Just got off the phone w/ my mw

[Aubrey]

She says it's probably fine & I don't need to do anything. (I knew she'd say that--she always does.)

 

She said that if I'm concerned I could get a u/s. Maybe some blood work. (She was still seeing someone else when she picked up the phone, so I didn't go into the ER fiasco.)

 

I asked her if there was anything that could be done anyway, & she said not really. I figured she'd say that, too.

[Carol in Cal.]

She didn't tell you to lie down on your left side and drink lots of water? That's routine preventative care for miscarriage. And who doesn't need a little rest after hanging out in the ER for 10 useless, stressful hours? Will she order an US?

[sunshine_librarian]

I hope her response eases your mind. Sometimes it's just nice to hear someone say it's ok.

[Robin's Song]

How many weeks are you exactly?

[TracyP]

I had bleeding on and off through my 4th pregnancy. I ended up being given the choice at 36 weeks of emergency c-section or transfer to a better hospital to try a "natural" induction when the bleeding started up again. I transferred and everything ended fine. They could never give me a reason for the bleeding.:confused:

[Aubrey]

I hope her response eases your mind. Sometimes it's just nice to hear someone say it's ok.

 

Honestly, I'm kind-of mad at her for saying it's ok, because she always says that. Yeah, she's always been right, but good grief--*nothing* seems to worry her! Fwiw, she's a CNM & has an incredible reputation. When we moved to FW, I couldn't find another mw who was thrilled about taking me because nobody wanted to be compared to her. Even dr's like her.

 

She did not tell me to lie on my left side or anything; she said no marathons.

 

Most of all? I wish I'd just stayed home last night.

[staceyobu]

Have you said how many weeks you are? I used to work antepartum...

[Aubrey]

How many weeks are you exactly?

 

14ish weeks. Maybe 15. I really try not to count so I don't get too bored w/ the whole thing before it's over. ;)

[sunshine_librarian]

I can see that, but she didn't send you there, right? I do hope things get better for you. I miscarried in October and my midwife just had me ride it out at home watching for signs of infection. I do like having a practitioner that trusts a body's ability to process things naturally, especially if you have no other health risks, kwim?

[Aubrey]

I can see that, but she didn't send you there, right? I do hope things get better for you. I miscarried in October and my midwife just had me ride it out at home watching for signs of infection. I do like having a practitioner that trusts a body's ability to process things naturally, especially if you have no other health risks, kwim?

 

Fwiw, the lab tech did tell me it was virtually impossible to get the baby's heartbeat because it was moving around so much. (So when the ER dr told me the heartbeat meant the baby was fine, I knew she was making stuff up, but I also know that level of movement is almost as good as a heartbeat. Maybe better.)

[Robin's Song]

Fwiw, the lab tech did tell me it was virtually impossible to get the baby's heartbeat because it was moving around so much. (So when the ER dr told me the heartbeat meant the baby was fine, I knew she was making stuff up, but I also know that level of movement is almost as good as a heartbeat. Maybe better.)

 

Yay! This is the best news for far.

[Lovedtodeath]

Honestly, I'm kind-of mad at her for saying it's ok, because she always says that. Yeah, she's always been right, but good grief--*nothing* seems to worry her!

 

Aubrey, I would listen to this post:

Common causes of bleeding in the second trimester include:

 

placenta previa (placenta blocking the cervix)

placental detachment

cervical infection or growths

miscarriage

pre-term labor

 

Some of these are treatable, but not if the doctor screws around and refuses to treat you. Please see someone today, no matter what you have to do.

[sweetstitches]

I agree with everyone that you need to report this. Praying for you and the baby.

 

Just realized I posted on the wrong thread, after following your link. Obviously, I meant report your treatment in the ER.

[Harriet Vane]

Okay, how on earth does the mw know you're "fine" if she hasn't freakin' examined you?

 

I am worried for you, Aubrey. Can you get a second opinion?

 

I'm sorry this is so ridiculously hard!!!

 

:grouphug:

[teamturner]

It's the lower back pain that concerns me the most. I had 2 early miscarriages and they both had really bad back pain. Not to say that it can't be completely normal or something else, I'm no doctor. But if it were me, I would want to at least be examined. An u/s would show potential problems wouldn't it? Perhaps you can take her up on the offer for the u/s and go from there. Is your m/w in Dallas? If so, pm who it is. I'm curious if I know of her.

 

I thought the u/s did pick up heartbeats this early, but I could be remember incorrectly.

 

Agreeing that you should rest and stay hydrated. Let your family pamper you today. Congratulations on the new baby!!

 

:grouphug:

[LauraGB]

Okay, how on earth does the mw know you're "fine" if she hasn't freakin' examined you?

 

I am worried for you, Aubrey. Can you get a second opinion?

 

I'm sorry this is so ridiculously hard!!!

 

:grouphug:

 

:iagree: Since it's daytime now, can you get in to a clinic during office hours today? Please do.

[Impish]

Okay, how on earth does the mw know you're "fine" if she hasn't freakin' examined you?

 

I am worried for you, Aubrey. Can you get a second opinion?

 

I'm sorry this is so ridiculously hard!!!

 

:grouphug:

:iagree:

[Pretty in Pink]

I think the ultrasound is a very good idea. It's what I would do. Today. It seems that it could rule out or detect several problems.

[Carol in Cal.]

Ya know, the lower back pain could be early labor. That's the trouble. It's sometimes hard to tell, because who doesn't have some back pain during a pregnancy, especially after having had several kids before. That's why people are worried about that.

 

And placenta previa means that the placenta is over the cervix, so if you go into labor you're basically trying to push the baby through the placenta. My SIL had this, and the doctor told her never to be more than 15 minutes from an emergency room and to head there if she had even one contraction, because of the hemorrage risk. Thankfully later in her pregnancy the placenta receded from that position, and the risk went away completely.

 

I hate to say this scary stuff, but wasn't sure whether you had heard these ANYWHERE. When I was pregnant I hadn't heard of these possibilities and couldn't see any real reason to have an ultrasound, since I wouldn't have had an abortion no matter what, but when the doctor mentioned that that is how they screen for placenta previa, my response was to schedule it that very day. A lot of Crisis Pregnancy Centers have ultrasound machines now, and around here, at least, they are free. That's why I mentioned that. Your MW is probably right, but doesn't really have the data to know for sure.

[myfunnybunch]

((Aubrey))

 

I'll bet you'd have gotten a completely different response from your midwife had you been able to tell her about the ER. You needed some empathy along with the reassurance. Call her back when she's free and tell her about your experience. If nothing else, she'll know that the lab tech was able to hear the baby moving.

 

I agree that you should still be checked just to make sure everything is all right. And rest.

 

:grouphug:

 

Cat

[Nestof3]

Okay, so she can do the ultrasound? I would get to her or just bite the bullet and get a doctor. Her response makes me really wonder about her medical capabilities.

 

Or, is there any way you can ask to speak to the head of the ER and discuss this with them? Your husband would be able to do it. Heck, I'll do it for you. I can growl enough to get people to listen.

Edited April 28, 2011 by nestof3

[MariannNOVA]

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[Lovedtodeath]

 

Or, is there any way you can ask to speak to the head of the ER and discuss this with them? Your husband would be able to do it. Heck, I'll do it for you. I can growl enough to get people to listen.

:iagree:I would want to know what the ultrasound showed. Where is the placenta, etc.

[mom2scouts]

PLEASE get someone to see you. I don't want to scare you so I won't go into details about my experiences, but having the baby be *very* active is not necessarily a good thing.

[RahRah]

Aubrey, what a nightmare you're going through. Take a deep breath.

 

I'm not surprised your MW isn't very concerned, part of her job is to help you relax and remain calm throughout your pregnancy - if she panicked, you'd panic, so her staying calm is good. Anytime a woman calls an OB, MW or NP, the first thing is to calm you and ask questions to evaluate how serious your situation is.

 

Your experience in the ER last night is unacceptable, however, it did give you information to use at this point. You know the baby is alive and moving, you know you're not in immediate danger of dying (otherwise the ER would have admitted you, even as bad as they were treating you), and you know they put in a pic-line to use if they needed to, but didn't (and forgot to take it out upon releasing you!).

 

What you do next is critically important.

 

Bleeding in the second trimester can be nothing more than shedding of lining that poses no danger to the pregnancy, can be more involved and needing attention, or can be an ominous sign the pregnancy is in trouble and there may or may not be anything anyone can do to stop a miscarriage. I'm concerned for you because it doesn't sound like the hospital gave you any clue about the state of the pregnancy other than the baby seems to be okay, despite the bleeding.

 

Did they give you any follow-up referrals or recommendations?

 

With or without a referral, if it were me, I'd ask MW for an OB referaal for a consult - who does she work with and can she help you get an appointment. That way the OB can take a look at the tests the hospital did (u/s, any labs, internal exam findings, etc.), evaluate you themself and help you understand what is going on. If your MW can't help you, ask friends for whom they like for OB, call the office, explain the situation - they'll get you in, even if you're not a patient or haven't been one in a long time (if you have an OB/Gyn you've seen in the past).

 

Again, I'm sorry you're going through this and pray everything is okay.

:grouphug:

[Heather in OK]

I don't remember from the original thread but did you consult with her before the ER? Did she offer to come to you or have you come in to assess and listen with the doppler??

 

She didn't tell you to lie down on your left side and drink lots of water? That's routine preventative care for miscarriage. And who doesn't need a little rest after hanging out in the ER for 10 useless, stressful hours? Will she order an US?

Honestly and with all compassion, if pregnancy is going to miscarry there really isn't a lot you can to do prevent it.

 

 

PLEASE get someone to see you. I don't want to scare you so I won't go into details about my experiences, but having the baby be *very* active is not necessarily a good thing.

Not always. Some babies are just little stinkers and are very busy. :) Sometimes it has a lot to do with the doppler waves. Some babies do. not. like. them. Because of that they are VERY active and try to move away from the waves.

[Aubrey]

Fwiw, all symptoms seem to be gone today.

[Starr]

Fwiw, all symptoms seem to be gone today.

 

That's what we like to hear! :grouphug:

[Lovedtodeath]

 

Honestly and with all compassion, if pregnancy is going to miscarry there really isn't a lot you can to do prevent it.

Than why was I on bed rest for 4 months?!

[PentecostalMom]

Not going to tell my story, just wanted to say I read both threads, am praying for you and your little one. I pray all is well! :grouphug:

[TravelingChris]

Aubrey I hope and pray everything in this pregnancy goes well for you. But I think you ought to see a doctor sometime soon. I am glad your symptoms went away but the midwife's attitude that everything is fine without even a visual examination is troubling. Maybe you ought to make an appointment with that birthing center others wrote about in the other thread.

[Snowfall]

I had some bleeding during my second pregnancy and things turned out fine, but I understand your concern. It's very worrisome! I hope you and the baby are well and are able to get some sort of confirmation of that soon.

 

Than why was I on bed rest for 4 months?!

 

That's a good question. It would depend on your personal situation, but for most pregnancies experiencing complications, bed rest is pointless.

 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that "bed rest, hydration and pelvic rest does not appear to improve the rate of preterm birth and should not be routinely recommended."

 

...

 

Most doctors are aware of the scant evidence.

 

...

"There's no evidence-based way to keep someone from delivering prematurely," said John Thorp, a maternal-fetal specialist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill who helped draft the ACOG statement. By prescribing bed rest, Thorp said, "we're ruining lives, at least temporarily."

 

 

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-01-29/health/ct-met-bed-rest-20110129_1_bed-rest-pregnant-women-preterm

[Peela]

I had bleeding with both mine too- all was well. I have heard it can especially happen when your period was due- the hormones can kind of try.

I didnt want to disturb you by adding a contrary opinion in the other thread- but I would not have gone to the ER as I do not think there is much they can do, and i would find the stress of leaving the house until such a situation to be worse than doing nothing and staying home and resting. What will be, will be.

I am kind of like your midwife though- fairly calm in all situations, and trust that most of the time, it's ok. And, our ERs sound much better than yours! And they are free.

 

Last week my dh had to take ds15 to the ER because I refused. Ds had hurt his foot in gymnastics and dh thought it might be broken. He has done it twice before, and each time, there was a small fracture and all they did was bandage it and send us home, saying to stay off it as long as it hurt. So, I wasnt going through hours and hours for that, again. Dh did instead- because he is far, far more fear based, worst case scenario focused than I am. And there wasnt even a fracture this time, and even the doctor was reluctant to xray.

I have a good mummy instinct and I don't make dramas where I feel they are not needed. Thats not to say others don't need to do what they do....but, trust yourself.

[BlsdMama]

 

That's a good question. It would depend on your personal situation, but for most pregnancies experiencing complications, bed rest is pointless.

 

 

True story. And I spent almost two weeks in a Trendelenburg position in a hospital with magnesium sulfate.

 

If it's previa, there would be nothing they could do other than diagnose it. At 15 weeks it's highly likely it would move and so just knowing it exists isn't useful. If the bleeding has stopped then it isn't hemorrahging.

 

It's incredibly overwhelming to be so helpless, I do understand. We had one super preemie (26 weeks) and we've had previa twice (once complete) and our pregnancies are, at best, medical tapdancing every time.

 

The truth? At 15 weeks there is nothing you can do. You should always be seen though if you have bright red bleeding in moderate or heavy amounts. Even when baby is viable there is little they can do for spotting. After viability if you are showing threat of preterm labor they can give you an Fetal Fibronectin test to put your mind at ease - if it's negative the chances of you laboring in the next couple of weeks is extremely rare. At 18-20 weeks if you are showing threat of possible labor, they can begin giving you weekly progesterone shots. How they tell IS a vaginal ultrasound. They'll measure cervical length (which is entirely different than dilation, etc.) If the length is less than 2-2.5 you are at high risk for preterm labor and progesterone could be called for.... I have surgery with each pregnancy followed by bi-weekly ultrasounds to gauge cervical length from weeks 16-32.

 

Do watch those back aches. Back aches coupled with spotting is a concern. True there is nothing they can do at 15 weeks, but it is certainly something to be aware of and especially once you get to around 23-24 weeks.

[Carol in Cal.]

If it's previa, there would be nothing they could do other than diagnose it. At 15 weeks it's highly likely it would move and so just knowing it exists isn't useful. If the bleeding has stopped then it isn't hemorrahging.

 

 

 

But with previa, it's important to know that you have it, right? Because it tends to drive C-sections to save the life of the mother from bleeding out, correct? That was my understanding, based on my SIL's experience.

[Lovedtodeath]

That's a good question. It would depend on your personal situation, but for most pregnancies experiencing complications, bed rest is pointless.

IDK bedrest was a nightmare but if I was on my feet it brought on strong contractions that pressed the baby against the cervix (and he had dropped). I don't think he would be here if I ignored the bed rest suggestion. After all, having too many contractions puts stress on the baby regardless of the condition of the cervix, right? Babies die when labor goes on too long.

 

Thanks for the link. I noticed the article says systematically and routinely prescribing bed rest. I think that resting while having some type of complication like bleeding or contractions (I know about Braxton Hicks btw) at least until it subsides makes sense. After all, walking does help labor along.:confused:

Edited April 29, 2011 by Lovedtodeath

[Aubrey]

Aubrey I hope and pray everything in this pregnancy goes well for you. But I think you ought to see a doctor sometime soon. I am glad your symptoms went away but the midwife's attitude that everything is fine without even a visual examination is troubling. Maybe you ought to make an appointment with that birthing center others wrote about in the other thread.

 

Now that I'm less emotional, I've been thinking about her response. I'm *guessing* that it comes from much more specific information than I would ever post here, if that makes sense. (One being that the bleeding had stopped by the time I called her.) The degree of the symptoms seems to be the driving force behind her answer, combined w/ the limited solutions available.

 

And she did make sure to make an appt for first thing next week.

 

The head mw at the other birth center is one who told me when I was pg w/ #4 that my mw is better educated & more experienced than she is herself & rec'd that I stay w/ her, despite the fact that it meant I was an hour away from appts & for delivery. I was really surprised, lol, but appreciated her honesty.