@stothi I skimmed past the extra scans the first time. Yeah, no. I mean, if they want to do extra scans starting at 38 or 39 weeks for diabetes, and maybe start twice I week around then I'd be much more inclined to understand. Take this with salt-I know I'm pretty crunchy and anti-intervention, but I get that not everyone is and I'm cool with it-I would decline an NST more than every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, and then make it once a week, with potential for twice a week again starting at maybe 39 ish weeks? You're not a freaking 70 year old or anything, jeez!
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Me: 33 DH: 32 Married 7/18/15 1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16 Team green turned BLUE! 2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18 Team green turned PINK! Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
@pourmeamocktail I'm usually pretty much an automatic yes (wo)man when it comes to docs' recommendations, cause they went to med school and I didn't, but I'm not feeling this particular one. I'll be talking with them more about it when we get closer. It's strange to be in a place that I disagree with the recommended course of action. Last pregnancy the other MFM mentioned something about possible additional monitoring from 36 weeks forward and definitely monitoring if I went overdue and that sounded very reasonable to me. 32 weeks though? I'm struggling with that.
@stothi 36 weeks is more reasonable to me too, for sure. Unless you had something else come up that was concerning.
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Me: 33 DH: 32 Married 7/18/15 1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16 Team green turned BLUE! 2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18 Team green turned PINK! Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
@stothi I meant to comment on this yesterday but forgot. That seems really excessive and just like they're giving you generic answers all around without taking into consideration your current health/status. FWIW, if it were me, I would totally question it and ask why so many appointments so frequently at that point and not 36 weeks. I would want to know what could be changing so quickly at that point based on your age. Are you not able to schedule these things back to back with the regular check ups? I would do that as much as possible.
Even though I was a bad patient who started a medication without notifying my doctor and painted without a mask (oh the horror), my doctors are good with me having my 28 week appt and then waiting 3 weeks instead of 2 since I'm healthy and not having any complications. After that it may be 2 or 3 weeks until getting to 36 weeks. I'm grateful that they're relaxed enough to let me stretch it out since scheduling appts with my work schedule is tough.
@stothi it's clear that doc was off her rocker based on her other comments to you. I'd try to push it out of your mind, schedule your next appt with a different doctor, and hopefully they'll come up with a new care schedule. On my last bmb our 39yo did not do that many extra monitoring appointments that early, but every practice is different.
And to your husband's point, could you create world peace on your way home too?
@stothi I’m sorry, that stinks all around. Fx that midwife won’t be the one on call. Can they combine your regular appts with your ultrasounds?
I’m at the beginning of the month (27w tomorrow) and don’t go to biweekly appts until July, then weekly in August. My H came to almost every appt. last time and I think he has been to 3 this time. He may or may not start coming again towards the end. My OB doesn’t normally do cervical checks until 39w but last time after measuring DD on the u/s at 38w she asked me if I wanted one (and said it can start contractions) so I said definitely and that’s what started early labor for me. Hoping to deliver around 38w again this time (mostly so I can avoid another 9lb+ baby). We’ll see if she’ll be willing to do a membrane sweep. I’d like to try everything natural before they have to induce me.
@stothi - +1 for thinking that sounds excessive with no complications thus far. With a healthy pregnancy it seems crazy to schedule so much extra monitoring solely based on age. Even though I'm generally of the same thought process that the dr went to med school, I didn't, I agree that this seems worth pushing back a bit on. Or at least asking for more detail on why they think these are necessary. If age really is the only factor, I'd want to wait a bit longer before starting so much monitoring.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks DS born 9/13/16 BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
You should definitely ask for more information about why all the monitoring! When I had GD my last pregnancy I had lots of extra monitoring, but they were good about explaining why. And the "why" should include what findings would require additional actions--like, if they see something at one of these visits will it require them to plan to induce early? c-section? Basically, I'd want to hear "People like you with XYZ have been shown to have increased complications after 32 weeks, which can be easily found with extra monitoring. These complications can come one suddenly with no warning, which is why we plan to monitor you so frequently. If we see X, Y, or Z then the risks of A, B, and C are high so we'll need to get the baby out as soon as possible."
@Patience7150 I tried talking to him again about it later last night cause he never actually let me finish my story the first time and started cutting me off again to tell me why all about why I need to complain to someone about that midwife and I mentioned, again, that it's the standard everywhere as far as I know that you get the midwife on call so I don't want to fly off the handle and make trouble and end up with her any how and have it just be that much more awkward. He cuts me off again to say I can't get her if she gets fired. Really dude? You think me saying, "she was kinda spacey, didn't answer my questions as thoroughly as I would have liked and just wasn't as personable as the other midwives," is going to get her fired after she's been working for the place for like 25 years? Really? I got so frustrated with him being freaking condescending and being a mansplaining know it all about a situation that he wasn't even there for and he still never even let me finish my story! The whole thing really stressed me out and he added unnecessary extra levels of stress to the situation. I've already scheduled my next appt with a different midwife. You have to met all of them at some point and I still have 3 I haven't met yet. Hopefully the next one is as awesome as the first 2 and I'll feel comfortable bringing up my concerns with her or if I feel the need I'll reschedule with one of the first 2 to talk with them about if there's any possibility of having like a top 3 choices for who will be at my delivery. And maybe it's all moot point cause maybe I have to deliver with one of the high risk docs for all I know! I haven't had a chance to ask yet cause I haven't even reached viability so it hasn't been on my list of questions yet! But I think you are right and I should get up off my butt and end world hunger, create world peace and restructure the entire midwifery practice during nap time today. Cause everything should always be perfect all the time!
P.S. I looked at the website for the hospital I'm using where the midwife and MFM practices are based out of, and I think they (the MFM) may be a bit more aggressive with being proactive with extra testing because of the whatever ranking they have of being the most qualified in the area to treat the sickest moms and babies. So, I mean that's good right? I'm still going to question it a bit more, ask for some information to read about the reasons for that much testing, ect and go from there. I had 2 local (ish) mom friends who were 38-40 during their last pregnancy and they said they started extra twice weekly monitoring between 34 & 36 weeks, so that's 2 more local(ish) practices that start pretty early monitoring for AMA. I'm thinking along the lines of compromising with once a week extra monitoring from 32-36 weeks and then doing the recommended twice weekly from 36 forward unless something changes. And @nlc8424 I'm totally going to try my best to get the appts as back to back with regular checkups as possible! Since everything is one site in one big suite of offices on the same floor it's usually possible to schedule a block of stuff with different people one after the other.
@stothi That all sounds like a great plan, and also, awesome job not ripping that doctor a new one, I might have!
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Me: 33 DH: 32 Married 7/18/15 1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16 Team green turned BLUE! 2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18 Team green turned PINK! Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
@MandyMost yes! Just give me a good reason other than, "you old." I also want actual examples, like you were saying and for the love of Pete don't dumb it down. Give it to me straight and if I need further clarification, I'll ask. Please use actual medical terminology and not, "cause it's real bad, m'kay?"
@stothi I love my practice because the population they serve is mainly older, very-educated women, lots in the medical field, and so they default to giving it to you straight and explaining things! And they don’t make you feel bad for being “old” at all. And now that they know me and know I basically research medical conditions for a living, they give me even more medical detail and statistics without my even having to ask. (It’s also in Boston at one of the best hospitals in the world, surrounded by other best hospitals in the world, so that doesn’t hurt!)
Hi, FTM and 24w5d right now...appt today with a follow-up ultrasound because our Little Mister's legs measured a week behind last time. They have grown since last time and are moving around just fine but are still below 10th percentile and behind the rest of his growth. Dr said she isn't alarmed, he could just have short legs like his momma, but wants us to follow up with another ultrasound next week and following then meet with the high risk Dr as well in a month as a precaution. She said to make sure to call with any abnormal symptoms or if his movement decreases. Anyone else have something similar? Of course you try not to worry if the Dr isn't worried but we all know how that goes!!! Lol
@mdots513 It sounds like your doctor is keeping a good eye on it and isn’t too worried. You are so right, even if the doctor isn’t alarmed it is hard not to worry yourself. Try to stay busy, and keep coming here for support from the awesome women who contribute to this group.
I had my 24 week appointment today and it went well. I saw my favorite doctor in the practice, he answers all my questions without seeming rushed, has knowledge in areas such as working out that calm my worries, and he spends time with his patients. He talked with me about my pelvic pressure and said based on my symptoms (no pain, just a lot of pressure and going to the bathroom a lot) that it is normal. He cautioned me to make sure I am protecting my back and also explained why I feel so much pressure when doing cardio. The why helps so much.
I asked about my weight as I have gained 1 lb and should I be worried. I would classify myself as slightly chubby, so I didn't think I had much to worry about, but wanted to check. He reviewed my anatomy scan with me and everything was average and fine, so he said at my next appointment if I haven't gained that they might do another scan, but most likely I will see an uptick in the scale from this point forward.
My final favorite was they schedule all my appointments from here on out, the majority of my appointments with my two favorite doctors. Yay!
Whelp, I failed my glucose screen (as expected). I had a 165 and the cutoff is 135. I got the results through the online portal...waiting for the doc to call and tell me to do the 3-hour test, or if they’ll just skip it and diagnose me based on the screen and my history (I had GD with my last pregnancy).
@nackie good question! Honestly, at this point I think the chances of me having it are so high I’d prefer to just skip the 3-hour! I don’t want to fast, drink an even grosser drink (it’s a higher glucose content) and get stuck with a needle 4 times! I wonder if they need the official test for insurance purposes or something, though.
Assuming things proceed as expected I’ll start a GD thread in the next week or so.
That blows @MandyMost! Sorry you have to deal with GD.
Me: 34 | DH: 33 Married Aug. 2013 TTC #1 Sep. 2016 ***TW***
BFP Jan. 15, 2017; MMC Mar. 4, 2017 at 10w6d BFP Jun. 5, 2017; MMC Aug. 2, 2017 at 11w6d BFP Nov. 20, 2017; ended in CP All the tests. Everything normal except treated for ureaplasma and DH potentially has high DNAF. BFP Dec. 25, 2017; EDD Sep. 5, 2018; DD arrived Aug. 26th My chart: https://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/63f71d
27 weeks here. My last MFM appointment showed an increase of fluid in one of the baby's kidneys. Apparently it's more common in boys and we'll continue to monitor it, but I am doing my best to not overly concern myself. Just continuing to do my best to stay positive and enjoy the bright spots of the pregnancy!
Re: Appointments | Week of May 28th
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
Last pregnancy the other MFM mentioned something about possible additional monitoring from 36 weeks forward and definitely monitoring if I went overdue and that sounded very reasonable to me. 32 weeks though? I'm struggling with that.
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
Even though I was a bad patient who started a medication without notifying my doctor and painted without a mask (oh the horror), my doctors are good with me having my 28 week appt and then waiting 3 weeks instead of 2 since I'm healthy and not having any complications. After that it may be 2 or 3 weeks until getting to 36 weeks. I'm grateful that they're relaxed enough to let me stretch it out since scheduling appts with my work schedule is tough.
And to your husband's point, could you create world peace on your way home too?
I’m at the beginning of the month (27w tomorrow) and don’t go to biweekly appts until July, then weekly in August. My H came to almost every appt. last time and I think he has been to 3 this time. He may or may not start coming again towards the end. My OB doesn’t normally do cervical checks until 39w but last time after measuring DD on the u/s at 38w she asked me if I wanted one (and said it can start contractions) so I said definitely and that’s what started early labor for me. Hoping to deliver around 38w again this time (mostly so I can avoid another 9lb+ baby). We’ll see if she’ll be willing to do a membrane sweep. I’d like to try everything natural before they have to induce me.
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
But I think you are right and I should get up off my butt and end world hunger, create world peace and restructure the entire midwifery practice during nap time today. Cause everything should always be perfect all the time!
P.S. I looked at the website for the hospital I'm using where the midwife and MFM practices are based out of, and I think they (the MFM) may be a bit more aggressive with being proactive with extra testing because of the whatever ranking they have of being the most qualified in the area to treat the sickest moms and babies. So, I mean that's good right? I'm still going to question it a bit more, ask for some information to read about the reasons for that much testing, ect and go from there. I had 2 local (ish) mom friends who were 38-40 during their last pregnancy and they said they started extra twice weekly monitoring between 34 & 36 weeks, so that's 2 more local(ish) practices that start pretty early monitoring for AMA. I'm thinking along the lines of compromising with once a week extra monitoring from 32-36 weeks and then doing the recommended twice weekly from 36 forward unless something changes. And @nlc8424 I'm totally going to try my best to get the appts as back to back with regular checkups as possible! Since everything is one site in one big suite of offices on the same floor it's usually possible to schedule a block of stuff with different people one after the other.
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
Of course, waiting on my GD test results I also took today and depending on that may have to go sooner. Ugh.
I asked about my weight as I have gained 1 lb and should I be worried. I would classify myself as slightly chubby, so I didn't think I had much to worry about, but wanted to check. He reviewed my anatomy scan with me and everything was average and fine, so he said at my next appointment if I haven't gained that they might do another scan, but most likely I will see an uptick in the scale from this point forward.
My final favorite was they schedule all my appointments from here on out, the majority of my appointments with my two favorite doctors. Yay!
My anxiety has subsided for a week or two.
high I’d prefer to just skip the 3-hour! I don’t want to fast, drink an even grosser drink (it’s a higher glucose content) and get stuck with a needle 4 times! I wonder if they need the official test for insurance purposes or something, though.
Assuming things proceed as expected I’ll start a GD thread in the next week or so.
Married Aug. 2013
TTC #1 Sep. 2016
***TW***
BFP Jun. 5, 2017; MMC Aug. 2, 2017 at 11w6d
BFP Nov. 20, 2017; ended in CP
All the tests. Everything normal except treated for ureaplasma and DH potentially has high DNAF.
BFP Dec. 25, 2017; EDD Sep. 5, 2018; DD arrived Aug. 26th
My chart: https://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/63f71d