Still Pregnant...

The above picture was taken the day before my projected due-date.
I am 40-weeks pregnant.

As you can see, I am still pregnant. We fought the power, and we won...well, we at least got our wish, which was to avoid induction. My doctors could not say anything was going wrong, which would convince us that induction was the safest course of action, and so we were able to get past their 39-week induction date. After several e-mails, back and forth, my doctors agreed to continue providing us with prenatal care and regular check-ups to make sure things continue to go smoothly. The only real down-side, now, is that they appear to want to take our appointments and turn them into continued guilt-trips over our decision not to let them step in and take my baby out of me.

Our first post-induction-date appointment was yesterday (May 3rd, our projected due-date). We went in at 7:30am and had a non-stress test. This is where they strap me to a machine that measures my baby's heart-rate and movement. The non-stress test usually takes 20 minutes, but my baby was a bit sleepy (it was too early in the morning for both of us) and didn't wiggle around as much as they wanted her to...so they kept me strapped to the machine another 10 minutes to see if she would "liven up". A little after 8am one of the doctors came in to check the print-out from my non-stress test, and let us know she was ready for us to get our AFI (amniotic fluid index) ultrasound. She was clearly disappointed with us, over our refusal to be induced, because she made some scrunched-up face when she walked into the room, and she didn't even acknowledge me when I said "good morning".

We met the doctor again in the ultrasound room a few moments later, where she was set up and ready to get our ultrasound done and over with. As we walk into the room she continues to look like she smells dog-shit as she coldly asks "so, what is it that we're doing here?". I wasn't sure if she had been updated by the primary doctor (the one I'd been e-mailing through the whole induction refusal process), and so I listed off the plan that doctor and I had set up for my continued prenatal care and check-ups. The doctor's face changed, slightly, as she proceeded to let me know she was aware of our current appointment schedule. While we talked, she quickly goo'ed up my belly and took a few measurements of my amniotic fluid with the ultrasound machine...she didn't even have the screen set up for me to see, at all, but my husband was able to see the screen, so he kept an eye on that while the doctor and I continued to talk. "Is there anything scientific I can tell you, today?", the doctor snarls as she wipes the goo from my belly. I tell her all I'm interested in are the results from our non-stress test and ultrasound. "Just because THAT'S okay (she gestures to the non-stress test print-out and ultrasound monitor) doesn't make THIS okay (she makes a circling motion with her hand, indicating "this situation")." We remain silent, and so she continues on to explain to us that according to "the study" people (in my situation) who refuse induction at 39-weeks were "four-fold" more likely to end up with a c-section due to complications during birth...and that the babies born to "those people" were also "four-fold" more likely to end up in the NIC Unit (neonatal intensive care unit). My husband and I instantly figure she was just pulling crap out of her ass with those scare-tactic stats, and that she clearly wasn't aware of the difference between "four-fold" and "four times"...but neither of us said a word.

This is not the first time she, or the other doctor, has attempted to scare us into believing our baby would be sick, damaged or dead as a result of not doing EXACTLY what they recommended. We'd heard them threaten our baby with SIDS, we'd heard them threaten our baby with Fetal Death during delivery...and now, apparently, I'll HAVE to have a c-section which will result in an unhealthy baby that needs to be in the NIC Unit to recover from the damage we're causing her by keeping her in me as long as she wants. Now we've done our research, and we've spoken with other medical professionals, and we've quickly realized these are nothing more than scare tactics and "witches curses" usually reserved for the most rebellious of patients. My husband and I are confident our baby is fine and healthy (and we have evidence of this with EVERY test, measurement and scan our doctors have performed on me and my baby), and we do not see any reason why we won't be able to have a health and natural labor and delivery...resulting in the most awesome baby in the world. OURS!

So...my husband and I reacted differently to our appointment with the doctor because we each walked in with a different idea of what was going to happen. I was confident the situation had been ironed out, and that the doctors had realized we were right in wanting to continue without medical intervention as long as things continued to go smoothly. And so, when the doctor treated us like idiots, I was taken back and shocked at the levels to which she stooped to try to guilt us into changing our minds. My husband, on the other hand, thought we would end up facing much stronger resistance, and persuasion, from our doctors as a result of telling them we did not agree with their "profession medical opinions". As a result, I left angry and on the verge of telling them that if they weren't going to be of any help to us that we didn't need them...while my husband was more relieved and seemed to be impressed with how easily we escaped their potential wrath. Hee-hee!


After our doctor's appointment, we had an acupuncture appointment set up in the hopes of "inspiring labor, naturally". The particular session I was going to have, which was my first experience with acupuncture, was designed to induce the signs and symptoms of labor based on the body's current level of preparation. Which means that labor would not be started unless the body was fully prepared to do so...but that by manipulating certain meridians, the acupuncturist could encourage the body's preparation. Our birthing instructor recommended the acupuncturist, and said that every women she'd sent to the acupuncturist went into labor within 24 hours of their appointments with her. I kept this nugget of info in my head during the whole session and the rest of the day, in the hopes that my mental preparation might make up for any lack in physical preparation. Keep in mind I was not set-in-stone with regard to my due-date, but I did think it would be pretty damn cool to at least go into labor on my due-date. We went to bed, that night, with visions of labor "pains" dancing in our heads...and so, when I woke up feeling relatively fine, this morning, I have to admit I was a wee bit bummed. But, I already had vowed to follow my Gummi Bear's lead through this whole process...and that's exactly what I plan to continue to do.

So I guess we sit and wait for her to decide it's time to check out of her own personal floating condo...I'll keep ya'll informed.

- Angel & Gummi Bear

Fight The Power...

Every doctors appointment we have assures us that our baby is developing normally and that no complications, due to my Gestational Diabetes, are presenting themselves...yet both doctors and all three midwives keep insisting I "need" to be induced at 39-weeks (which is a little over a week away). A couple weeks ago we were finally able to speak with the midwife who would initiate the induction process, if we went into the hospital on April 26th like they want, and she gave us general info about their induction processes. Each midwife has their own variation they are comfortable with, but most methods used by members of this office are similar enough to be interchangeable depending on how the woman's body is responding. According to the midwife who'll be on duty at the hospital on the 26th, her method is the "least medicated" and "most effective".

Induction Method:
1) A Foley Bulb/Catheter (which is non-medicated) will be introduced into the cervix in order to force dilation...the Foley Bulb falls out once the cervix is dilated to 3cm.
2) Pitocin (a synthetic form of Oxitocin) is administered, at the same time as the Foley Bulb, in small doses until contractions begin and dilation continues.
3) Sleeping pill is offered to the mother so some rest can be achieved before the hard labor, which is expected to begin the next morning.
4) More Pitocin is administered if contractions and dilation have not progressed within a certain time frame.
(They assure us we will never be rushed or expected to resort to a c-section to speed things up)
5) If a stall occurs in the progress of labor, they will rupture the membranes and cause the water to break...usually resulting in stronger and faster contractions.
6) As long as labor progresses, the mother is allowed to labor as long as needed until baby is born.

Risks Involved With Induction:
Basically, they want to physically force my cervix to dilate (which has been known to cause damage, to the cervix, to the point of risking premature labor or miscarriage with subsequent pregnancies). Although Pitocin is a synthetic form of a hormone the body makes naturally (when in labor), it is still man-made and medicated...if not monitored properly it can cause excessive contractions which are famous for causing fetal stress, low fetal heart rate and loss of fetal heart rate (which then results in emergency c-sections). The sleeping pill appears to be the most harmless of all the steps involved, although sleeping pills are not recommended for pregnant women because of the risks they may pose to the baby. Rupturing the membrane doesn't guarantee labor progression, but once the membranes are broken the mother and baby risks infection due to the exposure to the amniotic fluid and uterus in the time frame between broken water and delivery (especially each time a doctor or nurse checks the cervix for dilation and places their hand or another foreign body on or near that area). Each and every step of an induction goes against the natural flow of things within the bodies of both mother and child. The body's natural reaction to induction is to fight against it, which then manifests as complications, which then causes the medical professionals to use increasingly severe methods for intervention. There is also a natural flow to the baby's preparation for labor. If the baby is not in proper position when labor begins, complications could arise...if they induce before our baby has engaged the birth canal, she could be moved around by the unexpected contractions and placed in a position not condusive to a safe delivery. If her limbs are also in the wrong position at the start of an unexpected (induced) labor, damage could be done (bruising, breaking, etc). So not only would this be bad for me, it would certainly be bad for our baby.

Knowing their specifics, my husband and I were able to research each method. What we found made us very uncomfortable. Since my pregnancy is progressing flawlessly (despite my GD), and no complications have presented themselves, there are far more risks associated with the induction (itself) than there are with letting us go into labor on our own time. In fact, each step of their induction process (and it's variations) create situations where numerous complications could occur...but with our baby being of "normal" size and development and my body functioning exactly as it should (with maintained glucose levels), there is absolutely no reason why I wouldn't continue on and have a perfectly healthy and complication-free labor and delivery on my own. We also went to the official Gynocology and Obstetrics website to research this "policy" we keep hearing about (with regard to inducing "every GD woman" at 39-weeks), and we found out that the website does not state (anywhere) that GD alone (without any complications) is grounds for induction. The website even warns against medical intervention when no complications are present in the pregnancy.

We have two more doctors appointments between now and the 26th (one next Tuesday and one the morning of the 26th). The last time we suggested an alternative to induction, back when they told me I needed to be medicated, the doctor immediately threatened to drop us from her care. She also claimed that not inducing at 39-weeks would put our baby at a greater risk for S.I.D.S. (sudden infant death syndrome). My husband and I immediately researched this, and got other opinions, and there is absolutely NO correlation between GD and S.I.D.S. She was trying to scare us into compliance. Each appointment we've had with the doctors and midwives, since, we've made it a point to state that since everything was developing "normally" we wanted to look into postponing or canceling any induction plans. Every person we spoke with said that was "impossible" because it was "policy"...they even told us there was no point in trying at-home induction methods (to avoid the medical induction) because we would most certainly be unsuccessful. We would not have considered inducing ourselves had they not suggested we try. In fact, we're not attempting any at-home induction methods because we want her to be born when she's ready to. When we ask what, about my specific pregnancy, makes them feel induction is necessary, all we get are words like "common practice", "policy", and "possible complications due to GD". Each appointment proves more and more that my pregnancy weight, urine tests, blood pressure, belly measurement, sonogram (at 34-weeks), non-stress test (at 34-weeks) and fetal heart rate are all PERFECT, and yet they all insist induction is the ONLY way our baby can be delivered.

Last week the midwife we met with said it was possible to "push" the induction back to 40-weeks, but even she said it was a hard push and one that would most likely concern our doctors to the point of sending us to counceling so we are made aware of the added risks an additional week's worth of gestation could cause. They keep trying to convince me she is in danger inside me, but they cannot find or provide any proof of this...although even they will admit a properly managed GD patient can have a complication-free pregnancy and delivery (as long as they are induced, of course). We're not trying to be difficult, we just want answers. If they can prove to us that induction is the safest way for our baby to be born, we will follow their direction. It feels as though we are not being treated like individuals. Granted, if I were experiencing complications due to my GD, induction would be safer...but again, it all comes down to the lack of complications (in our case) and we want them to recognize that and encourage us to do what's best instead of scaring us into following some mold we don't fit into.

I'll keep you informed when I know more...

- Angel & Gummi Bear

Do It Naturally...

I am 34-Weeks Pregnant and I have had quite the adventure since my last entry...to say the least. At 28-Weeks I was initially tested for Gestational Diabetes. This test is routine, these days, and when my scores came back "abnormal" I was scheduled for an additional test (at 30-Weeks) to determine whether or not I had actually developed Gestational Diabetes. My second test did indicate Gestational Diabetes and I then began a strict diet program to manage my blood glucose levels. After 3 weeks of just diet and exercise, it became clear my scores were not staying within the healthy ranges, and so as of a little over a week ago I have incorporated 2.5mg of Glyburide (an oral pill alternative to Insulin) in order to aid in my treatment. Since I began taking Glyburide my scores have remained well within the healthy ranges, although in order for it to work effectively, I still have to maintain my strict diet and schedule.

Once Glyburide came into play my OB no longer felt it would be "safe" to allow me to continue on my path toward natural labor and delivery. Now that medication is being used to manage my blood glucose levels, my doctors believe labor induction is the ONLY way to go about delivering my baby. Keep in mind my blood glucose levels are "normal" with Glyburide, my pregnancy weight has remained "normal", my urine tests have remained "normal", my stomach-measurements have remained "normal" and my baby's heart-rate has remained "normal"...so if everything is still going normally, why would the doctors need to interfere with the natural order of going into labor when my body and my baby is ready to?

We were told that now that I am medicated, we will be expected to attempt to "naturally inspire" labor on our own as early as 37-Weeks (which is a little less than 3 weeks from today). We were given a list of techniques to try, ranging from sexual intercourse to acupuncture...if we are not successful in inducing my labor ourselves, my doctors then want me to be admitted into the hospital for a medical induction at 39-Weeks. First of all, no attempts (of our own) to induce my labor will work unless my body has already prepared to go into labor naturally. So any attempts, on our part, would be in vain if the timing isn't right...and any attempts by my doctors could be complicated if the timing isn't right. Right now we are at a crossroads. Neither of us are convinced induction (of any kind) is needed.

At this stage in my pregnancy I'm more concerned with what my doctor has planned than I am about the actual labor and birth of my child. I fully believe this can be a natural event, as with any no-risk pregnancy, and the fact that my doctor insists on interfering with that natural event is a bit confusing. We don't see why, as long as everything is going smoothly, we can't just go into spontaneous labor on our own and have our daughter the way we always intended.

Our questions have been met with resistance and threats by my doctors, and we cannot understand why a self-proclaimed "intervention-free" facility would be so forceful and unmoving in what they call their "policy" of inducing labor in women with medicated Gestational Diabetes (regardless of any complications, or lack thereof, at the time of "full-term"). When we hypothetically suggested avoiding medication for the treatment of my Gestational Diabetes, offering instead to be more vigilant with my diet and exercise, my doctor instantly threatened to "drop" us from her care. When we voiced our concern over the idea of induction, we were threatened with words like "SIDS" to indicate just how important my doctor thought early delivery was in our case. ((Keep in mind, everything is still going "normally" with mine and my baby's development))

Needless to say we are confused and hurt by the unnecessary stress my doctors are placing on us...especially at a time when it is crucial to be relaxed and positive about the birthing experience. Our birthing classes focus on peaceful, painless, natural labor and delivery. The main goal is to avoid fear and tension, which can cause unnecessary pain during the birthing process. We reconnect with how natural the event of giving birth truly is, and we reclaim the non-medicalized birth that women have experienced for thousands of years. We are not planning on leaving my doctors, just yet, because we feel there is still a way we can avoid all the medical BS my doctors are trying to shove down our throats...in fact we believe there is a possibility our baby may decide to come early, on her own, without any complications as predicted by the so-called "medical experts".

There is also a possibility that my doctors can prove to us, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that early delivery is necessary...in which case we will follow suit. We just cannot accept the vague information and idle threats of doctors who are unwilling to listen to our concerns and desires for our own birth. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how things play out. I'll keep you posted as I know more.

- Angel & Gummi Bear

It's A Girl!

My husband, and I, found out the gender of our little Gummi Bear four weeks ago (at 20-weeks). The sonogram tech checked bone and organ development, made several measurements and took her sweet time getting all she needed for the anatomy section of the sonogram. She assured us, the whole time, that Gummi was developing exactly how "it" should be, and that everything looked "great". Nick and I were so anxious, waiting as patiently as we could, for the real reason we were there...to find out if our Gummi Bear was Pink or Blue.

Of course Gummi had to be shy, even placing her hand between her knees at one point to block our view. After much begging (on my part) and skill (on the sonogram tech's part) we finally got several clear views of "the family jewels". "Labia, Clitoris, Labia" is what the sonogram tech said as she used the cursor to point out the body parts she was speaking of. Immediately realizing what she was saying, all I could do was look over at my husband, pump my fist in the air and whisper "YESSSSSSSS".

Both of us secretly wished for a girl, but were doubtful we'd be so lucky. You see, with my husband's family over-run with boys, he and I figured we would have a boy ourselves. We were so sure we'd have a boy we even compiled longer lists of boys names than we did for girls names. Once we found out that Gummi was a girl we were so thrilled we couldn't wait to get out of the doctor's office and call our families...and begin searching for "the perfect" girl name for our Daughter.

I'm 24.5-weeks along, now, and there have been quite a lot of new developments since my last entry. From 13-weeks until 17-weeks my stomach grew so slowly (and so little) that I still felt I had to push my tummy out in order to Look pregnant. I was 17-weeks over Thanksgiving, and I took my first pregnancy "belly" pics to share with everyone. I had a "mini-Buddha belly" at the time. About 17/18-weeks I began feeling that fluttering sensation a lot of women describe when they talk about the first time they felt their babies move. They weren't kidding when they said it could be mistaken for gas or growling tummies...it was so faint, at first, I kept explaining it away - until I could no longer deny that it was Gummi and not gas. Heh!

Also, at about 22/23-weeks my husband was able to feel our Gummi move (from the outside) for the first time. I experienced my first (noticeable) Braxton Hicks Contraction at about 22-weeks. Actually, I didn't notice it...my husband did. As he was rubbing my tummy, one day, he asked, "why is your tummy so hard?" - and I had no explanation. After it happened a couple more times, over the course of 2 weeks, I asked my mother-in-law (who had given birth to 6 kids), and she told me what they were. Because there was no pain it wasn't something I was concerned with, but seeing as how I was having one while visiting my in-laws, I figured I'd ask her about it.

Between 21-weeks and 24-weeks my tummy has grown significantly. I finally Look pregnant. Unfortunately, my bra size hasn't changed at all. I guess I'll be one of those women who's pregnancy boobs come in later in the pregnancy, or at/after delivery...and I was so looking forward to having huge pregnancy boobs, too. Oh well, I guess ya can't have it all. Heh!

Well, that appears to cover everything from my last entry until today (symptom-wise). In other news, my original OB informed us (at the beginning of December) that she was closing up shop and moving to New Jersey (by the beginning of January). She recommended we transfer to the facility that shared rounds with hers. After checking out their website, we decided we would transfer there rather than start our own OB search, and go doctor shopping again. I had my last appointment with my "old" OB at the end of December, and I don't have my first appointment with my "new" OB until the 25th of this month. I can't wait to meet the doctors and midwives...I think, had we known about this facility earlier, we would have gone there instead of to my original OB's office. I'll write more about that place once I've gone and met the staff and started my prenatal care with them. I hope they look as good, in person, as they do on their website.

That's about all I've got to write about, for now. I will write more when I have more to write about.

- Angel & Gummi Bear