My practice hired a new doctor. I had an open mind going into the appointment. I had to wait 45 minutes to be seen. Then they harassed me about getting my Tegretol levels checked. I explained to them that my neurologist, who I have been seeing for 7 years, feels that is not an appropriate treatment plan for my particular situation. Blah Blah Blah. Every doctor talks to me about this, but no one follows through by talking to my neurologist- who is the EXPERT in this area. We go through the whole song and dance about why, and I give him my neurologist’s card so that he can call him personally. I end up getting the blood drawn since they were nagging. Fine- check my levels, but I only trust my neurologist to change my medication. Then, he measures my belly (he pushed too hard on the tape-OUCH!) and listens to the heartbeat (for two seconds). He didn’t even check the position of the baby… or ask me about cramping or bleeding. He gives me the slip for the front office and is about to leave. I tell him I have questions. So, he comes back, and I give him the FMLA form I need filled out for my maternity leave. Apparently it has to be filled out by someone else, so I’ll have to get it back later. He tries to leave again, and I ask about the results from the ultrasound. He leaves to get the information. We talk for a bit about it… it’s obvious he doesn’t really know what that could mean. Then he tries to leave. I still have a list of questions, but I am too tired of fighting for each questions. Geez! Could it be more obvious that he just finished his residency? I felt so rushed after waiting for 45 minutes. My appointments are already scheduled through to my due date, and lucky me- I get to see him again in two weeks. Part of me wants to complain and ask to see someone different… but part of me is too tired to make a fuss over an inexperienced doctor. I know they have to start somewhere. I just hope that he doesn’t end up being my doctor when I deliver.
Filed under: Baby Worries, Pregnancy Symptoms, Third Trimester | Tags: Pregnant
To start off with, I passed the glucose test with flying colors! I’m very happy that I don’t have gestational diabetes. Whew! One less thing to worry about. Last Wednesday I had my fourth ultrasound. It was great to see how much she has grown. The 4D images are so much amazing now that she is bigger. I really can “see” characteristics of my husband in her face! I was so happy to hear all the organs are developing normally. She is a little over 3 lbs., which is good. She’s head down, so I’m happy about that. I’m trying to sit on my birthing ball to keep her in the right position. I also use a wedge pillow in the car. I’m hoping it helps. Yoga and walking seem to be good too.
The only concern was that her belly seemed big to the doctors. They asked me if I had taken the glucose test for gestational diabetes, and I told them that I had passed. I asked them what would cause a “big belly,” and they said all babies are different. I’m trying not to worry about it… or worry that I’ll have the infamous “big baby” scare later in the pregnancy. I am really hoping for a natural birth without any unnecessary intervention like c-sections or being induced. They want to see me again in 6 weeks for another ultrasound. I didn’t expect to have another one. At least I’ll get another look at her, and maybe will have the “big belly” thing all cleared up. I would have pressed for more information from the doctor, but he didn’t have the best bedside manner. I get my ultrasounds at a different place then my typically OB. When I have my next prenatal visit I will ask the OB or midwife for more information. On a happy note, a friend of my husband sent me a gift certificate to a spa! I was so surprised that I cried. I’ve been wanting to go to this spa, but I always thought of better ways to use the money. He’s such a great friend! I think I’ll make an appointment for sometime after 30 weeks to celebrate. I can’t believe I’m 29 weeks already. I found my first stretch marks- oh dear! The time is going by so fast!
I had my 5th prenatal visit today. We did the gestational diabetes test. I drank the orange sugar drink and waited around for an hour for them to take my blood. I’m hoping it comes back normal, so I don’t have to go in for the 3 hour test. Otherwise it was a pretty typical appointment. Blood pressure was good, baby is head down, and her heartbeat is good. I’ve gained 30 lbs. so far! Yikes! I know- sugar is my enemy, but I really like ice cream… and candy. I walk most days, so hopefully I will be able to keep things under control for the next three months. I can’t believe that I’m starting the third trimester already. I start going every other week now, and then every week in September. This pregnancy is going by so fast!
The baby is getting stronger and kicking harder these days. It’s really neat and comforting. I was happy to know that she was head down. I’m feeling her feet on my right side by my ribs. I get another peek at her next week at my next ultrasound. I’m looking forward to seeing how much she has grown… and that everything is looking normal and healthy.
