...and here I am, hiding the bump under a shirt that is labeled "maternity" but which I am so past. I think I need clothes that are labeled "tent" at this stage...
I had a doctor's appointment yesterday at 3.40pm, and found out I was...nowhere near ready to go. Again. Which is somewhat vexing because at this stage I do feel rather stuck in pregnancy limbo: I'd hoped to have made a little bit of progress as far as "readiness" were concerned at this stage, but it doesn't look much like it. I've been having regular contractions, but they don't seem to be doing much to my cervix... In fact at the NST yesterday, I was having contractions 2-3 minutes apart. Ah, me.
The biophysical profile showed a nice, big, healthy babe - she looks to be measuring (if you take her thighbone measurement) around 7.5 lb - but, if she takes after me, she's torso-heavy in terms of length, so that could mean a heavier baby. It's good - I'm glad she's measuring nicely!
Now, can she come out, please? My lovely OB is on holiday next week - this throws a potentially rather serious spanner in the works because of course, I turn 39 weeks on Monday. He is gone until the 11th - my due date. If I go into labor next week spontaneously, I will be fighting a cesarean with the remaining doctors unless labor times itself beautifully during the day - which of course, is unlikely! I don't want another cesarean...I want a VBAC. I will be very upset if I have another cesarean, no matter the comments of "oh, but at least the baby is healthy" etcetera - there's a whole ton more to it than that - a whole ton.
So I am waiting today for a 'phone call from my OB, who is getting in touch with a doctor friend of his in the cities, to see if anything can be done as far as some kind of manual cervical dilation is concerned. We shall see.
However at this stage, I am thinking we're probably going to have to ride this out at least until he comes back from holiday in two Monday's time.
Problem is of course, you have about as much chance of getting baby to stay in, than getting her to come out. It's all such an enormous gamble...
14 comments:
Foley bulb induction? I never heard of it being used in AL while I worked in transcription typing up notes but maybe Thorn is game...
It's supposed to be quite effective if one needs cervical change to happen without using prostaglandins - then, once the cervix is open to about 3/4cm, the balloon falls out and one either starts labor by oneself, or pit is used to augment a little. I'm up for it, at this stage, if my doctor is...
Bella knows when she wants to come. Labor is triggered by baby signals, which is really lovely when you think about it. It's awful that your OB is leaving you like that though. Be strong, and know that you will be o.k...VBAC is worth fighting for! My first was a c-section, and I've had to fight for my right to birth gentle ever since. But...the fight is worth it. Your body wants to birth, and it also has cell memory, so you may have a brief stall as your body remembers the c-section..but as long as baby is doing well, you just let your body re-group for the best moment of your life. You can and will do this. Bella will come. and it will be exactly as it is meant to be. Sending you strength and love and warmth....GO JAY! You are a Goddess!
Jay, I'm scared...call me paranoid but please don't let them make you wait that long. Are you open to being induced? I know you badly want a VBAC, I'm just scared because your placenta will start to deteriorate after the baby is term. I will be holding my breath until her safe arrival, please keep us posted.
Totally open to being induced, 'specially with a Foley catheter. I just wish the doc would get back to me...he hasn't yet...I'm holding my breath here... I've also started to feel antsy, and am now making food and cookies to freeze. keeping me occupied, but I am just running about like a headless chicken now. When my mother got like this, labor was always within 3 days...
oh, so many are waiting for you sweet Bella!! a new years baby is cool!! and just think, she'd turn 1 on 1-1-11!! :) Gwen's bday is 1/1 too! ;)
Well, I'm not being induced... We're going to wait it out. Now I just need to find things to do for the next few days...
I hope everything works out the way you want!
Thinking of you Jay! I hope that you get to welcome Isobella in the way that you envision. Blessings- CaliMommie from MDC
Keep that faith you have in yourself as a mum, in your body to do the work it is ready to do and in your preparation to do it the way you want to...and then be ready to be flexible if change is the right decision..yours and H's decision. Thinking positive thoughts for you every day. Best Wishes. Anti.
Thinking of you right now Jay. I hope that your birthing wishes are honored. . . such a beautiful photo. You look fabulous.
beautiful belly
I admire your stamina and strength and am humbled by your determination, don't let anyone take that away from you, you are the mom. Peace and comfort for the next few days and the natural birth you are wishing for.
xx Ines
I'm thinking of you Jay, daily. You and your beautiful Bella-belly. I truly hope you get the gentle birth you and Isobella need and deserve. Since you're waiting it out, have you got plans in place for extra monitoring and such? Much peace mama, the end of pregnancy is hard work anyway, the end of PAL - a whole new level of potential insanity.
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