Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
Just thought I'd let you know, that we've decided to go ahead and be induced. I'm now over 40 weeks, and things are looking great. Baby girl is somewhere around 7.11 pounds, and I'm a little nervous about her getting bigger :P
I'm still just at a 1/2 centimeter dilated (oh well), and of course the doctor mentioned being able to "make me a 1 very quickly," again but then made sure to say that she knew I didn't want my membranes stripped (thank you very much!) I also had to do that Non-Stress Test with the belly belt, and doc said she was a happy baby and very textbook. The sonogram went well also, so that's good. Though, the sonographer said she couldn't find any good pockets of fluid, so that worries me a bit. I'm not thrilled with the idea of having a "dry birth."
SO, we're headed into the hospital tomorrow night for some cervix-softening medicine (I'm sure you all wanted to know that!) and then I start on a Pitocin drip Monday morning. We're told, that HOPEFULLY we'll have a baby by lunchtime--I wonder what country it will be lunchtime IN when she finally comes!?! :)
Wish me luck, my nerves are....indescribable!!!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below*
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Strip This!
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine Readers!
Wow, do I have a story for you! Nothing phenomenol, but a tid bit that will make you sit back, a little shocked I'm sure. I went to the doctor yesterday. I decided that since I'm 40 weeks today, that if I was "doing anything," I'd tell her to go ahead and set up an induction.
My doc came in saying things like "We need to get this baby out Karyn..it's really time.." WHAT? I'm just NOW due. I now firmly believe that she's been miffed for the past few weeks when I'd go in and say "no" to induction, C-section, and complaining about how much my internal exams were. She and the (younger than me) nurse would pat my arm or leg saying how I was just "sensitive" and how I shouldn't be in pain. Though the last time I checked, I've never had quite the burning sensation I get any other exam I've had growing up! Perhaps I'm allergic to something she's using?
Point being: It was the MOST PAINFUL internal exam I have ever had in my ENTIRE life! She did one, and I somehow just breathed through it. She then told me to scoot down even more to do another one. WHY? I had no clue, but obliged. The next thing I felt, I can only compare pain-wise to when I had two bulging discs in my back! I screamed and burst into tears.
Now let me tell you, I like to think I'm a "toughy," and can handle most painful things, but this experience was unbearable. I had to tell her to stop at least three times before she did, and my husband had to run to my aid and calm me down.
Apparently I was only dilated a 1/2 centimeter. The doctor then informed me that she could easily make me a 1, and that might send me into labor. Of course at this point, at 40 weeks, I'm ready for Baby Girl to be born, so I asked what that would entail. She told me she'd have to strip my membranes. "Does it hurt, as much as what you just did to me?" I asked through the pouring of tears down my face. She replied, "No...it will hurt more." I quickly said "Then no, I'll wait." She seemed annoyed and said "I thought you wanted to have this baby?"
My Mom interjected and asked if induction was a possibility. She turned to my Mom and said "I've asked her the last two times she's been here, and she's said no each time, that she didn't want to do it." Brian, being the fantastic husband he is, perked right up and cut her off saying "Well, she wanted to wait and see if she'd go on her own. She wanted to wait until she was at least starting to dilate." She asked me if that's what I wanted to do, and I replied with an awkward "Yes." I was so glad to have both my Mom and Brian there, able to speak for me when I couldn't.
She came back into the room saying I'd have to go for a Non-Stress Test sonogram on Friday, come in on Sunday night to the hospital, and start my Pitocin drip Monday morning. Finally, a plan (though I wish it were earlier).
Now other than having little bedside manner and causing me insane pain, here's what makes us all a little peeved about my doctor visit yesterday: As she walked out of the room, my Mom asked what Stripping the Membranes actually entailed. (Sidenote: my Mom's in the medical field as well, and I have a real issue when doctors try to talk down to people.) She explained, very shortly, that it was a procedure that she does to get labor going, that separates the membranes from the wall (kind of like having your water broken, but not). Mom said "Oh, so she doesn't necessarily have to have it done." The doctor then turns to the three of us snidely, and says "Well, none of my patients get away without having it done. It's kinda like my signature move." She snickered and walked out the door.
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?????? We all looked at eachother in disbelief. I couldn't believe what had just come out of her mouth. Like she was "going to get me no matter what." As if she's going to have her way, and if she thinks I should feel the pain, I should. I'm feeling very discouraged now. I've had this wonderful, not-that-bad pregnancy, so I'm now convinced my labor and delivery will be the story from you know where.
I know everything is my choice, and I can say what I want and what I don't want. I will have my two advocates (Mom and Brian) there to help get my views and wants across. I'm just wondering though, did anything like this happen to you?
Until next time, give me some advice!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below*
Wow, do I have a story for you! Nothing phenomenol, but a tid bit that will make you sit back, a little shocked I'm sure. I went to the doctor yesterday. I decided that since I'm 40 weeks today, that if I was "doing anything," I'd tell her to go ahead and set up an induction.
My doc came in saying things like "We need to get this baby out Karyn..it's really time.." WHAT? I'm just NOW due. I now firmly believe that she's been miffed for the past few weeks when I'd go in and say "no" to induction, C-section, and complaining about how much my internal exams were. She and the (younger than me) nurse would pat my arm or leg saying how I was just "sensitive" and how I shouldn't be in pain. Though the last time I checked, I've never had quite the burning sensation I get any other exam I've had growing up! Perhaps I'm allergic to something she's using?
Point being: It was the MOST PAINFUL internal exam I have ever had in my ENTIRE life! She did one, and I somehow just breathed through it. She then told me to scoot down even more to do another one. WHY? I had no clue, but obliged. The next thing I felt, I can only compare pain-wise to when I had two bulging discs in my back! I screamed and burst into tears.
Now let me tell you, I like to think I'm a "toughy," and can handle most painful things, but this experience was unbearable. I had to tell her to stop at least three times before she did, and my husband had to run to my aid and calm me down.
Apparently I was only dilated a 1/2 centimeter. The doctor then informed me that she could easily make me a 1, and that might send me into labor. Of course at this point, at 40 weeks, I'm ready for Baby Girl to be born, so I asked what that would entail. She told me she'd have to strip my membranes. "Does it hurt, as much as what you just did to me?" I asked through the pouring of tears down my face. She replied, "No...it will hurt more." I quickly said "Then no, I'll wait." She seemed annoyed and said "I thought you wanted to have this baby?"
My Mom interjected and asked if induction was a possibility. She turned to my Mom and said "I've asked her the last two times she's been here, and she's said no each time, that she didn't want to do it." Brian, being the fantastic husband he is, perked right up and cut her off saying "Well, she wanted to wait and see if she'd go on her own. She wanted to wait until she was at least starting to dilate." She asked me if that's what I wanted to do, and I replied with an awkward "Yes." I was so glad to have both my Mom and Brian there, able to speak for me when I couldn't.
She came back into the room saying I'd have to go for a Non-Stress Test sonogram on Friday, come in on Sunday night to the hospital, and start my Pitocin drip Monday morning. Finally, a plan (though I wish it were earlier).
Now other than having little bedside manner and causing me insane pain, here's what makes us all a little peeved about my doctor visit yesterday: As she walked out of the room, my Mom asked what Stripping the Membranes actually entailed. (Sidenote: my Mom's in the medical field as well, and I have a real issue when doctors try to talk down to people.) She explained, very shortly, that it was a procedure that she does to get labor going, that separates the membranes from the wall (kind of like having your water broken, but not). Mom said "Oh, so she doesn't necessarily have to have it done." The doctor then turns to the three of us snidely, and says "Well, none of my patients get away without having it done. It's kinda like my signature move." She snickered and walked out the door.
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?????? We all looked at eachother in disbelief. I couldn't believe what had just come out of her mouth. Like she was "going to get me no matter what." As if she's going to have her way, and if she thinks I should feel the pain, I should. I'm feeling very discouraged now. I've had this wonderful, not-that-bad pregnancy, so I'm now convinced my labor and delivery will be the story from you know where.
I know everything is my choice, and I can say what I want and what I don't want. I will have my two advocates (Mom and Brian) there to help get my views and wants across. I'm just wondering though, did anything like this happen to you?
Until next time, give me some advice!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below*
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Remember that Countdown?
Hello LFM Readers!
Remember, waaaayyy back in the beginning of this craziness, how I started a countdown to when we'd know what sex the baby was? Well, we've started a new one. We're now counting down the days until she actually arrives!
Due somewhere between Nov. 30th and Dec. 4th, I'm growing more and more impatient everyday. It probably doesn't help when I see friends and family and they ask "Hasn't she come out YET?" Brian talks to my stomach multiple times a day, trying to coax her out with treats and promises of lots of cuddle time. (I'm afraid I'll never get to hold her! :)
As far as when this little bundle will make her debut, the doctor said today that her head has come down a lot more, but that she's STILL not doing anything. Asked if I wanted to be induced, I said no--wanting to wait at least until I'm 40 weeks to make a decision like that. SO, I've made ANOTHER appointment for next week. The receptionist laughed as I told her I might not see her because I'd be busy having a baby. She assured me that since it's my first, she'll probably be late :P Were your babies late?
Oh well, the way I'm looking at it is, at least I get to enjoy my turkey day, "stuffing my own personal butterball," watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and decorating my Christmas tree; traditions I was afraid I'd miss if we were in the hospital. Do you and your family have any fun traditions?
AND, if anyone needs something to do Thanksgiving night: Fire Station #20 on Harrodsburg Rd. (across from Beaumont Centre) will be turning their Christmas Lights show on when the sun goes down. It's a lot of fun to park out front and listen to the music and coordinating lights blinking on and off for 10-12 songs. I will most likely be there visiting Brian, so stop by and say HI! (And if you want to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Firefighter Toy Drive, I'm sure they'd love that too! :)
So until next time, have a great holiday and think thoughts of dilation!!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below*
Remember, waaaayyy back in the beginning of this craziness, how I started a countdown to when we'd know what sex the baby was? Well, we've started a new one. We're now counting down the days until she actually arrives!
Due somewhere between Nov. 30th and Dec. 4th, I'm growing more and more impatient everyday. It probably doesn't help when I see friends and family and they ask "Hasn't she come out YET?" Brian talks to my stomach multiple times a day, trying to coax her out with treats and promises of lots of cuddle time. (I'm afraid I'll never get to hold her! :)
As far as when this little bundle will make her debut, the doctor said today that her head has come down a lot more, but that she's STILL not doing anything. Asked if I wanted to be induced, I said no--wanting to wait at least until I'm 40 weeks to make a decision like that. SO, I've made ANOTHER appointment for next week. The receptionist laughed as I told her I might not see her because I'd be busy having a baby. She assured me that since it's my first, she'll probably be late :P Were your babies late?
Oh well, the way I'm looking at it is, at least I get to enjoy my turkey day, "stuffing my own personal butterball," watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and decorating my Christmas tree; traditions I was afraid I'd miss if we were in the hospital. Do you and your family have any fun traditions?
AND, if anyone needs something to do Thanksgiving night: Fire Station #20 on Harrodsburg Rd. (across from Beaumont Centre) will be turning their Christmas Lights show on when the sun goes down. It's a lot of fun to park out front and listen to the music and coordinating lights blinking on and off for 10-12 songs. I will most likely be there visiting Brian, so stop by and say HI! (And if you want to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Firefighter Toy Drive, I'm sure they'd love that too! :)
So until next time, have a great holiday and think thoughts of dilation!!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below*
Friday, November 21, 2008
"Yup, Nothing"
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
Went to the doc yesterday (we go every week now), for a check-up, and those were her words--"Yup, nothing." *Big sigh* Alas, more time to wait. But hey, I'm staying positive. I really just wanted to make sure I could "hold her in" until my Mom came--on Saturday. She'd be SO sad, as would I, if Baby Girl came without her being here. Plus I'm told that I can be doing "nothing" one minute, and be dilated the next day.
I guess after my Mom comes, we'll be trying different things to help baby come out. Walking, spicy food (though I'm tired of all the heart burn!), swimming...any recommendations? We're going to make reservations at The Glitz (it's a fabulously fun, girly place in Nonesuch, KY--about 20 minutes away, by Versailles) for dessert. Last time we were there, they told me they have THREE accounts on their books of women going into labor after having their famous Nonesuch Kiss dessert! How great would THAT last meal be? I have a feeling she'll come next week anyways, but it'd be nice to enjoy Thanksgiving at home :)
I know this update is short, but there's really not much left to do now but WAIT.
Until next time, watch the clock!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, click the button below*
Went to the doc yesterday (we go every week now), for a check-up, and those were her words--"Yup, nothing." *Big sigh* Alas, more time to wait. But hey, I'm staying positive. I really just wanted to make sure I could "hold her in" until my Mom came--on Saturday. She'd be SO sad, as would I, if Baby Girl came without her being here. Plus I'm told that I can be doing "nothing" one minute, and be dilated the next day.
I guess after my Mom comes, we'll be trying different things to help baby come out. Walking, spicy food (though I'm tired of all the heart burn!), swimming...any recommendations? We're going to make reservations at The Glitz (it's a fabulously fun, girly place in Nonesuch, KY--about 20 minutes away, by Versailles) for dessert. Last time we were there, they told me they have THREE accounts on their books of women going into labor after having their famous Nonesuch Kiss dessert! How great would THAT last meal be? I have a feeling she'll come next week anyways, but it'd be nice to enjoy Thanksgiving at home :)
I know this update is short, but there's really not much left to do now but WAIT.
Until next time, watch the clock!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, click the button below*
Friday, November 14, 2008
Her Own Time Clock
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
Well, as of today, baby girl isn't even close to coming out! I've had this feeling for a week now that she'd come at any moment, but apparently I'm wrong. Brian blames it on me "making her a good house." :) Which is okay, because I still have about 2 weeks left anyways.
Oddly enough, my doctor asked if I had thought about having an induction. Brian said YES, I said NO. I had to explain to her that if it were up to him, he would have had her in his arms a week ago--he's so excited. She said I obviously didn't have to decide today, but that I could call her or let her know our next visit.
For all of you about to spew objections and who ride the "Inductions are BAD" bandwagon: please know that I don't plan on having one. I would possibly think about one if something were wrong: low fluid, low heart rate, gestational diabetes, etc. However, baby girl is still passing tests with flying colors, and I see no reason to have her come into this world before she's good and fully cooked. My amniotic fluid level went up to 8.4 so that's a plus, and her heart rate is great. I think she's fine where she is, and there's no reason I can't wait a few more weeks (though thoroughly uncomfortable at this point!)
I've also been told that the hospitals in Lexington have a 95% induction rate, which many say is too high. I have to agree--babies will come when they're ready. I just hope I am!
Until next time, keep this little diddy in mind: Patience is a Virtue, Virtue is a Grace, put the two together and HAVE A HAPPY FACE! :)
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the button below*
Well, as of today, baby girl isn't even close to coming out! I've had this feeling for a week now that she'd come at any moment, but apparently I'm wrong. Brian blames it on me "making her a good house." :) Which is okay, because I still have about 2 weeks left anyways.
Oddly enough, my doctor asked if I had thought about having an induction. Brian said YES, I said NO. I had to explain to her that if it were up to him, he would have had her in his arms a week ago--he's so excited. She said I obviously didn't have to decide today, but that I could call her or let her know our next visit.
For all of you about to spew objections and who ride the "Inductions are BAD" bandwagon: please know that I don't plan on having one. I would possibly think about one if something were wrong: low fluid, low heart rate, gestational diabetes, etc. However, baby girl is still passing tests with flying colors, and I see no reason to have her come into this world before she's good and fully cooked. My amniotic fluid level went up to 8.4 so that's a plus, and her heart rate is great. I think she's fine where she is, and there's no reason I can't wait a few more weeks (though thoroughly uncomfortable at this point!)
I've also been told that the hospitals in Lexington have a 95% induction rate, which many say is too high. I have to agree--babies will come when they're ready. I just hope I am!
Until next time, keep this little diddy in mind: Patience is a Virtue, Virtue is a Grace, put the two together and HAVE A HAPPY FACE! :)
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the button below*
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Can Anyone See the Future?
Hello LFM Readers!
I just thought I'd let you know that I will NOT be having a scheduled C-Section! We went in for our 36-week sonogram, and apparently what they thought was her head poking out at the top of my tummy, is actually her little butt :) Her head is where it's supposed to be, nice and low.
The only somewhat bad news, is that my amniotic fluid level is slightly low. On a scale, they like it to be between 10 and 20, worrying when it reaches 5 or below. I'm at a 7. SO, I've been told to drink drink drink this week (as if I don't run to the bathroom enough as it is!) We'll be going back again next week for ANOTHER sonogram to see if my levels have gone up at all. Cross your fingers.
On another note: they guess-timated how big she is. Right now she's at 6.9 *wow* and might be a little bigger than 8 pounds when she finally comes out, which we're back to not knowing when. It's funny: I was sad two weeks ago when they mentioned a C-section, but Brian and I slowly got used to the idea. By yesterday, we were thrilled to know when she'd be coming, and had been planning for her scheduled arrival. Mom's bought her plane ticket, Thanksgiving dinner had been planned, etc. etc.
Now, we're back to having to be ready at a moments notice...and the thought of pushing her out, possibly being over 8 pounds, all seems very daunting again. Oh well, as long as she gets her safely, she can come when she's ready and I'll be ecstatic no matter what (especially after it's over)!! :) I guess we better finish her nursery!
So until next time, go with the flow!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the button below*
I just thought I'd let you know that I will NOT be having a scheduled C-Section! We went in for our 36-week sonogram, and apparently what they thought was her head poking out at the top of my tummy, is actually her little butt :) Her head is where it's supposed to be, nice and low.
The only somewhat bad news, is that my amniotic fluid level is slightly low. On a scale, they like it to be between 10 and 20, worrying when it reaches 5 or below. I'm at a 7. SO, I've been told to drink drink drink this week (as if I don't run to the bathroom enough as it is!) We'll be going back again next week for ANOTHER sonogram to see if my levels have gone up at all. Cross your fingers.
On another note: they guess-timated how big she is. Right now she's at 6.9 *wow* and might be a little bigger than 8 pounds when she finally comes out, which we're back to not knowing when. It's funny: I was sad two weeks ago when they mentioned a C-section, but Brian and I slowly got used to the idea. By yesterday, we were thrilled to know when she'd be coming, and had been planning for her scheduled arrival. Mom's bought her plane ticket, Thanksgiving dinner had been planned, etc. etc.
Now, we're back to having to be ready at a moments notice...and the thought of pushing her out, possibly being over 8 pounds, all seems very daunting again. Oh well, as long as she gets her safely, she can come when she's ready and I'll be ecstatic no matter what (especially after it's over)!! :) I guess we better finish her nursery!
So until next time, go with the flow!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the button below*
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
C-Section City
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine Readers!
I went to the doctor again yesterday. We saw the doc who will be on-call over Thanksgiving. Seems Baby Girl is measuring the same: 36 weeks (which is good, I was hoping she'd slow down a bit and let me catch up!) However, she's still breech. Now granted I'm told that babies usually flip in their 34th-35th week (which I'm at now), so there's still time for this future soccer star (she has to be with all this kicking!) to move. BUT, I go back for a sonogram next week to check her measurements and to see if she's moved at all. If not, then I will be scheduled to have a C-Section. Wow. I know I can opt for an inversion (where they go in and physically turn the baby), but I've heard it's uncomfortable and kinda hurts. Plus the doctor said she's had babies actually turn back around afterwards, and has sometimes ended up having to do an emergency section because the baby gets stressed and their heart rate drops. I've crossed this option off the list.
Though, it seems everyone around me is amazed when I tell them the Cesarean news. "Why are they planning so early? She could still flip!" is most people's reaction. To be honest, I'd rather plan something than have an emergency section. And the day it's scheduled is only four days before her actual due date, so I'm not too worried about her being fully developed.
Yes it's weird to possibly know your child's birthdate, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. And they're going to do another sonogram right before the C-Section anyways just to check. Who knows, she may have flipped.
The only thing is, I am kinda sad. Just because it's not how I imagined having my baby. You grow up knowing you "push a baby out," not that it gets cut from your stomach--imagine explaining that to little girls, they'd never have babies! :P I know I shouldn't, but I almost feel like I will have done less of a job caring for her all this time. Like I don't deserve her since I didn't do the hard part. I didn't feel the pain, so I don't get the gold medal or purple heart of valor.
Did this happen to you? Was your baby breech? When did they flip? Did you try the inversion, and if so, did it work? How did it feel? Did you try any other methods to make them turn (i.e.: my sister-in-law has told me that she went swimming and her breech baby flipped over!) ? Let me know, I'd love to hear what you tried! THANKS :)
Until next time, get in the water and practice your flip turns!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the button below*
I went to the doctor again yesterday. We saw the doc who will be on-call over Thanksgiving. Seems Baby Girl is measuring the same: 36 weeks (which is good, I was hoping she'd slow down a bit and let me catch up!) However, she's still breech. Now granted I'm told that babies usually flip in their 34th-35th week (which I'm at now), so there's still time for this future soccer star (she has to be with all this kicking!) to move. BUT, I go back for a sonogram next week to check her measurements and to see if she's moved at all. If not, then I will be scheduled to have a C-Section. Wow. I know I can opt for an inversion (where they go in and physically turn the baby), but I've heard it's uncomfortable and kinda hurts. Plus the doctor said she's had babies actually turn back around afterwards, and has sometimes ended up having to do an emergency section because the baby gets stressed and their heart rate drops. I've crossed this option off the list.
Though, it seems everyone around me is amazed when I tell them the Cesarean news. "Why are they planning so early? She could still flip!" is most people's reaction. To be honest, I'd rather plan something than have an emergency section. And the day it's scheduled is only four days before her actual due date, so I'm not too worried about her being fully developed.
Yes it's weird to possibly know your child's birthdate, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. And they're going to do another sonogram right before the C-Section anyways just to check. Who knows, she may have flipped.
The only thing is, I am kinda sad. Just because it's not how I imagined having my baby. You grow up knowing you "push a baby out," not that it gets cut from your stomach--imagine explaining that to little girls, they'd never have babies! :P I know I shouldn't, but I almost feel like I will have done less of a job caring for her all this time. Like I don't deserve her since I didn't do the hard part. I didn't feel the pain, so I don't get the gold medal or purple heart of valor.
Did this happen to you? Was your baby breech? When did they flip? Did you try the inversion, and if so, did it work? How did it feel? Did you try any other methods to make them turn (i.e.: my sister-in-law has told me that she went swimming and her breech baby flipped over!) ? Let me know, I'd love to hear what you tried! THANKS :)
Until next time, get in the water and practice your flip turns!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the button below*
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