This pregancy is getting more and more complicated. Feeling sad. « Back to Group Discussions

[Flor]

Had my first one 8 years ago. It was pretty easy, though at the end I had some kidney issues (preexisting issue) and I was induced early, but basically normal.

This one has been completely different. I had crazy morning sickness. When that resolved itself, I was diagnosed with GD. Diet wasn't working so I'm on insulin. My kidneys are acting up again (spilling protein), and now, about a week ago, I apparently had a mini-stroke/ TIA. Now I'm going to doctor appointments just about every day, seeing an OB, perinatalogist, endocronologist, neurologlist, and nephrologist plus an appointment with a ophthamalogist. In the past week I've had an MRI, EKG, ultrasound of arteries, ultrasound of kidneys, plus all the lab work for all these doctors, and my 2x NST. The nuerologist says that younger people who have mini-strokes often have some sort of clotting or heart issue, so he wants to figure it out before I give birth. I'm 35 weeks, but was expecting to be induced around 38 weeks for kidneys. Now the results of all these tests are going to effect the birth; if I have a heart condition, he might not want me to push, but if there is a clotting condition, they need to know in case of c-section.

I'm taking Lamaze, but it seems pointless. I feel like it's not in my control at this point. I'm not even interested in reading about birth at this point because I feel like I have so few choices. I don't know which issue to focus on. Will I have another TIA during birth, will the baby's blood sugar be stabilized after birth or will she go to NICU, what will my blood sugar do during labor,  how early will I need to deliver, will my kidneys hold up for a few more weeks. .  .

Sorry to be depressing. I'm think I'm trying to not create expectations in my head because I have no way of knowing what will happen, so I'm just not thinking about it. I'm scared, too, of what is happening to my body. In spite of all this issues, I considered myself to be a really healthy person before this, with few health issues.

[jbk21]

Oh, Flor!  I'm so very sorry.  I hope that your birth experience ends up being as wonderful as it can possibly be, and of course that you and baby are both healthy.  Just hope for the best that can happen in your situation, and take it a day at a time.  I'm sure your doctors (all of them!) are doing their best to ensure that you are not at risk and that things go smoothly.  Are you having a doula?  It might be nice to have someone dedicated just to making you comfortable- no matter the circumstances- during the birth.  Someone other than a doc that you can look to for comfort (and your DH of course, but I'd feel kind of pampered by a doula :-) :-))  

[Jaimee]

  Flor!   I'm so sorry you're dealing with all this!  I agree with J, a doula could really help you to have the best experience possible- with you through all procedures, supporting you, a sounding board for tough decisions, keeping you comfortable, taking the pressure of little tasks of your dh so he can focus on you, etc.   If finances are an issue, there are student doulas that work for free and you can find them by contacting DONA directly (not by looking on their website).

I might also look into induction techniques that would be used at your hospital and research their pros and cons so you can decline anything that you are not comfortable with for an alternative.  And I would look into "natural" c-sections so that if it comes to that you and your birth team are prepared to make it as good an experience as possible for you.  Good luck!

[Abraisme]

[Flor]

Thanks, mamas. I had been thinking that a doula was too costly (plus, if I have this completely medicated, doctor controlled birth or a c-section, I thought, would it be worth the money and her time?), but I met a woman last night who is fully trained, but still getting enough births to be certified (I think that is how she explained it). She is charging just $100. I think I'll call her and talk about it. Plus, DH is actually really into our Lamaze class, so he is feeling much more empowered than last time.

[jbk21]

Originally Posted by Flor 

Thanks, mamas. I had been thinking that a doula was too costly (plus, if I have this completely medicated, doctor controlled birth or a c-section, I thought, would it be worth the money and her time?), but I met a woman last night who is fully trained, but still getting enough births to be certified (I think that is how she explained it). She is charging just $100. I think I'll call her and talk about it. Plus, DH is actually really into our Lamaze class, so he is feeling much more empowered than last time.

What a great situation!  That'd be great for her to be there, both for you and for her.  It might be good experience for her to see those types of situations as well.  Doulas aren't only for unmedicated labors :-)  They're just a support person, in whatever capacity that is in the situation.  I'd totally get a doula if I were you.  :-)
 

[Jaimee]

Awesome!  Sounds like a great arrangement!  I hope the two of you click and can make it work!

Here's a youtube video of a "natural" c-section:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5RIcaK98Yg

Here are some articles on it as well: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6028478.ece

http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/08/28/us-cesarean-birth-idUSCOL85379920080828?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&rpc=22&sp=true