I had a non-stress test last Thursday to ensure that everything is still going well with Miss Casey, as it was (and all of the NSTs have shown that). The doctor also did an internal exam that day and found that I was not dilated at all. Because of Casey’s two-vessel umbilical cord, he suggested that I start NSTs twice a week.
…which brings us to today. Another NST (everything was again fine with the baby) and another internal exam. The doctor seemed extremely disappointed that I still was not at all dilated, and I explained to him that I really hadn’t expected to be, because I never dilated prior to labor with E.K., and thus far in my current pregnancy, I haven’t had a single Braxton Hicks contraction.
However, the doctor was less blasé than I was – and he stated that due to the two-vessel cord, he doesn’t want me going past the due date of February 24th. Therefore, I am scheduled for an ultrasound tomorrow, an NST Wednesday, another NST Friday, and...
a foley catheter induction beginning Sunday night!
If the foley catheter (a balloon in my cervix to help dilation) puts me into active labor, great. If not, we'll begin with Pitocin sometime on Monday. From hearing about friends (and friends' friends) starting dilation with catheters, creams, or Cervidil, none have gone into active enough labor to avoid the Pitocin. But in hopeful news, my sister saw a woman on "The Baby Story" yesterday who, with the foley, went from 0- to 7-centimeters in four hours! (Fingers crossed.)
It sort of stinks that it will be a less natural labor than I was planning on (where I could labor for several hours at home, try different exercises and positions, possibly use the birthing tub in the hospital, etc.). But all in all, if it gets us a healthy daughter, we really can't complain.
The main point is, we should probably have a baby on Monday or Tuesday of next week!
4 comments:
Christina ~ We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers! Keep on posting, and keep us informed! Love and prayers to you, TeeJay and Casey girl!!
Cool!...Doesn't matter what assistance Casey may need to be born, her birth will be spectacular!!! I can't believe Casey's birthday is finally, almost here...A week from tonight I'll have a grand-daughter!!! I am counting the days...programing the GPS.. ; )
If you choose not to have an epidural (or before you get one), you can still do many things while in labor even on Pitocin (if the catheter is out). I was able to walk around, go on the birthing ball, and "relax" in the jacuzzi tub while on Pitocin.
We are SO EXCITED that Casey is almost here! Her cousins cannot wait to see her!
I wish I could be there with you and Tee Jay and Casey - I'll be anxiously awaiting news Sunday and Monday!
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