Weekly Appointment Thread: Week of 11/27

KatieEl · November 2017

Image: https://media.giphy.com/media/ZoBn8lxRuCX9m/giphy.gif

supercoolstephy · November 2017

Thursday I have a growth US and an OB apt. I don't know what week it's for... I'm 31 weeks. haha. I'll be calling tomorrow about the pressure/pain I've been feeling this weekend since I was already dilated and my ob asked me to call in if I was feeling more, which I am. I'd call today but DS is home sick from daycare and I'm sure they'll make me go to triage and can you imagine taking a snotty nose 2 year old to L&D by myself? A whole lotta nope going on there. I'm 100% sure everything is fine butttt since she told me to call I guess I will.

cyanope · November 2017

FX everything is okay, @supercoolstephy!
I am on to week two of my twice-weekly NST's. While they're kind of nice (I just get to sit and relax for about 45 minutes), they're a beast when trying to figure out who's watching the toddler while I'm hooked up to a machine. Then, next week, I start my weekly OB appointments. So, THREE appointments a week. Ugh.

supercoolstephy · November 2017

Thanks @cyanope. I'm sure it's totally nothing but I guess I should call since she told me to. I just hate calling because I know its fine but I'm sure they all think I'm the boy who cried wolf. ugh. I start my twice weekly apts in 2 weeks. When they were scheduling them they almost made me do them on Christmas and New Years day. I was like ummm can we do them on Tuesday/Fridays instead.

lmmjd · November 2017

@supercoolstephy I hope it goes well tomorrow! Hard pass on bringing a toddler to L&D especially alone.

@cyanope My twice weekly appointments (BPPs & NSTs) start this week and I have my normal OB appointment, so I have three as well. I haven't started going weekly for regular appointments, but this is going to be insane.

cyanope · November 2017

Solidarity, @supercoolstephy and @lmmjd!

[Deleted User] · November 2017

@supercoolstephy hope all is ok!

JuliaGoolia719 · November 2017

After my appointment on Wednesday I start weekly appointments.....WHAT?! I was in last week bc I had some major swelling that had me concerned, they did bloodwork and other than my iron being borderline low everything came back normal. So I get to start an iron supplement, which is fine except for it making bathroom issues worse....
They will re run the tests on Wed when I go in just to make sure everything is still ok. My ankles are finally back to normal sized so that’s encouraging.

supercoolstephy · November 2017

The OB office called me back. They said that since I've already had the steroid shots that if I were to go into labor that they wouldn't stop it so there is no need for me to come in today and to keep an eye on my fluids, contractions, kick counts, and really stick to my modified bed rest and they will see me Thursday.

burnsmommy27 · November 2017

Well that's great they didn't have to send you down to triage @supercoolstephy. How's D'S feeling?

lmmjd · November 2017

Ahh! @supercoolstephy that is crazy to think they wouldn't stop labor! I hope the next few days until Thursday are uneventful.

I had my first of three appointments for the week this morning. LO passed his BPP, thankfully. This kid is so low that they joked that I may have to take my pants off in order for them to get a look at his brain.

supercoolstephy · November 2017

@burnsmommy27 I agree. My ob office and triage where I have to be seen is almost an hour away so I really didn't want to drive down there for them to tell me I was perfectly fine. Which I thought I was. DS is feeling better. He's still super snotty and coughy, but the snot is clear now. So he went to daycare. haha

@lmmjd right? I was like "wait, what? You wouldn't try to stop me from having this baby at 31 weeks?" Ummm ok. I feel fine, well, when I walk it feels like she's about to fall out, so I guess that's not fine exactly. But I don't feel contractions right now, and if I do, it's not as frequent as needed for monitoring. It's really amped up the feeling of needing to get everything done... NOW.

cyanope · November 2017

Glad things calmed down, @supercoolstephy. FX LO stays put for the foreseeable future!

[Deleted User] · November 2017

Oh man @supercoolstephy, fx she stays in a little longer!!

lmmjd · November 2017

So appointment 2 out of 3 was my normal OB appointment. Last time, they terrified me, I was switched to high risk and *TW* the OB looked at me and said, "Well, we have to ensure the continued viability of your fetus." Umm... WTF?! I was terrified and just shut down. END TW** This time, I met with one of the midwives and I decided today that I LOVE her. She basically explained that I don't have any one huge red flag, but a multitude of little red flags, so they just want to keep an eye on him to make sure everything is ok. Also, I somehow managed to not gain any weight over Thanksgiving, so that also made me happy. Haha

conineml · November 2017

@lmmjd OMG I think I would have lost it on that OB too! Thank goodness your midwife was able to calm those fears and explain things appropriately. It's like some people don't realize how scary some words sound coming out of their mouth because they know what they mean and are talking about but we're over here silently losing our minds! Also, props on not gaining weight during Thanksgiving! I doubt I made that goal and we ended up skipping most of the meals since DH had surgery.

lmmjd · November 2017

@conineml Right?! I mean I am all about facts - I actually would rather have a blunt, factual oriented OB/Midwife than one who has a super warm bedside manner, but doesn't give me details. If last week's OB had said "we are switching you to high risk because blah blah blah" Ok. I can understand that. But to be vague about why will just make my pregnant mind go insane. Also, the weight gain wasn't a goal, I have no idea how I didn't because I ate pizza two days in a row and more pie than I should have, but hey, I'm not going to complain. I have plenty to spare. Haha

burnsmommy27 · November 2017

Glad you got more answers in a way you could process @Immjd.

Just had my 33 week check up. BP is still staying normal, thank God. I really just want to get passed Christmas then whatever happens can happen. So I've been actively trying to rest more. OB said she is head down but not very far into my pelvis. Lol yeah I can tell, she up bruising my ribs.

[Deleted User] · November 2017

@lmmjd OMG how awful! Glad you finally found someone who could answer your questions and calm you down a bit.

@burnsmommy27 hooray for normal BP! Fx everything stays that way.

cyanope · November 2017

Man, @lmmjd...who says that to a pregnant woman?!? Glad you're liking your midwife and she was able to calm your fears.
I had an NST yesterday and little man decided to fall asleep two minutes in. The nurse said it's SUPER common because they're lulled to sleep by the sound of their heartbeat, but it meant that I had to be hooked up to the monitor for a lot longer than usual. I had to keep flipping from side to side and poking to wake him up, but we finally got the accelerations we needed, and LO looks perfect. I will say that I'm already over these twice-weekly NST's. I'm grateful that I get to see/hear my baby, but I feel like I LIVE at the hospital lately. I'm there WAY too often.

burnsmommy27 · November 2017

I only had a couple NTS before I was induced @cyanope and they would "buzz" DD with this wand thing when she fell asleep. They didn't mess around at my hospital, in and out in 30 minutes. But I have heard drinking something sugary before hand can help.

Thanks @schaze, like you I'm hoping to avoid it this time and go into labor naturally.

cyanope · November 2017

Yeah, @burnsmommy27, the nurse was talking about using the buzzer if he didn't wake up, but said she doesn't like to use it is she doesn't have to. So, she just kept moving my belly around trying to get him to wake up. I was like, "buzz away...I want outta here!"

JuliaGoolia719 · November 2017

Just had my 35 week appointment, all looks good. I lost a few lbs from last week (when I went in for the swelling) which makes sense bc I’m no longer swollen lol. I’m at the point where I’m seeing all the midwives in the practice so no matter what I know the person who delivers the baby. The midwife I saw today is who my last 2 appointments are with (I’m booked out until the end of the year), so we talked about the tentative plan to strip membranes if I’m already starting to dilate/be effaced at the end of Dec and try to encourage him to come out a few days early if he’s amenable. She was on board and also confirmed that he’s a long skinny kid so far, with his head pretty far into my pelvis and feet stretched up into my ribs lol.

libbberty · November 2017

@cyanope @lmmjd totally feel your pain on the way too many appointments. I️ was at the hospital Sunday (CPR class), Monday (OB), and Tuesday (ultrasound, care team, flu shot) so far.

@cyanope glad your little guy woke up partway through! I️ got a tip from the nurses to bring an OJ with for all BPPs or NSTs after I️ had my slow day and it’s done the trick!

@JuliaGoolia719 how did the swelling come down? Just spontaneously (sorry if I️ missed another thread)? Great news!

jasonsgirl92 · November 2017

So I went to the doctor's today and he said at my next appointment (middle of December, I'll be almost 36w) he will be checking in my vagina to see my cervix and see if he can feel baby's head down there I guess. I'm just worried he's going to want to do a membrane sweep and it's freaking me out. Also he was very sure I wasn't going to have a medication free birth. That was irritating. Just because I'm a FTM doesn't mean I can't handle pain.
I just don't want any intervention at all and it's freaking me out. On the plus side I got my tdap and flu shot. Not sure I really needed the flu shot but whatever. Also I remember tetanus shots feeling like iron bars being shoved in your veins and it totally didn't hurt

egirl1025 · November 2017

Had my doctor appointment yesterday and everything is looking good. I will be starting my weekly appointments one week early, due to needing my Strep B test and because DS came at 36+5 weeks. Last time I did not have the test results back when I went into labor, so we are just trying to be a little proactive. It is definitely weird to think that I could go into labor at anytime now.

missblaze · November 2017

@jasonsgirl92 The tdap usually doesn't hurt during - but it's sore after. And how aggravating that your doctor said that! Did he give a reason? Women have been giving birth since the beginning of time.

jasonsgirl92 · November 2017

@missblaze He said 90% of the time that's not what happens. I said there's a 10% isn't there?
So he kind of softened after I held my own, but I don't want pitocin and I really don't want an epidural.

EmilyLove25 · November 2017

@jasonsgirl92 Why would your doctor do a membrane sweep at 36 weeks? That would be insane. Are you having twins (I don't recall that). You aren't even considered term at 36 weeks. I would give a HARD NO if he said that, and if you are just worried about it, don't be. Membrane sweeps are often reserved for women who are over due and/or wanting to start labor on their own. It would, in my mind, be unethical for a doctor to voluntarily do one at 36 weeks for no reason.

Also, you definitely can have an intervention free birth! It's your body and your choice. He cannot MAKE you have pain medicine or even pitocin. I also had pitocin and it wasn't as awful as it is for some people, just as an FYI. Hugs!

JuliaGoolia719 · November 2017

@libberty I wore compression socks pretty much all the time for about a week, upped my water intake (which I didn't think was possible) and it seemed to work.

@jasonsgirl92 good for you for standing your ground!

jasonsgirl92 · November 2017

@EmilyLove25 I'm just scared, I read on other forums people who said they had it done at 37w and weren't informed that was what the doctor was going to do. It's easy when they tell you to get undressed, you don't argue with them, you just do it. So I feel like I have to question everything lol. Not that I wouldn't anyway

I know pitocin is okay for some women; my mom said she was fine when she had my brother on it, but not when she had me. It just varies too much. I'd rather just not be interfered with unless my baby's life is at risk, then of course I'd throw everything out the window for his safety.
I know medication and vaccines are all hard topics, but I just thought it was funny DH didn't want me to get the flu shot. He said the tdap was fine because of the baby, but why did I need a flu shot. I said idk they want me to have it and its free lol.
Oh and no, no twins (thank God). Just one little baby boy in there

missblaze · November 2017

@jasonsgirl92 I would be so upset if my care provider told me I couldn't do something (without a medical reason). That would make me feel like s/he didn't have confidence in me. Like @EmilyLove25 said - you can have an intervention free birth. Make your desire clear from the start. I suggest putting it in your birth plan so there's no confusion.

jasonsgirl92 · November 2017

@missblaze I plan on it. It's just frustrating. I think though that most doctors are gonna be like "I've been doing this forever and everyone almost gets an epidural." When it was clear I was serious and didn't care about his 90% he said well I hope that you can do that and he didn't seem sarcastic.
I feel like everyone is older than me and thinking I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm 25, and yeah sometimes I'm immature and playful, but I'm actually an adult and try to adult as best I can. I'm tired of everyone thinking because they did it this way, or did this already that I am just a silly little girl and I can't do it because they couldn't. My mom even said "You're not going to win anything for not having an epidural."
Of course I might want an epidural, but I don't actually want one if that makes sense. Like I want a bunch of puppies to come live at my house, but really I don't. Can you imagine the poo?

burnsmommy27 · November 2017

@jasonsgirl92 echoing what @missblaze said about making sure to put it in your birth plan. I would also make sure that every nurse you have (I had 3 during my labor) is aware of your wishes. I go to a fairly large OB practice and really only saw my doctor 2 times during labor. Once to pop in and say hi between other deliveries and CS and once to rush in to catch the baby.
I only say that to point out that the nurse will be seeing so much more than your doctor during labor.

jasonsgirl92 · November 2017

@burnsmommy27 Well that makes me feel a little better

KatieEl · November 2017

@jasonsgirl92 and just a reminder that you can decline cervical checks if you want! So if he wants to check you and you're not feeling it you don't have to have one. Options and choices!

AFM had my 34 week appointment yesterday, baby is low and head down and looking good. My midwife started going over when to call her in labor, and next week DH has to come because she's going over what he needs to do if baby comes before she gets there. It's getting real now!

supercoolstephy · November 2017

Had my 31 week apt and growth scan today. My cervical length is about the same as last time and I’m still funneling. So nothing has changed there. Which is good considering. She really thinks I’ll go to term, not necessarily to my csection date but at least to 37 weeks so that she reassuring. My csection was scheduled so I’ll be having this kid for sure by Jan 22nd. Wooh. And she said once I hit 34 weeks I’ll be off modified bedrest, which of course is when I take vacation for Christmas so I’m not going back to the office till Jan 2nd, so 36 weeks. But it’s nice to know that I’ll be able to participate in Christmas events starting at 34 weeks. Anyway. The babe is measuring at 4 lbs and 7 oz and has chubby cheeks like DS, DH, and I. I felt so much better about her weight this time than I did last time. And I know that the weight is not totally accurate but it does make me feel better mentally if she did decide to come early. Oh oh oh my ob didn’t check to see if I was dilating anymore than last time since it wouldn’t matter because I’ve already had the steroid shots and she didn’t want to cause any contractions. So. Yep. Overall. I feel very good about this appointment. Now to make arrangements for getting DS to daycare if I do get to Jan 22nd.

cyanope · December 2017

I'll have to try the orange juice trick today, @libbberty. Thanks for the advice!
Funny (and totally random) story relating to orange juice. I saw a student walking down the halls today drinking from an entire GALLON of orange juice. It stopped me in my tracks, and I just started cracking up. Like, who in the heck does that?
Glad your appointment went well, @supercoolstephy! At my last growth scan (three weeks ago!), LO was measuring at almost 6 lbs. I was like, "ummm...what??" I know they're not totally accurate, but that scared the heck out of me. Already six pounds? Am I growing a giant in here? Not to mention, his head is measuring in the 99% percentile. I'm terrified for my vagina...

libbberty · December 2017

@cyanope I️ feel your pain! my kiddo is measuring 6 lbs 10 oz. I’m starting to think (or maybe my vagina is thinking) that I️t might be an okay thing that she’s currently breech. I️ know they can be wrong, but the estimates can be wrong in either direction, right? If she’s even bigger, I’m truly scared.

caseyw8784 · December 2017

Had my 32 week growth scan and ultrasound today. we had some good news and some "hmmmm, that's a new issue" news...

the good: both babies are head down now, and the girl is REALLY low, so that's what all the pressure is. The rest of the "aches and pains" are just from having 9 pounds of babies in there! Doc did the strep b test and also checked my cervix to see if things were progressing, but she said is was high and closed, so all-in-all, no pre-term labor yet. Just silly braxton hicks and the babies who keep kicking me in the rib cage and organs that make everything hurt. Their heart beats and organs and everything looked really good too.

the not (yet) "bad": when they measured the babies 4 weeks ago, the boy was 3lb 1oz and the girl was 3lb even...so, only a 1 oz difference. Today, the boy measured 17% (14 oz) larger than the girl, so there's a 3 week discrepancy between the 2 now. He's in the 87% percentile but she's in the 57% percentile (so she's still at least "average" size...)
Doc has now started me on weekly ultrasounds and biophysical profiles to monitor it, and in a week or two if it looks like she's not growing but the boy is, they'll send me to a MFM for a more detailed exam, and that report will determine if they will induce me then or let me try to wait it out to 37 weeks. we are at 32 weeks now and the babies are weighing 4lb 15oz and 4lb 1oz, so if they induce me at 34 or 35 weeks, my doc seems to think that they will fare pretty well. she did give a decently lengthy speech about all the scenarios and risks, etc, so of course my over-active imagination is on hyper drive tonight...oy.
At least i only have to wait until friday for more answers and (hopefully) piece of mind The following week I also have the first NST, so that'll be interesting as well!

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