On Saturday (12/19/09) we went for the external version (turning the baby). Dr. Gray's explanation was the Cliff notes version of the procedure. Just in case I had to go into an emergency C-Section, I was instructed to get into a gown, an IV was inserted and blood was drawn. A bit more intense than what was portrayed, but I was okay with it. When Dr. Sanchez came into the triage room, he reviewed the risks and I doubled checked with him if it was too painful he would stop, he confirmed that. So I told him that we were still a-go. I was given a shot to relax my uterus so it would not begin to contract (just in case).
The way the version is done, is with the guidance of the ultrasound, the doctor locates the baby and placenta. Once the baby is felt from the belly, the doctor can identify the different (major) body parts and he begins. Since my little girl is towards the right of my belly, head up and along the placenta, Dr. Sanchez began to move her clockwise. When he first began, there was pressure and a bit of discomfort. I began to cry, I was not sobbing or anything like that, just tears rushing down my face and I had no control over them. I knew it was hormones and I told Mark and the doctor I was not in pain. I think that occurred because the "sacred vessel" was being touched in an invasive manner, with that came along the unknown. It was actually a very odd feeling. As he continued there were peaks of pain and a feeling of pressure and discomfort. It felt as if the lower part of my stomach was being pulled, which then led to cramping within that area and my upper tights. Being constricted that way made it hard to adjust to get comfortable, or move with the doctor's motion. I can say one thing, the breathing strategies that I learned in the birthing class came in handy. The doctor decided to stop before getting her turned all the way because the baby's heart rate dropped. Her heart usually beats between 148-152 beats per minute and it dropped to 134.
The procedure did not last more than 5 minutes, but I needed to be observed to make sure nothing was "triggered." Come to find out during my time there, I have been experiencing contractions. The nurse brought it to my attention and I was actually surprised. I have been feeling it for some time now but had not idea they were contractions. I thought it was the baby was moving in a different manner. First time mom, that's all I can say. Per the monitor read-out, some were Braxton Hicks contractions, but for the most part they were true contractions. After the procedure was done, I had nine contractions in one hour. I did not feel pain, but felt them. Since I had so many contractions and I was cramping, they kept me in the hospital a bit longer just to make sure I was not going into full blown labor. I was released at about 1:30 PM, a bit sore and tired.
She is now transverse, which means she is laying across my belly. Unless she changes position on her own, it looks we're going to have to schedule a C-Section. We've got an appointment this Thursday and I'm sure Dr. Sanchez will gives us some options or a C-Section date will be made if she is still transverse. Please keep us in prayer.
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