Would you get an amnio? Ambiguous genitalia at 20 week US

[Anonymous]

Had an epidural with my first. Was in the not sure if I would try unmedicated or not and then was induced and decided for epidural at 7 cm. Had done a birth class but not a class specifically for unmedicated birth. Second time, got to the hospital with the same mentality - will see how long I can go. No class this time. About 20 min before delivery, hunched over the bed, I thought “hmm, should probably have prepared in SOME way for this.” Called in doctor but was too late for epidural and had baby 20 min later. All that to say you can rely on previous birth class but yes, just wing it.

Good luck

[Anonymous]

Good luck, OP! Glad you’re feeling less overwhelmed at the moment. Wishing you a safe delivery. <3

[Anonymous]

Thinking of you, OP.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the update, OP! You've got this. I prepared for my first labor, didn't much for my second, and made it through unmedicated just fine (if that's your goal). As another PP said, it is what it is. If you decide you want the epidural at some point, go for it. Take it as it comes. You'll meet your sweet baby soon! Big hugs to you.

[Anonymous]

OP - It's great that you're feeling a sense of "normalcy" as you prepare for the birth, and I think those feelings will actually only increase once the baby is born. Yes, you have some unknowns ahead of you, but right now the baby is an abstract thing. Once the baby is born, you'll have an actual person to love and feed and change, and who will spit up on you and keep you up in the night and whom you'll absolutely adore. The medical issues, though very real, will recede into the background, and the new little person in your life will come into focus. Good luck on the end of your pregnancy, and keep us posted - we're rooting for you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP checking in, still pregnant! Much more prepared now though, finally packed my hospital bag and some clothes for the baby, set up the bassinet and all that, even ordered the toddler a gift "from" the new baby (dinosaur books!). I think getting all the prep and supplies together has been helpful in reminding me that whatever else is going on, this is also just . . . a baby. We have some questions, but still need to/get to do all the regular baby stuff. It's like a bit of normalcy.

So with that said, now I'm just trying to get mentally prepared for labor. I did Hypnobabies last time and it was fine but way too time-consuming, so now I'm sort of just . . . winging it? Is that what most STMs do? I've listened to some of the Hypnobabies audio I still have on my computer to encourage a positive/relaxed mindset and all that, hopefully that'll be enough. I'm in week 39 now, so it shouldn't be too much longer of a wait.

This is soooo important.

I am so happy that life is speaking to you in these terms right now. So happy.

[Anonymous]

Another person who did Hypnobabies (and got very little out of it, TBH) first time around and then just winged it unmedicated for second and third. You already know generally what to expect, so I would do what feels right to you in the moment and leave the rest. Bon courage!

[Anonymous]

Thinking of you OP!

Winging it is fine. It’s woman have been doing since the beginning of time. Your instincts take over. It’ll be great.

[Anonymous]

You've got this, OP! Sending you good wishes!

[Anonymous]

OP reporting in: the baby is here and healthy and beautiful, and we're thrilled! The birth went well, I decided to go with an epidural this time (10/10 stars, highly recommend!), both baby and I came through fine. As the ultrasounds showed, things look ambiguous, gender-wise, though somewhat more male at least externally. We've already been seen at CHOP, and have yet more appointments to come (geneticist, urologist, endocrinologist, all these folks are involved) as we try to sort out exactly what's going on and how to proceed; a bunch of tests have been ordered so we'll learn more as we get results back and see the various doctors. All of the medical folks we've interacted with so far have been really wonderful, kind, and patient, so we feel like we've in very good hands as a family.

We went ahead and gave the baby a gender neutral name and are currently using non-binary pronouns (they/them/their) - feels a bit awkward rolling off the tongue, and the grandparents aren't 100% catching on (they are trying though!), but feels like the wisest course of action for right now.

Thank you all again for the unwavering support as I navigated the second half of pregnancy dealing with this unusual situation - it was a huge help, and I sincerely appreciate it. There are still lots of unknowns and there will be some complex decisions to make as we start to get answers, but I think we're going to be ok.

[Anonymous]

Congratulations, OP! Please give your little one some snuggles from all of us who have been rooting for your family.

[Anonymous]

All the congratulations, OP!! That is wonderful news that your sweet baby is here and healthy. I’m so very glad you feel as supported as you do. Major grandparent points that they’re trying, too. Big hugs to you and your family, and especially to your beautiful newborn!

[Anonymous]

Congratulations on meeting the newest member of the family, hooray!

[Anonymous]

Congratulations, OP! This is the first time I’ve posted but I happened to catch you today for this wonderful news of your baby’s birth! Take good care of yourself.

[Anonymous]

So glad to hear you have a healthy child, OP! Best wishes to you and your family! It sounds like the little one will have a happy, wonderful home and lovely, supportive parents. <3