New doctor tomorrow

So I've been officially transferred to the hish-risk clinic at a Level II hospital. I go tomorrow for an ultrasound and then to meet with a perinatalogist. I know from this forum that a lot of you ladies have peris but this is new to me. I was with a midwife and then with an OB and hopefully I can stick with this doctor until I have my babies!

My question is, what kind of questions should I be asking? I was just put on bedrest last week, and I have a lot of questions about what I am/am not allowed to do. I don't know how being at this clinic might change how the birth will happen or what I should expect. What kinds of questions did you ask?

 

Why were you put onto bed rest? I would ask him his thoughts on bed rest and stopping preterm labor. My OB and the Peri I saw said there is no evidence that bed rest will stop labor from happening (it can keep you from contracting so much). They put me on Procardia and said to not over do it. So I would want to know exactly what activities he says are ok and which are not. I would want to know what the delivery process will be like... will he be there or are there others in the office you should meet? When can and should you pre register at this new hospital? At what point will he try to stop labor rather than letting it go? Based on my cervix and history the Peri I saw gave me some very specific information on when he thought I would deliver. At first I didn't "buy it" but after talking to others and finding out more about his knowledge I am putting more weight into it. It may or may not be worth it to ask him his thoughts on possible preterm delivery given your situation. I would also want to know about any and all tests he plans to perform and when and why. I would also ask him under what circumstances he would want you to go straight to the hospital for...how many contractions does he say are normal in a given period of time, movement etc. I think this would vary from each woman depending on situation. I don't know if this helps at all... I am sure there are ladies on here with much more experience and I will be back to see what they have to say as well!! Remember these are your babies and your body, there is no such thing as a dumb question! If you are wondering...ask!!!

 

At my last ultrasound my cervix shortened from 3.5 cm to 2cm. My OB said to stop work and basically limit all activity as much as possible but he didn't say strict bedrest. My midwife said that there is no evidence to support bedrest so I'm already receiving conflicting views but I want to do what is best for the babies.

Thanks for your advice!

 

I have also received conflicting info on bed rest.. in a past preg I was put on bed rest at 29 weeks and made it to 37. Was it the bed rest? Who knows! I also went from 3.6cm to 1.9 in 2 weeks. I was put in hosp but then the remeasure was 2.48 and has stayed above 2 since then. Remember your cervix is dynamic and will change (also consider the measurments may bot have been accurate) I was told I could go to the store, do regular activities etc because the Procardia was helping to stop any contractions, however, I am being much more conservative. Only on my feet if absolutely needed. Ultimately I think you know your body and even if they say you can be up and around, if it is too much or you get uncomfortable, listen to your body!! GL!!

 

I haven't had any contractions, and I'm not on any medications. The hard part for me about the bed rest is that I feel fine! I am not the type of person to lay around, I like to get things done and keep busy so it's really difficult for me to keep still and take it easy when we have things to do. My OB did say the more you rest the better, and I will do what's needed for the babies, but am finding it hard when I receive conflicting advice that says bed rest doesn't do anything to prevent preterm labour. I have been resting a lot for me, but still doing some things (cooking dinner, etc.)

I guess we'll see what the new doctor says tomorrow!

 

your situation sounds sort of similar to mine. i was put on modified bedrest at 27 weeks because my cervix went from 4cm to 2cm. basically, i didn't have to lie down all the time (i could sit) & i could move around, but they said to try to avoid climbing stairs much during the day, and to try and stay off my feet as much as possible. i also got special "permission" from my doc to go & do some shopping for the girls' nursery at one point for a couple of hours to take a look at stuff, but had to go home & lie down afterwards (not because i felt tired, that was the condition on being able to go ardon. the girls were born at 34w1d. sometimes i wonder if i'd taken it easier if they would have stayed in longer, and then other times i wonder if it did anything at all to help. :unknw:

i think all of the things you've mentioned in this thread (why the conflicting advice? what exactly am you allowed to do/not do?) are the things you should ask your doc.

 

Good advice all around. One thing that I would ask is if the peri is going to deliver you or will the OB?

 

I was on bedrest for PTL at 30 weeks and I believe it helped me make it to 36 weeks and have healthy babies.

I would ask about monitory babies -when and how often.

checking cervix length-how often

bedrest conditions

steroid shots, when and what conditions

When to go to L and D