QuestionWhat is macrosomia? Never heard of this term, please explain. Although I am at risk due to my weight, I have been blessed not to have have diabetes or hypertension. My doctor is delivering because I am having a lot of joint pain, pain from the baby being on my bladder, and discomforts from pregnancy and the weight. He is going to use Pitocin but I wondered what were the side effects from this medication are. How often are Cervidil (prostaglandins) suppositories used? Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions. -------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I am 37 weeks pregnant today 10/11/04. Although I do not have any other health reasons for being enduced other than obesity and being extremely uncomfortable... not to mention anxious about delivery, I am scheduled to be induced at 38 weeks. However, after reading all the literture on being induced, although I was induced with my first child, who is now 2 1/2 yrs old, with the use of Pitocin and amniotomy, I am afraid. I was considering more natural means of inducaiton such as the castor oil treatment. Is this recommended at this stage? Does this method cause the baby to pass their first bowl movement? How will you be able to tell if the baby passes his first bowl movement? I was almost 400 lbs with my first child and now I am 309 with this child. I also had the gastric by-pass surgery about a year ago where I lost 100 lbs and I am afraid of what risk this may have cuased or could the baby as well. I am confused, tired, in pain, and need advise! HELP PLEASE! :)
Answer -
I don't know the particulars of your case, but I assume that your doctor wants to deliver the baby at 38 weeks to avoid macrosomia. I do not know if you have any hypertension or diabetes. The best way to induce you at that time is to insert a Cervidil (prostaglandins) suppository into your vagina and allow the cervix to ripen for 12 hours. Then, if you have not gone into labor, Pitocin can be used to cause contractions and effect the delivery of the baby. I do not know why your doctor wants to induce you, but you can discuss that with your doctor. Castor oil does not cause a bowel movement in the baby, but in 90% of its use, does not work to cause labor. At this point, I would take the safest course for your baby, and if your doctor believes that you have to be induced at 39 weeks, pitocin is the method of choice and is safest for the baby.
Answer"Macrosomia" is a term used for a very large baby (greater than 9.5lbs). We usually use Cervidil to "ripen" the cervix if it is still long and closed. Once the cervix is ripened, we use pitocin to stimulate your uterus to have regular contractions. As long as you are on the monitor and you do not get too frequent contractions, there are no side effects to pitocin. Good luck.
