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.

Week 28 A Little Late

It is week 28 already!  We had our monthly doctors visit which has now been moved to every two weeks.  Rachelle’s blood pressure was great once again; in our first pregnancy she had high blood pressure.  She is also measuring at 29 weeks.  We also had the opportunity to meet with Shana Selesky, PA.  She completed her internship with Gerber Memorial and was hired on afterwards.  She had the same great demeanor as the rest of the staff in the OG/GYN Office.  We also attempted to take our daughter, Addyson, to the appointment with us which was not such a great idea.  Considering she is in the “terrible two” stage, she was not happy to be confined with us in the room.  Lucky for us, there is a little kids play cubby in the lobby with table and chairs that kept her busy.  She had fun pointing out Mickey and Goofy in the books provided in that area.

The Kroll family would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and a great New Year!

OB/GYN Office Play Area

How our baby‘s growing:

By this week, our baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She’s also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Our baby Week 28

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.