Have some questions re:doctors

So, I see my regular OB and a peri once per week. I am currently 36w 2d and miserable. The babies are already estimated at 6# and 6.7# by u/s. My OB currently has my c-section date scheduled for 4 days before my due date. I have gestational diabetes and because of this my OB is requiring that I have an amnio before an earlier c-section date can be scheduled. Both doctors are concerned about the fact that I have had a previous c-section and my peri would like to see me deliver at 37 weeks (ONLY WITH an amnio of course). I am not comfortable with the risks involved with an amnio (mostly the risk of infection following the procedure). So now that I have been made aware of the "risks" involved with going past 37 weeks, I feel trapped. I feel like I am being pressured in to doing something I am not comfortable doing (the amnio). My preference would be to schedule the c-section at 38w 3d and not have the amnio. I feel like this is reasonable and is only one week sooner than the current scheduled date. My question is, don't I get a say in this? From my research, amnio's are rarely used when a date is scheduled at 38 weeks. I feel like my OB is not being reasonable and that I am not being heard. Is there anything I can do?

 

I had to deliver at 36w due to pre-e and I'm a regular diabetic - not gestational...at 35w6d (the day before I delivered) the OB clinic where I was going wouldn't normally deliver that early without an amnio...they consulted with the peri clinic (big teaching hospital) and the peri told them NOT to put me through the amnio at that point that if there were breathing issues the helicopter was on call to fly them to the NICU if need be...I'm glad they didn't do the amnio because at 36w we had no breathing issues - and were actually 2 of the healthiest babies in the nursery!

 

You sound totally reasonable, and yes, you definitely have a say! From what I've heard from other MoMs, plently of docs will deliver at 37w without an amnio, and plently would let you wait until 38w3d. Both options are reasonable ones, and they are ultimately yours to make.

Insisting on an amnio seems unusual. I haven't heard of this with anyone else as far along as you are.

If your docs can't come to some agreement, is there someone else in the practice you could see?

Find someone that respects your informed decisions. These are your babies and you have a right to weigh the risks and make a reasonable decision.

Hope you get some good help soon! :grouphug:

:youcandoit:

 

I agree, it's your body, YOU'RE motherly instincts and if you can make it to your goal then that would be FANTASTIC. So I would speak up, after all you are paying them right.. :laughing:

I think your doctors may just be trying to do what's best for you and the babies although I can't be sure, just a guess.

It's strange reading so many woman on this forum that have gone passed 37 weeks with doctors and specialists approval. The moment I found out at twins that was it we had a c-section already scheduled for 37 weeks. I didn't make it that far and had the c-section at 35 weeks because of complications but it just amazes me how long you brave women are able to carry these babies because it's not easy!

Good luck and I hope you get what YOU want!

 

An amnio to check lung development is actually quite common. My OB and peri wouldn't schedule an induction or c-section before 39 weeks without one. I went into labor on my own in the 37th, so it was a moot point for me.

While we often hear that 37 weeks is term for twins, it has more to do with placental health than development of the babies. 37 weeks gestation still is still 37 weeks, not 40, and carries risks of under developed lungs and feeding ability.

In your situation, I would be pushing for regular NST and other monitoring. Practice breathing is usually a very good sign. But I also wouldn't refuse the amnio. I'm not an expert, and it's been 7 years since my boys were born, but I recall the greatest risk being rupture of the amniotic sac. Good luck with your decision and negotiation with your doctors.

 

I know that medical opinions have changed in the past couple of years. My docs wouldn't let me go past 38 weeks with di/di twins, but that is being phased out, I think, due to concerns about smallish babies with immature lungs and feeding issues.

However, I would also ask for a 2nd opinion. That way you know if you are getting some sound advice re the amnio. I would also be very cautious to do an amnio... I'd start looking into natural ways to go into labor. :spiteful: None of them worked for me but I did not make it to my c-section date (I gave birth 2 days before when my water broke).

Good luck- you are so close to meeting your babies either way!