Hey all! My doc appointment was today! (I thought it was tomorrow, but whatever – sooner is better!)
The top of my uterus is about where my jeans sit… that is probably why I’m always unbuttoning them when I sit down. The baby’s heartbeat is “strong.” The baby even moved while she was listening so she had to go find it again (only took a few seconds – it was much faster than last time!).
I asked her some questions – some of these may be too in depth for you (like it’s a little too much information) but for those who are interested to hear, here are her answers!
Can we wait to get the vitamin K shot and the eye drops until after the baby has a chance to nurse so they aren’t too riled to nurse? — Yes, provided the baby is ready to nurse. If they aren’t ready yet (ie. still adjusting to the world outside), she suggested getting the shot and drops… it shouldn’t interfere with nursing.
How many midwives are there to a patient and can I have one for sure? — Midwives usually work with just one mother and there are excellent chances that you can have one. The chances today are about 75% but we are increasing midwife staff at St. Vincents all the time so chances will be very good for you when you’re ready to deliver.
What’s an IV/Saline lock and do I want one? — That’s where you get an iv needle in your vein but a cap is put on it and you aren’t actually hooked up to an IV. Even having an IV hooked in isn’t that bad – they are very mobile.
Will I ever be pressured to get picotin or other “inducers” during labor? — If you are in active labor, that is 4-5cm dialated (you are 10cm when you are fully dialated), but your progress seems to be stalling, then it is encouraged. It’s not normal to be that far along for half a day. If your contractions stop before active labor, then it’s not really an issue.
What are pain control options other than an epidural? — There are a couple kinds of mild narcotics that can be administered through your IV. They may make you sleepy and make your baby sleepy. That means, if you need a little break, this might be a good idea, but if you are about to deliver, then it’s not! That is, if baby is about ready to come, then you need to be off the drugs so that they aren’t too tired for spontaneous breathing! For complete pain blockage, an epidural is the way to go.
Why should or should we not circumcize if it’s a boy? (I know there are tons of differing opinions on this – but this is what she said and Brian and I will make our decision… and since most people are split 50/50, we realize we may not agree with all our wonderful, loving, well-meaning relatives and friends.) — There isn’t a medical basis for circumcision. The difference in urinary tract infections is a fraction of a percent. There is pain involved. Basically, she didn’t see any reason to circumcise other than looking like the father or other circumcised boys. Am I spelling that right?
I am afraid of forceps and vacuums – when are they used and can I avoid it? — They are not used often, especially forceps any more. They are used when baby is almost out but “in a tight spot” and not doing well. Usually, they are used when just a little help is needed to get them out the last bit. This is always performed by a doctor, not a midwife.
Why does my lower back hurt? It has hurt since week 9 or 10 and is sometimes too bad to walk easily. — That is your pelvis joint(s) loosening. You may experience it in the front as well. It’s normal. Darn!
Since my family tends towards big babies, will I too? — Probably!
There you go! If you want to hear baby’s heart beating, I have it on tape… just a few seconds of precious life captured for all to hear. Maybe I can figure out how to get it on the computer… hmmmm.