So I went to the Dr. 12/15 and got some news. Turns out that the baby is not head down as we were previously told. Instead, he/she is breech. Head up, butt down. Because this is the case, unless he/she decides to rotate to the right position, I am going to have to have a c-section. And most likely a scheduled c-section...Definitely mixed emotions on this. The obvious positive points are that this is what is best for both the baby and I. Less stress and a very common surgery. But it's still a surgery. A major one at that. And for someone who hasn't ever really had to go through that, it's definitely a little frightening. I know the risks are minimal, and it's an extremely common procedure, but it's still surgery. Involving anesthesia, etc...Not too mention the disappointment at the lack of surprise. Gone is element of surprise of his/her birthday. Instead it's, 'well, does Monday the 4th work for you or would you prefer the 5th?'
It also feels like the easy way out. NOT b/c the baby is breech, but just missing out on the whole delivery process that I have been thinking about for months now. You have this vision and then get told, there is about a 1% chance of that happening. The other 99% is a good probability you're going to do the c-section.
There are other factors too. The size of the baby also was considered. The Dr. said that the baby is a good size baby. Already close to or over 8lbs. So with 3 more weeks to go, we could be looking at a 9-11lb. baby. The odds of a baby that size turning themselves to position are slim. Good news is he/she is measuring great. My weight gain, or lack of, which was a concern, was confirmed as nothing to worry about by the Dr. He said I am doing great and the baby is too. So that was a relief. I was getting nervous when people kept telling me how small I looked. I haven't done anything to be 'small', it's just the way it is. But he said I am just a fit person and the baby is exactly as it should be. So that was reassuring.
All in all, like I said, mixed emotions. I feel slightly cheated, but I know so many people that would say this is actually a blessing. That I am lucky I won't have to go through labor or a natural delivery. And I probably am. And Lord knows I believe things happen for a reason. So I am ok with this. Part of me likes being able to plan now. Knowing that most likely we'll be seeing he/she on January 4th (that's the tentative day). That means I can have my house clean, the baby's stuff ready, etc. All before we go so when we come home it's done. Luke can plan for work etc. So see, the type-A in me enjoys that. And that's what I have to focus on. And who knows, mother nature might decide a different path. Only time will tell.
Well that's all for now. We go back 12/23 so we'll see if he/she has changed it's mind. If not, stay tuned. Only 18 more days to go until 1/4/10!
"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather then allowing it to master you." Brian Tracy
~B
