Long time, no post. I’ve fallen behind on blogging recently. Between Fall break, Thanksgiving, the holidays, pregnancy business, and just basic life as a wife/mom — it’s been a touch overwhelming. I wanted to hop on and do a little ‘in general’ update but also a pregnancy update.
First of all, happy late thanksgiving. I hope that each of you had a wonderful day no matter what you did. Per tradition we watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, spent the afternoon with family, and spent the evening cuddle up by the fire while we watched movies. I got all of my Black Friday shopping done online and aside from two gifts, finished my Christmas shopping. Holla! I’m so happy to be basically done so we can just focus on welcoming a baby into our family and focus on Christmas.
Speaking of baby, this kid has been trying to come for weeks. He’s also been breech AND I’ve had high blood pressure with protein in my urine. We’ve been working hard to keep him in past 36 weeks and as of last Wednesday, we made it to that goal. I’m officially 36 weeks and 4 days pregnant. At my appointment this coming week we will assess his position and my blood pressure/urine. If he’s breech, we will attempt to turn him externally again. If it’s successful we will induce labor. If my blood pressure is still high, we will also induce despite how turning him goes. So if it’s high and we can’t get him turned, I will unfortunately have a cesarean. I’m praying that he’s either turned or that we can get him turned if induction is what we need to do. Having had preeclampsia preterm with my oldest and having passed out because of it, I’m really nervous to play around with that. I already have a history of TIA’s so that’s another concern for us. As much as induction isn’t my birth plan and it scares me quite a bit, I am secure in that choice should my protein levels be higher and my bp still be high.
If you can’t tell by now, home birth isn’t appearing to be in the cards for us. We realized that last week at my midwife appointment. She was very blunt with us. She told me that they aren’t comfortable with delivering breech babies because of the elevated risks. That alone wasn’t going to end our home birth chance though. We had a game plan to attempt many things to turn the baby. So you’d think ‘no big deal’. However, consistent signs of preeclampsia is almost always a risk out. Ultimately here’s what it came down to: if I risked out before 37 weeks my fees would be prorated to the care that I had already received. If I risked out after that I owed the full amount without any refunds. This was roughly an $1800 difference. She was very open with us and laid that out clearly. She told us that she was highly likely to risk me out due to my blood pressure and baby’s position if he couldn’t be spun. She left the choice up to us and we opted to pull out of care. Knowing the facts. Knowing how much money that is. Knowing that it’s Christmas time. Knowing that this isn’t planned to be our last baby so I’ll get another shot at it mostly likely. Knowing few risks. Knowing what’s safest at this point. And knowing that aside from the medical risks I’ve already been in prodromal labor for going on a month. We just all agreed that this was the best choice. I have regrets, of course. I probably always will. I try not to think much about it and honestly, should my blood pressure issue go away and the baby turn on his own i very well might jump back into home birth care but as of now, too much is unstable. I’m not at peace with birthing at home and if I don’t feel safe with that choice in our specific situation, it would be highly irresponsible to attempt it or keep pushing for it. I’m let down. I’m sad. I’m disappointed. But I’m not ignorant and the facts currently are just that, facts. I had a beautiful self assisted birth with my youngest. I adore my Ob and the hospital staff. I have faith in my journey and my body. That much has not changed. No matter what happens this week, as long as Granger is born healthy — I am okay. It will be okay.
As for pregnancy symptoms:
Headaches and swelling kicked in
I gained 2 lbs in one week which makes my total gain around 17 lbs
Heartburn is outrageous. For reals. It’s. So. Bad.
I crave ice obsessively.
The pelvic pain is still severe. Walking is dang near unbearable. I do think that girdles help though.
I’m dilated 4 cm and fully effaced.
My house is stocked up on groceries and household supplies. Bags are all packed and loaded. Car detailed. Car seat base installed. Nursery is done. House is staying clean thanks to the help of my kids and husband. We are ready. Whether he comes tonight or in January, we are ready!
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