38 Weeks - Turning that baby!

I write this blog post with the biggest smile ever plastered to my face and so much weight lifted off my shoulders!!

If you can recall a few posts back it was discovered that Peanut was semi-transverse. His head was low, but off to my right side. Although he was in a favorable position for a successful External Version, it still stressed the crap out of me because this was (potentially) interfering with my plans for a VBA2C.

What if the version didn't work? What if Peanut couldn't tolerate the version and his heart rate decreased sending me into an emergency c-section? What if the version caused me to contract and go into labor--I'm not ready!! What if A & M miss the birth because we had to move quickly to get Peanut out after attempting the version? Ahhh, all these things were going through my head.

I had to do something!

I worked very hard over the last week and a half to help get baby into the optimal position--head down. I visited the Spinning Babies website religiously and have been performing every exercise and position they suggested to get this little Nut head down. AND IT WORKED! As of today's ultrasound performed by the Perinatologist, PEANUT IS HEAD DOWN! No external version needed to turn this little guy. He turned on his own with a little help from his Surro Momma.

We've got this now, little buddy...now let's go for that VBA2C!

Here are some of the things that I've been up to...

The Forward-Leaning Inversion
http://www.spinningbabies.com/techniques/the-inversion

The Breech Tilt
I used our ironing board propped up on the bed and with pillows supporting me.
http://www.spinningbabies.com/techniques/activities-for-fetal-positioning/breech-tilt

My belly was HUGE while doing the Breech Tilt. My son, Aiden, walked in on me while in this position and he said, "Whoa, Mom! Why is your belly so big!?!" Then he proceeded to make a little bed next to me and rubbed my belly until it was time to get up.

SUCCESS!!! 10/19/12
Ultrasound confirmed we have a head down baby!

 Phew! I can rest a little easier knowing that Peanut is now in the optimal position for childbirth. I noticed on the ultrasound that he was head down before the tech could say anything. I screamed as quietly as I could, "Yaaaaaay, he's head down!", and in that moment I could feel a huge weight being lifted off of my shoulders. It was a magical feeling. Good job, Peanut.

How am I feeling? After today's big news....GREAT! I feel like I can concur the world right now. My body feels great. My back feels great. I feel pretty fantastic for 38 weeks. The thought of carrying Peanut for a few more weeks seems totally doable. 

Doctor appointments: This past Wednesday was my weekly OB appointment. These appointments are so boring. Boring is good though! Only thing to report is that I did test positive for Group B Strep (GBS). So, once in labor and admitted into the hospital I will have to get a bag of antibiotics. No biggie.

During today's visit with the Perinatologist we discovered that Peanut weighs approximately 7 pounds and 6 ounces! (i say approx because u/s is not 100% accurate) His head measured a little small (phew!) and his belly about a week ahead. The u/s tech kept saying what a big belly he had! She also pointed out his head full of hair. So precious! I can't wait to meet this little guy and finally see what he looks like. 

I have an appointment tomorrow morning with a new chiropractor that my doula suggest I see. She is a prenatal chiropractor and specializes in the Webster Technique. It involves assessing and correcting any misalignments (subluxations) in the pelvic and low back area and helps to keep the ligaments and muscles, which support the uterus, relaxed. This allows for optimal uterine positioning and ultimately, a more favorable fetal position. Baby is finally head down and now we need to help him engage into the pelvis! Just another thing that i am doing on my end to ensure our best chances for a successful VBA2C. 

Weight gain: Up two pounds from last week. 

Sleep: My hands and feet/legs have been going numb during the night forcing me to change positions. This doesn't happen all the time, but when it does it's very uncomfortable. 

Mood: In this present moment I am very happy and content.  

Exciting moment: Peanut moving head down, of course!!!

I'll leave you all with my most recent belly picture taken this week when the family and I visited the local pumpkin patch.