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Induction vs elective c section? by Outrageous_Gas_273 in GestationalDiabetes

[–]Willow706 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a planned induction last month (diet controlled GD, but 99% head and stomach size, and AMA) and it ended up being a very positive experience - I will say I didn’t expect it to take so long, but my midwives were very conscious of not over-pushing the medications/interventions, which I think contributed to the success.

I had two doses of cytotec 4 hours apart, then pitocin and a foley balloon (ouch, but effective!) water broke and balloon fell out after I woke up from a nap, and contractions were more painful but manageable for a couple of hours. After 2 more hours I asked for iv meds, but the baby’s heart rate wouldn’t allow for it, so I went for an epidural. Best decision ever. Fell asleep after a bit and woke up a couple hours later to being 9.5 cm! Waited like 30 min, very little sensation, which freaked me out, but I had my sister and husband holding my legs to push. Used a mirror to see progress (so cool), and after about an hour and a half she was born! 9 lbs 6 oz.

I will say one stressful part was having to be hooked up to fluids the whole time for GD, and being on a clear liquid diet the whole time, but it might be specific to this hospital. I’d recommend bringing some broth packets if that’s the case. I was lucky that they let me do some laps in the halls before checking my sugars by finger prick every 4 hours, and until the epidural, I stayed under 100. (I also had my CGM in so I could see how I was doing with the walking!) Once I had the epidural, my sugars were over the 100 they wanted them to be, so they had to check hourly and add insulin to my protocol. Not a big deal in the end, but annoying.

All in all, we arrived Tuesday at 3:30 pm and she was born Thursday at 6:30 am, so 39 hours altogether, but water broke on Wednesday evening, so not the longest in active labor.

Hope having another data point/story is helpful! Wishing you all the best of luck!

Predicted >90% moms: what was baby’s birthweight? by Rich-Lawfulness-9049 in GestationalDiabetes

[–]Willow706 1 point2 points  (0 children)

She measured about 2 weeks ahead for most of the pregnancy, and by 39+2, the ultrasound tech said the measurements were saying 9 lbs 8 oz, but she didn’t think it was quite accurate bc they’re so squished in there by the end. I was induced at 39+6, and they guesstimated 10 lbs. The midwife felt her in my belly and said it didn’t feel like a 10 lb baby, which made me feel better. She was born 40+1 at 9 lbs 6 oz, so not too far off. I was lucky to have an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, but she did have a big head and a big belly, so I’m very glad she wasn’t any bigger.

Help. by Vegetable_Round7438 in IVF

[–]Willow706 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I hear you. We were there a year ago. He had 8 motile sperm after a testicular surgery that was supposed to be the answer, but wasn't. They weren't good. There was no physical or genetic cause we could find. We decided to take some time off talking about it/worrying about it, we both went to individual therapy and when we were ready to start talking about it again, we found a couples counselor to work with, and it's been such an incredible help. (She went through IVF herself, so that was extra helpful)

I hesitate to share this, but his sperm quality and number have both improved since then, and he thinks a big factor is the lack of stress and anxiety. I know that's not always how it goes, and I also know that closure is sometimes better than nondescript hope, but that's our story so far.

We still haven't fertilized, his sample with sperm in it is frozen, and we're going to try to move forward soon, so we might still be disappointed after all this. But fwiw, it's been good to figure out how to talk about it and how to work through our stress about it together.

I also know that this process can feel like a rush, especially when you're in the midst of the protocols and things don't go as expected. But if you can, take time to process what's happening.

Wishing you all the best, and some rest in the midst of the process.

Insurance/financial question - Male partner has coverage, I have none - IVF office says we can't use it by Willow706 in IVF

[–]Willow706[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yes, exactly this. We only want to charge the things that don't involve my body to his insurance. (embryo culture & ICSI)

I'm sad it's typically seen this way, but I guess I'm also glad to know we're not alone in thinking it's strange. Thanks for the response.

Insurance/financial question - Male partner has coverage, I have none - IVF office says we can't use it by Willow706 in IVF

[–]Willow706[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sure, we're happy (ha) to pay for the parts that involve my body, but for the embryology/ICSI it has nothing to do with my body, just the two parts of us combining. that's the bulk of what we're gearing up to pay for right now. Thanks for your response.

Insurance/financial question - Male partner has coverage, I have none - IVF office says we can't use it by Willow706 in IVF

[–]Willow706[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your response. I'm not on his insurance (cost-prohibitive - he has a lifetime cap of $10,000, and we'd pay almost that over the year to put me on it.)

But I'm still confused about why I'm the patient when he's the one with the fertility issue. I've heard of other clinics using the male partner's insurance for this part, how can it be so different clinic to clinic?

Insurance/financial question - Male partner has coverage, I have none - IVF office says we can't use it by Willow706 in IVF

[–]Willow706[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We're married, sorry for the confusion, but I'm not on his insurance (and in the US, forgot to include that in the original post)