I had my 36-week ultrasound this morning, and as I suspected the baby is still breech. I have a follow-up appointment with my obstetrician on Monday morning, but as she'd already explained I need to choose whether to schedule an "external cephalic version" (the procedure where they try to manually turn the baby into the head-down position) or to just schedule a c-section.
For some reason the idea of trying to force the baby into position makes me nervous. The risks are minor - in rare cases the baby's cord could get tangled or the placenta could get damaged, not to mention the manipulation could cause me to go into labor, which is why the procedure is performed in a hospital with the aid of an ultrasound and fetal monitor, and the operating room nearby. The procedure is not always successful - the baby can either refuse to budge, or it may turn but then revert back to the breech position once the procedure is over.
Two of my co-workers had the procedure done when their babies were breech at full-term, and neither attempts were succcessful. However, another co-worker told me today that his wife had the procedure done and it worked.
So I need to make a decision. In a way I feel like I'm taking the easy way out if I just opt for the c-section (not that it's a simple procedure without its own risks, plus the recovery time); however, for whatever reason the idea of trying to turn the baby is unsettling to me! When I see my doctor Monday I'm going to ask her if there is any way she can tell by the ultrasound whether the baby's position makes it more or less likely that the procedure would work. Who knows, there are different types of breech positioning and maybe some positions are easier to turn than others.
Have any of you had this done or know someone who has?
5 comments:
I've never been in the situation but know that babies are large beings that come out of small places. I was born with a broken collar bone. I think it may have been from being a large and in charge baby.
I don't think you're taking the EZ way out at all. Sh/e has had ample opportunity to reposition itself. I think this is his/her way of saying don't make me be like that bat in your apartment and fold myself up!:)
Have you checked on any mommy blogs about the issue? Does your OB have any advice or really leaving it to you and Ross?
My wife refused trying to have the baby fipped, she heard it was very painful. She was very happy with her c-sections. Once you have one, you have to deliver all your babies with c-sections.
I've also heard that it's painful which makes me not want to attempt it. I mean, clearly labor is painful but at least once you're in labor there is an end in sight and you know what the outcome is going to be. I'm not keen on undergoing a painful procedure that might not even work, and who knows how traumitizing it is for the baby? I'm going to talk more to my doc on Monday when I see her, but ultimately it's up to me and Jason.
Of course, I didn't go through the "baby flipping" procedure, so I can't give any sort of advice in that direction. I guess my only suggestion, is go with what is best for you AND the baby.
And, just because you have a c-section this time, doesn't mean you have to have all your babies c-section (depends on the doctor). There are VBAC (vaginal birth after c) all the time. They just have to monitor you a little closer during labor, and may not allow you to have as many drugs.
Anyways...either way, you are going to end up with a son or daughter in a few weeeks. It doesn't matter how S/he gets here, as long as it's safely.
The maternal instinct comes before the baby is born...follow your gut!
Miss you!
This is true... VBAC with future children is possible, I understand it depends on the doctor and where exactly the incision was made. If they're able to use the super low incision - depending on the baby's placement - that's the best possible place.
The nice thing about c-sections is that they have become SO much safer over the years!
Post a Comment