At 37 weeks, she is supposedly in the 6 1/2 pound range in weight and 19 inch range in length (just the standards, not her specifics). Her lungs are now mature enough hopefully that if she were born, she could do well without extra breathing assistance. I've gained a total of 26 pounds so far. Somehow I actually managed to lose a tiny bit this past week. Given my crazy sweet tooth, I have no idea how that's possible, but it's just been so nice to not be gaining all the water weight at the end like I did with MJ. This girl seriously likes her sweets though!! Cookies and cake do not usually tempt me, but I crave sweets every single night. It's insane!
I am feeling SO much better. So glad I went to the doctor last week and got the antibiotics. Now it just feels like a lingering cold, but I definitely feel much better than this time last week. Just really sleepy during the days as I don't sleep well at night, but that's just par for the course.
This past week I've been thinking more and more about VBAC versus C-section, doing a little reading, and preparing a list of questions for my doctor. We had our 37 week appointment with him today, and he really spent a lot of time answering all our questions and making us feel really comfortable with it all. As of right now, I am a good VBAC candidate, but we are going to need to wait until our 38 week appointment to find out for sure how we'll proceed, assuming of course I don't go into labor before then. He encourages VBAC whenever they are possible, which I do appreciate. He said his own wife gave birth via c-section first, and then two VBAC's later, so to me that means if he'd put his own wife in that situation, he must feel confident.
Next week he will check me and if the cervix is soft and open, and I've begun to slightly dilate and the baby's head is engaged, then it's a good sign that we could have a successful VBAC. He said about 80% of VBACS are successful. If those things are not in place, then it's a pretty good sign that that chances are we're not going to successfully deliver vaginally, and we'll stick with the c-section plan. The C-section is still scheduled for Dec. 23rd. If we are able to go the VBAC route, he recommends we deliver at 39 weeks, based on what happened with my body and MJ's birth waiting until 40 weeks. So, his recommendation would be to induce me at 39 weeks, and he'd do it on a day he's on call. So, most likely on Dec. 23rd we'll either be having a c-section or being induced for a VBAC.
It sounds like with a VBAC we'd be monitored very closely. If the baby were to go into distress or any problems hinting at uterine rupture creeped up, I'd go into c-section right away. I'd have to have an epidural (umm, yes please) because you have to have one in place in case they have to end up doing a c-section. He said anytime there's a VBAC the doctor is there the entire time. I guess with typical deliveries, they often check you, and come back hours later, but with VBACS, the doctors are required to stay around and keep a close eye on things. I definitely felt reassured and like we'd have good communication and be in good hands.
One way or the other doesn't seem to clearly stick out to me as the best option. There are pros and cons either way. If we choose c-section, I feel like I'll probably be a bit more at ease nerves wise, but don't look forward to the recovery time now that I have a toddler at home and LOTS of stairs! Of course it's not the end of the world, and plenty of women do it, but if I could choose a quicker recovery without major surgery it seems like a better option.
On the other hand, a vbac can be a very long process (like any labor), and may or may not end up in a c-section anyways. I'd like the idea of giving birth in that way, holding my baby immediately, and a quicker recovery, but there are no guarantees in any of that of course.
So, I feel like right now the best thing is to listen to my body and take those clues in order to make my decision. If we go to the appointment at 38 weeks and all those factors are aligned that need to be, then we'll at least try for the VBAC and see what happens. If the baby's not engaged and my body doesn't seem to be preparing, then I'll take it as a sign that the c-section is what's safest and meant for baby and I. Soooo, decision to come this time next week, assuming nothing happens before then. :)
1 comment:
I think you are in really good hands, Keli! It is a lot too consider and your Dr seems very helpful, informed and caring!
I am glad he spent time with you today answering questions and talking with you.
I love you, dear daughter!
Mom
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