Let me start by posting all the positive things that happened today: I liked the hospital staff and felt very comfortable with them. The baby looked great when they were monitoring him -- very healthy and tolerant of stress. I got to see what a contraction looks like on the monitor (I didn't even know I was having one). The version caused nothing resembling a complication and did not cause me to go into labor. Aaron got to see the baby on ultrasound and we don't have to be worried about the baby being anything other than a boy. It was a very pretty spring day here in Atlanta. The hospital validated our parking. Also, at the bakery where we had lunch, the supervisor behind the counter gave me a free mini-eclair that was super delicious.
Here's the rest of the story: The external version was a total bust today. We are really disappointed. And, I would note, really surprised. It wouldn't be quite right to say that I was optimistic -- I knew that we would get the baby turned and stop talking about c-sections. I had no doubt. Power of positive thinking, my behind. After my midwife appointment on Tuesday, it seemed like we had a good chance and we were encouraged by the amount of fluid around the baby and his position.
The version (or attempt at it) didn't take long. I didn't have to get an IV or pain reliever, just a shot of something to relax my uterus and prevent contractions. The ob was very nice and certainly tried his best. (Sidenote: I can't even begin to understand why he would have such strong thumbs. I guess if being a successful ob doesn't work out for him, he can always go it as a deep tissue massage therapist.) It hurt, but I tried to keep relaxed and the disappointment of it not working is much greater than the pain was. The glitch appears to be that Sprout's head is lodged thoroughly under my ribs and that head did not budge one bit. Given his position, it seems unlikely that he will flip of his own accord in the next 2 1/2 weeks, but the practice seems inclined to delay a c-section until 40 weeks or even longer on that off chance. The midwife is still very encouraging of trying anything else like the accupuncture or chiropractic technique or the exercises I've been doing. I'm giving myself until tomorrow and then I will go back to being optimistic.
I can be focused on having a healthy baby, no matter the means, but my choice would really be not to have surgery. Today was even the first time I have been in a hospital bed and the closest I have ever come to surgery is having my wisdom teeth extracted. I really would like to keep that record! Fortunately, I came to grips a long time ago in this pregnancy with not being in control (remember I noted that after the car accident). I've told the baby that he just has a little bit of time to get to flipping, so no more being stubborn. I even set into motion my as of yet unpracticed parenting skills and told him I might take away some of his toys, if he doesn't at least try to rotate. I hope he is listening.
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1 comment:
I think he just wants to be upright.
Fake out the Sprout and lay on your back on some cushions with your bottom against a wall. Put your legs up on the wall. Just lay there and be mellow. Sprout won't like being sideways or upside down and he'll spin around.
The other way to fake him out would be to get on a merry-go-round with legs in the center and head to the outside. Spin around at a slow but constant speed. The centrifugal force will simulate gravity and STIMULATE the turning of the Sprout.
I just made that junk up. :)
Hope everything works out.
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