Well, I finally got to see a real doctor today after 2 months of being shuffled around and seeing only nurses ever since my midwife became unable to practice due to the OB over her moving away. The good news is that the doctor was wonderful. I've never had a male doc before but he was kind, friendly, informative, and experienced. He was a grandfatherly sort who immediately puts you at ease that he knows what he's doing.
The bad news is there is a reason that I measure a bit small, look a lot smaller, have no pubic bone displacia this time, and don't feel a lot of kicking or pelvic pressure. The doctor is pretty sure our baby is breech. He also checked for dilation and where most women who have previously had a baby are at 2cm the last two months of pregnancy, I am completely closed, due to no head down there putting pressure on me. He said not to panic because I'm only 36 and a half weeks and he said they often wiggle and move around until after 37 weeks. My next appointment is in 9 days, and if the baby still seems to be breech he will do an ultrasound to confirm that. Then I will have to go to the hospital to endure a "manual inversion" which doesn't sound fun at all and involves several people manhandling me in an effort to turn the baby. This exercise can cause you to go into labor and has some risks, though they are minimal. If manual inversion doesn't work, of course it's a c-section.
I would ask you to pray with us that our little guy turns himself around and that we have peace about this whole thing. I was amazed at myself at how well I took the news and how non-emotional I was about it even when I got to my car. I'm pretty sure I cried last time when my midwife told me Jer was face-up and that labor would be much more difficult and painful if he didn't turn, and this is even worse than that and no tears! Yet, it must have affected me more than I know because right after the appointment I went grocery shopping and backed into a little elderly gal's car when I was leaving the parking lot! What a day!
18 comments:
Spinningbabies.com
I was just there yesterday b/c I know my baby is spending a lot of time transverse. My 2nd did that too and until quite late! The site owner talks a lot about inversion, formerly, she talked a lot about getting down on your knees and elbows, so your chest is on the floor. You can put a pillow under your head to be more comfortable. Get that fanny up in the air and stay there for 10 or 15 minutes. As I said, several times a day. Just get up slowly. This opens things up for the baby to turn. Additionally, the only way to sit is to sit with your hips and knees lower than your belly. This will help keep Justus in position. So, get out of the recliner. Once you know he's in postion, get walking and squatting to move him down.
It'll be okay!! There's still time for him to turn and I'll be praying he does!!
And praying for your continued peace as well. Let me know what happens! Take care! :)
ok, this sounds really funny...but it is the same principle as thia's comment. My 2nd baby was breech too until quite late in the game. The nurse practioner told me to lean an ironing board against the couch, and lay on it with my head down on my left side. Do it a few times a day. It is awfully funny looking and difficult- I would recommend getting help with your mount and dismount, but it worked for me!
She explained it that the baby gets irritated when you get him upside down, so he scrambles around and ends up head down, then often when you get back up, the head has a chance to engage and you can be in business! Of course, if they are small enough they can turn around again...but trying it sure beats trying that manual inversion! We will be praying too!
I'll be praying ~ I'm so glad Thia shared that, I was going to suggest you doing a search & now you won't have to. :-)
keep us posted
We'll be praying. While this problem is unsettling, I'm thankful that Justus is a happy healthy baby. :)
Kylie was breech until just after 36 weeks. I tried ALL the tricks and the only thing that worked was seeing my uncle, who is a chiropractor. He adjusted me and she turned that same day! You have to find a chiropractor that knows what they're doing because they adjust your hips if I remember right. But it works!!
I used Spinningbabies.com, too! My DD was breech at 36 weeks and turned by my next appt at 37 weeks. Might have happened anyway, but I think the inversion helped. I also did a bunch of the downward dog yoga position, but I'd only do it if you're experienced at it or someone else is there! (I am a former yoga instructor, so I felt comfortable with it, but I wouldn't try it alone without yoga experience.)
It sounds like you handled it all well! I'll be praying! :)
I'll be praying for you. My first was breech, and also head stuck under my ribs, so the inversion was never possible (attempted, but unsuccessfully).
I have heard of many (and glad so many here posted with positive outcomes) that turned even as late as 38 weeks. Lots of prayer seems to be a common denominator. Praise God that He is in control.
One friend did handstands in the deep end of the pool . . . :-)
LOL...
I heard the thing about standing on your head/hands in a pool too. My husband and I are always laughing about all the funny things people do underwater that we get the privilage to see while we are swimming laps! I would LOVE to see a 9 month pregnant woman doing a hand stand in the end of a lap lane! I think you should try it, Lindsay! oooo...the other thing you can try is to hang from your knees on a bar at the park. But I would recommend a spotter for that :)
I'll pray for your little guy to turn. Sounds like lots of others have experience in this area and have given good advice! I look forward to hearing your stories in the coming weeks!
Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement in this. It's so reassuring to know that many of you have been through this and have some tips. I will try your tips Thia and as soon as I finish typing this I'm going to go lay on the ironing board! How crazy is that!
3 22nds,
I also got a huge kick out of reading on a website that you should do a handstand underwater. I can't even do that when I'm NOT pregnant!!! Can you imagine someone who can barely stuff themself in a swimsuit attempting that manuever in a pool? Yikes!
I've read all kinds of interesting things, such as playing classical music in your underpants, having hubby talk to the baby near the cervix, and using a flashlight to get the baby to turn. Apparently babies like music, talking, and light but they don't like cold (thus put a bag of frozen peas on top of your uterus under your ribs) or heavy metal (play loud obnoxious music under your ribs). I do plan to swim a lot this week as that is known to be helpful.
I do have a good chiro Nicole so I may have to give that a try if nothing happens soon!
It means so much to me to see your comments and know I have good blogging buddies praying. My hubby and I agreed that no matter what happens, we are so thankful that he is healthy and alive and a C-section isn't the worst thing on earth if it comes to that.
5intow,
I'm curious to hear what ended up happening with your stuck breech baby? Did you give birth in a breech position (ouch!) or have a C-section?
I did have to have a c-section, on my due date. It definitely wasn't my first choice, but the baby and I were ultimately safe and healthy, which is of course our first concern. And, also fortunately,I have had four amazing natural birth experiences since then. All five are very healthy and each experience is unique!
I am seriously praying for your peace, so I wasn't going to mention the c-section. But, it isn't the worst thing to go through either.
Praying for a baby flip!
Erin
Prayers for you!
I know bad news from a doctor feels awful, but I thank the Lord it wasn't worse news. Having personally survived 3 c-sections, you can handle this situation.
If you will indulge me, I'll share a story of God's ability to provide for a pregnant mom who is stressed. When I was pregnant with Janema, she was due January 27th and I received notification that my medical insurance would be canceled as of January 1st. Terror struck, I knew I was having a c-section plus hospital stay, plus Dr.s appts and ultrasounds prior to her birth without insurance. So I started praying! With absolute confidence in God's ability to give me a healthy, full term baby I prayed for an early delivery, 6 weeks early. I knew God could do it and I thought it was the only solution: to have the baby before the insurance ran out. Thankfully, God didn't answer that pray request. Because His plan was better. God gave me a healthy full term baby delivered through c-section on January 21st. And thankfully my insurance was reinstated January 20th with retroactive payments, thus all my appts, ultrasounds, and delivery expenses were fully covered. People may tell me it was the red tape finally getting worked out, but I know 100% God worked a miracle. My solution wasn't God's solution and his was SOOO much Better.
Have faith. No matter what happens God is with you and He knows what is best for everyone. :)
that last story reminded me of one of mine:
I really didn't want to have a c-sec with Josiah, I prayed and prayed that I would go into labor early & deliver before they could do an emergency c-sec.....
I never told anybody what I was praying ~ supposedly, if I go into labor - my uterus will most likely rupture & both baby & I will die...
I went to bed the night before my surgery was scheduled, thinking I'd be waking up with contractions.... but I didn't. And he was delivered cesarean.
He had the cord wrapped around his neck FOUR times; he likely would not have survived a vaginal birth. I am so thankful God chose to not answer my pleas!!!
He WILL work everything out, just as He has planned.
Blessings, my friend ~ Tracy
Will definitely be praying for you!
I'm only reading your blog today for the first time so this may be a completely unecessary thing to point out and of course I know nothing of your views on it but having a breech baby does not automatically mean you need a caesarean section. It does depend on the particular postion of the baby as some postions (such as footling breech) it would be necessary. If you've given birth twice before then you should be more streched already which makes it easier than if it was your first. I'm not telling you what you should do but I just wanted make sure you know that you may have other options.
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