@supercoolstephy way to take over the thread and do it with a great GIF!
I am SO excited that my weekly appointments start this week. I am having serious issues with throwing up and am worried about weight loss, so I want some reassurance from the doctor... but also I want cervical checks, GBS etc. I LOVE going once a week... I get a day off work AND I get to check in. Mine is on Thursday afternoon. Can't wait!
Headed to our 32 week appt Thursday. Nothing exciting just heartbeat and normal stuff. (Not baby related but we have a follow up on DH's back surgery Thurs where he gets released and gets stitches out FX!!!!) So Thursday is kinda a crazy day for us! Possibly looking at daycares...depends on timing (super late to that party but there's only like 3 options so I haven't bothered lol)
I start my weekly appointments this week also! I go in Friday and every Friday from here on out. I am excited to see the doctor and even more excited to know that the end is in fact really, really near!
weekly appointments start this week for me as well! Tomorrow morning with my normal midwife (I'm alternating between her and the other midwives at this point so I get to know all of them, I think she's not on call the week of Christmas which is when we are hoping the tiny terrorist makes his appearance). It's interesting to hear everyone's different approach. Like weight, literally have not heard one word good or bad about my weight from my normal provider, the midwife I met with last week commented that even though I haven't gained much she isn't worried and I obviously look healthy and the baby is growing etc and it will likely make post partum recovery easier. I then told her I gained about 30 lbs during fertility treatments so trust me I've still got weight to lose to get back to where I was before we started all of this and we all chuckled. A few weeks ago one of the other midwives mentioned getting a growth ultrasound this week (36 weeks) if I kept measuring ahead, my normal provider said we can do that but she wouldn't have mentioned it to me bc my growth is steady (I've been measuring about 2 cm ahead since they started measuring my stomach) so its just consistent growth and the growth ultrasound would likely just tell me he's big (but can be off by quite a bit) and since we're already talking about trying to jump start labor/use cervidil at week 39 there isn't really anything that will change.
Starting weekly appts also. I have one later this afternoon, can’t wait! Also really blessed to have an OB at a small practice this time around who does ultrasounds every appt even though I’m not high risk. I’m definitely spoiled by it and don’t take it for granted. Love seeing my little nugget on the screen. I hope he’s head down at this appt, he’s been breech
@sbishop426 Keep us posted! I hope LO has moved to head down too just for your peace of mind. I'm definitely jealous of the USs at each appointment. I'm actually semi hoping they'll note that I've lost weight and request one
@JuliaGoolia719 Totally agree about it being interesting to hear different perspectives from different providers. One commented on my weight gain (it was like 4 pounds at 30 weeks) and said I really needed to try to gain more... at 32 I had LOST two pounds and the doctor was like, "Oh no worries... that baby is FINE. He's taking what he needs." I'm like... okay?
I have FOUR appointments this week. Four. Trying to juggle all of these appointments plus daycare for DD plus working full time is kind of killing me! Monday: Normal OB appointment. I think I'll probably have a cervical check this week and the GBS swab. 36+2 today! Tuesday: NST Friday: NST and then I have to wait around for my final growth scan (woohoo!). It's definitely going to be a busy week!
Just got back from my 34w appointment (I also start weekly appts!) and all is well! BP is still good. I haven't gained any weight, but haven't lost any either, which I was concerned about with the stomach bug I had last week. He's still head down and extremely low, they gave me a support belt to help with my back pain and I am going to look for a chiropractor this afternoon.
I have my 34 week appointment tomorrow! TBD on whether she'll switch me to weekly or do one more 2 week. Should also find out if I'll be getting a growth scan or not. Otherwise should just be a BP and heart rate check!
I have my 36 week appointment Wednesday! I had my GBS test last week, so hoping to hear the results of that. Anyone know when they should start doing cervix checks? Eager to know if I'm thinning at least!
@whitta1218 Mine start cervical checks at 36 weeks So maybe yours will too... if not this week I would think next for you for sure (assuming you don't decline them). I say give me ALL the info! My vagina is now yours, doctors!
@whitta1218 the midwife I saw last week said that they would start them this week (36) if I wanted them. She said that I didn't have to if I didn't want to, but that she recommends it bc it lets you know what they feel like before youre super uncomfortable at the very end or in labor when you don't really have a choice in getting them lol. I'm with @EmilyLove25, I want to know whats going on and all the info. I'm not expecting to hear that I'm progressing yet but kind of hoping for it.
Just hopping on here to add though that I feel sorry for these ladies. I can't tell you what's going on down there, but my God, it can't be pretty. I don't care enough to groom anymore and can't do it without puking, so... one can only wonder and assume it's not great.
@EmilyLove25 - I attempted to shave before my GBS test last week. Who knows what that nurse saw down there! Are the cervical checks super uncomfortable?
My OB doesn't do them until 39w I believe. I only got one at 38 last time because I was being induced the next day.
@whitta1218, they were extremely uncomfortable for me. Then again, the only females that did mine were my OB and a nurse, the rest of the on-call doctors and residents I saw (4 total I think) were all male so their hands were bigger which made it worse. Just try to relax and breathe!
My cervical checks start at 36 weeks if I want. I never thought they were terribly uncomfortable. The only thing I remember being super uncomfortable was the speculum exam they did when I first got to the hospital in labor. I seriously almost kicked the nurse.
I had my 34 week appointment today. My induction date is set for January 7! I’m 41 so I’m being monitored closely now due to age. I’d prefer to not be induced but the placenta can start to fail towards the end and that freaks this geriatric Mom out! Lol
I had my appt and all is well- baby is head down. Yay! And my OB said to expect hip pain, more BH, and lightening crotch.. well she used a medical term for “lightening crotch” but I forgot what it was lol so we’ll go with that
I thought I might get a cervical check today, but I only got the GBS swab. They don’t start until 38 weeks. She said if I wanted one, they would do it, but I declined. I’d rather not stimulate anything. I need this LO to stay put for at least 2 more weeks! On another TMI note, I sat on the exam table, naked from the waist down, for over 30 minutes. Let’s just say the human butt, a hot exam room and the paper you sit on are not a fun combo. Sorry to the PA who did my swab, but hey...that’s what you get for making me wait so long!
@cyanope I had the exact same appointment today. Went in expecting cervical checks and was told not until 38 weeks. I'm also 36, we are only a day apart. So we had the swab, listened to the heart beat, and checked BP and weight. I outside my nurses every appointment. I have gained 50 pounds, and they haven't said a single word about it!!
36 weeks today- measuring 3 cm dilated & 50% effaced (last week was 1 cm and 40%). She also could feel little one's head right there. Overall, a good appointment. Can't believe it is this close. We installed the car seat tonight and my hospital bag is in my vehicle. I hope she doesn't come before Dec. 16th.
@cyanope the same thing happened to me today while waiting. I stood up a few times just to cool off but it didn't do much good. Definitely had some of that thin paper stuck to my booty. Lol.
Saw ‘Dr wham bam thank you ma’am’ again today. This dude has got to talk a little slower and just chill out in general. GBS swab today and a cervical check because I asked. Baby’s head has been engaged for awhile now so I just had to know. He says I’m a half cm dilated and starting to thin. Whomp whomp. Nothing to write home about.
@jakobaby Since I never dilated with my first until after I leaked/induction, I'll lose my mind (irrationally) with hope/fear/excitement if they tell me I'm a half cm dilated lol lol lol.
34 week appointment went well today! Everything checked out and she's going ahead and moving me to weekly appointments. I'm still measuring small but stayed within normal range so no growth scan which I mean, I guess is good but also I would have loved to have had another u/s just so I could see her again! Scheduled out the rest of my appointments except for next week because she's full so they're going to have to work me in. Baby is head down and hoping she stays that way although I'm pretty sure that's her favorite position so I'm not too worried. Next week they'll do the GBS test and if I want, they'll start doing cervical checks. I figure may as well since they're going to be down there anyway next week.
Had my weekly appointment today, measured my stomach (which actually shrank, she said probably bc his head is way into my pelvis lol), GBS swab, first cervical check (nothing to report not dilated or effaced at all), discussed induction at 39 weeks (she said she would recommend the cervidil/cyotex depebding on what baby looks like and then start some pitocin after bc she rarely has a patient labor off the ripening agent alone, but if I’m not progressing re evaluate before breaking my water etc and decide if we want to continue or stop and go home). I’m really half assed on this induction thing, if we can encourage him to come on out before 12/31 I’m 100% on board, but if he isn’t coming I feel like we should let him cook....so I pretty much have a split personality on it one side is all “yes medical interventions get him out” the other is all crunchy earth mama and “babies are born on their birthdays, he’ll come when he’s ready”
@JuliaGoolia719 Was she just mentioning that they are WILLING to do inductions at 39 weeks? Or did you ask because you are interested? I did the cervidil and then pitocin and was in labor for 37 hours................. I was induced because I leaked but hadn't had contractions. I'm DEFINITELY hoping not to be induced this time, though all in all it wasn't awful. I'd have to be in a lot of pain (or obviously something wrong with the baby) to voluntarily induce at 39 weeks. Now 41...
I think it's super interesting how different practices and doctors are willing to do things so differently. I went to 41 weeks with DS and my doctor said we would start talking about being induced if I made it to 42 weeks.
I was induced at 41 weeks bc baby showed zero signs he wanted to come out- zero dilation. My OB tried to push for a sooner induction but I wanted to wait as long as possible and 41 was the longest she was willing. I still got a speech about placenta deteriorating and risk of death as scare tactics. Needless to say, I have a different OB this go around for a reason
@EmilyLove25 I asked about it, and we’ll only even start the process if I’m already dilating/effaced, if he’s showing no signs of being ready to join us then I’ll suck it up and pay 2 deductibles lol. It’s more of a “if he’s almost ready but just needs a nudge let’s see if we can jump start labor” not a hard and fast eviction notice if that makes sense?
@JuliaGoolia719 Oh I don't see ANYTHING wrong with that! My doctor around week 20 or something was like, "Oh, since you are a STM, we also could induce you at 39 weeks." I thought that was random... and ughhhhhh with the deductibles. I switched from DH's insurance to my work's a few months ago because I just can't with high deductible plans. I'd be tempted to "nudge" LO as well!
I had a growth scan with my BPP today. He’s measuring 5lb 5oz at 33+3. It seems so weird to think about how big he is! I still feel like he should be tiny for some reason
Had my 36 week appointment today! Fundal height was exactly 36cm. Tested positive for GBS, but what's another IV at that point, right? Doctor felt her and said she's head down. No cervix check, though.
Had my 35 week appointment today. Got my GBS test and my first cervical check. Head is down, 1/2cm dialated but no thinning. Baby's heart rate was right at 130. Doctor said it all looked normal. I am really just working hard to keep this baby baking for as long as possible and telling him to stay put!
I haven't been here in a while because we're all trading places being sick, which is awesome at this stage of pregnancy -.-
I had my appointment todat at 33+5, and the measurements were ok, heartbeat ok at 155. Next appointment is at 35+5 and my doc "warned" me about GBS, which I had no clue about. Now, I googled, which I shouldn't have done... Tell me about it, if you already had it. I didn't have it with DS' pregnancy, so I need more input... Please! I am already confused about how things are done in the US with no CTGs so far and all that...
@kathrinp The GBS swab was literally nothing at all to get worked up about. I imagined them fully inserting a long qtip into both holes, but it was literally like a quick swipe of each. I barely even felt it. Hope it’s the same for you!
@kathrinp@whitta1218 is right the test was no big deal. The biggest difference overall is if you are GBS positive you will need to let your Dr. know as soon as you go into labor because you will need several courses of IV antibiotics. They also monitor the baby for a full 48 hours after birth for any signs of infection. Generally you would get to go home sooner.
@kathrinp.... Lol my DS just turned 18 months, but I have been bumping strictly from my phone so I don't even see my ticker or anyone elses for that matter...I will have to fix that. Thanks for the heads up!!
Is anyone else planning to decline cervical checks? The research I did said there is basically no benefit to doing them and some potential downsides. I asked my midwife this week what the benefits of getting checked were and she said "none really.".... so I can't really see a good reason to do them, but wonder what others think.
supercoolstephy
member
Re: Weekly Appointment Thread: Week of 12/4
I am SO excited that my weekly appointments start this week. I am having serious issues with throwing up and am worried about weight loss, so I want some reassurance from the doctor... but also I want cervical checks, GBS etc. I LOVE going once a week... I get a day off work AND I get to check in. Mine is on Thursday afternoon. Can't wait!
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
A few weeks ago one of the other midwives mentioned getting a growth ultrasound this week (36 weeks) if I kept measuring ahead, my normal provider said we can do that but she wouldn't have mentioned it to me bc my growth is steady (I've been measuring about 2 cm ahead since they started measuring my stomach) so its just consistent growth and the growth ultrasound would likely just tell me he's big (but can be off by quite a bit) and since we're already talking about trying to jump start labor/use cervidil at week 39 there isn't really anything that will change.
Together Let Us Seek the Heights
@JuliaGoolia719 Totally agree about it being interesting to hear different perspectives from different providers. One commented on my weight gain (it was like 4 pounds at 30 weeks) and said I really needed to try to gain more... at 32 I had LOST two pounds and the doctor was like, "Oh no worries... that baby is FINE. He's taking what he needs." I'm like... okay?
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
Monday: Normal OB appointment. I think I'll probably have a cervical check this week and the GBS swab. 36+2 today!
Tuesday: NST
Friday: NST and then I have to wait around for my final growth scan (woohoo!).
It's definitely going to be a busy week!
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
Together Let Us Seek the Heights
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
Are the cervical checks super uncomfortable?
@whitta1218, they were extremely uncomfortable for me. Then again, the only females that did mine were my OB and a nurse, the rest of the on-call doctors and residents I saw (4 total I think) were all male so their hands were bigger which made it worse. Just try to relax and breathe!
On another TMI note, I sat on the exam table, naked from the waist down, for over 30 minutes. Let’s just say the human butt, a hot exam room and the paper you sit on are not a fun combo. Sorry to the PA who did my swab, but hey...that’s what you get for making me wait so long!
@cyanope the same thing happened to me today while waiting. I stood up a few times just to cool off but it didn't do much good. Definitely had some of that thin paper stuck to my booty. Lol.
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
I’m really half assed on this induction thing, if we can encourage him to come on out before 12/31 I’m 100% on board, but if he isn’t coming I feel like we should let him cook....so I pretty much have a split personality on it one side is all “yes medical interventions get him out” the other is all crunchy earth mama and “babies are born on their birthdays, he’ll come when he’s ready”
Together Let Us Seek the Heights
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
Together Let Us Seek the Heights
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
I had my appointment todat at 33+5, and the measurements were ok, heartbeat ok at 155. Next appointment is at 35+5 and my doc "warned" me about GBS, which I had no clue about. Now, I googled, which I shouldn't have done... Tell me about it, if you already had it. I didn't have it with DS' pregnancy, so I need more input... Please! I am already confused about how things are done in the US with no CTGs so far and all that...
MC 2/17
After my next, we'll do weekly appointments, will that still be heartbeat and belly size "only"?
Btw, @egirl1025 I am laughing at your pregnancy ticker. 115 weeks pregnant?
MC 2/17
MC 2/17