You know all that debate we had about vaginal birth versus C-section?

I have two baby updates to do. This is going to be a pretty happy clappy post, so if you are not in the mood I totally understand. Also, there are pictures at the end. I've made them small enough I think you'll have to click on them to see them, but just so you know before you get there.

Last Thursday we had a regular check-in with Dr OB. Blood pressure is 110/65 so that's all going well, no protein etc. in the urine. He couldn't be sure of the baby's position but thought she might be breach again. He did, for the first time, measure my fundal height with a tape measure - usually he just uses his hands. He commented that I seemed to be a bit ahead for dates, and that we should check to see if the baby was measuring big and if so, perhaps repeat the gestational diabetes test. I had booked a scan for Monday at our favourite clinic, where we did the 12 week and 20 week scans, so that was just something to put on the list for them. I do wonder about this fundal height thing. I have a bit of belly fat at the bottom of my bump, doesn't that distort the measurement? If he's never measured it before how does he know what's me and what's baby growth?

He also repeated the induction conversation, and it became clearer that they really won't let me go much beyond 39 weeks. He said they'll take it on a week by week basis - if I come in at 38 weeks and the head is engaged and the cervix feels soft, it's time to induce. If the head is still high and the cervix closed, well then they may wait a bit longer. We'll see. We left feeling quite calm and optimistic for a change!

Yesterday's scan was quite miraculous. The first thing that happened was that the sonographer exclaimed how the baby was in a great position for a 3D picture. Before we knew what was happening, there was the passenger's face in front of us. Just the most extraordinarily wonderful thing. She looks like a person! We got two great shots of her, which are below. She was busy yawning and swallowing. It's always utterly miraculous to see her swimming around in there at every scan (and, gulp, she's been scanned 11 times so far in this pregnancy. Please no one tell me scans are bad for them), but to see her in 3D is a whole 'nother level of miracle. I don't know who she looks like, it doesn't seem to be much like me, but she looks amazing. And real - so real!

The rest of the scan went well. She is pretty much average size for this stage of pregnancy, slightly longer femur, slightly shorter humerus (short arms? No good at tennis, then, H will be disappointed), big on one head measurement, average on another. Perhaps she has a funny-shaped head. She also has a big nose and long mouth (my observation, not the sonographer's measurements!), but I will love her regardless of mishapen heads and funny noses.

The only bad news from the scan is that yes, she is breach again. I personally have no faith she will turn given she's been in this position at every scan bar one of this pregnancy, although everyone says it's possible. if she doesn't turn, the whole induction thing becomes moot and we'll have to schedule a c-section. Which, despite me writing ambivalently about birth earlier in the pregnancy, I really don't want. Aurelia really helped me want to give birth vaginally, with her discussion of how wonderful it felt to be able to push those babies out. If I don't get to do that, it will be ok, but it will be a little loss. Not a big one, just a little one. We'll see.

Pictures below, look away if that's the best answer for you.

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Comments

[Urban Chick]

wow! what a gorgeous girl! bet you can't wait to meet her...

i'm in the 'couldn't care less' camp when it comes to *how* you give birth

in the end, they did not think my son would have survived a natural labour (prem, very small and second from the exit!) so an elective section it was

and it was still a very special moment, even though i only got a fleeting glimpse of my babies before they were rushed off to special care

mr chick and i get very teary if we ever see footage of a section on tv

take it easy, T - not long now...

♥
UC

[Mellie]

Thalia,

Just wanted to say Mazel Tov and that she will surely be beautiful. I'm sorry I haven't posted earlier (my old blogger account wasn't working), but know that I've been following your progress and will continue to until the passenger arrives. I'm so excited for you and H.

[jenny]

What a gorgeous little girl. I can't wait to see a color picture. My god, it seems like yesterday you showed us the two pink lines stick and now your almost at the end of your pregnancy.

[Jess]

What a beautiful girl! And as for the c-section, you know I wanted to go for the VBAC this time myself but it didn't work out that way. At some point I just had to let go of that idea and remember that the goal was the baby, not the birth.

[Teendoc]

I'm really glad that things are going so well for you.

[perceval]

I had a scheduled Caesarean birth (refuse to call it "section") with my daughter. I took a couple of months to grieve the lost chance of vaginal delivery / home birth, but I'm fine with what happened.

If there is a real chance you might end up with a C, it might be a good idea to get familiar with the procedure and to reconcile yourself with the idea. you don't want to be in a position where you feel you didn't give birth. Luckily, I'm able to both feel and say that I birthed, gave birth to my daughter, because I consented to the procedure that was necessary to deliver her safely, worked with the team to the best of my ability, and remained as present as I could during the whole procedure.

Likewise, you don't want to feel guilty if for whatever reason possible you can't breastfeed (and I'm saying that as a passionate breastfeeder).

Although vaginal births and breastfeeding are FANTASTIC, C's and formula were invented for a reason, and should you need one or both, that does not make you a bad mother - just a mother who does what's best for her baby, no matter what the police says.

[Matthew M. F. Miller]

I couldn't agree more with the above commenter. Put your health first, and do what you think is right. There are no right or wrong answers to suit every situation.

Your baby looks beautiful - what stunning shots!

[Amyesq]

Amazing! So great to see photos of YOUR baby!

[Sunny Jenny]

That must be so amazing to see your baby's face! You're so close now! Thank you so much for supporting me and always offering such great advice! I really appreciate your support! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

[somewhat Ordinary]

Wow, what a beauty!! She looks like she might have a pretty keen sense of humor, too!