NST and BPP today

[ellie_may12]

Well...after having decels and a fluid level of 9 on Thurs and Fri, I went to the hospital and do it again today.

I had a very patient nurse who was willing to wait to see if my baby would have a good NST and after a couple of hours, she did. And the u/s tech who did the BPP said that my fluid level was 10.5! So, either it was the 7 twenty oz bottles of water I drank yesterday....or the u/s tech said that since the other u/s was done in Baton Rouge on a different machine, that could change the number....she sort of admitted that it wasn't an exact science. :lol

I specifically asked how accurate u/s's were in guessing the baby's size. Her answer, "They are pretty accurate, but the later you get into the pregnancy, the less accurate they are." Hmmmmm..... Then why do dr's depend so much on them for size of the baby? I didn't ask that....should have.

My nurse asked me why the dr. thought I needed another US/BPP so soon after having one 2 days ago. I explained about the fluid levels and she responded, "But that is normal the closer you get to your due date." I told her to tell that to my dr!

DH says I'm getting more and more fussy the closer I get to having this baby....:lol

[Birth Junky]

Congrats on getting a good nurse who was willing to wait for a good NST! AND on the excellent AFI . . . I have been guzzling 1.5 gallons of water every day (or more), plus electrolyte drinks (Gatorade or Recharge), and my fluid levels are still going down . . . so keep up the good work as far as hydrating goes; it's obviously working for you!

Here's hoping your next check goes just as well . . .

[honeybee]

Great! I'm glad it went well. What is your dr thinking, anyway? Remember, you can refuse any test or procedure your doc recommends. And, although it may seem scary, if you feel you're getting bad advice/service, you could even fire your doc and find another one, no matter that it's so late in the game... just a thought!

I don't think you sound fussy... you're just asserting yourself to make sure you and your baby get the best care possible. It's those protective mama instincts, and they're a GOOD THING! :lol

[ellie_may12]

Remember, you can refuse any test or procedure your doc recommends. And, although it may seem scary, if you feel you're getting bad advice/service, you could even fire your doc and find another one, no matter that it's so late in the game... just a thought!

I'm so glad you said that....I am not doing any more NSTs or BPPs, etc! I'm sick of it. This baby is healthy. I really feel like they are just getting as much money out of our insurance as possible and I'm done.

I found out today that every time I go into the hospital for an NST the hospital is charging $488 and the dr is charging $140. We have to pay 10% of that. Now how the dr can charge $140 for a phone call from the hospital to him that lasts maybe a total of 2 minutes is beyond me! It really ticks me off!

I have talked to DH several times about changing dr's, but he is against it. I have also said that I just want to have a home birth, but there are no MWs around here that do that. I have even considered calling his ex (she is a nurse and was studying to be a MW before they moved back here and she realized that there wasn't a great need for MWs) when I go into labor and ask her to come assist me, but I don't know if she would. I know she wouldn't do anything to hurt the baby, but it might be strange....

Anyway, I am sick of this dr. and I'm not going to put up with him anymore.

[honeybee]

Ugh. I'm so sorry you're in this situation. Why is your dh so adamant about not switching? Remember, you're the one who has to have this baby, and you should feel comfortable with whomever is going to be your caregiver. Remind your dh that going into labor with a doc you KNOW you don't like and don't trust could inhibit/stall labor and result in complications. That's probably worse than just taking your chances with the OB on-call at the hospital.

You're in a tough position, but you might want to point out to your dh that this is your body, and ultimately your decision. If you don't switch just because he doesn't want to, and it negatively affects your birth somehow (even if it's "just" emotionally and the outcome is great otherwise), will you feel resentful? How will that effect the relationship between the two of you?

Now, all that said, even if you stay with your doc, you can minimize his influence on your birth. Maybe he won't even be on call when you go into labor! Labor at home as long as possible, and by the time you get to the hospital, he won't have much time to interfere! The docs only show up at the last minute, anyway. And, if you don't like his advice while you're laboring, ask for a second opinion, or fire him at that point and ask for the on-call OB.

Sorry if I'm butting in... please feel free to tell me to mind my own business!

I'm sending you good birthing vibes!

Melissa