Tuesday, March 3, 2009

An Interesting Update...


This picture is actually from last week, but it will have to do! (38 Weeks)


So I have been frustrated each week as I go to the doctor, because my belly has yet to drop, and each check up, my doctor has just told me that absolutely nothing is happening, good luck with making something happen, and he'll see me the next week.

Before I talk about today's appointment, let me go back to the very beginning. My original due date was February 27th. Upon going to the doctor, he moved my due date back almost two weeks to March 10th... if hadn't adjusted my due date, I would already be one week overdue.

So...Today, after another exam, he dropped a pretty big bomb on us. He said that the baby is still as high as he could possibly be and he has no reason to think this is going to change. He has been head down for over a month, but has yet to descend into the pelvis at all. The baby isn't huge, so there's no reason why he wouldn't have descended unless the pelvis is too narrow or shaped incorrectly to allow the baby to descend. Without the baby descending, there's no way for me to progress toward labor. Basically, I won't be going into labor by myself.

This, really, was no surprise to me. I have been planning to be induced a few days after my due date, because I have just felt like I would not go into labor by myself.

BUT, because he thinks the issue is my pelvis, he is worried that even inducing labor and pushing will be to no avail, as the baby won't be able to fit through the birth canal. Intense pushing to try to force him down into the pelvis could cause distress and lead to an emergency C-section after hours of labor and lots of pushing. Instead, if nothing has progressed or changed by Monday, he'd like to schedule a C-section for sometime in the week, rather than an induction.

I'm not sure how I'm feeling about everything - I'm kind of just waiting to see what happens on Monday. But I just wanted to update everyone on the crazy news we received today!!!

Just some info on C-sections:

Nearly 30% of all deliveries are done via C-section

C-sections are commonly used for women with an abnormally-shaped pelvis, or when the fetus' head is believed to be too large to fit through the pelvis (cephalopelvic disproportion)

Recovery from a C-section is similar to recovery from any abdominal surgery

Many C-section deliverees find themselves more mobile - faster than vaginal deliverees, and have an edge when it comes to sitting

C-section deliverees can lift, cuddle, and breastfeed their babies just like everyone else

:)

The most important thing to keep in mind is this: the BEST birth is the one that's safest, and sometimes, that's a C-section. Any delivery that brings a healthy baby to the world is a perfect delivery :)


17 comments:

The Gunnerson Family said...

Okay - sounds like you've researched it out sufficiently and after all -- it is you having the baby. Now, you'll probably have it before I arrive. Schedule it for Friday -- okay?

The Gunnerson Family said...

By the way ... if you haven't figured it out yet, the comment above is from your Mom -- not Olivia!

McNeil Family said...

Giselly, I missed the bottle post below and will weigh in. I think Evan was abnormal in that he took all kinds of bottles, and was comfortable going back and forth without any problems, probably because he was used to bottles from being in the NICU and Special Care unit. However, the Lactation lady (we paid $300 to :<) that came to our house said the Playtex Nursers were most like mom. They have worked well for us. This is long, so another post about your recent news.

McNeil Family said...

My BF from Las Vegas just had her second C-Section. Her first was an emergency after pushing all day and her second was planned. You should call me and we can chat!!

Riley and Whittney said...

Oh my gosh looks like you have a little stuborn boy in your future...jk!! Our friends just had a baby last week and had a C-section she is doing great so I know you can do it!!! I keep checking everyday to see if he has arrived but no such luck yet...I'll keep checking and thanks for the update!!! Good luck with everything if I don't comment before he comes!!!

Katie & Andy said...

My friend who had her baby a month before me had a c section after being induced and in labor for almost 24 hrs. Her baby was just too big to come out vaginally. Anyways, she said that her recovery was quick b/c she forced herself to walk around the hospital and be mobile as quickly as she could. oh and about the sitting thing, I'm sure of b/c after having William, I used a donut pillow for almost 2 weeks and was sore.

Holly and Matthew said...

Hey there Girl! :) Thank you so much for the updates. I have certainly been thinking of you my dear. I am so proud of you for your healthy outlook. GREAT WORK! I love the definition at the end. Your sweet little bundle of joy will be extremely grateful. :) We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. :) I will look forward to more updates. :) BEST OF LUCK! :) love you :)

Giselle Rasheta said...

By the way, I know you're all thinking how smart and poetic I am...but really, I just stole that last line from "What to Expect..."

Tyson,Brandy,Chanel, Crew said...

Giselle, I had a c-section with Chanel. I went into the hospital because I was having contractions. Everything seemed normal my water broke quickly and I was dilated to a 8 in a few short hours and then I just stopped dilating. They thought that Chanel was going to be a big baby or that she just might not fit. In the end they found out she was facing down but her shoulder was turned just enough that it was blocking her way out. ( She was a small baby with a little head too) :) When they told me I was going to have a c-section I was so scared! It wasn't bad at all though! It was so quick too! I had her at 10:20 pm & was walking around the next morning at 8 am with no problem at all. I really think it was because of all the dancing! Dancers have abs of steel right?? :) Good luck! I would recommend watching the discovery channel it's on in the morning. They have a show all about different kinds of birth. They usually show c-section---if you can handle watching that sort of stuff.
P.S. Josh was asking about you guys! I told him about your blog and that you guys were expecting a baby. :)

Robbin said...

Having had 3 c-sections, I don't know any other way to have a baby. I wouldn't even know what a contraction felt like and at this point I don't want to find out. Gracie was breech and after trying to turn her manually she wouldn't budge. I have to say at first you feel a little let down because for months you picture what labor will be like and at the last week or two your whole plan changes. It is great to be able to schedule the birth of your baby. Especially if you have family from out of town coming! It's pretty miserable at first to be honest but while you're in the hospital take advantage of the pain meds and let you're hubby and family help as much as possible. It's surprising how much you use your stomache muscles for everything. Best of Luck!

Holly and Matthew said...

I still love your entries... whether or not things were quoted or your words alone.:) :) I LOVE THEM!!! By the way, silly me.... I never told you how AMAZING YOU LOOK in your pic!!! :) :)

The DiStefano Family said...

I am glad you posted. I have been wondering about you. I don't think you should worry at all! I had a C-section with Treygen that wasn't planned and it was fine. I recovered so fast and I am sure you will because you are in such great shape if it comes to that. My doctor said I would be fine to try normal for my next baby but I don't think I will. haha. Good luck! I know you will do great! I can't wait for the next post!!

Sophia said...

I love this information, and your amazing out look. I know it will all go great! I am so excited for you my friend, another week and your little addition will be here!!

The Gunnerson Family said...

Don't you just love how all your best laid plans never turn out the way they are "suppose" to? I am sorry that things have gone this way, but of course it will end up okay not matter what happens because you will have your beautiful baby with you.

Kaitlin Phelps said...

Giselle-
You will be just fine... you have always been a fighter, and it sounds like your little one isn't any different. I'm a little jealous. After my labor and delivery with Duke, (without pain medication), I wish I knew the day everything was going down and that I would be seeing my little one shortly after surgery. Hope everything goes well for you.
Love, KP

Kim Whitefield said...

Well, I was going to say, "Happy pushing!" but it sounds like you're going to be even happier now that you don't have to go through all that!

Unknown said...

Giselle,

I totally did the full on labor for hours, pushed for more hours then had drugs and pushed more, then a c section. I would opt for just the c section any day. Everything happens for a reason. Besides that, you are in outstanding shape and you should bounce back great! Good Luck!