Went for a routine check-up today and we got a surprise. The midwife was feeling around on my tummy and said she was 95% sure that she was feeling Audrey's head down in my pelvis area but she wanted to do an ultrasound just to make sure. The 5% won and she was incorrect - Audrey is breech! This is not a huge deal and she would normally have plenty of time for turning IF I had normal fluid levels. The fluid levels are supposed to be between 5 - 25 and the ultrasound showed that mine was at 6.4 - which is a little scary by itself since it means she doesn't have a lot of cushion inside and can easily get into a position where she is clamping down on the cord - but this also means there is a slim chance she will turn herself or be turned by other means since there is a lack of goods to make her float in there. BUT I am going to try to get her to turn and continue with our original plan. They told me to drink LOTS and LOTS to increase fluid levels - like up to a gallon and a half a day - phew! - if fluid levels go up they may be able to turn her manually - eek sounds scary and I've heard that could be painful. I can also try swimming, which will make her more floaty and light or I can try going to a chiropractor to do something called the Webster Technique - they will try to adjust my ligaments to encourage her to turn. I also had to do a Fetal Non-Stress Test which monitored her heartbeat and movements for a while with a belt around my tummy and the results were good and she is healthy and doing fine. We go back for an ultrasound next Wednesday (7/14) and if she hasn't turned and my fluid levels are still down they will schedule a c-section for late next week or early the following week. This news had me quite bummed but I am finding peace in the bright side of a cesarean and knowing that my plans are not always what God has planned for me. Audrey and I are both healthy and that is all that matters!
HEALTHY BABY GIRL
Decisions Made - We (I - the husband is too easy going) struggled making the decision about where to have Audrey - Birthing Center or hospital? Drugs or natural? All that worry may be decided for me!
No labor and no hurting oonie (good point from Auntie Alli) - WOOHOO!! Nuf said!
Wait Staff - having a natural birth could mean a super fast recovery and no sympathy - if you can birth a baby without drugs than by all means you better be up off that couch the next day doing dishes and laundry (not really but I may have expected that from myself a little) - With a C-section I'll have husband, hospital staff, Mom, Dad, Family, and friends all waiting on my every need and all I have to do is love on Audrey and feel entitled!! AND, the pampering begins NOW - I'm supposed to be still, rest, and drink lots of fluids - the couch and I will be doing some major bonding!
Round non-pointy head (hee hee - thanks Amy for that excellent point!)
Preparedness - knowing what is going to happen takes a load off and we can be better prepared. I can stop doing small loads of laundry just to make sure all the laundry is done if I go into labor and I can stop doing dishes 49 times a day in case we have to leave the house in a hurry - pretty sure I've had a major case of nesting in wanting everything in the house to be perfect for when she gets here. However, I could still go into labor which could happen at any time but still knowing what is going to happen at that point is a pretty good feeling.
Sympathy diaper bag from hubby...the expensive one I really wanted ;)
Although I am sad at the news today and I do realize recovery from a c-section is tough, I will continue to think of the positive things and all my blessings. And I will continue to patiently wait for the arrival of our baby girl - the outcome is the same no matter what way!
A grasp seeking strength
a sign searching for relief
a labor toiling to its end
For a tiny body, wrinkled and wet meets
a touch exploring new skin
a kiss expressing new affection
a whisper promising tomorrow
a tear blurring bittersweet joy
As the thundering peace of Birth
...suspends time
-Author Unknown
