We are 27 weeks pregnant today. I can't believe how quickly the looming 3rd trimester is coming upon us. Incredible.
At my last prenatal appointment, I asked the doc a few poignant questions, like "what are the indications that a uteran rupture (this is the "risk" that makes VBAC high risk) is about to occur?" I was also asking him about policies and procedures, so we could be as aware of what to expect as we needed to be. Either he didn't know or he didn't want to break the news to me. He asked me to call the lead OB nurse. So I did. She told me that uteran rupture can be detected by blood in the urine. ...since blood in the abdominal cavity makes its way through the bladder walls? Every person I've talked to who has a clue about human anatomy says that what she calls an "indicator" is definitely not.
So a catheter was one of 5 expected interventions I could expect upon arrival at the hospital. I could also expect an IV (standard) constant external fetal montinoring (also standard), she recommended (though, as with anything they say anyone needs, I could refuse) an epidural, and if they couldn't "keep track" of the baby's heart tones, I'd need an internal fetal monitor (which means breaking my water, if it's not already broken) and inserting a wire into his head.
We decided it'd be best for our family to get our care elsewhere. So, at the recommendation of the co-leader of ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) of NWA, I called up Eastside clinic in Fort Smith and got a hold of Dr. Rainwater who does rounds at St. Edwards. Though I am past the usual date they'd accept transfers, she took me on. And I am so thankful. We have our first prenatal there and the glucose test early Thursday morning.
It still boggles my mind that people are convinced that there has to be so many interruptions in what should be a perfectly natural physiological process. If I am willing to go through labor, shouldn't I allowed to do it the way I want to?
3 comments:
Oh, Amanda, you know that we women can't give birth by ourselves! We need doctors and interventions-- our bodies just weren't made for birth. It's not as though our bodies release Relaxin that softens our pelvic joints, allowing them to open up so the baby's head can pass through. And it's not as though our perineum tissue is elastic and stretches. And it's definitely not as though our uterus literally pushes the baby down and out of the birth canal. If it weren't for the medical community, no babies would be born, clearly.
Blech.
I have to say one of the advantages of giving birth in Europe is that they are SO pro-natural birth and so pro-breastfeeding. They often refuse epidurals, and I was two minutes from a C-section with Hayden because his heart rate kept dropping when the midwife basically sat on me to help get him out. I hope everything works out!
A woman's body in labor is an incredible thing and something to be adored. I hope hope hope the team we've chosen will move Ike and I to do whatever we can to bring him into this world healthfully.
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