I'm trying to be intentional about having the focus of this blog be about our English adventures, but I figured it was time that I gave a pregnancy update.So, here I am today, at the start of my 24th week. I feel really good. I'm getting plenty of rest, and I'm trying to eat well. The baby seems to be very busy, kicking all the time. The kids can even feel it kicking now, which they just love!
I went for my sonogram last week (they call it a "scan" here), and it was just incredible! The baby was very cooperative (which I hope is a sign of
things to come!). The woman doing the "scan" talked me through all of it, showing me the brain, face (it looked like the baby was sucking its fingers), arms and legs, spine, heart, kidneys, bladder, etc. She zoomed in on the heart so that I could see all four chambers, and she could tell that the blood was flowing in the right direction. She could also see that the whole spine was covered in skin, so that we know the baby doesn't have spina-bifida. Ethan and Maddie got to see the baby as well. Ethan was amazed, and Maddie just giggled the whole time. It was really cute!And no, we did not find out the sex of the baby. We didn't with Tim or Maddie either... we love the surprise!
Anyway, after my sonogram, I met with a midwife for a few minutes. I have yet to meet a doctor, which is starting to alarm me, but I was guaranteed to have my next appointment with him. Anyway, the midwife asked if I had considered having a VBAC delivery for this baby. (For those of you who may not have heard this term before, it stands for Vaginal Birth After Caesarean- Maddie was breech, and was delivered via c-section). To be honest, I hadn't really considered it much until then. I just assumed I'd have another c-section. But now, I'm starting to wonder if I should be more open to it. Currently, I'm in the "gathering information" stage of the process. So far, I've learned that the biggest risk of VBAC is having your uterus rupture during delivery. The odds of this are 1 in 200, which really aren't great odds. On the other hand, there are more smaller risks associated with having a c-section, much like there are for any surgery.
I was hoping I could get some feedback from some of my blog readers. Do you know of anyone who has had a VBAC? What was their experience? What factors helped them decide for or against it? Any chance you could connect me with them?
In case you're unfamiliar with the comments part of this blog, it really is quite easy. All you need to do is click below where it says "# comments" (I think it's blue) and leave your message to me in the box to the right. Just be sure to type in the security letters and then post it. I would really appreciate hearing from people about this. Thanks!!
7 comments:
You look amazing! Fun to see pics of the baby. I LOVE sonograms. I bet it was such a great experience to have your other two with you.
I had a VBAC w/ Bella after having a C-section w/ the boys. The reason I had a C w/ the boys was "failure to progress". I got to a certain point and my body just said, "not going to budge any further than that". :)
I had a lengthy discussion w/ my OB, and he said apart from him missing a golf date, he saw no good reason for me not to try for a VBAC. I think there's conflicting information out there re: VBAC's. I've heard so many things from medical sources. SO, I would encourage you to have an honest conversation with your providers..it doesn't really matter what other doctors (including mine) have to say about it or how they feel about it. What matters is what your dr's/midwives know and are comfortable with.
How was your delivery w/ Tim?
As for my experience, my delivery with Bella was a dream come true. I really wanted to have a "natural birth" experience, and I did. It wasn't easy, but we were both safe and fine.
From what I know, it sounds like the reason you had a C-section w/ Maddie makes you a good candidate for having a VBAC with this one.
Well, this is already much too lengthy of a comment. But, I will be praying that God will help you make a decision and have peace about it.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY REBECCA!!!!!!! xxx's Mom and Dad
I can't believe you're 24 weeks already! Wow! You look great.
I too will be praying for you decision. I've known several people that have had successful VBACs, but have no personal experience with that, as you know.
New to the blog - I am loving your adventures!
I did not have a VBAC though I really wanted to with my second. Unfortunately, here in the states (or at least where I am) I would have had to travel over an hour to get one. Malpractice insurance became near impossible for doctors who performed them to afford.
The doctor who did my last section was incredibly unhappy about doing it. He truly believes that the majority of c-sections are unnecessary but he explained that the largest medical law suit ever (at that time) was about a woman who had died during her delivery due to a rupture. He stressed, however, that the odds are SO slim of ANYTHING happening. Again, he couldn't do it because of his insurance.
Having said ALL that, I agree with Briana "What matters is what your dr's/midwives know and are comfortable with." but I would add, it matters what YOU are comfortable with.
Good luck! I look forward to watching the progression of your pregnancy and hearing about your adventures across the pond!
I've got no advice to share except to echo the other commenters--ultimately it comes down to what you (and Ethan) are most comfortable with. We of course will be praying you through this big decision. Let God affirm and increase your faith as you say even now, "God, I trust you with the outcome." That has always been the most powerful thing I could do (regardless of the circumstances).
BTW, your b-day package will be on it's way soon. Sorry for being a slacker.
AND, we want to hear about you too! Please don't think you can't share about your English "adventure"! Love the baby bump pic. (I think our bellies are about the same size--I just popped out all of a sudden!)
hey rebecca! wow...i've had to make this decision too and it's a tough one. i think i didn't decide until two weeks before i had tucker. i decided to do the repeat c because of the size of daisy (10 lbs 2 oz). it turned out to be a good decision because tucker weighed even more and was inches longer.
you have to just decide what feels right to you. i know of many people that have had successful vbacs and loved them. i also know of someone who had an unsuccessful vbac...and i can give more details on that later if you want to email me about it.
pray about it rebecca. He will lead you to the right decision that's best for you and your family.
miss you!
love, liz
Thanks for your feedback, everyone! I am definitely more open to the VBAC idea, and will talk more extensively with my midwife the next time I see her.
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