Mr. OB

We had an OB appointment today.  It's slow at work for Aaron, so he took the day off and was able to go with me.  We met Dr. Saffer for the first time today.  Saffer is the only male OB on staff with West Coast OBGYN.  As luck would have it, I got the male doctor for the appointment when I'm due to have my Strep B culture done.  A strep B culture involves taking a swab from your vagina and anus.  Out of the entire pregnancy, there have only been two appointments where crotch viewing was necessary.  The initial sonogram at 8 weeks to verify pregnancy (which was done by Casey, the female PA) which wa when we first saw the little nugglet.  Now the strep B culture.  Of course.

It really wasn't that bad.  Saffer was really nice and made me feel at ease; nicer, in fact, than some of the other OB's.  Taking the swab was quick and not too uncomfortable.  The purpose of taking the culture is to determine if you have a bacteria growing in your system.  It's a fairly common bacteria found in women, and hangs out without a problem, as it doesn't affect the woman.  Babies, on the other hand, have weaker immune systems and can get sick from the bacteria, so they test for it.  If your test comes back positive, it just means you have an antibiotic IV during your labor.  No big deal, really.

After doing the culture, he asked if I had any questions, and I did have a few this time.  I've been wanting to know what position Kaila's in.  He said he'd take a look.  After palpating my stomach for a minute, the first thing he said was that "we've got a big baby, here."  I said "well, look at.." and then glanced at Aaron.  He said, "ah."  Aaron brought up the fact that he was a normal, 7 pound baby, and I added that I was the almost 10 pounder at birth.  He continued his inspection, and said her head is down, her back seems to be parallel with my diaphragm, i.e. across my chest, her butt is by my chest under my lungs, and her legs and feet are the lumps and bumps I've been feeling near my belly button on my right side.  It's nice to know where she is. 

I also asked if the fact that I haven't seemed to have many contractions yet in my labor is an indication that Kaila would come late, and he said not at all.  Sometimes women just don't feel all the contractions that are going on.  I hope she's on time.. I'd prefer not to go to 42 weeks of pregnancy!

When the appointment was over, he said we'll probably be seen every week from now on.  Crazy.  One month left until her due date.  31 days! 

Shower is on Sunday!  Can't wait!