Monday, July 28, 2014

Eviction Date?

Two posts in one day? Yep, that's what happens when you post your weekly update before going to your OB appointment.

We had our 38 week OB appointment today, but with Dr. G instead of our normal Dr. L because Dr. L is away on a mission trip in Haiti.

The appointment was perfectly normal until Dr. G asked if we had an induction plan yet. We told her we did not which surprised her. Apparently it's "normal" for patients to have an induction plan set by now, especially if the mother has gestational diabetes, which I do.

While we had a quick ultrasound to make sure Breadcrumb was doing ok, Dr. G consulted Dr. L's schedule for next week and landed on a possible induction date of next Monday, August 4.

I say possible because things could go one of three ways:

1. Dr. L comes back into town on Friday, reviews everything and decides an induction is not needed yet. Calls us to cancel the induction, but we have our normal appointment on Monday.

2. We go into our appointment Monday, Dr. L decides that my cervix needs some more "ripening," and we'll come back to Labor and Delivery that afternoon to have a balloon inserted. Induction will probably happen Tuesday morning.

3. We go into our appointment Monday, Dr. L decides that my cervix is favorable for labor and we'll go straight over to Labor and Delivery to (most likely) start Pitocin.

Keegan and I were very taken aback that induction was suddenly on the table. Dr. L has always been open to us letting Breadcrumb bake as long as he wanted and for things to go as naturally as possible (unless there was a medical emergency, of course.) Dr. L had mentioned in the past that we could induce whenever we wanted once we hit 37 weeks, but was always supportive in our decision not to.

We're not sure if an induction plan is one that all doctors do at this practice, and something we would have talked about during this appointment if it had been with Dr. L, or something Dr. G does with her patients. With Dr. L being in Haiti until Friday, we're unable to talk to her until (most likely) Monday at the earliest.

I think we're both excited and scared at the same time. Excited that we finally have a plan and a date that allows us to finalize things at work, around the house, and for scheduling family to come down. Scared because we were both interested in having as natural a labor as possible and we've both heard stories of how one medical intervention (such as the use of Pitocin,) causes another (like an epidural,) which stalls labor and ends in a c-section.

The entire pregnancy, I've told myself that Breadcrumb has to come out one way or another, and while I'd like to have a natural delivery, I won't be heartbroken if it turns out I need a c-section. However, I will be slightly disappointed if I end up having a c-section due to an induction that I'm not 100% convinced is necessary.

Dr. L knows of our wishes of a natural delivery so I'm eager to hear what she has to say on Monday. If she does decide to induce on Monday, I'm going to ask for the least amount of intervention as possible, such as her breaking my water. If Pitocin must be used, I'm going to ask for the smallest amount, and once things start, if my body seems to be continuing on its own, that I'm taken off of it. We've alerted both sets of our parents, and we'll tell our bosses tomorrow just so everyone is up to date on the news in case the induction happens on Monday.

All of this is contingent on Breadcrumb deciding not to make his entrance this week. I am 2.5 cm dilated and 80% effaced, so there's a chance he could decide to come on his own. I asked Dr. G what we could do at home to get things started and she suggested sex and lots of walking.

What's so funny about the whole situation is Keegan's cousin, who's pregnant with twins and due on my due date of August 10, is having her c-section on August 4 as well. We just can't seem to untangle our pregnancies! August 4 is also our anniversary, and I've had a nagging thought throughout the pregnancy that Breadcrumb would come on, or around our anniversary. We'll see what happens!

12 comments:

  1. Whoo! That is so flippin' exciting and strange all at once! I'm sure you are counting down the days until Monday just to know what is going on!

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    1. It is strange and exciting! We weren't expecting to have to talk about induction, so this kind of hit us out of nowhere. Half of me is excited in knowing that Breadcrumb could come on Monday (or sooner!) but part of me is scared and nervous.

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  2. I know you didn't ask for my two cents....but here it is anyway! If it's not medically necessary to induce then avoid Pitocin like the plague! You already mentioned you know it's often a downward spiral so I know I don't have to go off on a tangent, lol! I think many Dr.s induce as part of their routine and it's usually so unnecessary. If you don't have to interfere with nature then don't. This is coming from the 9 days overdue pregnant lady who while super impatient to meet my babe is also terrified that she wont come and they will force inducing on me :(

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    1. I'm going to do everything in my power to avoid Pitocin! Come Monday, I'm going to have a long talk with my doctor about this whole induction plan. We had never talked about induction before, so this totally came out of the blue, and I'm wondering if it's just Dr. G's way of doing things. If Dr. L is ok with us waiting, then I'm ok with it as well!

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  3. Nothing like a surprise chat from a different doctor! Sounds like you are processing it well. Your son is so lucky to have a mom that is so thoughtful with her decisions. I read about using the BRAN tool to help make decisions. Here's a little blurb about it http://ekwetzel.com/2011/bran-decision-making-model/

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    1. That BRAN tool is a wonderful one! We're going to have a talk with my regular doctor on Monday and really try to get to the root of why induction is suddenly on the table. I'd rather do nothing and let Breadcrumb choose when he comes, than have an induction that isn't medically necessary. We'll see come Monday!

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  4. I hope your labor and delivery happen as close to what you want as possible, but here's one thing to check in with your doctor about:

    With Type 1 diabetes, it's common to induce at 39w because diabetes can age the placenta faster, and since the placenta is only supposed to function for 40w, docs get worried about the placenta failing. I'm not sure if this is a concern for those with GD. Hopefully you get lots of walking (and maybe other things) in this week so you don't have to worry about an induction at all.

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    1. Hmmmm, that's an interesting point. Dr. G mentioned that it's "normal" for ladies with GD to have an induction plan, but didn't really go into why it's "normal," maybe that's why! I'm going to have a talk with my normal doctor on Monday to see what her thoughts are. Thanks for the information!

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  5. Wow, I haven't caught up on your other posts yet, but how exciting!! The baby arriving possibly soon part, not the induction part that you're not interested in. I hope all falls into place as you hope. Will be thinking of you!!

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  6. i love how similar C and breadcrumb are :) in their own ways of course and yet very different too! but these august babies and their parents anniversaries!! i am going to be praying for you! i want to be updated! i can not wait to hear his name and see him!!!! basically i am just beyond thrilled for you guys to hold your baby and be mama n dada!

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  7. I was always afraid I would get induced because I wanted a natural delivery so I took castor oil on my due date and baby was in my arms 23 hours later!

    Good luck with everything, I know you will do great!

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  8. Woah!! That must be crazy to have induction thrown at you! I would ask for an explanation of why they are suddenly talking induction. Hopefully after they give you that information you will feel better equipt to make that decision. Good luck with whatever transpires.

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