question about OB/GYN and ultrasounds?

Question

So I went to the doctor Monday,
I didn't really think about this til a few minutes ago.

I'm 31 weeks today.I have syatica and I've been in a lot of pain lately, Not to sound whiny, but I don't know whats normal pain and whats not first pregnancy. But he said if it continues I'll be induced at 38 weeks.

They did an ultrasound the day I went in, and he said the baby's lungs seem pretty well developed by now. And that he'd be extremely surprised, if my pregnancy went into the 40 weeks(i guess he meant, that he'd be surprised if I didn't go into labor before hand, but again I don't know)

She's almost 4 pounds at 30 weeks checkup.

Could the doctor possibly give me an "around suchandsuch weeks" the baby may be born
and could he possibly know if her lungs are developed?

I'm switching OB/GYN's anyways because of insurance purposes, and not paying for the doctor to deliver at the specific hospital. I would just like input if this has been said to you, and was true.

Thanks in advance

another question (I ran out of room)
could the induce me at 38 weeks, because of being in pain?

Answer 1

I've also had sciatic with my pregnancies and there are ways to find some relief, which I recommend you try before considering an early induction. You could schedule an appointment with a chiropractor who is experienced with treating expectant mothers (try getting a referral). Or you can try special exercises to relieve the pain. You can Google online for some techniques.

If you are only 31 weeks, they can't tell lung maturity through ultrasound. That can only be determined later. At 4 pounds, your baby needs many more weeks in the womb for the lungs to mature and to reach a healthy weight.

All the best to you, and hope you can find something that works for the pain.

Answer 2

I know at my hospital, the doctors simply will not intentionally deliver prior to 36 or 37 weeks unless the mother's or baby's life is in danger.

What they might do is at 34 weeks do an amnio to check lung maturity, and if it comes back mature, they would not actively stop labor if it started on it's own, but they still probably would not induce until 36 or 37 weeks.

I'm glad you're getting another OB, because there is no way that they can look at a baby's lungs in an ultrasound and determine if they are mature. They can see if the baby is making breathing movements, which is a good sign, but that does NOT mean they are mature. I have never personally seen a lung maturity test come back positive - even with steroids - prior to 33 weeks.

I understand your pain is bad. But most docs would aggressively try to maintain your comfort rather than inducing too early. At 37-38 weeks, if your doc is sympathetic enough, you might be able to have an induction.

Good luck, feel better, and congrats in advance!

Answer 3

they never really know your due date, because no one really knows when you ovulated... its all just an estimate. As far as inducing, they usually do it if being pregnant any longer is harmful for you or the baby... altough some doctors just like to have things scheduled. (mine induced because i was due on mardi gras, and the city would have been nuts at that time) so she induced a few days before. i would suggest letting nature take its course, my induction was horrible because the baby wasnt ready i guess.

Answer 4

An ultrasound tech performs ultrasounds, yet not in ordinary terms for pregnant female. Ultrasounds are used for many motives, which comprise the traditional exterior ultrasound which you notice on television, besides as "inner" ultrasounds. With an inner ultrasound, you employ a "wand" it rather is inserted into the vagina, and surely does an analogous element because of the fact the exterior, yet is used for different motives. additionally, ultrasounds are actually not in ordinary terms for female. men additionally opt for ultrasounds, which comprise testicular ultrasounds to look for lumps that could desire to be cancerous. besides because of the fact the "transrectal" ultrasound to look on the male prostate.

Answer 5

I'm sure he was just speaking as "in my experience".... Then again if you didn't feel comfortable I'd switch too. He was probablly trying to make you feel better. Like "hang in there, I know your in pain and your baby will be fine and it will be over soon." My Dr. said something similar with my second pregnancy. But I really like my Dr. so I was ok with it.