The pregnant thread

[heart_changed99]

I had a c-section last July and planning on having another one in December. Had the pregnancies been farther apart I probably would talk to my docotor about a VBAC. What does your doctor say?

I haven't met with the doctor personally, yet. I talked to a nurse over the phone and she assured me that they like to give everyone an opportunity to attempt a VBAC at the the patient's request. She went on to tell about how they like for the mother to do it naturally (ie. no induction, epi,)

The doctor that I previously seen pretty much just tried to discourage the idea of a VBAC all together. She told me that there are many risks involved. I am aware of this, but I am also very aware that the risks of a repeat c-section, actually outweigh the risks of a VBAC. I have been doing my research, and this is why I concluded that a VBAC is the way I want to give birth with this one. I may even request that it be done in the tub or something. God willing, this is what I want!

Here, check out this website: http://www.ican-online.org/

It gives a great deal of information, including statistics about VBACs and the benefits. Also, if you do a search, you can even find a local chapter in your State. Unfortunately for me, the closest one is 4 hours away!

[heart_changed99]

Here is a great read, and a must for you new mothers.

http://www.ican-online.org/pregnancy/pushing-positions

[happymommy728]

Bride of Christ,

If you don't mind telling us, what were the circumstances for your first c-section?
My water broke, I dialted to 5 and 24 hours after my water broke I had gone back down to 2 cm. They proceeded with the c-section because I wasn't progressing and the risk of infection due to the amount of time since my water broke.
I meet with my doctor on Tuesday to discuss everything. So far for my visits I've just had blood work up and the ultrasound done.

[heart_changed99]

Bride of Christ,

If you don't mind telling us, what were the circumstances for your first c-section?
My water broke, I dialted to 5 and 24 hours after my water broke I had gone back down to 2 cm. They proceeded with the c-section because I wasn't progressing and the risk of infection due to the amount of time since my water broke.
I meet with my doctor on Tuesday to discuss everything. So far for my visits I've just had blood work up and the ultrasound done.

I don't mind at all. The reason for my c-section is very complicated. You see, I went in as a very scared mother-to-be because I didn't educate myself properly on childbirth. I did take childbirth classes and I did read books, but I did not have this type of information at hand.

I went about 2 weeks over my due date with Jonah. I had not dilated at all. I Had a BPP done and discovered that Jonah was already weighing close to 10lbs, per the u/s. My doctor met with me afterwards and explained the "risks" of going over and blah, blah, etc. etc. That's when he talked me into an induction, though, I had determined to refuse. But, because of the fear he put into me, I went along with this plan of inducing me the next morning.

That night, I noticed I was leaking and was having some weird pains in my belly, so I called L&D. She told me to come on in and so I did, and this was around 1 in the morning. They went ahead and admitted me to the hospital since I was to be induced that morning. They checked me and discovered that I was not leaking, probably just incontinence. The nurse started to monitor the baby and discovered that I was contracting. She looked at me and said, "Do you feel that?" and I said, "feel what?". "You are contracting and its coming about 5 minutes apart...Wooo, there was a big one! You didn't feel that?". "No". I got excited because I thought that my body would decide to go into labor on its own. Much to my dismay, it all stopped in one instant. So, they concluded that it was false contractions.

Because I was so anxious, I couldn't sleep, the apprehension was taking its toll on me. So, I was awake when they came into the room to induce me. They started the drip (aka Pitocin) and checked my blood pressure periodically. The nurses had to keep turning up the pitocin because my contractions were not starting. Come about 4 hours later, "labor" finally began and the contractions didn't hesitate to start. Ironically, I was on the phone when my water decided to break. I heard and felt it go "pop" and told the person that I had to get off of the phone, lol. At that very moment, water started gushing, but they insisted that my water had not broken. They did an exam and it proved them to be right. So, they broke my water the rest of the way for me.

Exam after exam and the dilation was taking ages. I finally dilated to 4 1/2 cm, but the contractions were becoming unbearable. I told the doctor that I wanted an epi and they told me I would have to wait a little bit, so the nurses were ordered to give me some pain medicine. That held me over for just a little bit and made me really loopy. Finally, I got my epidural and all was fine, except that I could still feel my contractions, but they were milder and I could tolerate them.

My next exam, doc told me I wasn't dilating. Baby's head was still high and not coming down. Labor just wasn't progressing. He then gave me a choice to either go ahead and have a c-section, as it looked like it was going that way anyway, or to wait it out and see what happens in the next two hours. I opted to go ahead and do an elective c-section after talking to my mother who had emergency c-sections with both my sister and I. At the time, I was scared and vulnerable to everything this doctor was telling me. I did not trust my body to do what it was meant to do. Most importantly, I did not trust in God like I should have.

Looking back, I made a horrible decision by even agreeing to the induction. I do have PTSD from my childbirth experience. My c-section recovery time period was awful and I never want to go through that again. I originally wanted a natural birth and none of that happened. I got the exact thing that I didn't want, and yes, it does upset me. But I am not going to let it keep me down or discourage me. I am going to push for the birth the way it was meant to be. I am putting this one in God's hands. Lord knows I have spent too many nights crying over my c-section. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for my son, but now, I have added, unnecessary discomfort with this pregnancy, and all thanks to my <sarcasm>lovely scar./sarcasm>

And, I am not saying that all c-sections are unnecessary, but I will say that a good percentage of them are not needed and neither are inductions. The complications, and risks, thereof, are much higher than with a natural (un-medicated and unrestricted movement) and vaginal childbirth.

[heart_changed99]

Bride of Christ,

If you don't mind telling us, what were the circumstances for your first c-section?
My water broke, I dialted to 5 and 24 hours after my water broke I had gone back down to 2 cm. They proceeded with the c-section because I wasn't progressing and the risk of infection due to the amount of time since my water broke.
I meet with my doctor on Tuesday to discuss everything. So far for my visits I've just had blood work up and the ultrasound done.

Honestly, the 24 hour limit they give for the woman to give birth, is absolutely absurd! The only reason a woman can get an infection after her water breaks, is if she continues to have vaginal exams, and she usually does if she is giving birth in the hospital.

I have been told many times, that it is wiser to stay at home after your water breaks and just walk around (gravity is key) to help labor along. And to go to the hospital at the very last minute if there are no obvious risks to not doing so right then. I have heard and read so many wonderful stories of both women who gave birth naturally and via vbac.

However, I am not a doctor, nor am I midwife, so I am in no position in telling how women should give birth. That is up to the mother to make that decision. I just encourage women to tap into their natural instincts. I sure could have used someone to tell me all of this stuff before making the decisions that I did with my son.

[HSmomto4]

Bride of Christ,

If you don't mind telling us, what were the circumstances for your first c-section?
My water broke, I dialted to 5 and 24 hours after my water broke I had gone back down to 2 cm. They proceeded with the c-section because I wasn't progressing and the risk of infection due to the amount of time since my water broke.
I meet with my doctor on Tuesday to discuss everything. So far for my visits I've just had blood work up and the ultrasound done.

They do this so often and yet there is no reason to do this. If watched for infection, you can last months with your water broke. My friend is a nurse and she has patients that have theirs break at 22 weeks and they remain in bed in the hospital watched for infection and never encouraged to deliver.

HOWEVER, if baby was showing signs of distress or infection was setting in then a C-section was the best thing.

You can go to titus2.com right now and read their blog on their DIL who is in the hospital with her water broke at 33 weeks and they aren't inducing her. She has been in there (I think) over a week now. **I think** what most of it comes down to is money and insurance companies not wanting to pay to be monitored.

[HSmomto4]

BOC I am soooooo sorry to hear your labor story! If it makes you feel better, Michelle Duggar has had many children VBA2C.

[heart_changed99]

BOC I am soooooo sorry to hear your labor story! If it makes you feel better, Michelle Duggar has had many children VBA2C.

Wow! A lot better! Thanks!

[heart_changed99]

Please, y'all pray for me. I must be entering into that emotional state where you just feel so on edge. I just feel like crying and it doesn't help that I need to clean, but can't do too much at a time due to irritating my scar. This is the hardest part about being pregnant right now, the cleaning. My back already hurts and if I over exert myself, my lower abdomen will be sore for hours. Almost to the point where it feels like I am recovering from my c-section all over again.

I wish that my husband would understand, but he just doesn't and expects everything to be spic and span. I am doing what I can, but a little more and I asking for it.

[happymommy728]

I totally understand about lower back pain and soreness in your lower abdomen. I have those same pains and was worried at the beginning of my pregnancy. After talking to a nurse she said it was normal and to use a heating pad, warm bath,etc. It takes a while for it to go away once I'm really sore. Of course I'm vomiting a lot so I know my back is sore from that as well. I experienced the same thing with my first. I was working for the YMCA while pregnant with my first and swimming helped so much. I really need to start up again...even if it's just floating for a bit It seemed to really help.
Wow! You definitely had a crazy experience. My water broke 2 1/2 weeks early and they were also worried about my daughter and distress. I understand the funky feelings after a c-section. I was so sick and drugged up that I felt I missed out on so much and was a bit depressed. In retrospect though, I think it was the a combination of everything...hard pregnancy, new mom, surgery, recovery, hormones...I sought the Lord so much that first week and He helped me through in more ways than I could ever tell.
I'm going to talk to my doctor...he himself is a father of six and very experienced and thorough so I know he'll listen to everything and give me great advice. I'll let you know how it goes. I'll be praying for you and it's a blessing to hear that you're experiencing the same thing as I am (back pain, etc.). I thought I was the only one

[heart_changed99]

I totally understand about lower back pain and soreness in your lower abdomen. I have those same pains and was worried at the beginning of my pregnancy. After talking to a nurse she said it was normal and to use a heating pad, warm bath,etc. It takes a while for it to go away once I'm really sore.

I was worried about all of that at first, but then I called a nurse and talked to her about it. I am so glad to know that it is normal. Painful, but normal lol. I am afraid of using a heating pad because I don't want any circulation problems. I do love my warm showers, though.

Of course I'm vomiting a lot so I know my back is sore from that as well.

This is the part that I am dreading - morning sickness. I had that really bad with my son and I can remember feeling my uterus tighten as I vomited (TMI, I know lol), and I just keep thinking about how it will feel with this scar . So far, I am just lucky enough to have the nausea, but there again, with my son, morning sickness didn't come until during week 7 and was full blown by week 11.

I understand the funky feelings after a c-section. I was so sick and drugged up that I felt I missed out on so much and was a bit depressed. In retrospect though, I think it was the a combination of everything...hard pregnancy, new mom, surgery, recovery, hormones...I sought the Lord so much that first week and He helped me through in more ways than I could ever tell.

I agree that it was the newness of everything that contributed to my depression, but I believe it was more than that. My marriage was bad at the time, on top of that, I had people telling me that I need to quit breastfeeding my son at such and such date. I won't get into that, that is another story for another time. But yea, I don't think it was only the c-section that caused me to get the "baby blues".

In my first week home, my husband got called out for a job and was gone the entire week. I can only remember having help for the first couple of days, then I was lucky to just get anyone to pick up the phone. I had no one to help me to do anything and my c-section was far from being healed, or at least it felt like it. I hurt so bad, and my back was the worst because I couldn't stand up straight. On top of that, I had a crying infant, who was constantly needing me. Things could have been a lot better that week had I not listened to certain persons about how and where my son should sleep. He was always in the bassinet and I was always on the couch right beside of him. It would have been easier for the both of us to just stay in bed, with diapers, wipes, and any other necessity within my reach. Oh, and food and water was a must as I was always hungry and thirsty due to the nursing.

I was weeks into my recovery and things still hurt pretty bad. I don't think it got better until 5 weeks pp. I really, really don't want to go through that again. I am going to stress this to my doctor when I see him. If it comes down to it, I will just have a home birth, with much prayer. There is a hospital just minutes away, so it would be ok.

I'm going to talk to my doctor...he himself is a father of six and very experienced and thorough so I know he'll listen to everything and give me great advice. I'll let you know how it goes. I'll be praying for you and it's a blessing to hear that you're experiencing the same thing as I am (back pain, etc.). I thought I was the only one

Thank you. I hope he gives you the option of trying for a vbac, I know women who have gotten pregnant at 9 months and 1 month pp and had vbacs. It can be done. The healing doesn't take as long as a lot of people put it out to be. It is recommended to wait until at least 18 months pp to get pregnant again, but do they honestly think a pregnancy wouldn't occur before then? lol. If it wasn't safe to have a VBAC earlier than said time, then why should it be considered safe to even be pregnant before the 18 month mark? The uterus is "weak" either way, IMHO. But God can work miracles.

[firstoftwelve]

have you considered a Nurse-midwife? i've always used midwives and have loved it. They stay with us the whole time, unlike a doctor who comes in at the last minute, and was so helpful for hubby, that he didn't have to do all the "support" stuff. and they look at pregnancy not as a sickness to be healed or a medical "problem" but as a natural process they get to help facilitate. Much different philosophies!!

I also have a book reccomendation called "Giving Birth: a journey into the World of Mothers and Midwives". by Catherine Taylor. there's some "new age" stuff at the end as far as visualizing and such, but it is a very encouraging book for natural birth's etc. and lots of practical advice. I read it with every pregnancy.

I don't have time to go into my births right now, though Im sure I'll share eventually. But my 2nd birth was in a tub and it was wonderful ( as wonderful as childbirth can be anyway!! LOL )

[heart_changed99]

have you considered a Nurse-midwife? i've always used midwives and have loved it. They stay with us the whole time, unlike a doctor who comes in at the last minute, and was so helpful for hubby, that he didn't have to do all the "support" stuff. and they look at pregnancy not as a sickness to be healed or a medical "problem" but as a natural process they get to help facilitate. Much different philosophies!!

I also have a book reccomendation called "Giving Birth: a journey into the World of Mothers and Midwives". by Catherine Taylor. there's some "new age" stuff at the end as far as visualizing and such, but it is a very encouraging book for natural birth's etc. and lots of practical advice. I read it with every pregnancy.

I don't have time to go into my births right now, though Im sure I'll share eventually. But my 2nd birth was in a tub and it was wonderful ( as wonderful as childbirth can be anyway!! LOL )

Yes, I wanted a midwife, but there are no midwives that practice anywhere close to me. The closest one is almost 2 hours away. If I could find one, I would be so happy, but unfortunately, this specialist is all that I have right now.

I want to do a water birth, too. I would love to hear about your experience sometime. PM if you like!

[hilhill]

Pregnant here, too!

Im about 10 wks pregnant now. If you have seen my Morning Sickness thread you'll know that pregnancy has not treated me the best lately! I am nauseus/vomiting ALL the time. I've been dealing with it for over a month now and not sure how much I can take! I don't know if I can deal with this another time around.... ugh.... Nobody told me about all this extra pregnancy stuff! I didn't think it'd be this bad! I thought it was going to be all bunnies and rainbows.....

But anyways Im 22, have no kids already, this will be our first. It was definitely unplanned. I just graduated from a BSN program last week so I'll have to be working during pregnancy and after the baby gets here. Im not too happy about that, because I've always wanted to be a SAHM. But God will work it all out for us.

We've already had one ultrasound at 8 weeks and heard the heartbeat. Had to be one of the coolest moments ever.

[happymommy728]

hilhill,
What's your due date? Mine is December 15th. We had a bit of a scare last week so we're praying everything is alright with our baby. I go back to the doctor tomorrow.
I've been vomiting with this one...it was really bad with my first. I can tell you this...once you get through the funky stage everything gets much easier and you'll find yourself thinking..."If I could get through that, I can get through anything!" At least I did...I would think about all the days throwing up like crazy and think "This is nothing!"
Hope you feel better soon. I take it the zofran isn't working to great for you, huh?

[firstoftwelve]

I'd love to post my water birth story, but since it's about dinner time, I'll have to wait until tomorrow, so until then.......

[HSmomto4]

Pregnant here, too!

Im about 10 wks pregnant now. If you have seen my Morning Sickness thread you'll know that pregnancy has not treated me the best lately! I am nauseus/vomiting ALL the time. I've been dealing with it for over a month now and not sure how much I can take! I don't know if I can deal with this another time around.... ugh.... Nobody told me about all this extra pregnancy stuff! I didn't think it'd be this bad! I thought it was going to be all bunnies and rainbows.....

But anyways Im 22, have no kids already, this will be our first. It was definitely unplanned. I just graduated from a BSN program last week so I'll have to be working during pregnancy and after the baby gets here. Im not too happy about that, because I've always wanted to be a SAHM. But God will work it all out for us.

We've already had one ultrasound at 8 weeks and heard the heartbeat. Had to be one of the coolest moments ever.

You forget the bad stuff. I was so sick with my first that I lost over 30 pounds and ended up in the hospital. I didn't think I would ever do it again and I did. The 2nd wasn't near as bad, but the 3rd was worse. Ended up in the hospital again with my 3rd and do you know what? I did it again!! My 4th was pretty good, not too many troubles. I am so praying for more also even thoguh I know how bad it can be. The blessing God gives us through the baby out ways any vomiting I could ever do!

[antsinmypants]

my mom posted an update on what is going on with us in the prayer request area.

Here's the specific thread

[heart_changed99]

OH NO!! I started feeling really nauseous this morning! Its the first that I can actually say that I came close to vomiting during this pregnancy, so far. My last pregnancy, my morning sickness was already here. Pray that I don't get it this time around and if I do, that it will only be mild.

[firstoftwelve]

sorry haven't been around, it's been a really busy week. I will post more as able.....