So anxious... I have both GD (which results in big babies) and thrombocytopenia (meaning low platelet counts which most…
So anxious...
I have both GD (which results in big babies) and thrombocytopenia (meaning low platelet counts which most likely = no epidural for this mama!). I'm 1 week away from my due date, and haven't shown a single sign of labor being imminent. I was 100% planning on the epidural, but now that I can't have it I'm just so anxious to get this show on the road before she gets too large. Any advice on going med-free when all you really want is an epi?
deleted-user·
I also have GD but my son is measuring average at 7lb 4oz at 38 weeks. What is your little one measuring at? I've just been diet controlled and have honestly cheated with sweets too and he hasn't become too big. GD doesn't always make big babies, so it may not be as bad as you think! I had my first naturally and loved the experience, I used a jacuzzi tub for pain and it took away like 80% of the pain and I had horrible back labor too. Ask your hospital if they have one, I go through a birth center and they do which is my #1 reason for using that center. I also "moaned" through contractions while I was laboring at home and swayed back and forth while my husband rubbed my back really hard. That kept me sane until the jacuzzi!
M_Joelle·
She was measuring 77% at our 37w3d ultrasound. Estimated weight was 7lbs 1 oz. Our hospital does have 1 jacuzzi tub that they say is severely underutilized so I'm crossing my fingers that it will be open when the time comes! I'm just worried that if she's a week or two late she could be 9 lbs + and be a much harder/longer birth...
M_Joelle·
Also, if you don't mind me asking - how big was your first?
deleted-user·
GD doesn't necessarily mean your baby will be big. As long as your sugar levels have been good it shouldn't make a difference :)
I had GD with my third pregnancy. I was so worried my baby was going to be huge. Turned out he was only 1oz bigger than my other son. He was 8lbs 2oz, my first son was 8lbs 1oz. And my daughter was 7lbs 12oz (she was also 2 weeks early, my boys were just a few days early).
I had all of them med free. It really depends on your pain tolerance and your coping skills but it's definitely possible to do it. To help with the pain I had warm baths/showers, bounced on an exercise ball, listened to music, had my husband rub my back, and walked a lot (walking or standing can help things progress faster because gravity helps guide baby down).
deleted-user·
Big baby doesn't necessarily mean long or hard labor. My son was 9lbs 6oz and was a very quick and easy labor and delivery with no tears. And I'm a tiny person lol. I believe larger babies are actually easier to birth because your contractions do more work and remember all babies are squishy especially chunky ones ;)