Very uneventful 31 week appointment. Doctor said I make her job easy. We spent more time talking about football!
I was surprised (and happy) to find out I get one more ultrasound anytime after 32 weeks to just check size, position, fluid. I wasn't expecting anymore so I can't wait now.
I had a good app this morning. Baby girl is measuring 3 weeks ahead by tape-measure, so we actually are talking about taking out the cerclage next week. My BP is starting to go up, nothing too bad yet, and no proteins as of this morning.
Hopefully E will wait until this weekend/next week and then we can have a not quite panic mode birth.
Edit: BP is not BO
Formerly known as Kate08young August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Me: 28 H: 24 Married: 7/22/14 Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017. Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
@Kate08Young any chance you can request a real U/S to verify size? If it doesn't bother you, ignore me, but I feel like I'd want that peace of mind before removing the cerclage.
@DiFazette After 7 weekly trips to L&D to stop contrax, I'm not thinking she is going to wait any longer. Its also about 3/4 ripped out when he last checked it.
Thank you for the concern though, I am glad to know you are looking out for us.
Formerly known as Kate08young August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Me: 28 H: 24 Married: 7/22/14 Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017. Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
I had my 31 check and growth scan Tuesday. Baby boy is measuring well. He is frank breach right now and the cord is covering my cervix so we will do a repeat scan at my 35 week appointment to see if it has moved. Hopefully we will hear back on when the RCS is scheduled for but it will be the week of Dec. 3!
Last week @ 29+4, baby was measuring 3lbs 13oz, which is too big I guess. Going to see my OB this week and talk about that, and also my glucose levels. My levels were 134 and cutoff was 139, so they said that they might want to still "treat" me as having GD. Not happy about it.
Also, baby was breached during ultrasound, and since it is getting so big and I have a heart-shape uterus, I have to go back in a few weeks for them to measure and monitor him again, and talk about possible c-section if he has ran out of room to move.
Went to my weekly appointment and it was just awful. My BP was outrageous: 146/113. My doctor talked about hospitalizing me, but didn't because of the hurricane circumstances that he believes are driving the BP up even further. He upped my medicine dosage, and essentially put me on bedrest. If I didn't work from home he would have made me stop going to work.
What was and is frustrating for me is that he has started insinuating that anxiety alone is causing my high BP--even before the hurricane hit us--as if I'm sitting around all day doing nothing but thinking about my BP and making it go higher. Ok...yes, I have had issues with anxiety in the past. I'm not perfect and I have had many years in therapy learning coping techniques that don't include medication. But my BP has never, ever been that high, especially this consistently. If I had doctors tell me I had preexisting health concerns then I would absolutely be fine admitting that maybe it's just me and not pregnancy. I am usually very active and take care of myself.
He said that he is driving a fine line because what may be best for me may not be best for Ashton, and vice versa. I dunno. Just feeling very invalidated right now as a patient and a mom. Got my flu and TDap shots too.
@dmontgo so... you know I do my best to be supportive but, that doesn't make any sense. It doesn't matter why. What matters is that dangerous things will start to happen quickly with pressures that high. Did they test again today for proteins? Have they don't a pre-e panel blood draw? How quick do they expect the medicine to take hold? What numbers will be acceptable then?
And... it's absolutely pregnancy doing this. Sure, outside factors have some impact but stress and anxiety will increase BP so much, the rest is a chemical reaction. I don't know what to say right now to be supportive, I'm more worried that they don't seem to be as concerned as they should be. You need real monitoring at this point - in L&D. I hate to say it, but I feel it's negligent for you to be sent home.
@dmontgo that was infuriating for me to read much less for you to go through. I'm sorry you're having these issues with your blood pressure and now having to be put on bedrest. It doesn't sound right that your blood pressure is anxiety alone. I know from experience that it can raise it, but wouldn't you have to just sustain a level of anxious panic to maintain those numbers?
@DiFazette I am at a loss as well. Everything hit me today afterwards and I'm just crying. I already have been struggling with feeling like friends and family don't understand the seriousness of it, and with the doctor acting like it's all my fault I just feel lost and helpless. They didn't take my blood but took my pee. No mention of "acceptable" numbers...just that he wants to buy me as much time as he can and doesn't want me to do anything but sit, sleep, and eat.
@Austenista I imagine I would have to be on the verge of having panic attacks constantly, or very close to it, for my BP to be that high all the time. I've only had one panic attack in my life (a few years ago), and my therapist said I have made so much progress and gained a ton of knowledge with healthy coping that she recommended that I don't need daily medication for anxiety anymore. I haven't taken daily meds for anxiety since 2010 and been just fine...better than fine, to be honest. So it's very frustrating to me that he is suggesting that 1. I can magically control my BP and 2. That I am an anxious and neurotic woman.
@dmontgo No kidding. If people could control their blood pressure, what would we need you for, Mr. Doctor? I'm kinda in the same camp that they're not being as concerned as they probably should be and sending you home to try to zen yourself into magically lowering your numbers. Hopefully the med change will help, but I'm just so sorry you're going through this. How can you calm yourself down when they're giving you so much to stress over?
@dmontgo I haven't been on here as much as I was but I hate that you have been put through the ringer so much with your house situation, family issues, medical problems, etc. Sending lots of hugs and happy thoughts your way.
Had my 32 week appointment today, all went well. I had some menstrual-like cramping earlier this week and remembered to ask my OB about them, and apparently I was having contractions. I literally would not have known that's what they were if I hadn't asked. She said it was normal for this point in the pregnancy and also with how dehydrated I've been and to come in if I start having them every 5-6 minutes and can't get them to go away. So I'm glad I know what to watch for going forward.
I have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow to get a referral for a GI doctor. My insurance doesn't require a referral but no specialist in this area will see you without one. I had gone to an urgent care clinic last week to try and get a referral faster but that doctor literally would not prescribe me anything or give me a referral. She told me that I should just drop out of school because it's likely anxiety related... What??? You want me to drop out of classes that I have already paid for and won't get a refund because you think I have an anxiety problem when it's not even indicated? I don't have a history of anxiety problems, my BP has always been fine, there's literally nothing medically to suggest that I have an anxiety problem, and even if I did there's nothing going on to suggest that school is what's causing it. I'm sick if I go to school and I'm sick if I stay home. Might as well be sick at school getting my money's worth of what I've paid for my education. Hopefully my PCP is a little more reasonable.
@dmontgo I'm so sorry you're going through all this. I'm also concerned that they aren't taking this more seriously. It's compete bullshit for your doc to act like this is essentially all in your head. I'm thinking of you.
Thank you for the support ladies. I'm hoping that bedrest and doing absolutely nothing will buy me some time. DH is taking it very seriously and has begged me to let him cook and clean. I tend to overwork myself and he wants me to literally do nothing but resting and keep Ashton growing.
DH as a medic was asking the doctor a lot of questions because he also doesn't feel that it's being taken as seriously as it needs to be. He said that if he has to take me everywhere with him to keep an eye on me, he will. He's on me like a rat on a Cheeto, as he would say. That provides me comfort for now.
@dmontgo I know it's late in the game, but is there the possibility of switching doctors? I'm not sure how it works in the US, but here, we can move to another practice or doctor at any time. It sounds like your doctor is making the problem worse, not better. Also, your DH sounds awesome
I got hooked up to a Holter heart monitor yesterday, which is a pain in the butt. I have seven contacts on my chest and stomach, all leading to a bundle of wires that they taped to my bump, attached to a box that I have to keep in my pocket. No bathing for 48 hours
@dmontgo I was wondering about the possibility of changing doctors or seeing another doctor in the same practice too... I don't have much knowledge about anything medical/pregnancy-related, but that particular doc's callous reaction seems strange. Even I know that anxiety/stress can't lead to BP changes of that magnitude and that being pregnant unfortunately can. I'm so glad your husband is looking out for you!
As for me, I had my 32 week checkup yesterday and everything is looking good. The baby's heartbeat was between 125 and 135, which the doctor looked concerned for a split second but then said she was probably moving around when it went down (I think?). She also said that I should be gaining about 1 lb per week going forward. Hopefully I can maintain that number... but I am not going to stress too much.
One thing I forgot to ask was whether or not I need to start worrying about her position, so I figured I would ask here Is 32 weeks still enough time for her to flip over if she's breech or is it too crowded by now? I don't think there's anything to cause concern, but I was just curious.
@ea301 My birth class instructor (not a doctor) has told us that 32-34 weeks is when most babies settle in to their final positions. She's told us that's when our own posture and positioning start to matter in helping breech babies flip head down. So sounds like they can still flip, just need a little work.
Ooo, good to know, thanks @tinattt23 I'm pretty sure she's facing the right way - most of the movement is up high towards my ribs or at least above my belly button.
@dmontgo Maybe get your doulas opinion? Or see if she can go with you to your next appointment? I don't know if anything of this is in a doula's job description, but it seems like it.
Update: I got my GI referral!!! My PCP was great about it. I feel silly, I probably could have gotten it awhile ago. He did say that I'm basically taking everything they can throw at me at this point so I realize a GI doctor may not be able to do anything but I'll feel better knowing we tried everything we could.
I posted a little about this in the med free check in but I am being irrationally focused on Lorelei's size. I have gained zero weight in 6 weeks, which I was excited about because I was gaining a bit too fast...but then this week the midwife asked how big DS was, and I told her he was 9lbs 5 oz. She was like, oh wow, so I asked what was up. She said the baby was measuring "petite." I was thrown off a little but when I pressed she was like, well you have 8 weeks to go, so we have plenty of time, she'll gain weight! She also said my fundal measurement is going up so I shouldn't stress. However, she is the one who measured me 5 weeks ahead then the next midwife measured me only 3 weeks ahead so I am like, did the fundal measurement really go up? Or did you measure large again? ANyway it will definitely be mentioned at my next appt in a week because I can't stop wondering about it!
@SmashJam I say this with love.... chill out! At 28 weeks I had gained SIX pounds with TWINS. I happen to know they're progressing well since I get ultrasounds at least monthly. Overall weight gain (even fundal height measurements) have no impact on health of a pregnancy. Even your examples goes to further prove these are guidelines, not absolutes since fundal height differed 3 weeks by midwives from the same practice. Some people gain early, some gain late and some gain steadily. I bet if you were to survey this group it would be a fairly good mix.
Haha thanks @DiFazette. I know its one of those things I shouldn't put too much stock in but sometimes your brain gets the best of you! Thanks for setting me straight.
@dmontgo just catching up on all of that, but hugs. I know lots of other ladies are great resources here for BP issues.. any issues during pregnancy can become so isolating and there are so many well-intentioned people that can leave you feeling invalidated. I'm so glad you have a supportive husband and I really hope this BP things calms down so you and baby boy can safely ride out this last leg. You're doing great❤️
@Christinaruth74 Thank you for reminding me of this. I'm sure people aren't trying to make me feel invalidated...their actions likely stem from fear or uncertainty with how they can be supportive. I don't envy my doctor because on his end there is a lot of responsibility that comes with making decisions regarding my health and the health of my son. Maybe by him suggesting it's just anxiety he is trying to make me feel better and not scared, but it honestly was the worst way he could have gone about it.
I have looked into switching, but after calling around and reading reviews, since I'm considered high-risk I won't be accepted as a new patient. My doctor is considered one of the absolute best in the town, which is why I picked him. Overall I have been happy with his care, but I think we are both frustrated because at this point besides delivering Ashton, what can be done? I have been passing my Pre-E panels, I'm on the max dose for BP meds, I'm on modified bedrest....
I see him next week and will know if either the bedrest or meds are working. I have high BP and realistically unless it keeps climbing, they probably won't do anything but keep me on bedrest until I'm induced. I feel like I've fallen into one of those strange medical cracks.
Re: Weekly Appointments 10.10
I was surprised (and happy) to find out I get one more ultrasound anytime after 32 weeks to just check size, position, fluid. I wasn't expecting anymore so I can't wait now.
Hopefully E will wait until this weekend/next week and then we can have a not quite panic mode birth.
Edit: BP is not BO
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
Thank you for the concern though, I am glad to know you are looking out for us.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
Also, baby was breached during ultrasound, and since it is getting so big and I have a heart-shape uterus, I have to go back in a few weeks for them to measure and monitor him again, and talk about possible c-section if he has ran out of room to move.
Married DH: 4/7/2012
TTC: 2/3/2016 (Me: 31yrs DH: 35yrs)
BFP: 4/10/2016
EDD: 12/18/16
Kaynen Alexander born 12/6/16 via c-section (bicornate uterus/breech)
What was and is frustrating for me is that he has started insinuating that anxiety alone is causing my high BP--even before the hurricane hit us--as if I'm sitting around all day doing nothing but thinking about my BP and making it go higher. Ok...yes, I have had issues with anxiety in the past. I'm not perfect and I have had many years in therapy learning coping techniques that don't include medication. But my BP has never, ever been that high, especially this consistently. If I had doctors tell me I had preexisting health concerns then I would absolutely be fine admitting that maybe it's just me and not pregnancy. I am usually very active and take care of myself.
He said that he is driving a fine line because what may be best for me may not be best for Ashton, and vice versa.
I dunno. Just feeling very invalidated right now as a patient and a mom. Got my flu and TDap shots too.
And... it's absolutely pregnancy doing this. Sure, outside factors have some impact but stress and anxiety will increase BP so much, the rest is a chemical reaction. I don't know what to say right now to be supportive, I'm more worried that they don't seem to be as concerned as they should be. You need real monitoring at this point - in L&D. I hate to say it, but I feel it's negligent for you to be sent home.
@Austenista I imagine I would have to be on the verge of having panic attacks constantly, or very close to it, for my BP to be that high all the time. I've only had one panic attack in my life (a few years ago), and my therapist said I have made so much progress and gained a ton of knowledge with healthy coping that she recommended that I don't need daily medication for anxiety anymore. I haven't taken daily meds for anxiety since 2010 and been just fine...better than fine, to be honest. So it's very frustrating to me that he is suggesting that 1. I can magically control my BP and 2. That I am an anxious and neurotic woman.
Had my 32 week appointment today, all went well. I had some menstrual-like cramping earlier this week and remembered to ask my OB about them, and apparently I was having contractions. I literally would not have known that's what they were if I hadn't asked. She said it was normal for this point in the pregnancy and also with how dehydrated I've been and to come in if I start having them every 5-6 minutes and can't get them to go away. So I'm glad I know what to watch for going forward.
I have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow to get a referral for a GI doctor. My insurance doesn't require a referral but no specialist in this area will see you without one. I had gone to an urgent care clinic last week to try and get a referral faster but that doctor literally would not prescribe me anything or give me a referral. She told me that I should just drop out of school because it's likely anxiety related... What??? You want me to drop out of classes that I have already paid for and won't get a refund because you think I have an anxiety problem when it's not even indicated? I don't have a history of anxiety problems, my BP has always been fine, there's literally nothing medically to suggest that I have an anxiety problem, and even if I did there's nothing going on to suggest that school is what's causing it. I'm sick if I go to school and I'm sick if I stay home. Might as well be sick at school getting my money's worth of what I've paid for my education. Hopefully my PCP is a little more reasonable.
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
DH as a medic was asking the doctor a lot of questions because he also doesn't feel that it's being taken as seriously as it needs to be. He said that if he has to take me everywhere with him to keep an eye on me, he will. He's on me like a rat on a Cheeto, as he would say. That provides me comfort for now.
As for me, I had my 32 week checkup yesterday and everything is looking good. The baby's heartbeat was between 125 and 135, which the doctor looked concerned for a split second but then said she was probably moving around when it went down (I think?). She also said that I should be gaining about 1 lb per week going forward. Hopefully I can maintain that number... but I am not going to stress too much.
One thing I forgot to ask was whether or not I need to start worrying about her position, so I figured I would ask here
I'm pretty sure she's facing the right way - most of the movement is up high towards my ribs or at least above my belly button.
I have looked into switching, but after calling around and reading reviews, since I'm considered high-risk I won't be accepted as a new patient. My doctor is considered one of the absolute best in the town, which is why I picked him. Overall I have been happy with his care, but I think we are both frustrated because at this point besides delivering Ashton, what can be done? I have been passing my Pre-E panels, I'm on the max dose for BP meds, I'm on modified bedrest....
I see him next week and will know if either the bedrest or meds are working. I have high BP and realistically unless it keeps climbing, they probably won't do anything but keep me on bedrest until I'm induced. I feel like I've fallen into one of those strange medical cracks.