Yesterday morning I saw my doctor and talked about the breech problem and she said she would try to do an external version if I wanted to. I had really mixed feelings about it since I read that it can be painful. There is also a 1 in 1,000 chance that it can cause the placenta to tear which would mean an emergency C-section right away. I was more worried about going through the pain and having it not work than that very small risk but I decided to do it anyway.
I was really preoccupied and nervous all afternoon. Of course, I compulsively kept reading articles and internet message boards to see how other people's experiences were and I wrote to a friend from law school who recently had this done to see what she thought of it even though hers didn't work and she had a C-section. It turned out very well. The worst part was the anticipation and getting blood drawn and the "in case of emergency" IV tube because the nurses chose a few bad veins and, along with the injection of medication to relax the uterus, I ended up being poked with needles four times. I have an angry purple bruise on my arm to show for it today. The actual version was uncomfortable but manageable and I was able to see the baby turning on the ultrasound screen. It took, at the most, two minutes and was successful! I was so happy and in disbelief. I had to stay for about two hours after and be on a fetal monitor to make sure the baby was fine and that was it! The doctor said they usually don't go that well.
Today I have been feeling uncertain though, because I think the baby might have turned right back again. I am keeping myself in denial about this but I can't deny that it feels like I am getting kicked in my side and not my ribs. I hope I am wrong and maybe it is still head down and I am feeling punching in my side or something. I don't know. I am over all of this and want to just forget about it for awhile but it is hard to put out of mind when you feel it constantly.
I realized that today is the 7th, which means Ben is 20 months old! All along I have told people that he and the new baby would be 20 months apart and now that month has arrived! I will have to take a picture of him later. He looks like kind of a ragamuffin lately. He really needs a haircut. Hopefully I can get that done before the baby arrives.
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