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Define Huge

(This was written January 12)

I met with my new OB/GYN today. While I had a perfectly lovely gynecologist for the last ten years, her location is no longer convenient, especially when I may be in labor. So after asking around for referrals, I settled on Dr. L.

Dr. L is a sweet, grandpa type. Admittedly, there were some nerves about going to a male doctor. My first experience in the OB/GYN world was in high school and included a Dr. Hyman (seriously), a med student and a nurse. It was horrifying and I've made sure to have a female doc every since.

After starting the appointment with an ultrasound (175 heartbeat, woo hoo) I met with Dr. L in his office to discuss family history, health issues, etc. One of my major concerns - besides how much weight I'm going to gain - is how big this baby is going to be. The conversation went like this:

Me: I was a huge baby and heard that is hereditary. Is this true?

Dr. L:
Well, I've delivered more than 5,000 babies so we may have a different definition of what's "huge."

Me: Over ten pounds.

Dr. L:
Yes, that's huge. How big are your parents?

Me:
Average. 5'6 and 6'.

Dr. L:
Let's not worry about it now. It's difficult to determine the baby's weight in the womb, but absolute worst case scenario there's always a cesarean.

Me:
Is it too early to schedule that?

Dr. L is slightly appalled, but chuckles. Next I move to the pain management discussion.

Me: For the record, I'm pro-pain management and embracing of the epidural.

Dr. L: I would be, too.

Me: And don't worry I'm going to change my mind and become one of those women who want to feel everything. I want to feel as little as possible. If there is an option to knock me out and wake me up once the baby is here, I'd be okay with that.

Dr. L.: That's really only an option if the situation is very bad, but I appreciate you letting me know.

Me: Do you need to record this somewhere in my file? You have a lot of patients. You may forget.

Dr. L: I won't forget. Plus, we'll probably meet a few more times before the baby arrives.

Me: That's true. And I'll be sure to remind you.

Dr. L: I'm sure you will.

Also, because I'm 39 my pregnancy is labeled a "premium pregnancy" which is much better than the previous "high risk" and "advanced maternal age" labels that were thrown around. Premium pregnancy makes me feel like really good ice cream.

Yum... ice cream.

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