10 Questions with Dr. James Patenge – Part 2

Here is the long awaited second part of my interview with Dr. James Patenge!

Is it ok to exercise while pregnant?

James Patenge, DO, OB/GYN

In most cases it’s ok to continue with your regular exercise routine.  Keeping your heart rate below 140 bmp and avoiding abdominal workouts is a good idea.  I would also recommend lots of walking.

Do I have a choice to deliver vaginally or have c-section?

There is a great deal of controversy around this question.  It is generally recommended to trail a vaginal birth first since it is considered “less risk” overall.  However, there are some that argue a patient should have a choice.  As long as the patient fully understands the risks and benefits of vaginal birth verses a c-section, then the patient should have that option.  Many insurance companies will not pay for an elective c-section because it is more costly.  We have noticed elective c-sections increasing nationally, but it’s still a very small percentage.  The trend now is moving back to vaginal birth after a c-section. 

What reasons would I need to have labor induced?

Labor is induced for going beyond your due date, severe high blood pressure called severe pre-eclampsia, gestation diabetes, fetal growth issues of either too small or too large, multiple births and other less common issues.

Are there test that can determine any issues with my unborn child?

Commonly a quad test and fetal ultrasound is offered to look at potential genetic anomalies.  We use non-stress tests (NST) to check for fetal well-being.  We also use lab work to check for diabetes, pre-eclampsia and other issues.

How long will I have to stay at the hospital after giving birth?

Vaginal births will often stay one to two days and a c-section will often stay one to 3 nights depending on how the patient is doing.

A Little Refresher at 35 Weeks

This week Rachelle, Addyson and myself were able to get a little refresher from Samantha Kauffman, RNC, CCE.  The class we took was called “Childbirth Review Class“.  This class reviews labor and delivery, as well as relaxation and breathing patterns, for those who have taken childbirth preparation classes with a previous birth. This free class is held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Of course, our class did not review breathing patterns since we are having a scheduled c-section.

The class started out with Samantha providing us with handouts while Addyson munched on granola bars that were provided.  Samantha showed interest as Rachelle explained our pregnancy with Addyson and how it came to a c-section.  When then watched a video clip explaining and showing how a c-section is preformed.  Rachelle found the information very helpful since the mother does not get to see any of it.  During the video the showed a diagram of how the doctor makes an incision and Addyson responded by saying “Owey!”

Next Samantha and Rachelle discussed the steps leading up to the c-section.  This involved the pre-op appointment, lab draws and what to expect the day of.  She then explained the entire c-section procedure and who would be involved in the process.  Rachelle and Samantha were able to talk about her breastfeeding plan and ways to make it work after she returns to her job.  She informed us that if she has trouble with breastfeeding, Gerber Memorial has a lactation consultant that is more than happy to meet with us and help her resolve any issues.  Samantha informed her that having a positive mindset towards breastfeeding is the best way to be successful.

We also had a time for Addyson to help change some diapers!  Samantha had to baby dolls waiting for her to change.  Addyson wasted no time in getting them from the cart, taking the diapers off, wiping them and putting new diapers on (view video below).  She then showed Addyson how her new little sister will have a bracelet on while in the hospital and let he put on the baby doll as well.  They also did some hand printing and played with fun stickers. 

Finally we toured the birth center.  We had the opportunity to see an actual newborn baby!  She showed us the triage rooms, a delivery room and the room we will stay in after our c-section.  They even provided dad’s with an additional bed to sleep in to encourage bonding time with the new-born.  We concluded our class after this point, feeling even better about having our child at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial.  A special “thanks” to Samantha Kauffman for taking the time to refresh us!

If you would like more information on pregnancy classes at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial, please visit http://www.spectrumhealth.org/body.cfm?id=2378 or call 231.924.1344.

Addyson helps change a diaper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 How our baby’s growing:

Your baby doesn’t have much room to maneuver now that he’s over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it’s so snug in your womb, she isn’t likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she’ll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Babycenter.com information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby’s development.

Week 30: The Final Stretch

We have decided to move our blog posts to the end of the week now that we are doing bi-weekly checkups.  We had our most recent check up yesterday, January 5.  Rachelle spoke with Dr. Patenge about pains she has been having.  He was able to inform her that it was just her body preparing for birth.  She is also measuring at 32 weeks and he expects our baby to be big, but is not concerned since we are having s c-section.  Rachelle was also able to schedule her c-section for March 7, 2012, about 1 week before her due date.

We are both getting more excited the closer it gets.  We have been stocking up on diapers, wipes, bottles and many other items.   Since she plans on breast feeding, we made sure to locate our pump and clean it up well since it has not been used in over 2 years.  We are both setting up our time off at work.  She plans to take six weeks off work while I am planning on only taking two weeks.  But not to worry, we are planning on doing a lot of blog updates after the baby is born!

How our baby‘s growing:

Our baby’s about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it’s not very keen; even after she’s born, she’ll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she’ll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Rachelle at 30 weeks with Addyson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Babycenter.com information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby’s development.