OB Appointment (36.5 Weeks)
At my last appointment, Dr. Gabel said we should do an ultrasound at my next appointment to check on the baby's growth and fluid. So we scheduled it to be after my weekly OB appointment. At the appointment with Dr. Bedia we talked about current hospital Covid policies (he wasn't very certain of them), my j-pouch issues (he said I have to live with it until delivery but can take Imodium sparingly), and the possibility of inducing at 39 weeks (he agreed it was a reasonable request). So at my 38-week appointment with Dr. Gabel, we will schedule an induction date. After we talked through all of those things, Dr. Bedia measured my belly (right on track), performed the Group B Strep swab (came back positive), and checked my cervix. I am dilated 3 centimeters and 50% effaced! I was dilated prior to going into labor with both Gavin and Elsie, but I have never been effaced prior to being given Pitocin. This could mean labor is coming sooner rather than later, but it can also take weeks for labor to begin. So it doesn't really mean much. I'm optimistic that Pitocin would move things along more quickly this time, but time will tell.
Next we went to the NST room for the nonstress test. I got to sit in a recliner with my feet up while the monitor recorded the baby's heart rate. Each time I felt movement, I clicked a button to record that as well. The nurse checked on me after 10 minutes and then again after 20 minutes. Throughout the test, the baby's heart rate fluctuated between 130 and 150 bpm. The doctor said everything looked good, so we were released to the waiting room to wait for my ultrasound appointment.
The ultrasound was quick and Chocolate Chip was not in a great position for photos, so we just got one image of his or her face. The baby is measuring at the 43rd percentile (around 6 lbs 7 oz) and the fluid level is good. This will be our last ultrasound, so the next time we see the baby will be on the outside!
I go back next week for a routine weekly appointment and nonstress test. The following week will likely be my last appointment since I will be 38+4 and we will schedule an induction date for the upcoming week. We are two weeks away (at the most) from meeting this baby!
