Yesterday was my first OB appt. for this pregnancy. I met with the doctor who had delivered Cordelia, and we spent a few minutes catching up. I was a participant in a research study for her after Cordy was born, and so I got to see her every three months, usually armed with new pictures of Cordy to show her. I really enjoy seeing this doctor because she is warm and very easy to talk to.
My starting weight for this pregnancy was a bit of an embarrassment, and after seeing the number on the scale, I vowed to eat healthy and exercise a little more to keep from gaining a lot of weight. Don’t worry, I know some gain is needed and healthy, and I’m certainly not going to diet.
Then it was on to the other usual stuff: blood pressure (excellent), pee in a cup (difficult for some reason), blood work (always difficult with my bad veins), then strip down for an exam.
My doctor then asked if I had given any thought to delivery options with this child, since I had a c-section previously. I took a deep breath, then said, “Yes, I’d like to go for a VBAC, assuming I have no high-risk complications of course.” I really wasn’t sure what her response would be. I mean, I was pretty sure she supported VBACs, but I needed to be totally certain.
Her response: “That’s fine. I’ve seen several successful VBACs, and I think the risks are minimal. I think you could do fine with a VBAC, as long as this one cooperates and turns the right way.”
Woo-hoo! We then discussed one of the more recent research studies done at this hospital that proved that repeat c-sections and VBACs have about the same risk of complications, and recommended that hospitals encourage VBACs.
Then it was the moment of truth. Over the past week I had been having nightmares that I was having twins. I mean no offense to those who do have twins – I think you’re superwomen, honestly. But while the idea of twins is an exciting thought to a first-time mother, after having a single child and seeing how hard it is, the thought of two at once makes me feel faint. I needed that ultrasound to quiet my subconscious.
Thankfully, there’s only one fetus. And it is in a good location and growing right on track. Of course, at 6 weeks, there’s not much to see. But I will give you all the first look at what I can only describe at the moment as, the blob:
The dark egg-shaped area surrounded by a lighter area is the gestational sac. On the right border of the sac, between the two markers, is the fetus. It took some effort to hold the ultrasound wand very still and in just the right position, but we did get to see the tiny flicker of the heartbeat. At this point, it looked like the entire fetus was flickering.
So, not much to see at this point, but I am happy to see that everything looks good. My next appointment is in five weeks, at which point I have another ultrasound for genetic screening.
Love the blob :)So happy you could see the HB too! Such a relief huh?
Why do you have to have genetic screening? Were there problems with Cordy?
Yay! It’s a lovely blob. 😀
I had two VBACs. Both went really well, with no issues at all (except, y’know, all that pain).
I’m so excited for you! It makes me want another baby, but then we’d really be in the poor house. I’ll just be content hearing about your pregnancy! This is so exciting! It feels like we’ve known each other for ages!
Congrats again, Christina!
Suz – No problems at all. The doctor offered us the routine genetic screening, and I’m all about knowing as much as possible early on. Besides, it means another ultrasound, too!
Congratulations!
A perfectly lovely ultrasound photo 🙂
I think your plan for a VBAC is a good one– I’ve come across many women who’ve had successful VBACs. If that little one cooperates, you absolutely can do the same.
Congrats!!! I had to laugh when you talked about twins- my SIL just had twin boys after 13 yrs of trying sooo hard- we went to see them the day after they were born- all tiny and healthy! but I was having huge amounts of empathathetic strees for her- one was spitting up and pooping (meconium) while she was trying to change him, and I jumped in and changed the other then she was trying tonurse and was soo stressed by thier cries and not being able to latch on yet she couldn’t nurse- I was sweating for her- I remember how tough it was with one- and God bless all new moms and especially those of twins! Good luck! Hope all goes smoothly and you are able to deliver just how you want!
Congratulations!
He/She looks great! It makes me want to have another one, too. The excitement surrounding the monthly doctor visits was so intense for me with my first baby, that my blood pressure would always be high if the nurse took it at the beginning – My doctor had to make a note to take it at the end 🙂
I look forward to following your beautiful journey . . .
Congrats on your blob!
I did the VBAC too and thought it was a great change. hope it works out for you too.
…”But while the idea of twins is an exciting thought to a first-time mother…”
Huh? Who told you that? I was scared out of my freaking mind.
I still am.
They are 2 years old.
I love my twins, but I’m telling you right now, one at a time is the way to go.
Yay blobby! I’m so glad that your doctor supports your decision to try for a VBAC. I have to find a new doctor since we moved over the summer and am concerned about how long it may take me to find a doctor that will do the same – I think they are few and far between. Good for this woman that she looks at the facts and not our culture’s trends.
That is the cutest blob I have ever seen. I think he/she has your eyes.
Seriously, congratulations on your first successful ultrasound. Here’s to many more.
I had an ultrasound of the Beast at 7 weeks, and we thought she looked like a kidney bean 🙂
What a cute little blob! Isn’t that so exciting?
We got our first ultrasound at 9 weeks and Squeaks looked like a Teddy Graham. I showed everyone the pictures of our little graham cracker!
Hellloo little blobbie blob blob blob…
You are a boy.
I know.
i found your blog by googling columbus,ohio blogs! and was taken in by your prose……i have spent the weekend catching up on your blog…..i live in delaware,ohio….10 yrs ago i lived in worthington. i am a fan and totally recognize your life! my 11 yr old is cordy all over again….from pregnancy to birth to elementary school and beyond……we still have issues to deal with. yet she is an amazing girl with great potential.
if you wish to do so email me at [email protected].
sorry to post twice but this is important……..my close nieghbor tried a vbac…..with her second child….her uterus ruptured! it was iffy for her and the baby for a few hours…. with weeks of recovery and pain. that baby is 2 now….she recently became pregnant with twins—-very long story–. delivered at 30 weeks….both on vents but their weight was good at 3.5 lbs…..
That is the cutest little blob! Congratulations! And so glad your doctor is encouraging the VBAC for you. 🙂
Ohhh, that first ultrasound is really a pivotal moment in every pregnancy.
My sister-in-law lives in Cols and is newly pregnant for the first time. She just had her original ultrasound too. I’ll tell her to check out your site.
What a lovely Blob! (That’s what we called Chickadee, my entire pregnancy with her. I even had a cake at my shower that said “Welcome, Blob!”)
What a delight to peek in and see you pregnant again! 🙂
That’s a cute blob you’ve got there! I’m glad everything is going great!
Yay for the green light on the VBAC! Sounds like you have a great doctor. I had a hard tme finding anyone in this city that would agree to one.