Friday September 16, 2005
OB Appointment
Good Day! All my tests came back looking good. Still don’t know the sex, and probably won’t unless there are complications, and that is something that I will never wish for. I had a quad screen (checks for open spinal defects, downs, trisomy 18, … and something else…insulin dependent diabetes maybe?) and 2 of the things came up as ‘investigational’, but due more to my age than a strong indication on the tests, the other two came back as a pretty low risk. The tests aren’t perfect, but everything looks good at this point. The ultrasound results weren’t great (as in, they couldn’t get good pictures of most of the stuff), but they saw a 4 chamber heart and the blood was flowing the correct direction.
My placenta is attached to the anterior wall of my uterus (near the front) and not over my cervix (placenta prevaria (sp?)) After a long discussion of my specific medical history (he’d been doing some serious reading. lol. My file is several inches thick) and my first birth experience, he would recommend a c-section, but willing to send me to one of his partners up in Wesley (the big hospital in Wichita) if I want to attempt a VBAC. (The hospital he delivers at doesn’t allow them) My chance of a successful VBAC are really awful. I am about the worse candidate possible, although he said that uterine rupture (although a risk) was not even a real concern for him, it was a combination of a lot of other things, and each of them would make most Drs uncomfortable with a VBAC, although he knew somebody who would be willing to take me on despite my high risk.
So, now I have to decide. Honestly, in a weird way, the fact he is not trying to push me into a c-section, or using scare tactics to persuade me makes me feel more comfortable with a c-section. He went over, very carefully, what concerned him about a VBAC, but his attitude was one of “you have to decide what you want. This isn’t a decision I can make for you”. I felt empowered and like I wasn’t such a cog in the machine any more.
I was also cleared for beginning to workout again. (just need to take it very easy and not push). He wants me to start with the treadmill before I start picking up the weights again, but agreed that it would probably help with my depression.
Zane was acting more like himself today. Still snuggly, but energetic too. Maybe we will get to keep the snuggly for a while. I like it, as long as it is because he is feeling affectionate and not because he is feeling rotten.
I am glad your appointment went well. I had a triple screen. (I think that is what it is) And since they haven’t called me back, I am figuring that it turned out alright. But I don’t know. Anyway, I am glad that Zane seems to be feeling better, and I hope that he is snuggly for you too, even for a little bit. Hope you have a good day!
God bless you and yours,
Beth
Jennifer, so glad things are looking great. Sounds like your doc is really attentive and on your side.
Can I ask why you chose to have the quad screen? I know that your age is a factor in the tests being highly recommended, but would it have mattered if there was an issue? These tests really bother me, so I am only asking because I am interested in the reasons, not because I am questioning your decision.
Do you want to talk about the VBAC option? I don’t know your history, but I am thrilled that you even have the option. It is nice to know that there is an OB that allows his patients to feel empowered. You know, you can always call if you need some help with Zane or to talk if you are feeling down. Don’t hesitate.
I’ve never had any blood screening done. I declined it with my one OB birth and it’s never come up in my other births. I declined the triple screen, which was all they had at the time, and I’m told it was a very unreliable test. I don’t know anything about the quad screen in particular really. Obviously you don’t get one when you do your own prenatal care, LOL.
Sounds like a very competent doctor there.
Given that you repeat C, would you have some labor time then go to a c-section at some point in dilation/in labor? I know that even a few hours of labor makes for healthier newborns than just scheduled c-section on a specific date. I also know that you must know that too
I’m glad that little heart was thump thumpin good! And that your placenta is nice and high.
Miss you-
He is right only you can decide.
I had a VBAC a month ago. It was such a better experience for me. The recovery was so much better. I loved being fully part of the experience, feeling it all. Holding my baby immediately and keeping a hold of him!
I’d encourage you to seriously consider it (although I don’t know your medical history obviously).
HOrray for boys that feel better! (we’ve been sick here too) I’m glad he’s feeling better and more himself.
Rhi’s placenta was on the anterior wall of my uterus too. I knew this because I never “felt” her kicking or moving too well around that spot. Did you have placenta previa before and this is a concern again?
I’m really glad that you have an option. More and more hospitals “don’t allow” VBAC simply because the requirements set by, ugh brain blank, FACOG? AMA?,
are rediculously impossible to be provided, especially a hosp. with a budget crisis. ANd that you weren’t made to feel like a cog in a machine (that’s a good one). My own biggest concern for VBACs is that they are watched like accidents waiting to happen, not the statistical risks involved.
((((J)))) Of course I’ll support any choice you are comfortable with and I know you are a strong, smart mama. I know how much you guys wanted this baby
and I’m so glad it’s going to happen!
Sounds like you found a good dr. Far and few between. I am praying for your decision.