Saturday, February 28, 2009

A mixed bag and a March baby

Consider this scenario: You're huddled inside, comfortable, warm, cozy and constantly fed. Outside, it's cold and unpredictable, and you're unaware that there is a bunch of people, two in particular, who are ready to shepherd you through that dicey world.
Why would you want to leave that safe surround?
When you think of it that way, it makes sense why Bun is, shall we say, reluctant to make its exit -- or entrance, depending on how you look at it.
We've passed the due date -- that was Tuesday or Friday, the doc's not sure -- with no sign of imminent labor and delivery. Anni had an appointment Thursday, when we got good news and some surprising news.
Bun was active and kicking, with a heart rate of 140. The doc still is predicting a birth weight of 7 1/2 lbs to 8 1/2 lbs.
Anni was not dilated, though, and after an exam the doc said it seems she has a smaller-than-normal pelvic structure. Now, in most cases, that would be considered a good thing.
Think about it. Who really wants to hear: "You have a huge pelvis and our only concern is keeping that baby from sliding out without you realizing it."
The hiccup with a small pelvis, of course, is that it can be difficult for the baby to make it through the birth canal. (Think about pushing a golf ball through a garden house.)
The doc, who explained this very well, knowing it caught Anni completely off guard, said it is possible she will not be able to have a natural birth and that a C-section may be the best option.
That's not a done deal, however, as the doctor said he's been surprised before by women who have small pelvic bones but still pop a baby out the natural way.
So, here's where we're at. If Anni doesn't go into labor before Wednesday, we'll meet with the doctor. There likely are two scenarios at that point. One would be to induce labor, probably Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, and try for a vaginal delivery with the hope that the pelvic bones will give way. The other scenario would be to head in to the hospital planning for a C-section on Friday.
So as you can imagine, we've been doing more research than we expected to be doing at this point.
Anni has some concerns about inducing for a natural birth without knowing if that is possible, but a C-section certainly has its own pros and cons.
A lot to think about, but the bottom line still is this: Mom and baby appear perfectly healthy and even with the pelvic issue, the doctor still is not suggesting that Bun's delivery will have any unusually painful or dangerous complications.
So, we wait.

No comments: