12-30-10, Latest Doctor Update

Yesterday I went to the doctors office--twice. First, I went in for the normal routine check. The doctor said that nothing had really changed since last week, so due to my gestational diabetes he wanted me to schedule to be induced on January 3rd so that the baby does not get too big. He wants me to come in Sun night, and start a cream that is supposed to soften my cervix and help initiate more dilation, then start the induction Monday morning.

As I am waiting in the hallway for them to set things up, I hear the nurse who took my blood kinda whispering to him about something regarding me, but I heard him say "no, the baby's heart rate was good, b/p good, movement is good, sugars are good, she's being induced in a few days, she's fine..." So I thought nothing of it.

About an hour after getting home, another nurse that had been there called me and asked me if I could come back in to do a stress test. I said sure, and asked if everything was ok, and she was like "oh yes, we just want to check everything out with the gestational diabetes". So of course I get nervous that something is wrong and head in soon after.

I went in for the stress test. My regular OBGYN, Dr. Alt is there which is reassuring to see her. I actually haven't seen her for most of my pregnancy since they have you on a rotation so you can meet the rest of the doctors who may be on call the day you deliver. She was there to read the results of the stress test, and said baby is looking beautiful, everything was great, and that I even had one somewhat big contraction during it...So that put my mind at ease.

My only guess is that when the nurse took my blood for the iron test, maybe she ran my sugar level which may have been higher than normal since I had just eaten a few mins before and didn't have the two hours post-testing or something. I dunno...I was just thankful that baby was doing great.

So...came home and updated everyone on the plan, including my doula that we hired to be there to help with delivery. She was saying that if my cervix is not soft, or "favorable" as they put it, then it will not be an easy induction. She said that she does not know of anyone who induces just for the sake of having gestational diabetes. If there are no signs of distress, and the baby is not measuring too big, it's better to let them come on their own. Having had the stress test, I know everything is great, and last week the baby was measuring at approx 7 lbs which isn't a huge baby, so I agree.

I have been saying from the start that I plan to go into this being very flexible, open minded, and open to just about anything--no expectations....But the ONE thing I really didn't want was to be induced, just because it can be very traumatic on the baby, forcing her out before she's ready; not to mention it's a harder, more intense labor for the mother. If there was a medical reason, I'd say absolutely do it, but there doesn't seem to be...

So, yesterday I gave a call over to my office and spoke to Dr. Alt's nurse. I asked her to speak directly to Dr. Alt...As I mentioned, with the rotation of doctors, she had been kind of "out of the loop" with the latest situation. I updated the nurse on things and the latest plan, and also brought up the points that the doula made. I asked her to talk to Dr Alt and see what she thinks. I really respect and value her opinion, as I have been working with her for 3 years and she's been excellent. She is also a mom and has been pregnant herself, so I know she will consider it from that perspective. I mentioned the idea of pushing back the induction date a few days to give her more time to come on her own. It was near the end of the day, so she or nurse will call back in morning (today) after they've discussed it.

After looking over my chart, if she felt it would be better to go with the plan of being induced on Monday, I would go ahead and do that...but if she feels it's fine to push back a little, I would go ahead and push it back a few days.

It is not that we are not excited to meet our baby by any means. Matt has been hysterical, asking every day if today is the day, and wanting her to come. I just want her to come on her own terms. If we do need to be induced, there are other more "natural" ways/wives tales of things that can supposedly soften/stimulate the cervix that I'd probably consider. You hear things like massage (pressure points), sex, walks/exercise, spicy foods, castor oil, etc...Again, I wouldn't put anything into my body (such as castor oil), but would be open to some of the other more natural attempts...but all in all, I don't want to play God. I will leave it up to him to determine how and when he wants her to come. He's been in charge and in control this whole time, why not give this to him too?

Anyway, I will keep you posted on the update after I hear from Dr. Alt...

Update: Dr. Alt suggested we stick to the original plan, and I spoke with the nurse for ten minutes and she went into a lot more detail and reasoning behind inducing. She also reassured me that if my cervix doesn't soften with the medication, they will not go ahead and force the induction.

So...we will wait and see if she comes on her own before then, if not we'll be meeting her in 4 days!!

P.s. Here is the sweet e-mail Matt sent me before the doctor appointment. I wanted to add this to Ashley's blog since all of the postings have been from my perspective--wanted her to read and hear her dad's feelings about her too...

Good morning Lisa,

I saw you were up again last night and I hope you were able to get adequate sleep. I just want to know that I will be thinking about you all morning with your MD appt today. I really pray that everything is going well. I sincerely can't wait to meet Ashley and have an opportunity to care for her. It has been so cool watching you go through these changes over the past 9 months and knowing that our baby girl is growing inside you. I just want to let you know that I am as excited as you are and just can't wait to be a dad.

Love,

Matt