At my last doctor's appointment, my doctor did an ultrasound and measured Baby Boy Blackham's head and midsection. She then re-measured them four times while saying under her breath, "That can't be right." After the fourth measurement of each, she smiled at me and said, "your baby is very, very big. We will schedule a c-section for you." She estimated that, based on the size, this baby was already over 8 lbs. And I still had nearly six weeks to go before my due date.
Be aware, she had mentioned during previous visits that the baby was big, but I always just shrugged it off. Of course my baby is big. Have you seen my husband and his family? She even mentioned c-section, but I figured, she just wasn't used to big American babies.
I told her I didn't want a c-section, and she said that was fine. It was up to me. She estimates that the baby will be at least 10 lbs (if not more) if I go full term.
I went home from the appointment feeling some serious anxiety. I really don't want to deliver a 10 lb baby. My kids have been big, at least they seemed big to me. Each one has been over 8 lbs. TJ was almost 9 lbs. And each delivery has been difficult in it's own way.
So I have now been actively considering scheduling a c-section. But here's the dilemma: If I schedule a c-section, they will probably schedule it early which would mean the baby would not be as big as predicted and negate the entire reason for a c-section. But if I don't schedule a c-section, I am likely to go full term and then attempt a natural birth which (my doctor feels) could result in an emergency c-section anyway.
I requested an early induction, but she basically said no. They will only induce if there is a life-threatening situation involving mother or baby. I personally believe that a 5 foot tall woman delivering a 10 lb baby should be considered life threatening. ha ha
Erick and I have been actively praying to the Lord for guidance in this matter. We know that He is guiding us in our decision. But I still wish to ask opinions from each of you. What would you do? Would you schedule a c-section? Or would you wait for nature to take it's course and hope for the best?
I have an appointment at the hospital on Thursday where I will be discussing my birth plan and scheduling the c-section (if I so choose). So I would love to hear your thoughts before then.
11 comments:
Whatever is best for you and the baby is the most important thing. Don't worry about anything else (although I know you will). You know I would love to see my new baby nephew. #1 attraction in Germany...Baby Boy Blackham :)
Both my kiddos were c-sections. I was in labor with abbie for 22 hours before they took her c-section. Obviously, at that point, I was all over just getting it over with. My body doesn't dilate (I was 8 days overdue, and even with 3 (yes, three) inductions, I never dilated past a 2.) So they scheduled Annie -- with C-sections, they generally schedule between 38-39 weeks (at least that's what my doctor said). Obviously, not ever delivering naturally, I can't compare, but my experience with Annie was a dream. I scheduled it, Jeremey and I went that morning, and from the time that I left my pre-op room to the time I was wheeled out of delivery (holding my baby!) it was 27 minutes. It took a while for the block to wear off so I could walk, but I was feeling great! I was wide-awake, alert, and loving my new baby. I was really focused. I understand that people are leary of c-sections, and want to go naturally. My recovery was quick and great (and if you think about it, you have to recover either way, just in different ways). They have tummy bands you wear for a few weeks (make SURE you ask for one, they're amazing!) to help 'hold everything together' so it doesn't hurt. My scar is tiny. I know you're nervous -- but it will work out whatever you choose. Just follow your instincts and trust in the Lord, but I'm telling you -- I am a firm believer in the power of modern medicine!! If I COULD have gone V-bac, I still don't think I would have. (I'll take 27 minute absolutely numb labor in an instant! lol :) ) Anyway, that's my experience. Good luck! Thinking of you and praying for you guys!!
C-section baby! Taking him early will not make him THAT much smaller. And the alternative of having an emergency c-section seems silly if you can prevent it. I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you, that's just my opinion. LOVE YOU and baby boy Blackham!!!
Those ultrasound estimates aren't always acurate. With Truman the ultrasound estimate said he would weigh 5 lbs. 10 oz. and he was 7 lbs 14 oz (he was born the same day as the estimate) Aparently our kids are just really stocky with small heads. His shoulders got stuck (shoulder dystocia) which was pretty serious so my Dr. very strongly recommended I consider c-sections for any more children we may have. When that time comes I'm not sure what we'll do though. I think a c-section takes away a lot of risks for the baby, but it still scares me because its new. I know what to expect from a natural delivery, mostly. So I'm not sure. I guess all you can do is pray about it since He's the only one who knows what will happen either way. Good Luck!
I've never had a c-section, but I have had big babies. Granted, Tera, I'm like 3 times as big as you, so my opinion only counts a little.
I don't really know the hard experiences you've had with each baby, so take that into consideration. But I personally would wait and see. I would want the babies lungs to develop fully and let them come when they're ready. And I agree with Kellan and Rikki that those ultrasounds and measurements aren't always accurate with the weight. Mine haven't been even close. I've only had two but both within two days of birth and way off.
Knowing your situation, the doctors would be ready for a c-section and it wouldn't be as "emergency" as others are.
I don't want to give you bad advice, though. A healthy baby IS the most important thing.
PS My easiest baby to deliver was the biggest (10 lbs. 3 oz.). Go figure. (She was also the second, so maybe that's why she was easier)
Speaking from experience emergency c-sections are very hard to recover from. I have had 3 c-sections now and they're not as bad as people make them out to be. Look on the bright side...if you do have a scheduled c-section you'll look great in pictures...hair nice and make up in place:)!!
I have no experience w/ c-sections and, like your initial instinct, hope to keep it that way! That's a tough decision, but I'm sure either way you'll have a healthy baby - modern medicine is great that way. Good Luck!
having no experience with child birth at all, I am not sure I am the best person to answer this, but I guess I feel like I should anyway. Pretty much all of my teenage and adult life (so far), I have been told I would have to have c-sections for my kids if or when I actually have kids. Recently that answer changed because my personal situation involves cardiology issues, and for that situation it's best to go vaginal/natural with an epidural.
A more similar situation to yours, my mother in law delivered my sister in law naturally, and my sister in law was 12 lbs 12 oz. Very big baby, and ended up having a birth injury because she wasn't born via c-section. The injury resulted in subsequent surgeries for my sister in law just after birth, and then again as she got older. Though you would hardly know of her injury unless someone told you, there are some things she is dealing with from it today.
I'm with Damaris, though you want to go natural (because recovery is faster that way for sure), you really just want to do what's best for your baby and your body. Sometimes C-section is the answer to that, because it means you don't have other issues after the birth.
I am sure your doctor had her reasons for suggesting the c-section, just like you have your reasons for not wanting one. Just make sure you consider both sides and both sets of consequences before you make your decision.
Hope that helps!
Wow Tera, that's a tough one. I have always dreaded the idea of a c-section (I've never had any sort of surgery before, so it just makes me nervous). If I was as small as you and being told that my baby could be that big, though, I might consider it. C-sections are a pretty standard procedure by now, so the doctors should know what they're doing. I have heard so many people that have had them say that they are actually really nice. You get to set a schedule and don't feel as much pain. Still a tough decision...I hope you receive a clear answer to your prayers, but if not, I'm sure things will be fine either way, even if they're not easy. Good luck!
Good Luck with your decision. Just my experience. I was in labor with Owen for 13 hours and ended up having a c-section anyway. The other 3 were scheduled c-sections. It was so much easier! Also my kids came anywhere from 36.5 weeks to 38 weeks. And they were all a normal size. As far as the measurements go. I talked to my doctor about them. She said they aren't very accurate, I was also told that the more they do it, the more inaccurate the measurements are cause you can't base it off a normal number (I had weekly growth scans, but they would only measure to get an estimated weight every 4 weeks.) The day I had Miles they measured him an ounce off what his birth weight was. But when we measured Abby 4 days before her birth, they estimated her to be bigger than she actually was. Hopefully through your prayers you will be able to make the right decision for you and your baby. But I do have to say c-sections are nice. You lay there and they do the work! =o) Can't wait to see the new little one!
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