if I was positive), happy baby heart rate, BP fine, measuring fine, and fingertip dilated. Wish he would've just said "still closed!" to make me happy but oh well.
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
35.4 wks. Appt today. Passed NST again. Baby A is 5lbs9oz Baby B 6lbs4oz. Babies are looking great. I am 1.5cm dilated. Csection still scheduled for June 1st. Let's see if I can make it!
So yesterday I had my 35w3d appointment. Just the normal pee in a cup, blood pressure check, tape measure to the belly, and check if there was a heartbeat. My doctor basically runs away without asking me if I have any questions. But yesterday while he was measuring me I asked if he could tell if baby's head was down, he checked and said yes. But what I'm worried about is that the secretary decided when my next appointment would be, not the doctor. So she scheduled me in 2 weeks, when I'll be 37w3d, and from what I read and the paper they gave me, I'm supposed to be tested for gbs between 35w and 37w. I still have not had a cervical check, or a final ultrasound to see how big baby is. Anyone else go through this?
@agonynicole while I think it's concerning that your doctor doesn't typically give you the opportunity to ask questions, every office has different policies in regards to when weekly appointments start. At mine they started at 36 weeks, but your office's policy might be to start at 37 since that's officially full term. Also, at mine, it doesn't matter if your appointment is at 37 weeks or 37w4d etc., as long as you're in at x week. I think it's probably likely that the nurse was just following policy - my doctor never schedules my appointments, it's always the nurses who do.
@agonynicole I haven't had an US to see how big baby was since the anatomy scan at 18 weeks. If there was cause for concern via measuring your uterus they would schedule an ultrasound.
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
Just finished with my 37 week appt. Doctor checked me and said I'm at 1 plus. I asked what that meant some I was expecting a number of cm and percentage and she just said I'm soft and looking good. Any idea what 1 plus means?
So I had an alternate doc today and she said I was -1. She said that was related to how low the head is, where -5 is a high head and +5 means head is outside your body. So I can't be sure but maybe that's it?
Today at 37.2 I was still less than 1cm dilated, but 70% effaced which doc said was good. Head still high but lower than last week.
Second doc now estimating baby at 7 lbs or so... So we may be looking at an 8 pounder!
Lastly, I knew she moved a lot last week. Yep, she's still head down but turned her body and is either on her side or sunny-side up. Boo! She was in the correct position for the last few months, and now she decides it's not comfy??
38 week appt today. Still sitting at 1.5cm and 70%, but I'm not too worried about that. Told doc I would do would I could to get things moving. But he said "don't do it this weekend, I'm taking my wife out of town." Lol I kinda feel like that's a sign I will go into labor this weekend. Haha
36 week appointment today. Had my GBS test and a cervix check. Dr said i am 1 centimeter dilated and 80% effaced and LO is waaaay down low, head down! I was happy to hear things are moving like they should! Even if it doesn't mean much at this point, it was still exciting since all the other appointments have been pretty boring. Haha
35 week appt. GBS swab & cervical check- I got the "fingertip" dilated & soft cervix answer... DH said that it was weird to put it that way... Haha. On to next week.
I am feeling super discouraged after today's appointment. Baby's heartbeat has dipped significantly; she is in breech position; her activity for three days has been substantially less; and I'm measuring four weeks behind. I've been scheduled for an u/s tomorrow afternoon. It can't come soon enough. Suddenly I'm feeling thrown into a world of uncertainty that I really despise. First time ever being told there might be a c-section in my future. Waaa!
Appointment yesterday. 38 weeks tomorrow. Still at 2 cm, 80%. Asked about my bishop score and Dr. said i'm at an 8! So that is good news. I scheduled the induction for next Thursday at 39 weeks. I'm still not thrilled about taking this route, but I just can't do it anymore. : ( Dr. even did I membrane sweep... not the most comfortable thing ever but i'm sure the head coming out of my vagina will be much worse. Lol
@OnWayto3 that's nerve wracking, I'm sorry! Sounds like your medical team is all over it though, and looking out for you and baby. Hang in there, lady. You are allowed to be nervous, upset, whatever you are feeling. But also try to hang on to the notion that it will all work out.
We had a follow up hospital registration visit yesterday (am in Germany, where your own OB does not deliver baby). The chief anesthesiologist checked my scoliosis and thinks they can still do an epidural. I think he was high and he freaked me out a bit, so am still hoping for med-free, lol.
They also reviewed other pain management options, and I met the chief OB who was simply delightful. Am really hoping she is around for my birth. I am feeling better and better about this hospital!
Most exciting for me was they said I can decline an IV unless it becomes necessary for whatever reason. Needle phobic me is thrilled!
I actually missed my doctors appointment yesterday because I had to work. I called my doctor's office to reschedule and she's booked until the first week of June. Apparently she's having surgeries left and right . So I won't know what is going on with my baby until then. :-?? I am 36 weeks
Re: Weekly appointment check-ins (Week of 5/18)
Fluid looks good, and babies are estimated at 5 lbs 7 oz and 6 lbs.
I can't believe I have 11 1/2 lbs of baby in me already!!!
I will continue weekly NSTs (next is tomorrow) with the section scheduled for 38 weeks, June 11.
Had an ultrasound to check the lump in my breast and should get results for that tomorrow. Doc didn't seem too concerned about it, so I'm not either. Glad he wants to be thorough though.
So ask if that's an option.
On a side note: baby boy is moving like crazy right now! Wowzas! Hope he moves head down.
Thank you so much for all your support! I know that my situation is so minor compared to what many of you are going through so it means a lot to me that you are taking the time to answer my questions and giving me things to consider.
I do have an appointment tomorrow where I believe I am supposed to have a cervical check, tho... So I'll be able to compare then
Btw my group b test wasn't painful at all, just a quick swap down there nothing internal infact the nurse did it.
I asked what that meant some I was expecting a number of cm and percentage and she just said I'm soft and looking good.
Any idea what 1 plus means?
Second doc now estimating baby at 7 lbs or so... So we may be looking at an 8 pounder!
Lastly, I knew she moved a lot last week. Yep, she's still head down but turned her body and is either on her side or sunny-side up. Boo! She was in the correct position for the last few months, and now she decides it's not comfy??
On to next week.
We had a follow up hospital registration visit yesterday (am in Germany, where your own OB does not deliver baby). The chief anesthesiologist checked my scoliosis and thinks they can still do an epidural. I think he was high and he freaked me out a bit, so am still hoping for med-free, lol.
They also reviewed other pain management options, and I met the chief OB who was simply delightful. Am really hoping she is around for my birth. I am feeling better and better about this hospital!
Most exciting for me was they said I can decline an IV unless it becomes necessary for whatever reason. Needle phobic me is thrilled!