HI MOMMAS! 35 weeks 5 days here. At this appointment baby has dropped into zero station. Cervix completely thinned. Dialated to 1 cm. And I might have lost my mucus plus today (based on green mucus like discharge) :-\" I'll just sit here and wait another two to three weeks now lol! I have an ultrasound tomorrow to check his weight and see how big mr man is. Two weeks ago he was 5 pounds 3 ounces! He will be our big boy! Good luck ladies!
Had my 38 week appointment today. LO is engaged, dilated to 1cm. Dr. says I could be delivering soon.
OUR FAMILY is a circle of LOVE! TOGETHER we are UNBREAKABLE! FAMILY is FOREVER! There's a RAINBOW of HOPE after EVERY STORM! And a POT-OF-GOLD at the END of EVERY RAINBOW!
That sucks westypet. I went in for my 37 week appointment asked my dh to come several times but he had some dumb meeting he needed to be in. Well I have bp issues, my bp is still high now I'm on bed rest but my doc says there is protein in my urine not a ton but enough that I need to do lab work and aign a consent to be induced depending on the blood work and that they would try to do that TODAY! Really dh you pick this appointment that I asked several times for you to come too and dont? Good news the blood work came back ok so now I'm chilling at home waiting until Tuesdays appointment.
So sorry @Westypet thanks to you I realize I may actually end up in the same situation. :-O And o had no idea! I have some time to ask at least. 36+3 today got my swab...it was weird. Had some student take my vitals and I hated that. Those terrible BH contractions? Nope I'm still thick and closed down there. I have a feeling I'm going to be one of those mamas posting the "who's left/overdue" threads next month. Well I've always needed to work on my patience!
Had my 38 wk appt today and really nothing new to report-I was 1cm and 50% last week and this week I am-surprise!-1cm and 50%! I really think I'll be late again with this one like I was with DD but who knows??
I've been thinking about the doctor thing for awhile now. It's a big fear of mine too. The midwife I used on my 1st pregnancy she wasn't on call and some rude doctor (who btw said I couldn't go natural because I was too young) had awful bedside manners and bedside manners are so important when giving birth. Luckily my midwife showed up and I even began crying saying how happy I was to see her lol This time around since my midwife moved offices and decided she didn't want to deliver babies for awhile I decided to pick the next best doctor I was comfortable with at her new office. Dr.P and TBH she was on call Tuesday during my last appointment and they mentioned that she's usually not on call and now it has me worried Dr.P or my old midwife better deliver my baby or I am going to be so peed off.
@Westypet so sorry to hear about your experience. I would have been upset hearing about this for the first time at the end of my third trimester too!
Luckily I had a few moms explain to me before that when choosing an OB to actually be choosing the team not the specific doctor because of the likelihood that someone else might be delivering the baby anyways. So I went with a team that had great reviews, and with the trips I've made to triage I've actually met all but one of the doctors, and so far so good! It was an uncomfortable idea at first not knowing who would be delivering LO; although after having heard more stories from other moms, and likely the nurses who post here could also reiterate, that it's often the nursing team who are most involved. Doctors tend to seem to take less involved until right when baby is going to arrive. & L&D nurses are great.
I hope after hearing from other mothers you will feel more relaxed and empowered about the process. You and baby will do great, and whichever doctor is lucky enough to be the one to be there for the delivery is blessed!
37 week appointment today - GBS negative! So that's good. Still 1/2cm dilated & "oh there's here head, thinning well" effaced (no percentage haha). BUT doc did say since I was dilating & thinning and my cervix was favorable, he wasn't opposed to inducing a week early. I am a teacher & my due date is exactly 6 weeks from start of 2015 school year. If she comes any later, I have to miss days (unpaid). So now I am unsure. Ughhh.
@westypet I'm sorry to hear this too. My practice is the same way - 8 docs and I get whoever is on call. I was the one who asked my doc about it (based on stories from friends) who was like "yeah that's how it works". Dude I'm a FTM, you need to spell out everything for me!
I was able to figure it out early enough to switch up docs for the last few appointments, but have still only met 4 of the 8.
I did talk about this with the nurse at the OB's office today though, and she winked and said that the L&D nurses do all the work anyway (which I suspect is true). So while I still want my doc to be the doc I get, I am feeling a little better about it. Although the doc I met with today I was not a fan of, so just hoping I don't get her by random chance!
Yeah I'm positive I will end up with the one doctor I HATE in my practice. I don't love all of them as colleagues but I trust their judgement for the health of my child and myself...but this one doctor I had a horrible experience as a patient with AND she sucks as a colleague so...it's just fate that she'll end up delivering my child. My coworkers are like WE REFUSE TO LET THAT HAPPEN but we'll see...
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
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@mellymar I see you mentioned you wouldnt want your membrane sweeped, is there a reason why ? Not being bitchy at all I promise lol just wondering because the doctor did it to me today and I didn't think it was a big deal. FTM here and just want to see if there's something I'm missing about that process.
So I'm 38 weeks exactly today. Doctor said I'm 2cm dilated but she didn't tell me anything about being efaced....now I feel stupid for not asking. Also had my membrane sweeped. Dr said some woman can go into labor within 24 hours after that but doesn't always work. I almost wish I didn't do it because now I'm just extremely anxious!
@kzeas01 mostly cause I know that for some women it can cause labor, and I don't want to go into early labor, I am stubbornly holding to the hope I might get that solstice baby (which is 3 days after EDD, which is 6/18). So I won't mind at my 40 week appointment (which happens to be exactly on 6/18), but I don't want it now. That's really more what I mean. Of course I know it could happen early regardless, and my planning be damned, but I don't want to try to force it to happen early. If that makes sense. Also there is a convienence factor in not going early - my mom isn't coming until 7/6, DH is on duty 3 hours away for the next week, etc. If the doc has a good reason to do it, sure. But just because I am at whatever weeks is not really enough for me. It would have to be a mixture of x many weeks, + this medical reason, which means this other thing... (I like to know how things work and why we do them) I have an appointment tomorrow, we'll see how it goes. (Maybe that also added to my anxiety)
ETA I'm probably the only one here wanting to go past my EDD, lol
@mellymar ohhh ok makes complete sense! I just had a mini heart attack thinking there was a medical reason that I hadn't heard of besides possibly going into labor. Sorry to get all up in your business! Lol
@mellymar I also want to go past my due date. I'm due on my brothers wedding day and I really want to be there, so we are hoping our little girl stays cooking and comes a few days late
Anyone else have doctors in large practices where this is the norm?
That's how it is at my OB office too, and it doesn't bother me at all. That said, it was explained on day one, and if it had bothered me, I would have had plenty of time to either come to terms with the policy or seek a new provider. It really sucks that this was dropped on you so late. For what it's worth, I don't care, because I just don't see the OB as a big player in the birth. Just going by the anecdotal stories that have trickled into my life, but it seems like your OB is small potatoes compared to your L&D nurse.
My doc also explained this on my first visit. In fact of the three docs at the practice none of them are likely to deliver you. I also knew this from other friends experiences. Sucks that they weren't up front I got a packet with the information for all the other docs that rotate at the birth center I'll be delivering at. I figure by the time I'm ready to give birth I'm really not going to care one bit about who it is, as long as baby and I are safe healthy and they'll give me drugs I think I'll be in good shape. Funnily enough my sil was delivered by her doc whom she hated! She was super pissed he was the one who delivered her.
We have 3 doctors. Did have 4 but one just left. Ours are workaholics so 2/3 will deliver you personally no matter the day/time. It is so nice but honestly your nurse is the biggest part of your experience. Not just tooting my own horn. In a typical delivery barring no complications your nurse will be pushing with you and the doctor comes at the last minute. Your practice SHOULD have explained their policies though. That is not okay.
GBS+ (sucks but ok), baby's heart rate 144, my blood pressure is fine, everything else good. Started to discuss my birth plan with Dr., great conversation. I feel like I have some control over this whole thing.
I have found an OBGYN that I trust and have gotten to know, and when I'm on the way out, the receptionist says something about her being out of town during my due date week.
Yikes! But ok, that happens, and I'll likely go late as a FTM. So...
Ok, so who's delivering my kid and responsible for my life? (I haven't met with anyone else in the practice. There's one other doctor in the building that's new.) Receptionist cavalierly says it probably was never going to be my doctor because she's not on call usually. It'll likely be "one of the others". Um, wut?
This has never been mentioned to us in the 30 weeks I've been seeing her. I understand that sometimes your doc just isn't available, and that you defer to the doc on call, but hot damn.
I started to lose it and tried to calmly ask questions like "can I schedule a consult with another/the other doctor(s)?" and they brought over their office admin to talk to me about their procedures and how it works. Basically, anyone in the practice can deliver you and people are absolutely fine with it. But you don't meet with anyone besides your one doctor. Your on call doc introduces himself the day of. Oh, and they're all board-certified. My head is spinning and I'm getting angry-tears.
Why wasn't this something that was mentioned at the beginning? Or middle?? Why by the RECEPTIONIST?
When I asked, "you're my doctor and will be delivering me, right?", that wasn't leading enough to get a response of "no, it could be any of our 15 or 16 doctors in our practice-- whoever is on call that day"??
I come to learn from the office admin that since their docs have offices all over central Florida, that they don't really do consults with the other doctor's patients. So I don't even know if I can even MEET with these other strangers who will have my life in their hands. It's "not really their policy, and no one has ever had a complaint before."
Also, the admin said if I definitely wanted to have her deliver me, to schedule an induction. So, in order for me to feel safe and comfortable, I have to force baby out with pitocin which could be even more painful/uncomfortable? I'm not against inducing if that's what my doc recommends, but that's how I can have a non-stranger deliver me.
So, this woman that I've built a rapport with, trust, has seen me vulnerable, etc. in all likelihood won't be there for me when I need her.
I don't feel comfortable with a male doctor. I don't feel comfortable with a stranger. I don't feel like I have control over my life right now and I'm just so upset.
How do I resign myself to accept this? Anyone else have doctors in large practices where this is the norm? It won't be the end of the world, I know. It happens-- women don't get their doctors on delivery day. I know I'm emotional about it, but I'm now terrified.
Chick Fil-A is closed for renovations, so no favorite nom-noms, and I don't even feel like cleaning anymore.
@Westypet Aw, this sucks!! I think the hardest part is the failed expectation, which is totally the fault of your doctor/clinic. I'm really sorry this is happening now.
I'm in a system where your OB won't deliver you - you pick a hospital and get whoever is on duty. I've met one or two of the potential many doctors, nurses and midwives.
What has kept me comfortable is they are very meticulous in writing down all my preferences, so I know that on D-Day, they have my chart with my instructions. I also know from the chief doctor what interventions may or may not happen (particularly which doctor prefers episiotomies - NO WAY), and how I can respond in each situation (what I can decline, what is required, etc.).
My suggestion would be to talk ALL your concerns and fears through with your doctor. Try to find a way to take back some control or sense of the known, whether it's (I can't believe I'm saying this) bringing a typed birth plan, or whatever. But work it through with your doctor to lessen the unknowns as much as possible.
Your first impulse is you know this is primarily a mental hurdle to get past. That's a great way to view it. Work on what you need to keep yourself calm, and try not to let yourself get too riled up, if you can help it. Positive thinking is important for birth, as you know.
Big hugs, I'm so sorry! You're allowed to be stressed and frustrated. Feel that for a minute then get back to being strong and in control. You got this!!
36 week appointment today. No checks or anything but I did ask for a size estimate. She said he's already 6.5 to 7 and wouldn't be surprised if he weighs around 8.5 to 9. She said he's long with a "decent" sized head. Eeek
First internal check yesterday at 36+4 and also positional ultrasound. Baby is head down and dropped very low...way down in my pelvis. Dr was actually surprised at how low she was already. Didn't get effaced numbers, and no dilation yet. My mom went into labor with me 10 days early and 14 hours after a dr appt where she was told she was still closed and had "at least another week to go" so I'm trying not to freak out!
I still have GBS so if my water breaks at home, it's straight to the hospital for me. Boo.
I was 1 centimeter and 80% effaced at my 36 week appointment. Just had my 37 week and she did not do a cervical check this week, so no idea on that. My GBS test was negative! The baby is still head down and she is almost positive his butt/back is facing outward (is that called posterior?) He was super active today with a HB of 162!
I did notice that I am down 2 pounds from my appointment last week. My mom mentioned that she lost weight a few days before my brother was born so that obviously means I am having the baby this weekend, right? hahaha
If his head is facing down towards your virginia that is the correct position and he is anterior. If he is facing sunny side up looking up at your virginia that is posterior @Steph0727
If his head is facing down towards your virginia that is the correct position and he is anterior. If he is facing sunny side up looking up at your virginia that is posterior @Steph0727
Ahhh, thanks! I always forget all the terminology!
Met with the dr who will be doing my c-section on Tuesday, she was nice. Asked her my questions and she asked me hers. My bp was high again this week 140/80, it was 140/70 last week! They wanted to do a NST in the office but my insurance wouldn't cover it at the dr office they wanted me to go to the hospital. But the hospital doesn't allow children to go back during the test. So that was a big fat no on getting the non stress test. I don't have anyone to watch my 3 year old last minute. The urine test was good, so I just have to pay extra close attention to baby's movements today!
I saw the on call today. My blood pressure is 150/98. So they kept me a a little bit and rechecked and it only came down to 143/92. Back to the doctor on Monday morning. I am now on bedrest. Legs elevated because if the swelling. No protein in urine though so that's a plus! Looks like little bear might be here sooner rather than later.
Being in a family full of nurses and doctors I have a phone that ringing off the hook and tomorrow grandmother will be here to stay the weekend and monitor baby and me. I am sure all will be fine but they of course want to be right here to know for them self... can't say I don't do the same when I am able.
I had my 35 week check yesterday. Got my GBS test done. It was just a quick little swab that felt external - I didn't feel it go in if it did. Also got my first internal check. It only lasted about 15 seconds and was more uncomfortable than painful. No dilation and no effacement yet. Baby Girl is still high and has no foreseen intentions of coming early Good, because I am NOWHERE near ready!
Had my 37+4 appt today. Fundal measurement was 36. She estimated he's about 6.5 pounds right now. And will be between 7.5-8 when he is born. Still fingertip dilated, the same as last week (cervix check seemed a bit more painful this week). I'm fine with him cooking a bit longer, EDD is 6/15.
Appointment today at 39w3d. Baby has dropped but I'm still at 1.5cm dilated so I'm hoping baby's listening to me instead of her daddy and plans to stay in there until her EDD June 2 haha. Doctor did say that she's head down but facing my left side, which had me a bit worried, but doctor reiterated that she will probably turn the right way during labor so I'm going to make an effort not to stress about that. I go in for another appointment next week on June 5 (3 days after EDD). If she doesn't come by around June 10 they'll do an ultrasound and we'll discuss what happens next.
This is my first appointment check-in because I finally have something new to report. I'm 39w 4d, and after two weeks of being soft but closed and high and on/off contractions, I'm finally dilated 1cm and 60% effaced, all the walking and pineapple must have done it
My Dr. said the check was aggressive because she was making sure she was head down and I should expect some bleeding, that wasn't fun. Anyways I asked if there was anything to help this along, she said the check might have helped and sex. My husband will be happy:) she also said she thinks there is a very good chance she will come before next Friday, due date Monday. I'm hoping sometime this weekend!
Had my 39 week appt this morning. Doc said my cervix is shortening as it should, and when I asked if I'm dilated he said, "No. That would be highly unusual. That happens just before or during labor." MIND. BLOWN.!!
I mentioned that literally every woman on this site was reporting dilation (and that most of you are in the U.S.) and he talked about how different medical standards can be from one country to the next, and even "basic" processes and understandings can be very different.
He's a great doctor and has practiced in the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, UK. I really trust him. Found it all very fascinating.
He also said that they won't give me a bladder catheter here if I get an epidural, which was a relief to hear.
Had my 39 week appt this morning. Doc said my cervix is shortening as it should, and when I asked if I'm dilated he said, "No. That would be highly unusual. That happens just before or during labor." MIND. BLOWN.!!
I mentioned that literally every woman on this site was reporting dilation (and that most of you are in the U.S.) and he talked about how different medical standards can be from one country to the next, and even "basic" processes and understandings can be very different.
He's a great doctor and has practiced in the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, UK. I really trust him. Found it all very fascinating.
He also said that they won't give me a bladder catheter here if I get an epidural, which was a relief to hear.
I want to deliver in Germany! Everything about their maternity care sounds awesome. It's been so cool/fascinating to read your posts and learn about the differences in health care in different parts of the world!
Re: Weekly appt check-in (week of 5/25)
35 weeks 5 days here. At this appointment baby has dropped into zero station. Cervix completely thinned. Dialated to 1 cm. And I might have lost my mucus plus today (based on green mucus like discharge) :-\"
I'll just sit here and wait another two to three weeks now lol!
I have an ultrasound tomorrow to check his weight and see how big mr man is. Two weeks ago he was 5 pounds 3 ounces! He will be our big boy! Good luck ladies!
TOGETHER we are UNBREAKABLE!
FAMILY is FOREVER!
There's a RAINBOW of HOPE after EVERY STORM!
And a POT-OF-GOLD at the END of EVERY RAINBOW!
36+3 today got my swab...it was weird. Had some student take my vitals and I hated that. Those terrible BH contractions? Nope I'm still thick and closed down there. I have a feeling I'm going to be one of those mamas posting the "who's left/overdue" threads next month. Well I've always needed to work on my patience!
Luckily I had a few moms explain to me before that when choosing an OB to actually be choosing the team not the specific doctor because of the likelihood that someone else might be delivering the baby anyways. So I went with a team that had great reviews, and with the trips I've made to triage I've actually met all but one of the doctors, and so far so good! It was an uncomfortable idea at first not knowing who would be delivering LO; although after having heard more stories from other moms, and likely the nurses who post here could also reiterate, that it's often the nursing team who are most involved. Doctors tend to seem to take less involved until right when baby is going to arrive. & L&D nurses are great.
I hope after hearing from other mothers you will feel more relaxed and empowered about the process. You and baby will do great, and whichever doctor is lucky enough to be the one to be there for the delivery is blessed!
I was able to figure it out early enough to switch up docs for the last few appointments, but have still only met 4 of the 8.
I did talk about this with the nurse at the OB's office today though, and she winked and said that the L&D nurses do all the work anyway (which I suspect is true). So while I still want my doc to be the doc I get, I am feeling a little better about it. Although the doc I met with today I was not a fan of, so just hoping I don't get her by random chance!
So I'm 38 weeks exactly today. Doctor said I'm 2cm dilated but she didn't tell me anything about being efaced....now I feel stupid for not asking. Also had my membrane sweeped. Dr said some woman can go into labor within 24 hours after that but doesn't always work. I almost wish I didn't do it because now I'm just extremely anxious!
If the doc has a good reason to do it, sure. But just because I am at whatever weeks is not really enough for me. It would have to be a mixture of x many weeks, + this medical reason, which means this other thing... (I like to know how things work and why we do them)
I have an appointment tomorrow, we'll see how it goes. (Maybe that also added to my anxiety)
ETA I'm probably the only one here wanting to go past my EDD, lol
2nd round exp 8/20/18.
Your practice SHOULD have explained their policies though. That is not okay.
Aw, this sucks!! I think the hardest part is the failed expectation, which is totally the fault of your doctor/clinic. I'm really sorry this is happening now.
I'm in a system where your OB won't deliver you - you pick a hospital and get whoever is on duty. I've met one or two of the potential many doctors, nurses and midwives.
What has kept me comfortable is they are very meticulous in writing down all my preferences, so I know that on D-Day, they have my chart with my instructions. I also know from the chief doctor what interventions may or may not happen (particularly which doctor prefers episiotomies - NO WAY), and how I can respond in each situation (what I can decline, what is required, etc.).
My suggestion would be to talk ALL your concerns and fears through with your doctor. Try to find a way to take back some control or sense of the known, whether it's (I can't believe I'm saying this) bringing a typed birth plan, or whatever. But work it through with your doctor to lessen the unknowns as much as possible.
Your first impulse is you know this is primarily a mental hurdle to get past. That's a great way to view it. Work on what you need to keep yourself calm, and try not to let yourself get too riled up, if you can help it. Positive thinking is important for birth, as you know.
Big hugs, I'm so sorry! You're allowed to be stressed and frustrated. Feel that for a minute then get back to being strong and in control. You got this!!
I still have GBS so if my water breaks at home, it's straight to the hospital for me. Boo.
I did notice that I am down 2 pounds from my appointment last week. My mom mentioned that she lost weight a few days before my brother was born so that obviously means I am having the baby this weekend, right?
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Being in a family full of nurses and doctors I have a phone that ringing off the hook and tomorrow grandmother will be here to stay the weekend and monitor baby and me. I am sure all will be fine but they of course want to be right here to know for them self... can't say I don't do the same when I am able.
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Closed and high.
My Dr. said the check was aggressive because she was making sure she was head down and I should expect some bleeding, that wasn't fun. Anyways I asked if there was anything to help this along, she said the check might have helped and sex. My husband will be happy:) she also said she thinks there is a very good chance she will come before next Friday, due date Monday. I'm hoping sometime this weekend!
I mentioned that literally every woman on this site was reporting dilation (and that most of you are in the U.S.) and he talked about how different medical standards can be from one country to the next, and even "basic" processes and understandings can be very different.
He's a great doctor and has practiced in the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, UK. I really trust him. Found it all very fascinating.
He also said that they won't give me a bladder catheter here if I get an epidural, which was a relief to hear.