I had my 36 week growth scan yesterday along with a visit to my OB who promptly decided that a c-section would be the safest mode of entry into this world for our large baby. The ultrasound was difficult to say the least due to the size of our fetus. Our tech actually can't remember ever having such a tough time finding a femur to measure, but our little person had both legs tucked up under the bootie.
The other measurements all came out to 39.5 weeks and the femur was 38 but he knew that was inaccurate. It's always measured consistent with the others. Even with the one short measurement, baby's weight was estimated at 8 pounds, 3 ounces. And I know- I've been reminded a hundred times that ultrasound measurements can be off. Here's the deal: since 22 weeks, my baby has measured 2-3 weeks ahead on ultrasound. And at that point- it's easy to get good measurements.
Plus, my belly is measuring 3 weeks ahead on fundal height. And it is FULL of baby. There isn't a soft spot to be found this time. I know this baby is bigger than she was. And we still have 4 weeks of time to grow. So, I feel confident that a c-section is my best bet.
It eliminates the risk of shoulder dystocia and fractured clavicles. I won't have a broken tailbone from delivering a much too large baby. Yep, I get another scar. It will complement my nasty appendectomy scar and my 3 ovarian drilling scars. Which, by the way, have never bothered me. And yes, I have to recover from an abdominal surgery. But my episiotomy took a good while to recover from too.
So, I'm scheduled for August 1st at noon. And I have a friend who is an anesthesiologist so he's on my case which will be awesome! Plus, this really helps us to plan how to cover the vet clinic and child care. Unless of course, this big bundle of joy throws a kink in our plans and decides to exit early!!!
The other measurements all came out to 39.5 weeks and the femur was 38 but he knew that was inaccurate. It's always measured consistent with the others. Even with the one short measurement, baby's weight was estimated at 8 pounds, 3 ounces. And I know- I've been reminded a hundred times that ultrasound measurements can be off. Here's the deal: since 22 weeks, my baby has measured 2-3 weeks ahead on ultrasound. And at that point- it's easy to get good measurements.
Plus, my belly is measuring 3 weeks ahead on fundal height. And it is FULL of baby. There isn't a soft spot to be found this time. I know this baby is bigger than she was. And we still have 4 weeks of time to grow. So, I feel confident that a c-section is my best bet.
It eliminates the risk of shoulder dystocia and fractured clavicles. I won't have a broken tailbone from delivering a much too large baby. Yep, I get another scar. It will complement my nasty appendectomy scar and my 3 ovarian drilling scars. Which, by the way, have never bothered me. And yes, I have to recover from an abdominal surgery. But my episiotomy took a good while to recover from too.
So, I'm scheduled for August 1st at noon. And I have a friend who is an anesthesiologist so he's on my case which will be awesome! Plus, this really helps us to plan how to cover the vet clinic and child care. Unless of course, this big bundle of joy throws a kink in our plans and decides to exit early!!!
I had a c-section with my twins, one was breech. I tried for a vbac and after 14 hours of labor ended up with a c-section because my baby girl was 9lbs 8oz. My dr was NEVER concerned about size with me and fundal height was actually measuring behind at the end?? Soo.....you just have to do what feels best. My c-section recovery was very easy and I am so happy that I didn't have to have an emergency c-section with either birth because I was never in any pain (during) and recovery went flawless. Best of luck, I think you're making a good decision given your circumstance!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason people are somewhat negative about c sections. I never had one, but had many people who did. And them adn their babies are safer and some of them can credit their healthy baby to them.
ReplyDeleteI applaud you for making the choice to put your babies' health and yours in the highest priority!
Geez, that puts you at less than 3 weeks!!!!!
Hey - congrats on a final decision! Of course, your big baby could possibly decide to come earlier, right? Our little baby girl Claire was born last Thursday at 35 weeks. She was 6 lbs and 4 oz and is healthy and happy. We are so lucky to have avoided any NICU time! Good luck to you...can't wait to see what you're having!
ReplyDeleteBaby boy's birthday is scheduled!! Yes, I think it's a boy :)
ReplyDeleteExciting that you have a date! That is one big baby! Honestly, my c-section was 100x easier to recover from than my laparoscopy. I realize that it's always safer to do a regular birth, but if your baby is this big I think it makes sense, and I want you to know that it really isn't a bad recovery. And the scar isn't bad, too -- I still wear a 2-piece bathing suit and you can't see it!
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