Is my OB overdoing it?

rubyroselee · May 2, 2008

Hi again,

At my last OB appt, the NP told me that starting at 32 wks, they want to do a BPP or NST at every visit. At first I thought it was a good idea because I'm always excited to see the little guy on u/s (for the BPP). But after I left, I thought maybe all that wasn't necessary. I'm wondering if it's protocol for all their high-risk patients? Do you think that's the case? I have had no complications during the pregnancy, so I'm not sure that's really necessary to do. I know I have the right to refuse, but I'm wondering why they think I have to do that at every appt - as she wants to start seeing me EVERY week starting at 32 wks as well. Do you guys think that's a bit overkill? Did anyone else have all that done at the end of their pregnancy?

Thanks!

rubyroselee · May 2, 2008

Hi again,

At my last OB appt, the NP told me that starting at 32 wks, they want to do a BPP or NST at every visit. At first I thought it was a good idea because I'm always excited to see the little guy on u/s (for the BPP). But after I left, I thought maybe all that wasn't necessary. I'm wondering if it's protocol for all their high-risk patients? Do you think that's the case? I have had no complications during the pregnancy, so I'm not sure that's really necessary to do. I know I have the right to refuse, but I'm wondering why they think I have to do that at every appt - as she wants to start seeing me EVERY week starting at 32 wks as well. Do you guys think that's a bit overkill? Did anyone else have all that done at the end of their pregnancy?

Thanks!

rubyroselee · May 2, 2008

Hi again,

At my last OB appt, the NP told me that starting at 32 wks, they want to do a BPP or NST at every visit. At first I thought it was a good idea because I'm always excited to see the little guy on u/s (for the BPP). But after I left, I thought maybe all that wasn't necessary. I'm wondering if it's protocol for all their high-risk patients? Do you think that's the case? I have had no complications during the pregnancy, so I'm not sure that's really necessary to do. I know I have the right to refuse, but I'm wondering why they think I have to do that at every appt - as she wants to start seeing me EVERY week starting at 32 wks as well. Do you guys think that's a bit overkill? Did anyone else have all that done at the end of their pregnancy?

Thanks!

rubyroselee · May 2, 2008

Hi again,

At my last OB appt, the NP told me that starting at 32 wks, they want to do a BPP or NST at every visit. At first I thought it was a good idea because I'm always excited to see the little guy on u/s (for the BPP). But after I left, I thought maybe all that wasn't necessary. I'm wondering if it's protocol for all their high-risk patients? Do you think that's the case? I have had no complications during the pregnancy, so I'm not sure that's really necessary to do. I know I have the right to refuse, but I'm wondering why they think I have to do that at every appt - as she wants to start seeing me EVERY week starting at 32 wks as well. Do you guys think that's a bit overkill? Did anyone else have all that done at the end of their pregnancy?

Thanks!

rubyroselee · May 2, 2008

Hi again,
 
 At my last OB appt, the NP told me that starting at 32 wks, they want to do a BPP or NST at every visit. At first I thought it was a good idea because I'm always excited to see the little guy on u/s (for the BPP). But after I left, I thought maybe all that wasn't necessary. I'm wondering if it's protocol for all their high-risk patients? Do you think that's the case? I have had no complications during the pregnancy, so I'm not sure that's really necessary to do. I know I have the right to refuse, but I'm wondering why they think I have to do that at every appt - as she wants to start seeing me EVERY week starting at 32 wks as well. Do you guys think that's a bit overkill? Did anyone else have all that done at the end of their pregnancy?
 
 Thanks!

wanderlost · May 2, 2008

do you have GD? I can see that as a reason for a NST near the end - though weekly I would still think they would want to have some indication that there was stress: high BP, uncontrolled sugars, above average fundal height, low/excess fluid - etc.

You have every right to refuse and every right to control your own care. I know you've read enough posts to know that almost all of us have had normal pregnancies with very little complication, esp. CF-wise, and lots of docs want to go overboard. While it is cool to see the little guy on screen, that many sonograms might be an unnecessary risk, kwim?

Have you asked WHY they want to do all this? Sounds invasive and unnecessary unless they have some really strong reasoning (and don't let your self be scare-tacticed). Sometimes these high risk OBs just yank my chain with this gungo-ho stuff.

Hve you read a Thinking Woman's Guide to a BEtter Birth - HEnri Goer, I think (Caroline, help me out) - I would say now is the time, even if you just snuggle up with it at Borders for an hour. I can't say it enough that, especially as a CF OB patient, you need to inform and educate yourself!!

So anyway, sorry, that's my soapbox. LEt us know what you choose and how it goes!

wanderlost · May 2, 2008

do you have GD? I can see that as a reason for a NST near the end - though weekly I would still think they would want to have some indication that there was stress: high BP, uncontrolled sugars, above average fundal height, low/excess fluid - etc.

You have every right to refuse and every right to control your own care. I know you've read enough posts to know that almost all of us have had normal pregnancies with very little complication, esp. CF-wise, and lots of docs want to go overboard. While it is cool to see the little guy on screen, that many sonograms might be an unnecessary risk, kwim?

Have you asked WHY they want to do all this? Sounds invasive and unnecessary unless they have some really strong reasoning (and don't let your self be scare-tacticed). Sometimes these high risk OBs just yank my chain with this gungo-ho stuff.

Hve you read a Thinking Woman's Guide to a BEtter Birth - HEnri Goer, I think (Caroline, help me out) - I would say now is the time, even if you just snuggle up with it at Borders for an hour. I can't say it enough that, especially as a CF OB patient, you need to inform and educate yourself!!

So anyway, sorry, that's my soapbox. LEt us know what you choose and how it goes!

wanderlost · May 2, 2008

do you have GD? I can see that as a reason for a NST near the end - though weekly I would still think they would want to have some indication that there was stress: high BP, uncontrolled sugars, above average fundal height, low/excess fluid - etc.

You have every right to refuse and every right to control your own care. I know you've read enough posts to know that almost all of us have had normal pregnancies with very little complication, esp. CF-wise, and lots of docs want to go overboard. While it is cool to see the little guy on screen, that many sonograms might be an unnecessary risk, kwim?

Have you asked WHY they want to do all this? Sounds invasive and unnecessary unless they have some really strong reasoning (and don't let your self be scare-tacticed). Sometimes these high risk OBs just yank my chain with this gungo-ho stuff.

Hve you read a Thinking Woman's Guide to a BEtter Birth - HEnri Goer, I think (Caroline, help me out) - I would say now is the time, even if you just snuggle up with it at Borders for an hour. I can't say it enough that, especially as a CF OB patient, you need to inform and educate yourself!!

So anyway, sorry, that's my soapbox. LEt us know what you choose and how it goes!

wanderlost · May 2, 2008

do you have GD? I can see that as a reason for a NST near the end - though weekly I would still think they would want to have some indication that there was stress: high BP, uncontrolled sugars, above average fundal height, low/excess fluid - etc.

You have every right to refuse and every right to control your own care. I know you've read enough posts to know that almost all of us have had normal pregnancies with very little complication, esp. CF-wise, and lots of docs want to go overboard. While it is cool to see the little guy on screen, that many sonograms might be an unnecessary risk, kwim?

Have you asked WHY they want to do all this? Sounds invasive and unnecessary unless they have some really strong reasoning (and don't let your self be scare-tacticed). Sometimes these high risk OBs just yank my chain with this gungo-ho stuff.

Hve you read a Thinking Woman's Guide to a BEtter Birth - HEnri Goer, I think (Caroline, help me out) - I would say now is the time, even if you just snuggle up with it at Borders for an hour. I can't say it enough that, especially as a CF OB patient, you need to inform and educate yourself!!

So anyway, sorry, that's my soapbox. LEt us know what you choose and how it goes!

wanderlost · May 2, 2008

do you have GD? I can see that as a reason for a NST near the end - though weekly I would still think they would want to have some indication that there was stress: high BP, uncontrolled sugars, above average fundal height, low/excess fluid - etc.
 
 You have every right to refuse and every right to control your own care. I know you've read enough posts to know that almost all of us have had normal pregnancies with very little complication, esp. CF-wise, and lots of docs want to go overboard. While it is cool to see the little guy on screen, that many sonograms might be an unnecessary risk, kwim?
 
 Have you asked WHY they want to do all this? Sounds invasive and unnecessary unless they have some really strong reasoning (and don't let your self be scare-tacticed). Sometimes these high risk OBs just yank my chain with this gungo-ho stuff.
 
 Hve you read a Thinking Woman's Guide to a BEtter Birth - HEnri Goer, I think (Caroline, help me out) - I would say now is the time, even if you just snuggle up with it at Borders for an hour. I can't say it enough that, especially as a CF OB patient, you need to inform and educate yourself!!
 
 So anyway, sorry, that's my soapbox. LEt us know what you choose and how it goes!

Keepercjr · May 2, 2008

I agree w/ Wanderlost - ask them WHY? I DO think it is overkill and unnecessary. And trust me - the more tests they do, the more ammunition they will have to "strong arm" you into doing what they want (ie you need to be induced right now because your fluid level is low or baby is too big, etc).

And yes yes yes read the book that Wanderlost mentioned (though it is by Henci Goer, lol). It is laid out into sections so you don't have to read it from front to back to get an idea of what she is saying.

If I were in your shoes, I would ask why she wants those tests, what information will they provide her that she thinks she needs, what will she do with that information, and what will happen if you refuse them. And I'd likely decline with the reasoning that I've had a normal, uneventful pregnancy up to that point.

This pregnancy I'm going every so often to my high risk doc just for ultrasounds. I honestly do it because it makes my regular OB more comfortable and to keep in touch w/ the high risk OB because of my bad asthma. Last pregnancy I did tandem care w/ my OB and peri and saw the peri every 6 weeks. Even though I was seeing 2 doctors, neither one of them suggested extra tests. I saw my peri for my last visit at 34 weeks and she said I didn't need to go back. And I didn't start seeing my OB every 2 weeks till 36 weeks and then every week at 38 weeks - normal OB schedule. The only "out of ordinary" thing my peri wanted was an induction by my due date (which I agreed to because I didn't know any better - it wasn't medically necessary). My OB didn't want to induce but did so because it is what the peri wanted.

Last thing I wanted to mention - all those tests have the possibility to undermine your confidence in your body to grow and birth a baby. If they're constantly looking for something wrong they're likely to find it. And even though it may be a "minor" something wrong, it will cause needless worry and frustration. How will you feel if you are 38 weeks and they think (because of all the BPPs) baby is getting big and will be too big for you to birth (scare tactic)?

Ok one more last thing, lol. Have you talked to your OB about her philosophy on birth? You haven't mentioned how you picture your ideal birth going but it isn't too early to start thinking about it. If she is this "medical" during your pregnancy, she's likely to be very hands on and medical during your birth. That kind of approach when it is unwarranted can cause more problems than it prevents. I'm not saying you want or need a drug free natural childbirth. But more intervention doesn't always mean safer better birth. Just something to think about <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Read the book.

Keepercjr · May 2, 2008

I agree w/ Wanderlost - ask them WHY? I DO think it is overkill and unnecessary. And trust me - the more tests they do, the more ammunition they will have to "strong arm" you into doing what they want (ie you need to be induced right now because your fluid level is low or baby is too big, etc).

And yes yes yes read the book that Wanderlost mentioned (though it is by Henci Goer, lol). It is laid out into sections so you don't have to read it from front to back to get an idea of what she is saying.

If I were in your shoes, I would ask why she wants those tests, what information will they provide her that she thinks she needs, what will she do with that information, and what will happen if you refuse them. And I'd likely decline with the reasoning that I've had a normal, uneventful pregnancy up to that point.

This pregnancy I'm going every so often to my high risk doc just for ultrasounds. I honestly do it because it makes my regular OB more comfortable and to keep in touch w/ the high risk OB because of my bad asthma. Last pregnancy I did tandem care w/ my OB and peri and saw the peri every 6 weeks. Even though I was seeing 2 doctors, neither one of them suggested extra tests. I saw my peri for my last visit at 34 weeks and she said I didn't need to go back. And I didn't start seeing my OB every 2 weeks till 36 weeks and then every week at 38 weeks - normal OB schedule. The only "out of ordinary" thing my peri wanted was an induction by my due date (which I agreed to because I didn't know any better - it wasn't medically necessary). My OB didn't want to induce but did so because it is what the peri wanted.

Last thing I wanted to mention - all those tests have the possibility to undermine your confidence in your body to grow and birth a baby. If they're constantly looking for something wrong they're likely to find it. And even though it may be a "minor" something wrong, it will cause needless worry and frustration. How will you feel if you are 38 weeks and they think (because of all the BPPs) baby is getting big and will be too big for you to birth (scare tactic)?

Ok one more last thing, lol. Have you talked to your OB about her philosophy on birth? You haven't mentioned how you picture your ideal birth going but it isn't too early to start thinking about it. If she is this "medical" during your pregnancy, she's likely to be very hands on and medical during your birth. That kind of approach when it is unwarranted can cause more problems than it prevents. I'm not saying you want or need a drug free natural childbirth. But more intervention doesn't always mean safer better birth. Just something to think about <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Read the book.

Keepercjr · May 2, 2008

I agree w/ Wanderlost - ask them WHY? I DO think it is overkill and unnecessary. And trust me - the more tests they do, the more ammunition they will have to "strong arm" you into doing what they want (ie you need to be induced right now because your fluid level is low or baby is too big, etc).

And yes yes yes read the book that Wanderlost mentioned (though it is by Henci Goer, lol). It is laid out into sections so you don't have to read it from front to back to get an idea of what she is saying.

If I were in your shoes, I would ask why she wants those tests, what information will they provide her that she thinks she needs, what will she do with that information, and what will happen if you refuse them. And I'd likely decline with the reasoning that I've had a normal, uneventful pregnancy up to that point.

This pregnancy I'm going every so often to my high risk doc just for ultrasounds. I honestly do it because it makes my regular OB more comfortable and to keep in touch w/ the high risk OB because of my bad asthma. Last pregnancy I did tandem care w/ my OB and peri and saw the peri every 6 weeks. Even though I was seeing 2 doctors, neither one of them suggested extra tests. I saw my peri for my last visit at 34 weeks and she said I didn't need to go back. And I didn't start seeing my OB every 2 weeks till 36 weeks and then every week at 38 weeks - normal OB schedule. The only "out of ordinary" thing my peri wanted was an induction by my due date (which I agreed to because I didn't know any better - it wasn't medically necessary). My OB didn't want to induce but did so because it is what the peri wanted.

Last thing I wanted to mention - all those tests have the possibility to undermine your confidence in your body to grow and birth a baby. If they're constantly looking for something wrong they're likely to find it. And even though it may be a "minor" something wrong, it will cause needless worry and frustration. How will you feel if you are 38 weeks and they think (because of all the BPPs) baby is getting big and will be too big for you to birth (scare tactic)?

Ok one more last thing, lol. Have you talked to your OB about her philosophy on birth? You haven't mentioned how you picture your ideal birth going but it isn't too early to start thinking about it. If she is this "medical" during your pregnancy, she's likely to be very hands on and medical during your birth. That kind of approach when it is unwarranted can cause more problems than it prevents. I'm not saying you want or need a drug free natural childbirth. But more intervention doesn't always mean safer better birth. Just something to think about <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Read the book.

Keepercjr · May 2, 2008

I agree w/ Wanderlost - ask them WHY? I DO think it is overkill and unnecessary. And trust me - the more tests they do, the more ammunition they will have to "strong arm" you into doing what they want (ie you need to be induced right now because your fluid level is low or baby is too big, etc).

And yes yes yes read the book that Wanderlost mentioned (though it is by Henci Goer, lol). It is laid out into sections so you don't have to read it from front to back to get an idea of what she is saying.

If I were in your shoes, I would ask why she wants those tests, what information will they provide her that she thinks she needs, what will she do with that information, and what will happen if you refuse them. And I'd likely decline with the reasoning that I've had a normal, uneventful pregnancy up to that point.

This pregnancy I'm going every so often to my high risk doc just for ultrasounds. I honestly do it because it makes my regular OB more comfortable and to keep in touch w/ the high risk OB because of my bad asthma. Last pregnancy I did tandem care w/ my OB and peri and saw the peri every 6 weeks. Even though I was seeing 2 doctors, neither one of them suggested extra tests. I saw my peri for my last visit at 34 weeks and she said I didn't need to go back. And I didn't start seeing my OB every 2 weeks till 36 weeks and then every week at 38 weeks - normal OB schedule. The only "out of ordinary" thing my peri wanted was an induction by my due date (which I agreed to because I didn't know any better - it wasn't medically necessary). My OB didn't want to induce but did so because it is what the peri wanted.

Last thing I wanted to mention - all those tests have the possibility to undermine your confidence in your body to grow and birth a baby. If they're constantly looking for something wrong they're likely to find it. And even though it may be a "minor" something wrong, it will cause needless worry and frustration. How will you feel if you are 38 weeks and they think (because of all the BPPs) baby is getting big and will be too big for you to birth (scare tactic)?

Ok one more last thing, lol. Have you talked to your OB about her philosophy on birth? You haven't mentioned how you picture your ideal birth going but it isn't too early to start thinking about it. If she is this "medical" during your pregnancy, she's likely to be very hands on and medical during your birth. That kind of approach when it is unwarranted can cause more problems than it prevents. I'm not saying you want or need a drug free natural childbirth. But more intervention doesn't always mean safer better birth. Just something to think about <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Read the book.

Keepercjr · May 2, 2008

I agree w/ Wanderlost - ask them WHY? I DO think it is overkill and unnecessary. And trust me - the more tests they do, the more ammunition they will have to "strong arm" you into doing what they want (ie you need to be induced right now because your fluid level is low or baby is too big, etc).
 
 And yes yes yes read the book that Wanderlost mentioned (though it is by Henci Goer, lol). It is laid out into sections so you don't have to read it from front to back to get an idea of what she is saying.
 
 If I were in your shoes, I would ask why she wants those tests, what information will they provide her that she thinks she needs, what will she do with that information, and what will happen if you refuse them. And I'd likely decline with the reasoning that I've had a normal, uneventful pregnancy up to that point.
 
 This pregnancy I'm going every so often to my high risk doc just for ultrasounds. I honestly do it because it makes my regular OB more comfortable and to keep in touch w/ the high risk OB because of my bad asthma. Last pregnancy I did tandem care w/ my OB and peri and saw the peri every 6 weeks. Even though I was seeing 2 doctors, neither one of them suggested extra tests. I saw my peri for my last visit at 34 weeks and she said I didn't need to go back. And I didn't start seeing my OB every 2 weeks till 36 weeks and then every week at 38 weeks - normal OB schedule. The only "out of ordinary" thing my peri wanted was an induction by my due date (which I agreed to because I didn't know any better - it wasn't medically necessary). My OB didn't want to induce but did so because it is what the peri wanted.
 
 Last thing I wanted to mention - all those tests have the possibility to undermine your confidence in your body to grow and birth a baby. If they're constantly looking for something wrong they're likely to find it. And even though it may be a "minor" something wrong, it will cause needless worry and frustration. How will you feel if you are 38 weeks and they think (because of all the BPPs) baby is getting big and will be too big for you to birth (scare tactic)?
 
 Ok one more last thing, lol. Have you talked to your OB about her philosophy on birth? You haven't mentioned how you picture your ideal birth going but it isn't too early to start thinking about it. If she is this "medical" during your pregnancy, she's likely to be very hands on and medical during your birth. That kind of approach when it is unwarranted can cause more problems than it prevents. I'm not saying you want or need a drug free natural childbirth. But more intervention doesn't always mean safer better birth. Just something to think about <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
 Read the book.

ashleydog · May 2, 2008

I had several NST and BPP towards the end. I had slowed down on my weight gain and with the posistion of the baby they were unable to get accurate measurements on his size. I didn't mind the NST at all, It was fun to sit and listen to his heatbeat and kicks for a while. The extra ultrasounds were not as exciting since by then all we could see was an arm or leg never the whole baby. It may have been overkill, but having several friends ( without cf) who had various complications late in pregnancy I didn't mind the extra care. My doctors goal was always to get me to 40 weeks or more. At 39 when I still hadn't gone into labor, he said he wouldn' even schedule induction until I was 41 weeks. Toby was born on his due date.

ashleydog · May 2, 2008

I had several NST and BPP towards the end. I had slowed down on my weight gain and with the posistion of the baby they were unable to get accurate measurements on his size. I didn't mind the NST at all, It was fun to sit and listen to his heatbeat and kicks for a while. The extra ultrasounds were not as exciting since by then all we could see was an arm or leg never the whole baby. It may have been overkill, but having several friends ( without cf) who had various complications late in pregnancy I didn't mind the extra care. My doctors goal was always to get me to 40 weeks or more. At 39 when I still hadn't gone into labor, he said he wouldn' even schedule induction until I was 41 weeks. Toby was born on his due date.

ashleydog · May 2, 2008

I had several NST and BPP towards the end. I had slowed down on my weight gain and with the posistion of the baby they were unable to get accurate measurements on his size. I didn't mind the NST at all, It was fun to sit and listen to his heatbeat and kicks for a while. The extra ultrasounds were not as exciting since by then all we could see was an arm or leg never the whole baby. It may have been overkill, but having several friends ( without cf) who had various complications late in pregnancy I didn't mind the extra care. My doctors goal was always to get me to 40 weeks or more. At 39 when I still hadn't gone into labor, he said he wouldn' even schedule induction until I was 41 weeks. Toby was born on his due date.

ashleydog · May 2, 2008

I had several NST and BPP towards the end. I had slowed down on my weight gain and with the posistion of the baby they were unable to get accurate measurements on his size. I didn't mind the NST at all, It was fun to sit and listen to his heatbeat and kicks for a while. The extra ultrasounds were not as exciting since by then all we could see was an arm or leg never the whole baby. It may have been overkill, but having several friends ( without cf) who had various complications late in pregnancy I didn't mind the extra care. My doctors goal was always to get me to 40 weeks or more. At 39 when I still hadn't gone into labor, he said he wouldn' even schedule induction until I was 41 weeks. Toby was born on his due date.

ashleydog · May 2, 2008

I had several NST and BPP towards the end. I had slowed down on my weight gain and with the posistion of the baby they were unable to get accurate measurements on his size. I didn't mind the NST at all, It was fun to sit and listen to his heatbeat and kicks for a while. The extra ultrasounds were not as exciting since by then all we could see was an arm or leg never the whole baby. It may have been overkill, but having several friends ( without cf) who had various complications late in pregnancy I didn't mind the extra care. My doctors goal was always to get me to 40 weeks or more. At 39 when I still hadn't gone into labor, he said he wouldn' even schedule induction until I was 41 weeks. Toby was born on his due date.

Is my OB overdoing it?

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