Second part of my genetic blood work today at 1pm. Anybody else over the constant needle poking? This is my fourth blood draw this pregnancy, I've never been a fan of the blood draw sensation, its 2 minutes of torture every time for me
16w 3d today!
I'm amazed I still have any blood left. I also have to see an Endocrinologist to keep an eye on my thyroid levels, so I get a blood draw every month as it is. Plus the NIPT blood draw, and the initial blood draw...I am a super pro now! And I can tell who is actually a good Phlebotomists and who just sucks.
@DiFazette Well, today has been awful. I am officially considered high risk because of my blood pressure being so fucking high. No home birth for me, and I am absolutely heartbroken. My midwife and husband held me as I sobbed in her office. From her readings and my OB's readings, they can't figure out why it's so high. I'm not overweight, I eat decently, I'm active, drink a lot of water...they think it's just the way my body is responding to the pregnancy. I lost almost 5 pounds since my last visit, too, which was earlier this month.
Baby's heartbeat was pounding away at 155, and was very easy to find. They don't think baby is in distress, but want to monitor me closely to ensure I'm ok. So...that means a hospital birth with my OB. I have another appointment in a week and a half. I'm frustrated and very sad. Baby is the priority, but I'm mourning the birth I imagined. I know it's nothing I did, and that I'm not a failure...but still sad. Lots of crying. But once I calm down, I'll reevaluate my idea of birth and try to be positive. It's crazy because if they didn't tell me I have high BP, I wouldn't have known because I feel fine. I guess that's why it's deadly.
@dmontgo I'm sorry. You know I'm especially empathetic to this. What were your reading(s)? They should start you on meds right away if in the 150/90 range consistently. Also, ask about starting a baby aspirin regimen. I understand feeling sad. You know you can PM anytime for an ear, a shoulder, advice, whatever. Also, my OB here specializes in high risk. I know it's far from you, but they've been super proactive with my history. It may not work logistically, but if you want to know of your best medical options, and are okay with traveling I'd be happy to make some recommendations. Again, I'm sorry. Big hugs to you.
@DiFazette Sitting down it was 173/90, and laying down it was 140/90. Just insane. My midwife was like, "OMG, are you ok?!" And I was like, "What's wrong?" She made me immediately call my OB and tell him, and they said they will put me on medication when I come in on July 6th since I'm not dizzy or passing out and such, and it hasn't been consistently that high. But they said I start feeling lightheaded to go to the ER. My labs are normal, so they are just baffled.
@dmontgo - had your H been taking readings at home still?
It's normal not to see any signs until 20+ weeks on labs. Very few signs of pre-e will show on labs before that. I had a pre-eclamptic panel down to get a baseline and see if I had any proteins/ketones leftover from long term damage from DS.
Are you a stressed/anxious person naturally? I had a perfect, healthy pregnancy until 30 weeks and my BP was 170/110. There isn't a rhyme or reason for most of these things.
@dmontgo, I'm so sorry you lost out on the birth experience you had wanted. I battle with high bp as well. I take meds 2x/day and have to record my readings 3x/day and email them to my OB and Perinatologist weekly. I'm here for support, if you ever want/need it.
@DiFazette Yeah, he's been taking my measurements and they've been normal, although we need to be a bit more diligent in frequency. He's been doing it manually. I do have anxiety, and I have told my medical providers that. Doctors make me really anxious because of past experiences especially (traumatic, to say the least). But, I've never had high blood pressure or a history of illness that would cause it. My midwife said that I didn't do anything to cause it...some women's bodies just respond to pregnancy that way. I'm still trying to process that part because I want to fix it.
@mamax2 Thank you for your support, and I'm really sorry you're dealing with it too. It's frustrating for sure. I know I can still have a great birth in a hospital, but it caught me a little off guard how attached I was to the idea of a home birth. It's ok--healthy baby makes for a happy mama.
I just had my monthly follow up appointment, it was good we got to hear the HB again *heart melting* and I have not gained any weight since last month (I'm actually happy about this, even though my bump is getting bigger)
Hugs, @dmontgo. Here's hoping you and baby stay as healthy as possible through this.
I just got back from my appointment! I got taken back in less than five minutes, which is sorta huge for on-base care. H even got to FaceTime in for a little bit! I'm about to stick the picture in the Ultrasound thread, but baby is measuring right on, heart rate at 165. And yes, there's only one in there
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
@dmontgo oh man- I'm so sorry to hear this!! I know that can be just devastating....you'll have to start looking for a doula for yourself- you can still do your best to have the birth you want even if its not in the setting you originally planned! Let go what you have to- but you still get a say in everything! Dont forget that! It's so crazy how early we start to make sacrifices for these babes. All worth it in the end of course, but the moments can be trying..... I hope you feel a little better after you sleep on it and are able to come up with a new plan that you can live with...
My appointment went fine- "they don't know why spotting happens" and the doc barely talked about it.... Both babies are still there....(I finally came out of denial stage I think, and now am just terrified of preterm labor). I also didnt' realize how different the reality of a twin birth would be compared to what I want and had with DD.
@dmontgo - there's nothing I can add that the other ladies haven't said but I am sincerly sorry for the change in your birth plan. I hope they get your blood pressure managed.
My appointment went fairly well. I'm still not gaining weight and I'm a bit dehydrated but she didn't seem too concerned.
Me:27 H:30 Till death do us part: 7.2.2011 Trying to conceive since 01.2014 Low AFC and azoospermia IVF #1 03.2016 - BFP 03.28.2016 Due: 12.05.2016
@Toller02 - I'm just being nosey but what specifically (if you don't mind sharing) made you feel a twin birth was so different? We're about 98% on board with a repeat cesarian based on feedback from multiple trusted sources. Since I'm not 100% decided (assuming I get to decide) I'm interested in hearing what made you feel this way... It may solidify my decision or make me waver more.
@Toller02@cayaylonglegs Thank you both for the encouragement; I truly appreciate it. I'm going to get a doula to help create that nurturing environment that I was looking for, and keep doing research so I'm as informed as I can be. DH knows how much my home birth meant to me, and he's been great about supporting me and calming my fears. He's already put together stuff so we can go on hospital tours. I haven't heard the best things about the hospital down the street from me, which I think is one reason I took the news so hard. I'm scared. But the more I learn about the surrounding hospitals, the less afraid and more empowered I will feel.
@DiFazette happy to share! As you have most likely been able to derive, i lean more natural/less intervention where possible. But today when the doctor was explaining how a vaginal twin birth would proceed, a c-section really started sounding better and better! (mostly to lessen the chaos).
Providing the lower baby is head down=
In a nutshell this is the version I got: So you give birth in the OR (in my hospital) and there's about 13-15 people in there. Doc focuses on baby A. immediately once baby A is out, cuts cord, sends baby with nurse/dad. You don't see baby A at that time. The doc said she has 5 minutes to get baby B out in case your body decides to let go of the placentas before B comes, or if your cervix starts to close before B comes, etc. If B doesnt come quickly, they put you out immediately and it's emergency c-section for you. Basically the whole thing just seemed to be guaranteed to stressful, tense, and a grave situation overall. Not that singleton births are peaceful and butterflies, I'm not sure if I'm giving justice to the description (I am not a good story teller)
Here's my qualms:
1) I really really really believe in the value of delayed cord clamping, (even more attached to this than I thought- obviously babies do fine without it but ugghh) so the fact that Baby A couldn't have that makes me really sad, esp if they are early. I have heard of this being a possibility to do in a C-section though. 2) Doc said not all docs at her practice are comfortable with a breech baby B and wont deliver them vaginally... so it would be the luck of the draw that day on who you get if baby B is breech. umm okay.... 3) With the possibility of a emergency c-section, I imagine you have to be all set to go for that- IV's and what not. I really hate IVs....and I know emergency c-sections can be VERY rough. 4) Could be very stressful for DH. 5) My very wise (and SUPER "natural") doula always warned us that you can want the perfect vaginal birth, but sometimes, a planned c-section is less traumatic and invasive than a rough birth/emergency c-section. So I always try to keep that in mind.
@Toller02 - thanks. I was told many similar things and having a previous (large) incision on my uterus I was also at risk for tearing with twins, before all that other fun stuff. I've heard many failed vaginal attempts based on baby B's location - despite best efforts it can become too risky if not done very quickly. It would be terrible to try for a VBAC only to end up in a stressful environment with a cesarian when I could have scheduled the same and had a calm(er) environment.
I previously had an emergency c - it was less than pleasant but there were tons of complications. Would be helpful to have a scheduled, more controlled delivery. Looks like I'll never have a vaginal birth... Not in my cards.
@DiFazette I think you're right for your situation.... there will be enough surprises without adding to it. The most important thing is to embrace the decision thats right for you and have no regrets.
Thanks ladies! I survived without ralphing everywhere, haha. @Toller02 I was shocked I was able to do this outside the office. With DD, I had to do it all in office. They gave me very strict instructions and a timeline of when to do what though.
@mamax2 glad it went okay. I violently puked for hours after drinking this mess. I didn't feel right for 48 hours. I'm dreading it so hard.
Ugh, I hope this go round is better on you. I know you had to feel so rough. I felt more messed up after the 6 tubes of blood they took this morning, than what I felt like after drinking this, although it was disgusting.
@mamax2 what is that stuff? Something else to not look forward to?
@dmontgo sorry for your news! I wonder if your BP was high from anxiety at the Dr.'s office. My HR/BP always goes up there. I hope you can find a nice place to have the baby where you feel comfortable!
I got 6 vials of blood taken yesterday and I have my NIPT u/s Monday. I don't care about the blood, I gave blood 4x/year before I was pregnant, but the insertion spot was burning a lot! We have to make a call about whether or not we will be team green soon!
Me: 38, DH: 36 Married Jan 2008 DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18" so in love Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
@leksiL it's the drink you get for the glucose tolerance test. It's 10oz of 50 grams of flavored sugar water basically. There are different flavors such as orange, lemon lime, fruit punch, and one other if I'm not mistaken. Sometimes you can request a certain flavor, or your OB may just give you whatever flavor they pull out of the fridge.
That drink is one of the reasons I'm happy to have a midwife -- there are alternatives. I'd much rather down a handful of jellybeans or eat a large breakfast with a glass of juice than drink that stuff!
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
That drink is one of the reasons I'm happy to have a midwife -- there are alternatives. I'd much rather down a handful of jellybeans or eat a large breakfast with a glass of juice than drink that stuff!
I've heard of some OBs/Midwives who allow this in my area...unfortunately, my OB isn't one of them (or at least has never brought it up).
@dmontgo, sorry that your BP is acting up, and you aren't able to pursue a home birth as you had wished for. Hope that you are able to find a good alternative that will make you feel as comfortable as possible.
hmmm I haven't had to deal with a glucose test yet but I am only 15w. That sounds horrible I am very sensitive to sugar - it seems like abuse to make us drink that much of it!
Me: 38, DH: 36 Married Jan 2008 DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18" so in love Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
I had my monthly appointment today. Nothing exciting but I was happy to hear baby's heartbeat at a rate of 158. Doc said my BP and weight gain are great. Pretty excited that at my next appointment baby girl will be almost half baked!
Appointment was yesterday afternoon and the heartbeat was 155. I am measuring right on track and my weight gain is good though I think it's a bit high. 9 pounds in 16 weeks. I need to workout a little more.
Anatomy scan (though I'm remaining team green) and next appointment July 21, when I will be HALFWAY DONE BAKING THIS BABEH. Dh and ds will be there, which I am excited about. I think I am going to go get the quad screen blood test done too since my dr said insurance should cover the whole thing. Calling highmark just to double check.
Finished my appointment earlier this morning, which went well. They were able to pinpoint the heart beat this time, and it was 160. Good BP and measuring right on track.
Looking forward to my next appointment for the anatomy scan on July 20, though I'll also have some bloodwork done next week too.
Re: Weekly Appointments 6*20-6*27
Baby's heartbeat was pounding away at 155, and was very easy to find. They don't think baby is in distress, but want to monitor me closely to ensure I'm ok. So...that means a hospital birth with my OB. I have another appointment in a week and a half. I'm frustrated and very sad. Baby is the priority, but I'm mourning the birth I imagined. I know it's nothing I did, and that I'm not a failure...but still sad. Lots of crying. But once I calm down, I'll reevaluate my idea of birth and try to be positive. It's crazy because if they didn't tell me I have high BP, I wouldn't have known because I feel fine. I guess that's why it's deadly.
Anyway...boo.
It's normal not to see any signs until 20+ weeks on labs. Very few signs of pre-e will show on labs before that. I had a pre-eclamptic panel down to get a baseline and see if I had any proteins/ketones leftover from long term damage from DS.
Are you a stressed/anxious person naturally? I had a perfect, healthy pregnancy until 30 weeks and my BP was 170/110. There isn't a rhyme or reason for most of these things.
@mamax2 Thank you for your support, and I'm really sorry you're dealing with it too. It's frustrating for sure. I know I can still have a great birth in a hospital, but it caught me a little off guard how attached I was to the idea of a home birth. It's ok--healthy baby makes for a happy mama.
I just had my monthly follow up appointment, it was good we got to hear the HB again *heart melting* and I have not gained any weight since last month (I'm actually happy about this, even though my bump is getting bigger)
BFP#1 & MC:August 2015 BFP: #2 10/01/2015 MC: 10/09/2015 BFP #3: 12/22/2015 @ 5 weeks MC/CP: 12-23-2015
Fertility Appointment: Feb 23/16, Hysteroscopy 03/02/2016,
BFP #4: 03/31/16 EDD 12/01/2016
I just got back from my appointment! I got taken back in less than five minutes, which is sorta huge for on-base care. H even got to FaceTime in for a little bit! I'm about to stick the picture in the Ultrasound thread, but baby is measuring right on, heart rate at 165. And yes, there's only one in there
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
My appointment went fine- "they don't know why spotting happens" and the doc barely talked about it.... Both babies are still there....(I finally came out of denial stage I think, and now am just terrified of preterm labor). I also didnt' realize how different the reality of a twin birth would be compared to what I want and had with DD.
My appointment went fairly well. I'm still not gaining weight and I'm a bit dehydrated but she didn't seem too concerned.
Me:27 H:30
Till death do us part: 7.2.2011
Trying to conceive since 01.2014
Low AFC and azoospermia
IVF #1 03.2016 - BFP 03.28.2016
Due: 12.05.2016
Providing the lower baby is head down=
In a nutshell this is the version I got: So you give birth in the OR (in my hospital) and there's about 13-15 people in there. Doc focuses on baby A. immediately once baby A is out, cuts cord, sends baby with nurse/dad. You don't see baby A at that time. The doc said she has 5 minutes to get baby B out in case your body decides to let go of the placentas before B comes, or if your cervix starts to close before B comes, etc. If B doesnt come quickly, they put you out immediately and it's emergency c-section for you. Basically the whole thing just seemed to be guaranteed to stressful, tense, and a grave situation overall. Not that singleton births are peaceful and butterflies, I'm not sure if I'm giving justice to the description (I am not a good story teller)
Here's my qualms:
1) I really really really believe in the value of delayed cord clamping, (even more attached to this than I thought- obviously babies do fine without it but ugghh) so the fact that Baby A couldn't have that makes me really sad, esp if they are early. I have heard of this being a possibility to do in a C-section though.
2) Doc said not all docs at her practice are comfortable with a breech baby B and wont deliver them vaginally... so it would be the luck of the draw that day on who you get if baby B is breech. umm okay....
3) With the possibility of a emergency c-section, I imagine you have to be all set to go for that- IV's and what not. I really hate IVs....and I know emergency c-sections can be VERY rough.
4) Could be very stressful for DH.
5) My very wise (and SUPER "natural") doula always warned us that you can want the perfect vaginal birth, but sometimes, a planned c-section is less traumatic and invasive than a rough birth/emergency c-section. So I always try to keep that in mind.
I previously had an emergency c - it was less than pleasant but there were tons of complications. Would be helpful to have a scheduled, more controlled delivery. Looks like I'll never have a vaginal birth... Not in my cards.
Me: 33 H: 36
Married: 12/14/13 DS: 1/29/09
BFP2: 10/9/15 MMC: 11/12/15
BFP3: 4/6/16 DD: 12/12/16
That's nice they let you do it outside the Doc's office though.....
@dmontgo sorry for your news! I wonder if your BP was high from anxiety at the Dr.'s office. My HR/BP always goes up there. I hope you can find a nice place to have the baby where you feel comfortable!
I got 6 vials of blood taken yesterday and I have my NIPT u/s Monday. I don't care about the blood, I gave blood 4x/year before I was pregnant, but the insertion spot was burning a lot! We have to make a call about whether or not we will be team green soon!
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
@dmontgo, sorry that your BP is acting up, and you aren't able to pursue a home birth as you had wished for. Hope that you are able to find a good alternative that will make you feel as comfortable as possible.
DH: 36⎹ Me: 36
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
Me: 33 H: 36
Married: 12/14/13 DS: 1/29/09
BFP2: 10/9/15 MMC: 11/12/15
BFP3: 4/6/16 DD: 12/12/16
Anatomy scan (though I'm remaining team green) and next appointment July 21, when I will be HALFWAY DONE BAKING THIS BABEH. Dh and ds will be there, which I am excited about. I think I am going to go get the quad screen blood test done too since my dr said insurance should cover the whole thing. Calling highmark just to double check.
Looking forward to my next appointment for the anatomy scan on July 20, though I'll also have some bloodwork done next week too.
DH: 36⎹ Me: 36
Today is my NIPT testing and I'm a bit nervous! I feel like I'm the last person on the board to have it done.
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020