Well I finally made it to the 3rd trimester! I'm 33 weeks and 2 or 3 weeks from getting my cerclage removed if it wasn't for my High Risk OB with a one track mind. I have to say I credit him for basically saving the life of my baby and I'm eternally grateful for that. Why am I now at the end of my pregnancy stressed out over the birth thanks in big part to him. I have been on strict bedrest for the past 5 months. I have lost my job, and had to leave school per his instructions. I dutifully obeyed. But here we are at a time when I can finally have some say as a patient about birth choices and due dates if I have to be induced. I have had 2 full term babies vaginally, lets keep that in mind. For months he has been saying I'm small in stature and the baby may be too big. Then it was the polyhydramnios (excess fluid). Now it's oh you have Herpes Type 1 and thats the final reason I should cut you open. My little brother and I have been getting fever blisters since we were young virgins, I have never had an STD. Second, my previous 2 births were natural and complication free (yep I was getting fever blisters then too). I did my research and found out that the chances of spreading anything to the baby especially with the condition being long standing is rare on top of that antibodies are sent to the baby via the placenta to protect her. He told me my children were normal because I was "lucky" (once again never had any vaginal lesions or STD's).  The other fact, a caesarean doesn't significantly lower the chances if I did have an active infection and this is if I had the other type of herpes thats spread vaginally (Type 2). So why the major surgery? It's because he's comfortable with it. Well the other day when I consulted with him and told him I decided to have the baby vaginally he not only threaened to kick me out of his office but also said that I would bring home "a piece of meat with a heartbeat" referring to what my baby would be if by chance something happened during delivery. I gave in after he lectured me on what he said was a stupid choice and he doesn't want to be at the birth if that is my choice. So I brought up that they had me scheduled for Aug. 19 induction, can it please be Aug. 20. Do you know what I was told? "No, it doesn't fit my schedule, thats a very busy office day for me." ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I mentioned that the c-section was major surgery, he said "no it's not, it's the best thing that could ever happen to you, ask my patients." (mind you he cuts about 95% of them) Then I mention the importance of bonding with the baby, he says "you'll see her right after then you'll see her in recovery." (maybe I'll get to touch her if I can get through the iv's in both arms) Now I'm afraid to just put my foot down and tell him that I'm sure about my choice because he has to take out the cerclage and I'm afraid he'll hurt me. I have another OB (as he is my high risk OB and they work together) but I'm pretty sure she wouldn't go behind him and remove the stitch herself. I shouldn't feel like this. I have been a good patient. All I want is a pleasant birth experience. What do I do?

If I were you I would get a second opinion and if they say there is no reason for you to have a c-section dump your Dr. No Dr. should put that much on your shoulders if there is no reason other then the baby is big. If your first two children came out perfectly normal then this one should too. He should at least give you the chance to deliver vaginally if thats what you want to do. Hope you can find a way to get what you want out of your delivery.

Beth

I agree with Beth, you should consult with your regular OB or another doctor.  This guy sounds like he is really doing what is easy for him and not necessarily what HAS to happen to ensure that your baby and you are healthy.  He seems like he is a little cocky and does not take anyone questioning his opinions. 

BTW I have a cerclage as well so I understand that part of a little loyalty to the OB because the doctor's saved our babies.  But, just as a point of reference my doctor claims that I will only have a c-section if the baby is too big. 

Not only would I find a new OB I would file a complaint against the one you've been seeing!  Surely the things you've outlined above constitute some sort of patient harrassment?

 http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10084&ClickedLink=0&area=27

They also have a great resource on how to best plan for a vaginal birth which includes the following:

How should I move forward after deciding to plan a vaginal birth or a cesarean section?

Cesarean birth can be life saving for both mothers and unborn babies in a small proportion of situations, but for most women and babies at the end of pregnancy, the overall risks of surgical birth outweigh benefits. If you do not have a clear and compelling need for a cesarean, a vaginal birth is likely to be the safest and most satisfying option for you.


While there are no guarantees, if you want to have a vaginal birth, you can take steps to increase the likelihood of reaching this goal. Advance preparation in pregnancy can make all the difference. The most important things you can do may be to arrange for:

• a caregiver who shares your goals and has a conservative practice style
• a birth setting with low rates of cesarean section and other labor interventions
• access to continuous labor support from a trained or experienced woman who will be available for you in labor.

http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ClickedLink=395&ck=10170&area=27 

If having a vaginal birth is important to you, please don't let this man intimidate you into doing something you don't want! 

Okay WTH does herpes type 1 have to do with a vaginal delivery!!!??? NOTHING!!!! Your OB is full of @*$&!!! He just wants to do what's easy for him which is a C-section! Go to your other OB tell her what he's been saying and that you are not happy with how you've been treated and report him to someone. That's just horrible! A C-section is major surgery!!! I've had one i know! It's not fun!!! You can't even laugh with out having pain! Plus your hospital stay is longer, and your not able to get up and move for a longer period of time! WTH is wrong with DR's these days!!!???

You all have been absolutely wonderful! I have been anxious, and downright sick to my stomach since that appointment. I was too stressed to sleep so I spent that time doing even more research. You all are right I have rights as a patient and I shouldn't be pushed into such a major surgery if it's not necessary. So today I had an appt with both and I'm happy to report that I put my foot down (kindly) and made the decision as an informed patient that a vag delivery is my choice. If something happens and I must have a c-section then that'll just be what it is but until then I'm sticking to my choice. When I asked the high risk OB when was he taking out my cerclage he had a different tone today (I think he felt bad about how awful he was at my last appt) he asked when I wanted it out and he couldn't help but state that it could be a disaster. Whatever the case 36 weeks was decided because my cervix is now at 2.4 and no one wants a tear through my cervix. So Yay, Aug. 6 is the big day!!!

I think I will take you all's advice and make a complaint, I'm grateful that he does what he does but he's in a people business and we pay him to do what he does, I think we deserve just a little decency and respect for that. Again, I'm so grateful to you all for responding and I wish each of you the best of everything. THANK YOU,  THANK YOU,  THANK YOU,  THANK YOU!

I'M SOOO GRATEFUL....

Good for you, Shexta! And congratulations!!!

I am very happy to hear that the situation worked out for the best.  Please keep us in the loop! 

 I do have a curious question, my doctor said that when my cerclage is removed, i will go into labor very shortly after.  Did you get the same advice?