Dr. Appointment and Small Surprise

[Myrrhine]

So I went in for my 28 week appointment today (I am actually 28 weeks and change), and everything is fine, but the doctor had some surprising news for me.

I had a myomectomy a couple years ago, so I knew I would have a c-section and at one of my first appointments, the doctor explained that that would be scheduled for 39 weeks. This is what I have been planning on and telling everyone.

Well today he revealed that *actually* (Surprise!) they will be scheduling my c-s for 37 weeks! As far as I can see online (from journal article abstracts) this is actually the recommended time frame, but I'm not sure why I was originally told a different date. (There are a few doctors in the group, and I just see them at random, although I will absolutely confirm with the others at my subsequent appointments that they are also onboard with this timing.)

I was feeling really good about getting everything done at home and at work, and now it seems like the pressure is on.

[panicked]

37 weeks seems really early. I think I'd get a second opinion from outside that doctor group.

[curbsideprophet]

May 8, 2014 18:50:19 GMT -5 panicked said:

37 weeks seems really early. I think I'd get a second opinion from outside that doctor group.

I have to agree with this. I would want more info and another opinion.

[Myrrhine]

I absolutely can speak to someone else (and will maybe call the obgyn I saw before transferring to my RE), but following up on some footnotes, I see that this is within ACOG recommendations issued last year. I wouldn't want to go beyond the range they recommend in any case (although my OB is recommending on the early end of the range, so I could still use another opinion.)

[mrssandro]

May 8, 2014 18:58:03 GMT -5 curbsideprophet said:

May 8, 2014 18:50:19 GMT -5 panicked said:

37 weeks seems really early. I think I'd get a second opinion from outside that doctor group.

I have to agree with this. I would want more info and another opinion.

I agree.

[panicked]

May 8, 2014 19:09:40 GMT -5 Myrrhine said:

I absolutely can speak to someone else (and will maybe call the obgyn I saw before transferring to my RE), but following up on some footnotes, I see that this is within ACOG recommendations issued last year. I wouldn't want to go beyond the range they recommend in any case (although my OB is recommending on the early end of the range, so I could still use another opinion.)

37 weeks when there is a medical necessity is approved, but for a (mostly) elective C-section? You want to keep that baby in you for as long as possible. There are a number of women on here who have given birth to children that early and even later who had issues with lungs being underdeveloped, stomach issues, etc...

[gretchenindisguise]

May 8, 2014 19:15:44 GMT -5 panicked said:

May 8, 2014 19:09:40 GMT -5 Myrrhine said:

I absolutely can speak to someone else (and will maybe call the obgyn I saw before transferring to my RE), but following up on some footnotes, I see that this is within ACOG recommendations issued last year. I wouldn't want to go beyond the range they recommend in any case (although my OB is recommending on the early end of the range, so I could still use another opinion.)

37 weeks when there is a medical necessity is approved, but for a (mostly) elective C-section? You want to keep that baby in you for as long as possible. There are a number of women on here who have given birth to children that early and even later who had issues with lungs being underdeveloped, stomach issues, etc...

Why are you considering this a non-medical csection?

She's having it because of her prior myomectomy. I'm not a doctor, but google tells me that it's removing fibroids from the uterus. I'm assuming risk of uterine rupture is the concern. That seems medical to me.

[panicked]

May 8, 2014 19:40:18 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

May 8, 2014 19:15:44 GMT -5 panicked said:

37 weeks when there is a medical necessity is approved, but for a (mostly) elective C-section? You want to keep that baby in you for as long as possible. There are a number of women on here who have given birth to children that early and even later who had issues with lungs being underdeveloped, stomach issues, etc...

Why are you considering this a non-medical csection?

She's having it because of her prior myomectomy. I'm not a doctor, but google tells me that it's removing fibroids from the uterus. I'm assuming risk of uterine rupture is the concern. That seems medical to me.

I'm not saying that it isn't valid, but it just doesn't seem like they are in a huge rush to take the baby out, if she's progressing normally. Increased monitoring might be an option, or even something closer to 40 weeks. Depending on the severity of the fibroids that precipitated the mymectomy and the type of removal, a c-section may not even be highly indicated.

[orangeglow]

If OP understands the risks and has had discussions with her doctors then why are other people questioning this issue?

Guess what?  I'll be lucky to make it to 37 weeks.  32-36 has been discussed in my case due to health concerns.  This will not be elective.  It will be for my safety as well as the safety of the child.  I knew this going into the pregnancy as I am sure OP knew some of the risks going into her own pregnancy.

[eav2c]

May 8, 2014 18:50:19 GMT -5 panicked said:

37 weeks seems really early. I think I'd get a second opinion from outside that doctor group.

As someone who had to have two planned c/s at 36 and 37 weeks, I have a hard time believing a doctor would just pick 37 weeks for the hell of it. Even with a high risk pregnancy that could result in fetal demise after 37 weeks my OB had to go to the board for approval. I am sure OP's doctor has the best interest here.

That said, I know doctors can be quick to get things done easily and quickly but I really don't believe a doctor would pick 37w for funsies.

[gretchenindisguise]

May 8, 2014 19:46:48 GMT -5 panicked said:

May 8, 2014 19:40:18 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

Why are you considering this a non-medical csection?

She's having it because of her prior myomectomy. I'm not a doctor, but google tells me that it's removing fibroids from the uterus. I'm assuming risk of uterine rupture is the concern. That seems medical to me.

I'm not saying that it isn't valid, but it just doesn't seem like they are in a huge rush to take the baby out, if she's progressing normally. Increased monitoring might be an option, or even something closer to 40 weeks. Depending on the severity of the fibroids that precipitated the mymectomy and the type of removal, a c-section may not even be highly indicated.

Are you an ob?

[panicked]

May 8, 2014 19:49:49 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

May 8, 2014 19:46:48 GMT -5 panicked said:

I'm not saying that it isn't valid, but it just doesn't seem like they are in a huge rush to take the baby out, if she's progressing normally. Increased monitoring might be an option, or even something closer to 40 weeks. Depending on the severity of the fibroids that precipitated the mymectomy and the type of removal, a c-section may not even be highly indicated.

Are you an ob?

I'm not. Are you?

I'm not saying she *shouldn't* have the c-section at 37 weeks. I'm saying that it's very early and having a previous myomectomy doesn't necessarily mean a person has to have a c-section or have a c-section so early.

[gretchenindisguise]

May 8, 2014 19:51:49 GMT -5 panicked said:

May 8, 2014 19:49:49 GMT -5 gretchenindisguise said:

Are you an ob?

I'm not. Are you?

I'm not saying she *shouldn't* have the c-section at 37 weeks. I'm saying that it's very early and having a previous myomectomy doesn't necessarily mean a person has to have a c-section or have a c-section so early.

Nope. I've already said that above.

Just seems odd to me to come in spouting off information when presumably the OP has talked with her medical professional and knowing she did some follow-up research on her own.

I know early c/s's raise hackles round these parts, but like pp said - docs don't schedule at 37 weeks for shits and giggles or for their own schedule.

Supporting OP by telling her about the risks of early delivery (which again I assume she already knows) is an odd way of supporting someone.

[curbsideprophet]

May 8, 2014 19:46:49 GMT -5 orangeglow said:

If OP understands the risks and has had discussions with her doctors then why are other people questioning this issue?

She was previously told 39 weeks and she seemed surprised by this new info of 37 weeks.

[Myrrhine]

Thanks for all of the thoughts! Having spoken with the surgeon who performed the myomectomy, my current OB(s) and reviewing the ACOG recommendations, I am really comfortable considering the c-section to be medically indicated and not elective. (I did not have a laparoscopic procedure.) I was just startled by the timing.

ETA: I think the earlier comment (by another OB in the practice) saying "Oh, that will be at 39 weeks" must have been made without considering the implications of my specific surgery. (Or they all discussed and revised as orangeglow describes below.) I will confirm that they are all in agreement though about the ultimate recommendation for timing!

[orangeglow]

May 8, 2014 19:59:46 GMT -5 curbsideprophet said:

May 8, 2014 19:46:49 GMT -5 orangeglow said:

If OP understands the risks and has had discussions with her doctors then why are other people questioning this issue?

She was previously told 39 weeks and she seemed surprised by this new info of 37 weeks.

I understand.  I misspoke I suppose.  Perhaps OP needs to ask why they moved it up, but perhaps her doctors group (like mine) had a meeting and due to her condition and other factors they have moved it up.  I feel like some posters in here are freaking OP out for no reason and making it out to be like her doctors want to do her wrong.

[orangeglow]

Myrrhine - Sorry this thread went like this.  I am very glad that you got the confirmation you needed to feel comfortable with the decision.  I may be a little sensitive because people that knew about my previous surgeries gave me a lot of attitude about even considering having children knowing that I would most likely need to go early.  They don't even know yet I'm pregnant.  Good luck!!

[Myrrhine]

May 8, 2014 20:09:36 GMT -5 orangeglow said:

Myrrhine - Sorry this thread went like this.  I am very glad that you got the confirmation you needed to feel comfortable with the decision.  I may be a little sensitive because people that knew about my previous surgeries gave me a lot of attitude about even considering having children knowing that I would most likely need to go early.  They don't even know yet I'm pregnant.  Good luck!!

Thanks very much, orangeglow . I appreciate the support, and I'm sorry you're dealing with such rude criticism IRL. I hope everything goes perfectly for you in the coming months.

[MrsDarcy]

Big surprise! I'm sure your MDs have it under control. I can understand feeling freaked out about having two less weeks. I'm trying to hold on to all the weeks I've got! You'll make it happen!

[Deleted]

I had a 36w5d baby. Most kids born at that gestational age do not go home with mom from the hospital right away. My son was in NICU 3 weeks. I would talk it over with some one.

Of course I do not know what your medical condition is, the size of your fibrosis, whether the were growing inside or outside of your uterus but I highly suggest you seek a second opinion. A myomectomy is not grounds for an automatic c/s in future deliveries. I have been researching this for about a yr now as I am having one in a few months.

[mrssandro]

I don't see people freaking out just suggesting a second opinion. 3 weeks early just seems a little much but if the condition warrants a earlier c/s then do what is best.

Hormones are rampant up in this post.

[ringstrue]

GL! 37 weeks is absolutely fine. The baby will be full term then. My sister just had her 2nd c/s at 37 weeks and has 2 healthy girls.

[eav2c]

May 8, 2014 23:54:37 GMT -5 vigurl said:

I had a 36w5d baby. Most kids born at that gestational age do not go home with mom from the hospital right away. My son was in NICU 3 weeks. I would talk it over with some one.

Of course I do not know what your medical condition is, the size of your fibrosis, whether the were growing inside or outside of your uterus but I highly suggest you seek a second opinion. A myomectomy is not grounds for an automatic c/s in future deliveries. I have been researching this for about a yr now as I am having one in a few months.

Most?? That is an over exaggeration by a long shot.

[pacificrules]

Yeah, those two weeks seem like a big deal when you're trying to get everything ready! I can understand why the pressure is on. I'm glad you know the plan and are getting the answers you need. Good luck with this last stretch!! 

[purrbox]

Guess you'll be having a baby soon. Good luck!