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I had an emergency c at GW 18 days ago. Was there about a week total (labor and recovery). 99% of my nurses were fantastic. They were so helpful but pain management was an issue - pain mess weren't scheduled so I found I was trying to care for baby and walk and would then be in horrible pain because is gone too long. I had to ask many times for basic mess like gas x and colace to get that stuff going. I was about to have my DH go to cvs for them. But all in all the care was amazing and honestly the location of GW is a huge help. My husband was able to get out for a bit each day and stay sane. He was able to get us food - our last night we had burgers and shakes.
Lastly the private rooms, while small, are invaluable. Having recovered in a hospital for a c, I couldn't imagine a shared room. It'd be horrible.
Lastly the private rooms, while small, are invaluable. Having recovered in a hospital for a c, I couldn't imagine a shared room. It'd be horrible.
.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:If you only see the super-processed junk, you're missing out. Trader Joe's is pretty good for plain basics--nuts, dairy, frozen vegetables, baking staples, peanut butter, hummus, frozen fish, canned beans, etc.
So too is Safeway
clearly you've never been to the 17th Street safeway - I wouldn't buy anything in that dump. Additionally, safeway and giant are expensive (though maybe there's an upcharge in the District?)
I just try to drive to wegmans when I need a big shopping trip, but TJ's is cheaper for basics for most people like me (live in the city, don't have much storage space for Costco-sized items, etc)
Also, TJs will take anything back. Even if you buy something and don't like it, they'll give you a refund. If you buy vegan "cheese" with mold in the package, just bring it back. I'm sure it's gross, but they do have helpful customer service.
OP - this is so sweet of you. If you haven't found recipes yet, skinnytaste.com has MANY ideas you could consider including for some healthy muffins and I think she has a pot pie recipe.
When I do pot pie (I make a root veggie one, not chicken, but it's SO yummy and warming) I actually make biscuits to serve on top instead of the puffed pastry - that way, it's a bit healthier. Maybe you could do something like this?
http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/01/chicken-pot-pie-soup.html
(I actually use the biscuits mentioned in the post and they are DELICIOUS)
She has lots of muffin and scone recipes, too. I know I always sing her praises but I've never made a bad recipe from her (I love her tuna noodle casserole)
When I do pot pie (I make a root veggie one, not chicken, but it's SO yummy and warming) I actually make biscuits to serve on top instead of the puffed pastry - that way, it's a bit healthier. Maybe you could do something like this?
http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/01/chicken-pot-pie-soup.html
(I actually use the biscuits mentioned in the post and they are DELICIOUS)
She has lots of muffin and scone recipes, too. I know I always sing her praises but I've never made a bad recipe from her (I love her tuna noodle casserole)
Thanks, PP - I am of COURSE hoping this is my story as well!
I'm very thankful that I have many of the tools to try to help him along. I'm now working half days so I don't just sit at my desk all day...I walk the dog frequently and try to keep busy around the house to avoid just sitting. I cook and clean and all that. I was hoping all of that would HELP! lol
I am only sharing, really, because I think it's important for other moms-to-be who are in a similar position to know they aren't alone. So many threads are about "so you think you had a natural delivery" and "any medical intervention is bad!". I very much worked to get this to work in my favor - and it still just might! But, you can't always be in charge of everything and the ultimate goal is a healthy mom and a healthy baby.
I'm very thankful that I have many of the tools to try to help him along. I'm now working half days so I don't just sit at my desk all day...I walk the dog frequently and try to keep busy around the house to avoid just sitting. I cook and clean and all that. I was hoping all of that would HELP! lol
I am only sharing, really, because I think it's important for other moms-to-be who are in a similar position to know they aren't alone. So many threads are about "so you think you had a natural delivery" and "any medical intervention is bad!". I very much worked to get this to work in my favor - and it still just might! But, you can't always be in charge of everything and the ultimate goal is a healthy mom and a healthy baby.
Op here - I don't have a doula ($$$) but my husband and I have done a lot of work on unmedicated labor including Susan Messina's class and a class about using yoga and massage in labor. He knows that I am going for unmedicated because of the moving around.
My doctor told me that once the Cervidil is in, I need to be in bed for an hour but after that can move around as I want - stairs, shower, whatever. I just can't leave the hospital. And she didn't make it seem like she was stretching policy - but that two rounds of Cervidil is everyone's option.
I have read a lot about how to get baby to move. I sit in the floor when we watch tv, go for walks, sit on the ball, etc. I obviously know that if he isn't ready, induction isn't ideal but I do respect that my provider has a reason to be concerned about blood pressure and size - even if ultrasounds are off, his head was (my husband has a big head!), which could be preventing him from engaging...in which case we won't know until we try.
It's definite not an ideal situation, but I respect weighing the risks and benefits. I'll be past 40 weeks and he will be fine. I have come to terms with the situation not being what I had prepared for. Since my doctor won't be there (she delivers a different day) I don't believe this has anything to do with her convenience but instead not wanting to wonder about my bp first, baby getting even bigger second.
I go back Monday for an NST and check, and will have a short discussion about what steps I should take at the hospital to avoid being sectioned. GW doesn't seem to push c-sections and I know my doctor wants me to avoid it.
My doctor told me that once the Cervidil is in, I need to be in bed for an hour but after that can move around as I want - stairs, shower, whatever. I just can't leave the hospital. And she didn't make it seem like she was stretching policy - but that two rounds of Cervidil is everyone's option.
I have read a lot about how to get baby to move. I sit in the floor when we watch tv, go for walks, sit on the ball, etc. I obviously know that if he isn't ready, induction isn't ideal but I do respect that my provider has a reason to be concerned about blood pressure and size - even if ultrasounds are off, his head was (my husband has a big head!), which could be preventing him from engaging...in which case we won't know until we try.
It's definite not an ideal situation, but I respect weighing the risks and benefits. I'll be past 40 weeks and he will be fine. I have come to terms with the situation not being what I had prepared for. Since my doctor won't be there (she delivers a different day) I don't believe this has anything to do with her convenience but instead not wanting to wonder about my bp first, baby getting even bigger second.
I go back Monday for an NST and check, and will have a short discussion about what steps I should take at the hospital to avoid being sectioned. GW doesn't seem to push c-sections and I know my doctor wants me to avoid it.
Op here
Today we just went ahead and scheduled an induction for next week. I am due Friday (the 25th) and my doctor and I weighed the options together and discussed the process.
She doesn't think blood pressure is much of an issue at this point but concluded that we might not know. The issue at this point might be size - he hasn't even dropped and she it could be a his big head just won't engage and the only way to find out is trial and error (lucky me).
So I am content and at this point just hope I can avoid a c section. I'll be beyond full term and he still has time to make an appearance on his own before induction. I am also comfortable with my input in the process - I can choose to wait out induction for a long time if I want, and try multiple cervidil attempts before using pitocin.
But still, sort of sad it looks like he won't come on his own. Trying to remain hopeful for a vaginal delivery but I do NOT feel pressured into a c section by my doctor at all. She said I could be there for three days being induced if I wanted (um, no thanks!).
So that's what's up with my blood pressure story. Will spend the weekend walking and maybe having sex. Which sounds horrible at this point! Thanks all for the experiences/advice/kind words
Today we just went ahead and scheduled an induction for next week. I am due Friday (the 25th) and my doctor and I weighed the options together and discussed the process.
She doesn't think blood pressure is much of an issue at this point but concluded that we might not know. The issue at this point might be size - he hasn't even dropped and she it could be a his big head just won't engage and the only way to find out is trial and error (lucky me).
So I am content and at this point just hope I can avoid a c section. I'll be beyond full term and he still has time to make an appearance on his own before induction. I am also comfortable with my input in the process - I can choose to wait out induction for a long time if I want, and try multiple cervidil attempts before using pitocin.
But still, sort of sad it looks like he won't come on his own. Trying to remain hopeful for a vaginal delivery but I do NOT feel pressured into a c section by my doctor at all. She said I could be there for three days being induced if I wanted (um, no thanks!).
So that's what's up with my blood pressure story. Will spend the weekend walking and maybe having sex. Which sounds horrible at this point! Thanks all for the experiences/advice/kind words
Op: I have a long thread on here about bp concerns. My doctor is concerned about this for me (read the thread).
However, I now take my Bp in the chair, not on the exam table, with my feet flat on the ground. I also take it before my weight because scales stress me out.
That said, be proactive - watch out for other signs and keep communcication open with your provider. This has been our plan. If I start to get headaches or swelling other than normal swelling, I know to call. My bp has been in the 130/70-80 range most of my pregnancy with a few readings higher and lower (today was lower!). I know how stressful it can be!
all my lab work including the 24hr urine collection were fine - so if you haven't done that, it can't hurt.
Good luck
However, I now take my Bp in the chair, not on the exam table, with my feet flat on the ground. I also take it before my weight because scales stress me out.
That said, be proactive - watch out for other signs and keep communcication open with your provider. This has been our plan. If I start to get headaches or swelling other than normal swelling, I know to call. My bp has been in the 130/70-80 range most of my pregnancy with a few readings higher and lower (today was lower!). I know how stressful it can be!
all my lab work including the 24hr urine collection were fine - so if you haven't done that, it can't hurt.
Good luck
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Try to find Tums Refreshers - supplement what the Doc says you can have (I use zantac 150 at night) and chew the Tums Refreshers throughout the day, and take a couple before bed. They are fantastic and everyone I give a few to ends up buying them.
Also, reflux showing up at the end of pregnancy can be a larger issue (pre-e) so definitely mention it to your doctor if you haven't already!
Link please? I have never heard this before. I thought that reflux at the end of pregnancy is totally normal because the baby is crowding your digestive organs more as he gets bigger.
It can be normal but some people don't mention it to doctor (http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/preeclampsia) and thing heartburn/reflux is nothing. Odds are its just baby pushing everything but if you've gone all pregnancy without it until now, it doesn't hurt to bring it up. A few posters on DCUM previously said they had this as part of their pre-e diagnosis.
Again, not saying this is the case at all!! But so many people come on here it is worth mentioning
And I know reflux sucks. My baby will likely have a giant head of hair.
Thanks, I'll check it out.
I am sure on Monday we will talk excessively about our options.
Fwiw I do think I have been very proactive in assessing my risk factors - asking for the blood work and 24 hr urine collection. Starting Monday, I might see if coming in every few days will be more or less helpful.
I am not opposed to induction in general, but it is natural to fear failed induction. I think I need to structure the conversation to also include how they determine induction processes aren't working. Because an impatient doctor might have more to do with a csection outcome. And I might have to forego natural birth if induction is unbearable. But that's life, right?
I am sure on Monday we will talk excessively about our options.
Fwiw I do think I have been very proactive in assessing my risk factors - asking for the blood work and 24 hr urine collection. Starting Monday, I might see if coming in every few days will be more or less helpful.
I am not opposed to induction in general, but it is natural to fear failed induction. I think I need to structure the conversation to also include how they determine induction processes aren't working. Because an impatient doctor might have more to do with a csection outcome. And I might have to forego natural birth if induction is unbearable. But that's life, right?
OP here...yes, I know to take it seriously, but my doctor is also (obviously) not in a rush. I saw her Tuesday. I go back Monday. Part of the point of me working half days after this week is so that I'm available for increased screening if necessary. I know PRE-E develops quickly, as I've said a few times on this thread. But I also know that my doctor worries a lot.
Also, what does "unfavorable bishop score is actually more of an indication for induction" mean? indication of what? successful? Not successful? If you read the thread, my worry is being induced because of fears, not justifications, and that the induction will fail because I'm not close enough to being ready so labor doesn't start properly/stalls and I end up needing a C-Section.
Also, what does "unfavorable bishop score is actually more of an indication for induction" mean? indication of what? successful? Not successful? If you read the thread, my worry is being induced because of fears, not justifications, and that the induction will fail because I'm not close enough to being ready so labor doesn't start properly/stalls and I end up needing a C-Section.
thanks for asking - he's clearly NOT measuring small.
Estimate from scan was 8lbs 2oz currently (obviously give or take the 10% in either direction). 38 weeks pregnant.
When she was measuring the head, my husband said, "is it normal sized?" and the sonographer said, "actually measuring a little big". Grrrreat.
But - no small baby here, that we can tell. Not sure what the next step is. I go back Monday. I've been reading up on inductions vs Bishop Score so I have the info I need.
I am going to start working half days next week, which might help my overall circulation/BP. If the weather clears up, I'll make an effort to walk in the afternoon once I'm home and fed so as to try to help move "bishop score" points along.
Estimate from scan was 8lbs 2oz currently (obviously give or take the 10% in either direction). 38 weeks pregnant.
When she was measuring the head, my husband said, "is it normal sized?" and the sonographer said, "actually measuring a little big". Grrrreat.
But - no small baby here, that we can tell. Not sure what the next step is. I go back Monday. I've been reading up on inductions vs Bishop Score so I have the info I need.
I am going to start working half days next week, which might help my overall circulation/BP. If the weather clears up, I'll make an effort to walk in the afternoon once I'm home and fed so as to try to help move "bishop score" points along.
OMG I was just thinking about booking this massage in the next few weeks, too.
Now I might have to - I LOVE their prenatal one so....
Congrats, OP! report back
Now I might have to - I LOVE their prenatal one so....
Congrats, OP! report back
thanks - I think if it gets to that point, I'll ask for a second opinion from another OB if I can.
I do mind an induction for the sake of induction - I know how it works if your body is not at all ready for it. I'm on 1CM dialated and just over 50% effaced so if I got drugs now for induction, I'd be screwed.
I appreciate caution, for sure, but I'm not sure I view this as caution or doubt that an overweight woman with mildly elevated BP (which might be normal!) can have a perfectly healthy pregnancy and delivery. I want to hope it's extreme caution.
I'm going in for a growth scan today, and I go back Monday. I'm going to transition to half days at work, so to me that gives my doctor the option to have me come in for extra monitoring (BP/urine checks) for piece of mind.
That said, the thought - now - of going to 41 weeks....UGH! lol
I do mind an induction for the sake of induction - I know how it works if your body is not at all ready for it. I'm on 1CM dialated and just over 50% effaced so if I got drugs now for induction, I'd be screwed.
I appreciate caution, for sure, but I'm not sure I view this as caution or doubt that an overweight woman with mildly elevated BP (which might be normal!) can have a perfectly healthy pregnancy and delivery. I want to hope it's extreme caution.
I'm going in for a growth scan today, and I go back Monday. I'm going to transition to half days at work, so to me that gives my doctor the option to have me come in for extra monitoring (BP/urine checks) for piece of mind.
That said, the thought - now - of going to 41 weeks....UGH! lol
Op here....
My 24hr urine and blood test results were all normal. My doctor thanks I cold just have mild hypertension, not pre-e or HELLP. My second bp reading is always lower. I joked maybe they should take my Bp before they weigh me!
I hop it isn't helpful to have no real baseline bp because I don't have a PCP.
That said, she said if I do have mild hypertension, which we don't know, she doesn't know how far past 40 weeks she is comfortable letting me go. She is trying to send me for a growth ultrasound in case baby is measuring small (doubtful).
I am 37 and 4 and only a cm dilated (I think still 50% effaced). So we'll see what happens.
But the lab results being normal is good!
My 24hr urine and blood test results were all normal. My doctor thanks I cold just have mild hypertension, not pre-e or HELLP. My second bp reading is always lower. I joked maybe they should take my Bp before they weigh me!
I hop it isn't helpful to have no real baseline bp because I don't have a PCP.
That said, she said if I do have mild hypertension, which we don't know, she doesn't know how far past 40 weeks she is comfortable letting me go. She is trying to send me for a growth ultrasound in case baby is measuring small (doubtful).
I am 37 and 4 and only a cm dilated (I think still 50% effaced). So we'll see what happens.
But the lab results being normal is good!
Thanks for the reply, PP - I'm sorry that happened to you. But I am glad that I volunteered for blood work. I should have the results at my Tuesday appointment, at which I'll be past 37 weeks so that is comforting (sort of).