36 Weeks!

So today we are officially 36 weeks! Yay! Talk about time flying!

Many of you may have seen my facebook post but here is the update.....

LBG did not turn :-( He is still breech! Mommy (and Daddy) are not happy but understand that he is just a little too comfortable and does not feel like moving. It's not to say that he wont turn at the last minute but it is getting very tight in there and we have been told it is unlikely.

SO,

We were given two options.....

Option 1: The doctor could TRY and turn the baby. This is done during your 37th week. So, for us, next week and it's done in the hospital. You are hooked up to IV's and monitors to watch the baby's heartbeat. The procedure takes about 15 minutes but only has a 60% success rate! Four things could happen.

1. We decide to have the procedure done, but he cannot turn the baby and we need to schedule a C-section.

2. The procedure works, he turns the baby, we go home and wait for labor to begin when it's "time" and then deliver the baby. Obviously, best case scenario!

3. The procedure works, he turns the baby, we go home and wait for labor to begin when it's "time" but I cannot deliver the baby naturally and we have to have a C-section.

4. The procedure works, he turns the baby, the baby gets stressed in the new position and his HR goes down and we have to have a emergency C-section on the spot! Not ideal, especially at only 37 weeks!

As you can see, most of these options could result in a possible C-section. There is no guarantee.
I have been told the procedure itself is very uncomfortable to both mom and baby so another con in our eyes.

Option 2: was to plain and simple, schedule a C-section. If the baby happens to turn in the meantime, we would re-evaluate then.

Bill and I made the decision to have a C-section scheduled. We decided that we did not want to take the chance of causing the baby any stress. He has been breech the entire pregnancy, has been healthy, and grown like he should and we just felt like moving him now may cause complications and disrupt his thriving environment. At 37 weeks, if we had to deliver in a emergency because of complications with turning him he would be fine but there is a chance his lungs still may not be fully developed and may need time in the NICU. Again, not a chance I am willing to take at this point.

Although, made this decision pretty quickly, it was a hard one for us both. We both really wanted to embrace the spontaneity of the naturally birthing process. I must say I am disappointed that I won't have the option to try natural childbirth but I more concerned with the health of the baby.

Besides, C-sections are so common these days and so many women have them, right?

Long story short, LBG will be here on March 3rd, 2010!!! That is, unless he comes early or he turns himself and we wait for natural labor to begin.

It's so strange to think we have a definitive date now! He is currently weighing in right at 6lbs! Right on schedule. So, assuming he stays on track, he will be somewhere between 7.5 and 8 lbs at birth! he is moving like crazy these days and we think it is because he is trying to turn but can't :-( He is a procrastinator like his daddy and waited too long!

More news! Tomorrow is officially my last day of work before I go on maternity leave. My swelling and back pain have made it near impossible to keep up at work and the doctor has made the decision that this week is it! Thank goodness. I really have been struggling the past few weeks and really need some R&R before this baby gets here! I have not taken my 36 week picture yet but will post one very soon!

So, it's the home stretch, 20 more days! I can do it!