@PerraSucia I hope your blood pressure settles itself! I'm sure that the news you received was certainly not fun. Fingers crossed for you!
i've got two appointments this week, one tomorrow with my midwife and then another on Friday with an OBGYN. The OB appointment is a precaution on my midwife's point because I am epileptic and we want to make sure I'm on the right track. I haven't had a seizure in three years but you can never be too careful. I was supposed to have an ultra sound this week, but they had no times available by the time the my got a requisition from my midwife. Try again next week I suppose:/
So ive just had my last appointment! Which is a very scary thought! Cant remember which thread we talked about having the sweep in so ill just put it here. It was uncomfortable and a little sore & ive had some bleeding since but it was over quite quickly and with any luck it'll help things progress naturally.
36 week appointment is done! Rectal swab, vaginal swab, cervix check, blood draw to check for anemia, and tetanus booster. I earn an ice cream or something for all that, right?
Had my growth scan yesterday. Bub looks good, though his head is still pretty big (80-90th percentile), and his femurs are slightly below average. Now, I know short femurs is a soft marker for Downs Syndrome, and I asked the OB whether this was a concern. He said my measurements were not a cause for alarm - the femurs were in the 40th percentile, I want to say? And it's really only if the femurs are under the 5th percentile that the likelihood of DS increases. Of course, my anxiety took hold last night and now I keep worrying, despite the doc's reassurances. Obviously I love this baby no matter what, but my anxiety is kind of overwhelming - I don't want him to have any struggles in life. The odds that he has DS are still something like 1 in 1,000, so it's completely irrational to worry, but ugh.
Aside from that, amniotic fluid levels are on track, and he weighed 5lb 7oz (somewhere around the 60th percentile). OB complimented me on how well I'm controlling my blood sugar, said I'm obviously being very diligent with it (which is true). Glad to know bub's growth is on track!
Wow, my doctor's protocol seems so laid back compared to some of you ladies! I just got back from my 36 week and she checked the heartbeat and did the vaginal swab and that was it! She did confirm that the cramps I've been having are probably contractions, but not anything to worry about since they are not regular or very intense.
I also go irritated because the financial counselor came in to try and tell me that I had to pay the remaining like $2,000 of the "pre-OB" payment before Feb. 4th.....uhm...no?
My transfer appt with the new Midwife/OB practice is Thursday! Just shy of 35 weeks, and I think I go weekly after that.
I finally got a call back from previous OB, and basically I could already have this baby before they'll process my refund. Maybe. So glad you guys insist on full prepayment by 28 weeks, but can't refund me for ages. So, while it's entirely on us for just deciding to transfer, I couldn't believe it when they told me I might have a check in 6-8 weeks. Which is really 8-10 from when they stopped being my doctors.
@WinchesterGirl my OB is the same. I'll have my 36 week appointment on Thursday, but all she said she was doing was the heartbeat and GBS swab. I haven't had any growth scans after the anatomy scan. It feels weird compared to everyone else. Lol
@foxrosy I only had the growth scan because I was diagnosed with GD. I think most people don't have any ultrasounds after the anatomy scan unless there is a specific reason - like you're not measuring on track, you have GD, or there's an issue with your placenta or something. With GD, they want to make sure your baby is not getting too big, since babies born to women with GD can have a lot of excess body fat (which can lead to birth injuries and other complications).
At my normal MW appointments, all they do is check fundal height and heartbeat, and ask how much the baby is moving. They don't even have us do official kick counts, though I do it anyway. I have my GBS swab next appointment, but I do that myself unless I WANT the MW to do it for me. Someone in my Centering Pregnancy group asked about cervical checks, and the MW's only do that upon request or if they need to induce you.
Check up was on 1/09. Got weighed and measured. Everything is looking good, and the Dr wants to pull me out of work in 2 weeks, so the week of 1/23 I will officially be on maternity leave. That will be good b/c I can barely drive as it is...I am super super short and with the belly popped out, I am tippy toeing those pedals. Not cool. Plus everyone is thinking my little munchkin will be here by 38 weeks....so we will see what she plans
Had my 40 w appointment today (a few days early). My MW doesn't do cervical checks unless requested, but I needed to know how I'm doing so I can use the info with my acupuncturist tomorrow. 50% effaced, 1 cm dilated. This means I can't yet get the full acupuncture induction protocol, because they prefer you to be more dilated before they do the stuff that is more likely to bring on contractions. So I have another session of pokes to focus on cervical progress tomorrow, as well as some calming points to bring down my "get this baby out of me" rage...
My MW discussed getting started on the post-dates protocol, which doesn't mean much until next week, but she wants to get the appointments on the books. Starting at 41 weeks, scans every 3 days to check fluid levels and placental function, and an OB consult to discuss induction options. Essentially, kiddo will be served eviction papers if he hasn't decided to come by Jan 26 (42 weeks). Crossing all my fingers and toes it doesn't come to that!
38 week appointment. I found out I am now 2 cm dilated. But my baby is still really high and has not moved down at all. My lungs knew this already, since I still have a hard time breathing since my baby has been crowding my lungs for weeks now. My doctor is pretty sure the baby will still be in there until at least my next doctors appointment next week at 39 weeks. My doctor talked about me walking around and getting contractions going so the baby will move down. Other than the baby not moving down the Doctor said everything else looks good, yeah
Just got back from my 36 week appointment. I told my Dr about the cramping, and also last night I had a general heavy pressure feeling down there all over... she just said it was totally normal, but she did the cervical check and said I'm already 1 cm dilated, so I am right... (uhhh did you think I was making this stuff up??) And she said "he is really low, really really low, like his head is right there".... then she went through everything I need to start watching for since things could go quickly if it starts. OMG!! but I had my strep B test today too, and it went right up there where I don't like lol... also anyone following my gripe about the whole pump issue, my Dr refused to give me a prescription for a pump. She said once I'm in real labor at the hospital, to tell the nurses I want a pump (like that's what I'll feel like doing with active and painful contractions ugh) and then they will get me set up. Then I guess the insurance will call me and ship it to me... I guess I'll be calling my insurance to see if I can get around it somehow even if we buy one and hopefully get reimbursed.
Oh another thing too... my last appointment she said "measuring ok" instead of her usual go to which was measuring right on money" and this time she said measuring ok again, then said I'm measuring small. She said it's probably because he's down so low.... but has anyone else suddenly started measuring small? If so what did they tell you about it?
@tishb YES have all the ice cream. I got a candy bar after that appointment. This week I had my first non-stress test, and she passed with flying colors (though she moved so much that she kept ducking the monitor and they had to move it a bunch of times). She still hasn't flipped, and my placenta is still low-lying. We discussed trying a version, but after conversations with DH, my mom and her bff the doula/RN, I think we're going to schedule a C at 39 weeks. Between the chance that the version will trigger labor or not work (thus necessitating a C anyway) and the risk of bleeding during vaginal delivery, it seems this is the most rational option.
Married: 2011 TTC #1: 3/2016 Me 39 - DH 44 BFP 5/27/16 EDD 1/30/17 DD born 2/3/17
@kswiger06 I went from measuring on track to measuring 2 weeks behind my last two appointments. However, LO is head down now so my MW wasn't concerned at all and said that +/-2 weeks is normal. They said it's only an issue when you start to fall more the two weeks behind for multiple weeks in a row
@kswiger06 I went from measuring on track to measuring 2 weeks behind my last two appointments. However, LO is head down now so my MW wasn't concerned at all and said that +/-2 weeks is normal. They said it's only an issue when you start to fall more the two weeks behind for multiple weeks in a row
I went from measuring on the money to 2 weeks behind too. My MW didn't seem concerned but now of course I am.
@kswiger06 I went from measuring on track to measuring 2 weeks behind my last two appointments. However, LO is head down now so my MW wasn't concerned at all and said that +/-2 weeks is normal. They said it's only an issue when you start to fall more the two weeks behind for multiple weeks in a row
I went from measuring on the money to 2 weeks behind too. My MW didn't seem concerned but now of course I am.
This is why I like my doctors approach. She knows I have anxiety and am a worry wart, so she literally tells me nothing unless there's a problem, that way if something changes, I don't stress about it. I have no idea how I'm measuring, but I know that since she hasn't said anything, I must be measuring OK.
I've had a lot of conversations about measuring behind, because I have been since about 30 weeks. The concern seems to be if you start continuously dropping off the growth curve, dropping further each visit. I was measuring one week behind really really consistently, which didn't concern them at all. When the baby engaged (which was around 35/36 weeks), I dropped down to 2-3 weeks behind, which prompted a growth scan, because they are more worried about consistency of growth patterns than anything else. My growth scan showed that I was still technically measuring 1 week behind, but kiddo's head being engaged has changed the measurement. So now, as long as I'm consistently measuring the same amount behind, my MW isn't worried.
She said that drop when baby engages is really common, and the only reason she ordered the growth scan was because I was already behind; if I had been consistently measuring on track, and there was just that one drop, she would have said it was fine to just keep an eye on. She was just worried that because I had been behind, and dropped further, she was worried placenta was pooping out.
Those are just my experiences with measuring behind; sounds like a drop around 36 weeks is a really common thing, and as long as the measurements stay *consistently* at the same new level relative to your weeks, it's just baby engaging.
@poetryandoceans thanks girl, that made me feel better. I am still anxious for next weeks appointment but I won't continue on with all the stressful scenarios in my head lol.
had regular 35 week appt today and tonight we have our first doula meeting which I am super excited about!!!
At my appointment today I was telling my doctor about cramping at night and how it lasts pretty much all night and is not necessarily very painful but more dull and annoying and she suggest a small glass of red wine. Even nightly she said. It supposed to calm down the body. I doubt i will go for it nightly but if these cramps persist (last night they were exceptionally annoying and led to poor sleep) I will be taking her up on the offer.
Me: 36, H: 37 FTM, 2 Furbabies married 03/17/07 lived in Houston, Austin, Los Angeles and NYC due: 2/15/17
@krob, wouldn't hurt to try it if your doc recommends it! I drink a half glass or red wine 1-2 nights per week, and my MW is totally cool with it. This late in the game, a small amount of alcohol (emphasis on the "small") doesn't cause any harm.
So, I now have an NST 2x/ wk -- one at my OB's office and one at the hospital and a growth scan every 3 weeks. My OB's office has been making the appointments for me at the hospital. And it is making my little type A heart scream in rage.
1. The nurse is completely ignoring my scheduling requests (I told her I'm trying to not go on unpaid leave so I need appointments that are super early or super late so I can work around them... she booked me an NST and ultrasound at 11AM. It will go until 1:30 at the earliest-- are you fucking kidding me? So I have to either take 1/2 a day or whole day off work OR go in early, work in the AM, leave, go back in and work late on a friday) 2. She takes forever to call me back and tell me when appointments are. ex: today is Wednesday and she JUST TOLD ME about an appointment she made me for Friday!
I am totally having a mini-panic/ shit-fit. I (politely) told her to please give me the phone number, I'd prefer to make my own appointments from here on out. And then immediately called the hospital and got better appointments and scheduled several weeks at once. This week-to-week shit is not gonna fly with me. I can't handle not knowing my own damn schedule. Who thinks it is okay to just plan a person's life with no input from them? I have a full time job! #endrant
@Gretchypoo Good for you! I'm very impressed at your getting ish done attitude. I hate that "Well, it's your health and your BABY, you can just work around it" attitude. You can make all the appointments you need to and keep your work responsibilities on the go, too.
@krob Yeah, I gotta say, that sounds like the best "doctor's orders" I've ever heard...
@Gretchypoo what a PITA, but such kudos to you for handling it.
35 weeks! Car broke down on the way to appt today. Hitched a ride while husband took care of it. Boo. Babies are back to both head down (B has flipped back and forth, who knows). Dilated to a three.
@Gretchypoo what a PITA, but such kudos to you for handling it.
35 weeks! Car broke down on the way to appt today. Hitched a ride while husband took care of it. Boo. Babies are back to both head down (B has flipped back and forth, who knows). Dilated to a three.
You hitched a ride to your appointment alone?? Yikes! But head down is good... are they letting you keep going as long as possible or has there been a set induction or C/S? Question... do you have names already picked out for A and B like your A is already named or will you decide who gets what name once they are born?
@HeatSparks not as much of a PITA as your car breaking down while 35 wks prego!! Glad u made it to the appt ok and that babies are doing well. Yay 35 wks!!!!!!! Glad they are head down too.
Is your car gonna b ok?
PS- Your HDBD pic was really cute. Those twins look good on you, lady!
haha not actually hitchhiking! I'm not that cool. I called my sister in law for a ride while H got a tow. The good news was the part needed ended up being $150 and he was able to fix it at home. Just bummed because he hasn't been able to come to an appt for weeks.
Baby A is Elizabeth and B is Charlotte. Something about their in-utero personalities. But I reserve the right to swap once I meet them
Had my 37 week appointment yesterday afternoon. I had to wait an hour because he was in a CS but everything was good. He said I'm a finger tip and soft (2 weeks ago my cervix was completely closed) so I guess everything I'm doing is helping some. The next time I go in we'll be getting the plan for induction (but I'm still hoping she comes on her own)
@krob as my pregnancy twin, I'm going to transfer that "prescription" to me as well! Hope the doula meeting went well!
@Gretchypoo I grimace every time I can't schedule my own appts online. I want to see all your availability and decide what's best for me. It's so bad I chose the spa/salon I go to exclusively because they have online appt scheduling.
@HeatSparks Nope, you're forever going to be the one that hitchhiked at 35 weeks pregnant with twins. #badass
What a morning. I had my 36 week appointment this morning and they said my NST looked perfect, but I was measuring a bit ahead so they sent me to ultrasound. I'm only 5 feet tall so I wasn't really worried about it. The ultrasound measured baby small at the 13th percentile. So then I went back to the doctor to talk through what that means. Basically she told me it is likely nothing, but they are referring me to high risk to get a detailed ultrasound. I know that everything is likely just fine and that the ultrasound was either off on the measurements or I have a baby that is just small, but I'm a FTM and I'm having a bit of a moment right now. I will not google, I will not google.
34 week check-up was good all around. Got a warning that the 36 week will include the strep test and my first internal check... Also received a "don't get your hopes up about being dilated by then because this is your first baby" comment.
Just had my 36 week appointment. Dr. had a hard time measuring the baby, but estimated her to be around 7lbs. Got my GBS test. She also informed me that in this practice they retest for HIV at this stage of pregnancy, so got that done as well.
@FerForShort You deserve to have a moment but I hope and believe all will be well. Ultrasound is notoriously bad at estimating weight. I was having level 2 ultrasounds weekly and they were still off by several ounces when I delivered. Good luck at your appointment.
@FerForShort That is weird but don't panic! lemieuxk is right -- ultrasounds can be up to 2 lbs off. So take it with a grain of salt. When is your follow up ultrasound?
Re: Appointments: Week of January 9
i've got two appointments this week, one tomorrow with my midwife and then another on Friday with an OBGYN. The OB appointment is a precaution on my midwife's point because I am epileptic and we want to make sure I'm on the right track. I haven't had a seizure in three years but you can never be too careful. I was supposed to have an ultra sound this week, but they had no times available by the time the my got a requisition from my midwife. Try again next week I suppose:/
Cant remember which thread we talked about having the sweep in so ill just put it here. It was uncomfortable and a little sore & ive had some bleeding since but it was over quite quickly and with any luck it'll help things progress naturally.
Aside from that, amniotic fluid levels are on track, and he weighed 5lb 7oz (somewhere around the 60th percentile). OB complimented me on how well I'm controlling my blood sugar, said I'm obviously being very diligent with it (which is true). Glad to know bub's growth is on track!
Wow, my doctor's protocol seems so laid back compared to some of you ladies! I just got back from my 36 week and she checked the heartbeat and did the vaginal swab and that was it! She did confirm that the cramps I've been having are probably contractions, but not anything to worry about since they are not regular or very intense.
I also go irritated because the financial counselor came in to try and tell me that I had to pay the remaining like $2,000 of the "pre-OB" payment before Feb. 4th.....uhm...no?
ME: 25, DH: 27
TTC #1 since 09/2015
Miscarriage @ 10 wks 02/28/2016
BFP 05/28/2016!
I finally got a call back from previous OB, and basically I could already have this baby before they'll process my refund. Maybe. So glad you guys insist on full prepayment by 28 weeks, but can't refund me for ages. So, while it's entirely on us for just deciding to transfer, I couldn't believe it when they told me I might have a check in 6-8 weeks. Which is really 8-10 from when they stopped being my doctors.
At my normal MW appointments, all they do is check fundal height and heartbeat, and ask how much the baby is moving. They don't even have us do official kick counts, though I do it anyway. I have my GBS swab next appointment, but I do that myself unless I WANT the MW to do it for me. Someone in my Centering Pregnancy group asked about cervical checks, and the MW's only do that upon request or if they need to induce you.
My MW discussed getting started on the post-dates protocol, which doesn't mean much until next week, but she wants to get the appointments on the books. Starting at 41 weeks, scans every 3 days to check fluid levels and placental function, and an OB consult to discuss induction options. Essentially, kiddo will be served eviction papers if he hasn't decided to come by Jan 26 (42 weeks). Crossing all my fingers and toes it doesn't come to that!
I was 1cm today too so hoping for something similar!
Married to my Soul Mate since 09/06/09
This week I had my first non-stress test, and she passed with flying colors (though she moved so much that she kept ducking the monitor and they had to move it a bunch of times). She still hasn't flipped, and my placenta is still low-lying. We discussed trying a version, but after conversations with DH, my mom and her bff the doula/RN, I think we're going to schedule a C at 39 weeks. Between the chance that the version will trigger labor or not work (thus necessitating a C anyway) and the risk of bleeding during vaginal delivery, it seems this is the most rational option.
TTC #1: 3/2016
Me 39 - DH 44
BFP 5/27/16 EDD 1/30/17
DD born 2/3/17
ME: 25, DH: 27
TTC #1 since 09/2015
Miscarriage @ 10 wks 02/28/2016
BFP 05/28/2016!
She said that drop when baby engages is really common, and the only reason she ordered the growth scan was because I was already behind; if I had been consistently measuring on track, and there was just that one drop, she would have said it was fine to just keep an eye on. She was just worried that because I had been behind, and dropped further, she was worried placenta was pooping out.
Those are just my experiences with measuring behind; sounds like a drop around 36 weeks is a really common thing, and as long as the measurements stay *consistently* at the same new level relative to your weeks, it's just baby engaging.
At my appointment today I was telling my doctor about cramping at night and how it lasts pretty much all night and is not necessarily very painful but more dull and annoying and she suggest a small glass of red wine. Even nightly she said. It supposed to calm down the body. I doubt i will go for it nightly but if these cramps persist (last night they were exceptionally annoying and led to poor sleep) I will be taking her up on the offer.
FTM, 2 Furbabies
married 03/17/07
lived in Houston, Austin, Los Angeles and NYC
due: 2/15/17
1. The nurse is completely ignoring my scheduling requests (I told her I'm trying to not go on unpaid leave so I need appointments that are super early or super late so I can work around them... she booked me an NST and ultrasound at 11AM. It will go until 1:30 at the earliest-- are you fucking kidding me? So I have to either take 1/2 a day or whole day off work OR go in early, work in the AM, leave, go back in and work late on a friday)
2. She takes forever to call me back and tell me when appointments are. ex: today is Wednesday and she JUST TOLD ME about an appointment she made me for Friday!
I am totally having a mini-panic/ shit-fit. I (politely) told her to please give me the phone number, I'd prefer to make my own appointments from here on out. And then immediately called the hospital and got better appointments and scheduled several weeks at once. This week-to-week shit is not gonna fly with me. I can't handle not knowing my own damn schedule. Who thinks it is okay to just plan a person's life with no input from them? I have a full time job! #endrant
@krob Yeah, I gotta say, that sounds like the best "doctor's orders" I've ever heard...
@Gretchypoo what a PITA, but such kudos to you for handling it.
35 weeks! Car broke down on the way to appt today. Hitched a ride while husband took care of it. Boo. Babies are back to both head down (B has flipped back and forth, who knows). Dilated to a three.
Is your car gonna b ok?
PS- Your HDBD pic was really cute. Those twins look good on you, lady!
haha not actually hitchhiking! I'm not that cool. I called my sister in law for a ride while H got a tow. The good news was the part needed ended up being $150 and he was able to fix it at home. Just bummed because he hasn't been able to come to an appt for weeks.
Baby A is Elizabeth and B is Charlotte. Something about their in-utero personalities. But I reserve the right to swap once I meet them
Married: 9/2013
Love my LEO!!
TTC #1: 9/2015
BFP: 2/1/16 MC 2/8/16 @ 5wks
BFP: 5/22/16 RAINBOW BABY
EDD: 1/30/2017 *IT'S A GIRL!!!!*
Kirsten Grace 1/20/17
@Gretchypoo I grimace every time I can't schedule my own appts online. I want to see all your availability and decide what's best for me. It's so bad I chose the spa/salon I go to exclusively because they have online appt scheduling.
@HeatSparks Nope, you're forever going to be the one that hitchhiked at 35 weeks pregnant with twins. #badass