I know I know... I haven't written in ages... things just got so carried away.
I have spent the last 10 weeks trying to get this baby to turn out of the breech position - acupuncture (in the form of needling and moxibustion), chiropractics, homoeopathy (using pulsitilla), various forms of physical exercise, rebozo (a Mexican technique used to turn the baby), massage etc. Unfortunately for us the baby was still breech and we decided to go through a very painful procedure between 36 and 37 weeks called External Cephalic Version (ECV) which normally has a 60% success rate in turning the baby. Unfortunately, after 3, very painful attempts, the baby would not turn and we could not risk putting the baby into danger and having an emergency caesarian.
I have been given the option to go into labour and in essence have an "emergency caesarian" but I have chosen to rather go for my second choice - and just have a plain old planned caesarian. Unfortunately neither of my caregivers; as experienced as they are; are comfortable for me to birth a breech baby. I was a breech baby and my mom's birth story is kind of scary to hear, so it's not something I really want to put myself or my baby through.
I am disappointed, but I am excited too to meet this little button in just 5 days. Next time I will definitely have my water birth - it'll just be a VBAC - lots of hard work will need to go into the pregnancy and planning of the birth, but after all I've done this pregnancy - no-one can say I didn't try!
Thanks for following the blog so far, will update as and when. xx
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, December 21, 2009
27 weeks tomorrow - midwife update
Well I had my 27 week appointment this morning. I've been swelling and in quite alot of pain the last 3 days in my legs and feet - so we're watching that, but the swelling is not enough to be concerned about. I've put on about 7kgs so far in this pregnancy, feels like 100kgs - think only cos my feet are taking serious strain lol
Baby is breech, and because of my teeny uterus we have to start turning it now before he/she gets too comfy. So we're doing baby turning exercises, the torch thing, taking pulsitilla and also seeing the homoeopath tomorrow. There's lots of amniotic fluid so there's enough space still to turn.
Otherwise tonight's our second last ante-natal class. I've loved them even more the second time around, and J really enjoys them!
Otherwise all still on track for a water birth at Genesis, really looking forward to it! Time is going so quickly now, I have a feeling baby will be here before we know it.
Midwife reckons it's a girl still, this week I'm "feeling" like it's a boy though. :)
I now see the midwife every 2 weeks! Thanks for reading :D
Here's a pic of the bump - sorry it's from my cell
Baby is breech, and because of my teeny uterus we have to start turning it now before he/she gets too comfy. So we're doing baby turning exercises, the torch thing, taking pulsitilla and also seeing the homoeopath tomorrow. There's lots of amniotic fluid so there's enough space still to turn.
Otherwise tonight's our second last ante-natal class. I've loved them even more the second time around, and J really enjoys them!
Otherwise all still on track for a water birth at Genesis, really looking forward to it! Time is going so quickly now, I have a feeling baby will be here before we know it.
Midwife reckons it's a girl still, this week I'm "feeling" like it's a boy though. :)
I now see the midwife every 2 weeks! Thanks for reading :D
Here's a pic of the bump - sorry it's from my cell
Thursday, December 17, 2009
26 weeks pregnant
Sorry I've been MIA - things are really hectic with work and repainting the house and all the other things we're trying to get done before the baby comes. I'm really excited about Christmas and we're almost done with all our shopping! YAY :)
So the shower is going to be on the 31st of January, we haven't done invitations or anything just yet so don't panic, you'll get yours :)
This week I am 26 weeks pregnant - and feeling lots of movement. I think it's even more amazing now because baby responds to music, singing and talking and loves hearing our voices. There's certain music "it" likes too and I try and play it as often as possible. Baby's most active times are in the morning just before I get out of bed - so no more rushing out of bed in the mornings for me (YAY) and at night just before I go to sleep. It also loves moving in the bath, and my whole stomach shakes, it's quite weird LOL.
I am getting rather large, and I do have more uncomfortable times during the day now. The heat doesn't help things along but overall I'm loving my bump!
I'm getting more and more excited for the birth - I can book my bed any time from 28-32 weeks, so I'll pop around early next year to do that :)
After a month of having his eyelids sealed shut, your baby begins to open his eyes again this week. Your baby's eyes are almost completely developed. Your baby's eyes are blue in the womb and may change colors later in life. This is true for all races because the pupils do not have their final color until a few months after birth. However, some babies are born with darker or lighter shades of blue. Your growing baby will continue to put on layers of fat until he is born. He is still lean at this point of the pregnancy though. By the time your baby is born, he will assume the typical newborn's plumpness. Your baby's skin will still be wrinkled and red, but the fat continues to fill the skin out.
Finger and toe nails continue to grow.
Blood vessels start to develop in the lungs to prepare the baby for life outside the uterus.
Your baby's blood circulation is completely functional. The umbilical cord system continues to grow and thicken as blood travels with considerable force through the body to nurture the baby. The placenta is now almost equal in size to the baby.
Even though it is still way too soon for your baby to be born yet, the chance of survival without severe abnormalities is now 70% provided it is born in a hospital.
So the shower is going to be on the 31st of January, we haven't done invitations or anything just yet so don't panic, you'll get yours :)
This week I am 26 weeks pregnant - and feeling lots of movement. I think it's even more amazing now because baby responds to music, singing and talking and loves hearing our voices. There's certain music "it" likes too and I try and play it as often as possible. Baby's most active times are in the morning just before I get out of bed - so no more rushing out of bed in the mornings for me (YAY) and at night just before I go to sleep. It also loves moving in the bath, and my whole stomach shakes, it's quite weird LOL.
I am getting rather large, and I do have more uncomfortable times during the day now. The heat doesn't help things along but overall I'm loving my bump!
I'm getting more and more excited for the birth - I can book my bed any time from 28-32 weeks, so I'll pop around early next year to do that :)
After a month of having his eyelids sealed shut, your baby begins to open his eyes again this week. Your baby's eyes are almost completely developed. Your baby's eyes are blue in the womb and may change colors later in life. This is true for all races because the pupils do not have their final color until a few months after birth. However, some babies are born with darker or lighter shades of blue. Your growing baby will continue to put on layers of fat until he is born. He is still lean at this point of the pregnancy though. By the time your baby is born, he will assume the typical newborn's plumpness. Your baby's skin will still be wrinkled and red, but the fat continues to fill the skin out.
Finger and toe nails continue to grow.
Blood vessels start to develop in the lungs to prepare the baby for life outside the uterus.
Your baby's blood circulation is completely functional. The umbilical cord system continues to grow and thicken as blood travels with considerable force through the body to nurture the baby. The placenta is now almost equal in size to the baby.
Even though it is still way too soon for your baby to be born yet, the chance of survival without severe abnormalities is now 70% provided it is born in a hospital.
Monday, November 16, 2009
27 centimetres big! I can't believe it!
22 Weeks Pregnant
Baby’s Development
The baby is gaining weight during this period. The baby weighs approximately about 430 to 450 grams. The crown to heel or rump length is about 27 cms.The baby resembles a newborn child at this stage, only difference is that it is much thinner as there isn’t much development of baby fat yet. Though the baby is steadily gaining weight, the skin still has a wrinkled appearance. The baby’s body is undergoing continuous growth and development. All organs in the baby’s body are developing at a rapid rate. The liver of the baby has started production of various enzymes that are required for breaking down of billirubin. The billirubin is produced as a result of the breaking down of red blood cells. The fetal red blood cells have a shorter life span and so there is more production of billirubin in a fetus. The billirubin from fetal blood goes into the placenta and then passes into mother’s blood. The mother’s liver gets rid of the fetal billirubin. The pancreas ofthe baby is developing and growing at a steady rate.
The baby shows distinct lips and eyes at 22 weeks pregnant stage. The iris or the colored part of the eye is still lacking pigment. The eyelids and eyebrows are well formed. The tooth buds are formed and can be seen lying under the gum line. At this stage of 22 weeks pregnancy,the baby’s brain is developing very rapidly. The sensory systems of the baby are also developing very fast during this period. The brain has developed a good network of neurons by now, and baby is learning about the sense of touch.The baby may start exploring its face by stroking and start moving legs and arms to touch and feel. In the case of a female fetus, the ovaries and primitive ova or egg cells have developed well. The female fetus will also have a completely formed uterus by now.
Baby’s Development
The baby is gaining weight during this period. The baby weighs approximately about 430 to 450 grams. The crown to heel or rump length is about 27 cms.The baby resembles a newborn child at this stage, only difference is that it is much thinner as there isn’t much development of baby fat yet. Though the baby is steadily gaining weight, the skin still has a wrinkled appearance. The baby’s body is undergoing continuous growth and development. All organs in the baby’s body are developing at a rapid rate. The liver of the baby has started production of various enzymes that are required for breaking down of billirubin. The billirubin is produced as a result of the breaking down of red blood cells. The fetal red blood cells have a shorter life span and so there is more production of billirubin in a fetus. The billirubin from fetal blood goes into the placenta and then passes into mother’s blood. The mother’s liver gets rid of the fetal billirubin. The pancreas ofthe baby is developing and growing at a steady rate.
The baby shows distinct lips and eyes at 22 weeks pregnant stage. The iris or the colored part of the eye is still lacking pigment. The eyelids and eyebrows are well formed. The tooth buds are formed and can be seen lying under the gum line. At this stage of 22 weeks pregnancy,the baby’s brain is developing very rapidly. The sensory systems of the baby are also developing very fast during this period. The brain has developed a good network of neurons by now, and baby is learning about the sense of touch.The baby may start exploring its face by stroking and start moving legs and arms to touch and feel. In the case of a female fetus, the ovaries and primitive ova or egg cells have developed well. The female fetus will also have a completely formed uterus by now.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Our very last scan appointment
Yesterday was our last scan appointment, the one where they check all the organs etc. It was awesome to see our gorgeous baby – amazing how you can be so in love with something.
J is away in the Ivory Coast at the moment, and so I invited my mom along for the scan. I think she really enjoyed it :)
Our little nudger has 10 little fingers and 10 little toes. We are still measuring a week ahead, but all is absolutely perfect with our baby. The doc DEFINITELY knew the sex and was teasing me by saying he’d give me a clue and then he’d move the scan wand quickly. LOL. Now I’m feeling like it’s a boy after I was SO convinced it’s a girl. But we’ll find out in 20 weeks or so :D
My concern, as it has been from the beginning, is preterm labour because of my mini sized uterus. But he reassured me again that if I hadn’t had bleeding, contractions, a show etc. I should have no issues. He also asked my mom a little about her history (I found this interesting) and he reassured me again that all will be fine. He also said there is no way I can actually “prevent it” so I needn’t worry about my lifestyle etc. obviously other than the normal healthy things.
Weight wise I’ve put on 1kg but Doc reckons I’ll out on weight quickly now. My bump is quite a lot bigger and my uterus measures 23 weeks.
I see him again at 36 weeks! Next year! I can’t believe I am half way through this pregnancy! In 8 weeks it will be Christmas, and then we’ll be counting down to the birth another 10-12 weeks after that.
Otherwise I am doing well, I am so in love with my bump and my new body. I feel baby kicking every day now, still very lightly and sometimes it turns completely – which actually feels strangely like an electric shock. Don’t know if I’m making sense. I get niggles like ligament pains, heartburn, and headaches but I so think it’s worth everything. I feel so so blessed!
We start antenatal classes in 2 weeks and just found out that a friend of mine (who is pregnant now after TTC for 9 years and 4 IVFs) will be doing the classes with us! :)
Below are some pics - this is one of the baby's legs, feet and little toes, my favourite from this scan :)
And here's one of my tum - a comparison between 6 weeks and 19 weeks
J is away in the Ivory Coast at the moment, and so I invited my mom along for the scan. I think she really enjoyed it :)
Our little nudger has 10 little fingers and 10 little toes. We are still measuring a week ahead, but all is absolutely perfect with our baby. The doc DEFINITELY knew the sex and was teasing me by saying he’d give me a clue and then he’d move the scan wand quickly. LOL. Now I’m feeling like it’s a boy after I was SO convinced it’s a girl. But we’ll find out in 20 weeks or so :D
My concern, as it has been from the beginning, is preterm labour because of my mini sized uterus. But he reassured me again that if I hadn’t had bleeding, contractions, a show etc. I should have no issues. He also asked my mom a little about her history (I found this interesting) and he reassured me again that all will be fine. He also said there is no way I can actually “prevent it” so I needn’t worry about my lifestyle etc. obviously other than the normal healthy things.
Weight wise I’ve put on 1kg but Doc reckons I’ll out on weight quickly now. My bump is quite a lot bigger and my uterus measures 23 weeks.
I see him again at 36 weeks! Next year! I can’t believe I am half way through this pregnancy! In 8 weeks it will be Christmas, and then we’ll be counting down to the birth another 10-12 weeks after that.
Otherwise I am doing well, I am so in love with my bump and my new body. I feel baby kicking every day now, still very lightly and sometimes it turns completely – which actually feels strangely like an electric shock. Don’t know if I’m making sense. I get niggles like ligament pains, heartburn, and headaches but I so think it’s worth everything. I feel so so blessed!
We start antenatal classes in 2 weeks and just found out that a friend of mine (who is pregnant now after TTC for 9 years and 4 IVFs) will be doing the classes with us! :)
Below are some pics - this is one of the baby's legs, feet and little toes, my favourite from this scan :)
And here's one of my tum - a comparison between 6 weeks and 19 weeks
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
18 weeks!
Well we are between 17 and 18 weeks this week. Almost halfway! YAYA :)
The pram and car chair arrived nice and neatly in boxes yesterday. I was hopping around like an excited Kelsey, and ripped open those boxes before the Fedex guy was out the door. I spent 15 minutes assembling the pram, got tired and went to have a snack. The pram is now half assembled and I don't know how to attach the car chair either. At least I have several months to figure it out!
Otherwise I'm starting to think about a babyshower - I have several (and mean mulptiple) friends having babies around the same time so I'm starting the think of dates early, really don't want to intrude on someone elses special baby day. Rather I don't want them to intrude on mine ;)
So time is going much too quickly - yesterday another stranger noticed I am pregnant and she showed me some prenatal vitamins she bought. I felt like we were in some conspiracy together. That was kind of sweet. Maybe I'll catch onto this womanhood/mankind-togetherness-thing eventually. Still not joining the yummy mummy club though.
Justin and I went shopping at Baby City on Sunday, "just to see" you know. We were very disciplined and only bought a little timing gadget that tells you when you last fed/what side you fed from/changed a nappy etc. Judiet swears by it, and it comes in green. So I had to have one.
Next two big-gish purchases are cloth diapers... Yar yar I don't want to hear it. And the baby monitor - we're hoping there's some magical technology that gets invented in the next 4 months that will include a breathing mat, humidity controller, sound/listening device AND a camera. We can only hope.
I'm loving the names we have chosen and I'm even happier that we are not spreading them around, my friend's are having a hard time from their families because of names they're considering. Ours aren't considered, they're chosen - so we're not letting anything change our minds!
90% of friends and family reckon this baby is a girl - I too feel like "it's" a girl. Justin is now broadening his mind to the fact that it might be a boy OR girl. Well it's got to be one of the two ;) Didn't Julius say?
What You're Thinking
"Either I have an ongoing case of indigestion or there might actually be something moving around my gut!"
Your Body
At about 18 weeks, you might begin to feel a suspicious flutter in your belly. The professionals call it "quickening," we call it "baby's makin' waves!" Within the next few weeks, those tiny bubbly feelings will become more obvious. And soon enough they'll be unmistakably identifiable—especially when you (and anyone within 10 feet of you) can see tiny feet, elbows and knees moving across your belly.
Gas pains are a way of life now, so it's common to mistake fetal movement for a little indigestion. If you don't start feeling your baby's flutter kick right away at 18 weeks, don't worry. Quickening happens at different times for different people. If you notice a distinct lack of fetal movement after feeling your baby move for several days, contact your health-care provider.
If you're feeling hungry these days, indulge (in moderation) . It's especially important to load up on carbs right now to fuel both your and your baby's energy needs. So hold off on the Atkins diet for another 22 weeks or so.
Your Baby
Your baby's ears are now facing forward and are completely formed so she can actually hear you talking now. You don't need to abandon your potty mouth just yet, but you might want to start thinking about it! Other highlights this week:
This week is also the beginning of ossification. And while that sounds like some long and involved paperwork you'll have to fill out, it's really a fancy medical term for the hardening of your baby's miniature bones. And that's a good thing.
Your baby's nerves are making more and more complex connections. Her sense of smell, taste, sight and hearing are all developing. A substance called myelin, which makes nerve connections travel faster, is now coating your baby's nerves.
Your baby now weighs between 5 and 7 ounces and is about 5½ inches long—about the size of a pickle from the corner deli. (You're familiar with pickles, right? Your regular accompaniment to a big bowl of ice cream?)
The pram and car chair arrived nice and neatly in boxes yesterday. I was hopping around like an excited Kelsey, and ripped open those boxes before the Fedex guy was out the door. I spent 15 minutes assembling the pram, got tired and went to have a snack. The pram is now half assembled and I don't know how to attach the car chair either. At least I have several months to figure it out!
Otherwise I'm starting to think about a babyshower - I have several (and mean mulptiple) friends having babies around the same time so I'm starting the think of dates early, really don't want to intrude on someone elses special baby day. Rather I don't want them to intrude on mine ;)
So time is going much too quickly - yesterday another stranger noticed I am pregnant and she showed me some prenatal vitamins she bought. I felt like we were in some conspiracy together. That was kind of sweet. Maybe I'll catch onto this womanhood/mankind-togetherness-thing eventually. Still not joining the yummy mummy club though.
Justin and I went shopping at Baby City on Sunday, "just to see" you know. We were very disciplined and only bought a little timing gadget that tells you when you last fed/what side you fed from/changed a nappy etc. Judiet swears by it, and it comes in green. So I had to have one.
Next two big-gish purchases are cloth diapers... Yar yar I don't want to hear it. And the baby monitor - we're hoping there's some magical technology that gets invented in the next 4 months that will include a breathing mat, humidity controller, sound/listening device AND a camera. We can only hope.
I'm loving the names we have chosen and I'm even happier that we are not spreading them around, my friend's are having a hard time from their families because of names they're considering. Ours aren't considered, they're chosen - so we're not letting anything change our minds!
90% of friends and family reckon this baby is a girl - I too feel like "it's" a girl. Justin is now broadening his mind to the fact that it might be a boy OR girl. Well it's got to be one of the two ;) Didn't Julius say?
What You're Thinking
"Either I have an ongoing case of indigestion or there might actually be something moving around my gut!"
Your Body
At about 18 weeks, you might begin to feel a suspicious flutter in your belly. The professionals call it "quickening," we call it "baby's makin' waves!" Within the next few weeks, those tiny bubbly feelings will become more obvious. And soon enough they'll be unmistakably identifiable—especially when you (and anyone within 10 feet of you) can see tiny feet, elbows and knees moving across your belly.
Gas pains are a way of life now, so it's common to mistake fetal movement for a little indigestion. If you don't start feeling your baby's flutter kick right away at 18 weeks, don't worry. Quickening happens at different times for different people. If you notice a distinct lack of fetal movement after feeling your baby move for several days, contact your health-care provider.
If you're feeling hungry these days, indulge (in moderation) . It's especially important to load up on carbs right now to fuel both your and your baby's energy needs. So hold off on the Atkins diet for another 22 weeks or so.
Your Baby
Your baby's ears are now facing forward and are completely formed so she can actually hear you talking now. You don't need to abandon your potty mouth just yet, but you might want to start thinking about it! Other highlights this week:
This week is also the beginning of ossification. And while that sounds like some long and involved paperwork you'll have to fill out, it's really a fancy medical term for the hardening of your baby's miniature bones. And that's a good thing.
Your baby's nerves are making more and more complex connections. Her sense of smell, taste, sight and hearing are all developing. A substance called myelin, which makes nerve connections travel faster, is now coating your baby's nerves.
Your baby now weighs between 5 and 7 ounces and is about 5½ inches long—about the size of a pickle from the corner deli. (You're familiar with pickles, right? Your regular accompaniment to a big bowl of ice cream?)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)