*** March Mummies *** 29 Boys, 34 Girls, 8 Team Yellow! 46 babies born!!

[codegirl]

Angela -

Melissa - I agree with the girls about counting movement and if you are at all worried see if you can go in for a Non-Stress Test (where they hook you up to monitors to watch the baby's heartbeat and see if there is any movement with the uterus).

I think the standard of treatment here in Alberta is changing to do less internal exams. I had more internals to check for dilation etc with Edward than with this one and this one is "higher risk" so as frustrating as it is, I actually think it's better for us and our babies to have less "invasion" down there.

Gravity is your friend so try and move more if you can, that can help the baby engage and the pressure of the head can help ripen the cervix. Also some can help prep your body too.

Do you have a birth ball? Sitting on that can help as well as leaning over it to help the baby get in a good position.

The unknown is scary but I'm sure that if the dr. had any concerns AT ALL about your ability to push that baby out they would be talking induction or c-section. You are an amazing woman and you CAN DO THIS! I have lots of faith


I had my bi-weekly ultrasound yesterday and baby is estimated at 6 1/2 lbs (+-1 lb either way). Growth is right on the growth chart and fluid is still high side of normal so dr.s are still happy Induction avoidance here I come

Of course, if you take that estimate, add 1/2 a lb a week until 42 weeks (that's when E was born) then this baby would be the EXACT SAME SIZE as E. hmmmmm... all this work for a smaller baby??? I think not Good thing I know I can push out a 9 1/2 pounder

 

[msarkozi]

I do have an exercise ball, so I could use that. I have a treadmill as well, so I think I am going to start walking on it everyday. I just want this to speed up. I am refusing to be overdue (I was told I wouldn't be allowed to go over, but I am guessing that is changing now too).

Thanks for the confidence. I am just scared because they don't actually know what size the baby is. So how do they know if there are any concerns or not?!

 

[blessedmomma]

its too bad they wont do anything to ease your mind melissa! i would think that it only adds stress to you and even if the dr thinks everything is ok, he should take into consideration that any stress you have effects your baby negatively. im so glad i live where i do. i love that they take into consideration any concerns or questions i have. i wish i could come and pick you up and bring you back to my OB im thankful that they check us here weekly. i want to know if im dilating or effaced at all and i know it doesnt do anything bad for me or baby. as long as your waters havent broke nature makes sure its safe. i wish they could at least do a scan or something to give you peace of mind. sometimes i think because dr's have seen it so much they are sure nothing is wrong, when they should really treat everyone as individuals with their own fears and thoughts.
hang in there hun!

 

[msarkozi]

I totally agree with you. And that is probably the thought that the doctor has, especially since this is all he does, is deliver babies. You are right, and he really should be treating us as individuals. All I know is if I go there on Monday, and there is still nothing done, I will lose it! OH is planning on coming with me, so I will make sure he speaks up for me.

 

[codegirl]

I wish I give you confidence that it is very rare to actually have a baby that is "too big". But I also remember fearing that the first time (I was huge and was measuring +6 from 31 weeks on). Sometimes I wonder if we get a bit too much information with all the medical stuff.

Also, have you concidered requesting birthing in a position other than on your back. Squatting and Hands & Knees can really open you up and help with a bigger baby.

I've already communicated with my Baby Dr. that I will want to birth squatting if it feels at all like E. I was much more efficent when I was pushing squatting and didn't run into trouble until they made me lay on my back. Now I understand that they can't actually make me go into any particular position for birth and I'm going to listen better to my body and do what feels right.

wish I was closer and we could walk together and talk

 

[msarkozi]

in prenatal class, she said we were able to try any position we want. I'm not totally sure what I want to do. I don't have a birthing plan either, as I don't want to get attached to it, knowing that anything can happen. So my plan is just get the baby out safely.

I think being at home all day long is not helping me either. It gives me more time to think about things, and I have nothing to focus on to distract me.

 

[membas#1]

melissa--sorry you are having so many worries and a doctor that doesn't seemed concerned with helping you to ease those worries. i know the thought of delivering a big baby can be scary--i've got a feeling mine won't be small, but doctor doesn't think she'll match 10 pounds so i'm guessing between 8-9. i don't recall reading how big you are concerned with your baby being, but you will be fine. when i start to worry about how big baby will be, i think of two friends of mine--one gave birth at home to a baby that was 12 pounds some odd ounces, and before she was pregnant she probably weighed about 110 pounds and was about 5'5" in height--tiny thing. she had no pain meds and baby was delivered safely by midwife. my other friend gave birth to 11 pounds some odd ounces, again, she was average build and baby was born safely vaginally (and she's PG again right now so she's willing to do it again)! You can do this, we all can do this--regardless of your plan for pain meds, induction, c-section or otherwise...there's a lot that is out of our control--when things will happen, how things will happen, etc...but we are all going to do it in the best way we can and we'll be okay and our babies will be okay

 

[braijackava]

Just got back from the doctor. My BP was wonderful! I was a bit shocked. She said the best it has been all pregnancy. My belly is still measuring 37 weeks when I am only 34 weeks, and according to the ultrasound he is in the 90% percentile. So this is the plan. If BP stays good and everything else is normal, then she will start sweeps at 37 weeks to try and help things along and induce me at 39 weeks. If BP goes up like the last 3 pregnancies, then we will induce at 37 weeks. She is going to do my strep b test next week and start checking my cervix at every appt from then on. This is all so weird for me. Big baby, my biggest has been barely 6 and a half pounds. Stripping my membranes, I have never made it far enough to do that. I am a little worried to as she said if I go to 39 weeks he could be upward of 9 lbs! A little scary but I think I can do it.
Angela- my thoughts are with you.
Melissa- I would be mad too! I look forward to my doctors appts because they help ease my fears I have been having. I would be upset to be treated like that, especially how far you had to drive. And its not just a regular big baby, you have GD right? I hope next week goes better.

 

[Tanikit]

Melissa - I am also worried my baby is getting too big. We have issues in this country that probably sound weird in the UK - as in most gynaes do C-sections and certainly for any baby over 3,4kg (which is about 8 pounds I think) and also the hospital nurses said to me in surprise: "but you will have an epidural?" as though everyone who walks through the door just gets one. I am ONLY being allowed a trial induction because I gave birth to a 3,8kg baby vaginally last time - if this was my first pregnancy I would have been told to have a C-section as though I could not push out a big baby - and from what I read on here 3,8kg is NOT that big. Nonetheless I still have to get through next appointment on Friday and if she supposedlymeasures too big its unlikely I will win the fight to have an induction.

In the end though, what everyone wants is a healthy baby. Maybe your little one will decide to come early and be a good size.

 

[Shell'sAngels]

hi everyone

Sorry ive been abit quiet, as you all know its abit of a tough week for myself and my family, thursday is the day this time last year we lost our little boy lucas and ive been abit withdrawn and it doesnt help that im really starting to struggle lately i mean proper am in pain everytime this baby moves is that normal? hes just 'all baby' my hubby and i have never seen anything like it he just moves my whole belly all the time and it hurts so so much!! i am looking foward to my scan on thursday cuse i need to know wether everything is looking ok in there!!... i cant even bend over or get up sometimes and the school runs are killing me im just really down, and why is it everyone is having there babies? 3 friends have just had there babies this past 5 days and im getting jelous cuse i just want mine now!! i want him here fully cooked but god im really getting to the point i feel proper fed up!! - sorry for the moan i hope everyones ok x

 

[msarkozi]

Shell - I think most of us are getting at that point now. I just want mine out now too! Sorry about your loss. I am thinking of you

Brai - yes, I have GD. I thought that's why they were supposed to be checking things for sure when you have it...apparently not! Glad to hear your blood pressure is better.

Tanikit - the doctor I have is supposed to be one of the best in Alberta for delivering babies, as well as for c sections. That is some kind of comfort, but I really think he is lacking the skills to treat as an individual. Even my regular doctor I see, says that this other doctor likes to make everyone try vaginally before having a c section. I personally think that if a c section is even in question, it should just be done, as you are only stressing out the baby and the mother by putting them through all those hours of labour first, before giving an emergency c section. I know they let you go through 24 hours of labour first before they move on to the next step......

Membas - OUCH!!! that makes me want to cross my legs

 

[codegirl]

Melissa - The hormones that are released when labour starts are important to you and the baby and that could be why the dr. wants you to at least start labour before.

And it's usually uncontrolled GD that causes really really big babies, so that could be why they aren't as worried now that you are being treated.

And yes, staying home and thinking can really increase the tension... too much time to think. do you have any projects that can get your mind off things?

Shell - Of course you are having a rough week, my heart goes out to you!! I did notice that this baby is WAY more active than E ever was. Complete moves from one side to the other while E got himself in one position (foot in rib) and stayed there for a whole month. He was so wedged in there that his foot was crooked for the first 2 days after he came out And he was long enough that no matter how far he dropped, he's foot just stayed there.

 

[readynwilling]

everyone - i hope you all had a good day.

Happy birthday to your DD 2nd Time

 

[msarkozi]

Nope, no projects to do. I am sure I could figure something out, but I am seriously lacking energy to even bother

 

[codegirl]

I understand the "no energy" thing. Today I did prep work for doing up a bunch of freezer meals tomorrow. Normally I could have done all the work in one day but now I split it over three (did the grocery shopping yesterday).

tomorrow I'm going to make Chili, Spagetti Sauce, hamburger soup and some meat pies. I find that having easy meals in the freezer for after the baby comes is a big help. could you do some of that kind of prep work?

 

[membas#1]

^^agreed. we have started putting things into the freezer as well. a couple kinds of soup, lentils, pan of enchiladas. i still have chili to make up as well as more soups (we make soup often so i just freeze a portion each time), and i think maybe other types of casseroles that would freeze well. we'll get tired of soups!

 

[membas#1]

what are meat pies and are they easy to make?

 

[msarkozi]

I do have some stuff in my freezer already, but I do want to make more. If OH would stop taking the truck to work all day, I could get to the store and buy stuff I need I need to try and empty some of my deep freezer out as well so I have room in there for it.

I seriously have no energy today! I didn't get out of bed until almost 11:00am, and all I have wanted to do all day is sleep.

 

[membas#1]

<----wishes to stay in bed for a day! i am seriously struggling with that alarm each morning for work! i wake up each day from 3:30-4:30/sometimes 5:30 then fall back asleep only to have alarm go off at 7. Boo Hiss...

 

[msarkozi]

that really sucks. I am glad I don't have to worry about getting up to an alarm anymore. I wake up all night long, so I don't feel as bad staying in bed so late in the morning, lol! I actually did have a pretty decent sleep last night though, so I don't get why I am so tired today.