Appointment Check-in Week of 8/21

[mkrupar]

ssm we're really just going as long as I can at this point. I don't know that there's an end goal other than "one more day". I should have the results from the recent lab work on Monday, and I go back in Friday for my weekly NST. I think it's really going to come down to a game day decision by the MFM. If she sees something concerning in the labs or on my scans she'll make the call to deliver.

As I said in a PP I'm just hoping that decision is made before any severe symptoms develop.

[August Blooms]

ssm Sending good vibes, hopefully you can get the BP under control and avoid an early delivery.

[chitownsully]

Thinking good thoughts for you ssm 💜

[duskymonkey]

Rama, so happy for you about your appt update. I'll continue keeping you, bubs and Mr.rama in my thoughts and think positive vibes. Re: home birth. Just keep Your options open and don't stress about having to make a decision this early on...you'll come to one when it's appropriate and likely based on what is safest for bubs and yourself. I will admit though after going through DS' birth, I would never ever want to deal with a home birth scenario...I had no concept of how messy and bloody it all was. Seriously would have to Dexterfy the area + path to bathroom and clean up would be a total nightmare and top priority for me is for safety medical reasons...I ended up needing a CS so was glad to be in the hospital.

[duskymonkey]

mkrupar, really happy to hear about your great appt. sending you lots of positive vibes to keep bubs in as long as possible.
ssm, thinking about you too. Big hugs and glad to know you're being monitored closely. Stay in and cook baby!

[moonandback141]

mkrupar and ssm rooting for you gals to keep those babies cooking!

[moonandback141]

How far along are you? Today I am 31w1d; at Friday's appt I was 30w5d

Any concerns? How are you feeling? Feeling good--actually really good that I passed 30w4d which is the day last pregnancy that I went into preterm labor. I know it's nothing scientific but it feels good to know it didn't happen then.

What kind of appointment? Regular OB checkup

How did it go? Good, very quick.

Any feels/vents/etc? I gained 4 lbs since the check two weeks ago so that was a downer.

Learn anything new? Fundal height was 30.5 and HB was 150.

Next appointment: 9/11 for an ultrasound and another check up!

[Rama]

Aug 27, 2017 15:31:15 GMT -6 duskymonkey said:

Rama , so happy for you about your appt update. I'll continue keeping you, bubs and Mr.rama in my thoughts and think positive vibes. Re: home birth. Just keep Your options open and don't stress about having to make a decision this early on...you'll come to one when it's appropriate and likely based on what is safest for bubs and yourself. I will admit though after going through DS' birth, I would never ever want to deal with a home birth scenario...I had no concept of how messy and bloody it all was. Seriously would have to Dexterfy the area + path to bathroom and clean up would be a total nightmare and top priority for me is for safety medical reasons...I ended up needing a CS so was glad to be in the hospital.

I think I have a pretty good idea of what to expect at a birth, either way.  I've actually attended several of my friends' births at both hospitals and home!    But yes, I'm not stressing about the decision now and I know we'll make the right one for us when we get there.

[CoachTsWife]

Rama do I remember right that you live blogged LED's labor and delivery?

[Rama]

Aug 29, 2017 13:53:18 GMT -6 CoachTsWife said:

Rama do I remember right that you live blogged LED's labor and delivery?

Correct.

[Rama]

Actually, amusingly enough, LED's birth was the one I was least involved in because it was a CS. I made her H go back instead of me.

[chitownsully]

Aug 29, 2017 14:47:54 GMT -6 Rama said:

Actually, amusingly enough, LED's birth was the one I was least involved in because it was a CS. I made her H go back instead of me.

FFTC - I totally followed LED's thread even though I didn't really know either of you. Love it!

[CoachTsWife]

How far along are you? 35+2 (Tuesday 8/29)

Any concerns? How are you feeling? I'm feeling pretty good except for the belly button pain.

What kind of appointment? Regular OB and I dropped off my FMLA paperwork for them to fill out.

How did it go? It was a quick appt - just the usual stuff.

Learn anything new? Dr asked me to schedule an U/S at my appt next week to get a baseline for fluid and baby's size (we did this around 36 weeks last pregnancy as well). Also, she's made some comments about hoping I go early due to my risk factors (AMA, autoimmune disease, blood clotting disorder) so I asked her for more details about that because I prefer to go as naturally as possible and do not want to be induced if I can avoid it. It was starting to is stressing me out. She basically said she hopes labor starts naturally sometime between 39-40 weeks but if I get to 40 weeks she'll want to help things along and we'll discuss it then. I'm mostly satisfied with this, except she moved my date almost a week earlier (9/25) and I do not agree with her because I was charting.

Any feels/vents/etc? Just trying to wrap my head around the possibility of a Sept baby (EDD is 10/1, so possible regardless) and stressing that my OB has my due date earlier and I don't want to be pressured to induce based on a due date that I don't agree with.

Next appointment: Next week

[thatgirlrachel]

How far along are you? 35+2

Any concerns? How are you feeling? Feeling pretty good, just feeling big. I'm getting to that point where I just want to come home from work, strip down to nothing, and lay down. But, it's hard doing that when I have a wild toddler running around.

What kind of appointment? Regular midwife check-up.

How did it go? Great! They confirmed we'll do another U/S at my next appointment to get a few more pictures of his heart and to check growth.

Learn anything new? Not really.

Any feels/vents/etc? A little annoyed I have to wait 2 weeks to go back instead of starting weekly visits next week (see below).

Next appointment: Sept. 13th (2 weeks). Midwife asked if I wanted to start weekly visits next week or wait until 37 weeks. Of course I opted for 36 weeks because I was anxious for the growth scan and cervical check. Well, the U/S tech didn't have anything open until the 13th so I'll end up waiting two weeks anyway. At that visit they'll do U/S, check-up with midwife after, cervical check, and group B strep test.

[Taitai]

How far along are you? 32w6d

Any concerns? How are you feeling? I've been having a lot of pain in my bump lately, and it seemed like the baby was stretching me out in new places. Well - I learned why today. Baby turned breech since our last appointment 2 weeks ago. The bump pain started to get bad 2 days ago, so I suspect baby flipped very recently. What the heck baby??? Was the anniversary date night food just too yummy and caused you to literally flip???

What kind of appointment? Regular bi-weekly MFM checkup.

How did it go? Aside from learning baby has turned breech, it was fine. My Zika test from last visit came back negative, and I passed my repeat 1 hr glucose test with no issues. Fluid levels are looking good - still have the stupid SCH, which I don't think will ever go away.

Learn anything new? Breech....if baby doesn't turn head down by 36 weeks, we'll schedule a C-section for 38 weeks. Due to my already thinned membranes and risk of water breaking early, the doctor would like to do the CS at 38 weeks versus waiting until 39 or 40. The reason is because there is an increased risk of cord prolapse if my water breaks while baby is breech, and cord prolapse is not something to mess around with. Since my water broke before labor at 38 weeks for DS, and it broke before labor started for both my sister and my mom - the doctors are pretty sure my water bag will not hold until 39 or 40 weeks....especially as my SCH has already thinned the membranes. So, I guess unless baby flips, we're looking at a 38 week CS. If my water breaks before the CS date and baby is breech, I have to get to the hospital super super fast. Thankfully, we are only a 5 min drive away.

Any feels/vents/etc? Given all the complications and bedrest I've had, I know I should just be happy that baby is healthy and still inside. I'm just really really bummed about the possibility of a CS at 38 weeks. I wanted another vaginal birth (like I had with DS). I have had abdominal surgery for my endometriosis several times, and I know what recovery is like. I just hope baby flips back to head down so I can avoid the CS. 🤞🤞

Next appointment: 2 weeks from today

[cythe]

I'm sorry for the possible c-sec Taitai. Fx baby stops and asks for directions and gets head down!

[mkrupar]

Fingers crossed baby flips Taitai. There's still time. Are you going to try Spinning Babies?

[Taitai]

Aug 31, 2017 11:14:16 GMT -6 mkrupar said:

Fingers crossed baby flips Taitai. There's still time. Are you going to try Spinning Babies?

Thanks mkrupar! I asked my MFM about spinning babies and he told me not to try it, since my membranes are already thinned out and I'm at risk for PPROM. Plus, if the water breaks while baby is breech - I have the cord prolapse risk. My SPD diagnosis also means I have to be careful with my hips and some of the spinning babies positions are no-no's for SPD.

Sooooooo....just kind of hoping and praying baby figures it out on his own. 😩

[mkrupar]

Aug 31, 2017 18:21:46 GMT -6 Taitai said:

Aug 31, 2017 11:14:16 GMT -6 mkrupar said:

Fingers crossed baby flips Taitai. There's still time. Are you going to try Spinning Babies?

Thanks mkrupar! I asked my MFM about spinning babies and he told me not to try it, since my membranes are already thinned out and I'm at risk for PPROM. Plus, if the water breaks while baby is breech - I have the cord prolapse risk. My SPD diagnosis also means I have to be careful with my hips and some of the spinning babies positions are no-no's for SPD.

Sooooooo....just kind of hoping and praying baby figures it out on his own. 😩

I wondered if that option would be out with your complications. I'll send you "spin baby spin" vibes.

[rachydc]

I'm really jealous of all of you getting ultrasounds. My OB doesn't do them past 20 weeks unless there's a major concern :/

[thatgirlrachel]

Aug 31, 2017 19:40:09 GMT -6 rachydc said:

I'm really jealous of all of you getting ultrasounds. My OB doesn't do them past 20 weeks unless there's a major concern :/

That's how my OB's office was with DD. I got the dating scan and anatomy scan last time. This time I've gotten two extra scans because they wanted more pictures and to check his growth. It's so strange to me but I'm not complaining.

[thatgirlrachel]

Taitai, sending all the spinning vibes to you and your babe! FX!

[mkrupar]

How far along are you? 34+5

Any concerns? How are you feeling? Just the continued worry about developing severe Pre-e. Everything is holding steady though, so fingers crossed it stays that way.

What kind of appointment? OB and NST/BPP

How did it go? OB was fine. I signed the consent form for my RCS + tubal ligation, so it's in my records. Got my TDAP.

Any feels/vents/etc? A little relieved. After I sent my BP Logs to the MFM, she wrote me back saying she wanted to see me after my NST/BPP. Based on my BP rising, we're adjusting my meds again. MFM is scheduling my RCS for 37 - 37+6. She doesn't want me going past that, but is comfortable where things are at right now, and is confident we can make it to that week. So in theory, I'll have a newborn squish by September 23rd. Eep!! I'm happy to (almost) have an end in sight. I'll know a definitive date next week.

Learn anything new? If I make it to RCS date I won't have to have magnesium for delivery!!!

Next appointment: Tuesday - NST/BPP, Friday - OB & NST/BPP

[ssm]

How far along are you? 32.4

Any concerns? How are you feeling? Pretty the same. DS has been making quite painful movements lately and sometimes I feel rlp again and it HURTS

What kind of appointment? BPP, growth scan, and on

How did it go? 2/3 good. DS is measuring well. Fluids are measuring well. He finally cooperated for his bpp and practiced his breathing for 30sec. He almost didn't pass. But after some soda and me waking around, he woke up enough to be more active. I say 2/3 because when I had my bp checked it was 149/102. Ob wasn't too happy about that. We had quite the realistic conversation. Yes, I am stable. But honestly, my bp has been consistently increasing. Our first goal is pass 34wks. Then we will see how much further we get. We talked about steroids and when we may need to do them. Which I'm glad we did, but still the thought of preterm delivery isn't exactly a happy conversation to have. She honestly thinks I will pass 34wks. But she isn't sure I will make it to 37. Labs at first glance seem fine. She hasn't emailed me about them, but I can compare them to previous results. It does look like protein is increasing, but is still within the acceptable limit. Platelets are still in good shape which is great!
So I'm still in a holding pattern of week by week. I have 10 days until my first short term goal. And then it pretty much becomes day to day.

Any feels/vents/etc? Relief and anxiety at the same time.

Learn anything new? Baby is currently head down. Of course we all know that can change.

Next appointment: next Friday - bpp and ob

[mkrupar]

Remind me again why the OB doesn't want to try to control the BP with meds ssm?

Seems like such a simple thing to do that could buy you more time if everything else is otherwise in line.

[bubblefan]

Keeping everything crossed for you, mkrupar and ssm, that your BPs stabilize and babies keep cooking as long as they need!

[ssm]

Sept 1, 2017 13:55:45 GMT -6 mkrupar said:

Remind me again why the OB doesn't want to try to control the BP with meds ssm?

Seems like such a simple thing to do that could buy you more time if everything else is otherwise in line.

i asked her about it today.
- since everything is relatively in control, she doesn't want to mask if the bp spikes out of control by artificially keeping it low. And the rising bp is a good indicator for me for when things are getting out of control. And by keeping a close eye on it, we can redo bloodwork ASAP if we start to see a trend of too high bp
- it does self regulate still. It comes back down on its own to an allowed limit. So we don't want to treat it and then have it too low either.
- it isn't in the dangerous zone consistently right now. If it were consistently 160/105, then we would discuss meds, but currently it does stay 140/90s occasionally 150/100s but always comes back to 140/90s

Also because she knows I am keeping such a close eye on things, she is okay letting things go a little longer as they are. I monitor the bp quite closely and if I notice something off, I rest and recheck. So, between my ocd and their consistent monitoring, she is quite confident we will see when things start to change.

[parma986]

How far along are you? 33+1 (yesterday)

Any concerns? How are you feeling? I'm okay, DD is making some uncomfortable moves because of her position (see below)

What kind of appointment? Ultrasound w/OB follow up

How did it go? Pretty good. No growth check as I had one last week when I had an emergent US to check the length of my cervix. At that time she was measuring approx 4 lb 9 oz and right on track. She is, however, laying transverse not head down . DD1 was also transverse at this appointment and flipped herself, so fingers crossed this baby does too. My fluid was good (last pregnancy my levels were high so this was a relief) as was my BP. They are going to do another US at 36 weeks to confirm her position and then schedule a c-section for 39 weeks if she is not flip by then.

Any feels/vents/etc? I'm frustrated that she is not in the right position but grateful that she looks healthy and is growing on track.

Learn anything new? I knew she was transverse from last week so nothing really new.

Next appointment: The 14th- routine OB appointment