During my last 3 visits to the doctor I have been told that my baby is breeched. That's positioned butt-first or feet first to fellow new mommies. I'm now on my 32nd week and there's still time for my little one to turn and I think he or she will.
Right now I think my baby is in a complete breech position. I feel the kicks down low and I can definitely discern the head right below my right rib. The baby did turn since 2 weeks ago.. shifting from the left side to the right. Its funny when I sleep that I can feel my baby nudge and push when I start to unintentionally lie on my belly like I'm used to. I think this kid will have quite the stubborn streak and sense of humor once he or she is out.
I'd just like to write down and share what I've learned about this so here goes:
- Breech presentation is common in babies that are small (like mine is). This is because unlike bigger babies who have to turn and position themselves head down because the bottom part of the uterus is more roomy, smaller babies still fit.
- Back then, it was acceptable to try and manipulate the baby externally to position him or her properly (think hilot) however this is not done anymore according to Dra. Leonardo because of the risks involved. Its called ECV or External Cephalic Version. Based on what I've read it has a 58% success rate and is done at 36 to 37 weeks but there is a chance that the baby will just move back to his or her preferred position. I looked it up online and there are even videos but since the doc says its risky I'm not even going to consider it.
- Breech babies are now usually delivered via Ceasarean Section as its safer. I'm actually considering this since the baby won't be distressed unlike in a vaginal birth and this is definitely the option we are going for if the baby is still breeched once its time to pop out. I don't want to risk any injuries to my little one by forcing him or her to come out the traditional way but I am worried about my own recovery. Oh well, I bounce back from things easily anyway.
- Its going to cost us a little under 100k to deliver via CS at Medical Center Paranaque
- I've looked up exercises and other methods to turn a baby and here's what I found:
- Pelvic tilts: I do these, standing and lying down.. Am not sure how its supposed to help but hey its worth a try.
- Getting on all fours and sticking your butt into the air then wiggling it: This is funny but my baby did react to this position and started kicking which made it fun for me.
- Swimming: Its too cold in the morning before work! I'll do this as soon as am on leave and on weekends.
- Putting a cold pack at the top of the belly and a hot compress at the bottom of your tummy: The baby just might find it uncomfortable and move towards the warmth. I know I would. I haven't tried this but I definitely will.
- Playing music on the lower part of your baby bump: I do this almost everyday. Am not a fan of classical or instrumental music so I use a pair of headphones and rest it on my lap. Baby doesn't seem to be a fan either as he or she usualyl kicks and is more active when I listen to music I actually like.
- Shining a flashlight on the lower part of the belly: This is a suggestion from Froggy that he heard from his sister or read somewhere. My first thought was: My child is not a fish. However, it does make some sense. Babies are supposed to be able to discern light already and be able to tell day from night (depending on how opaque your clothes are too) My wee one kicked at the light the first time I tried it. I wait for times of the day when he or she is active and light up my belly. It must be like a glowy exit sign to my little one.
- Drinking lots and lots of water: =lots and lots of bathroom breaks! Am lucky I currently have such a light workload right now. This was advised by Dra. Leonardo so am trying to double my water intake. Am not sure if its to make my stomach swell and cramp the baby forcing him or her to flip but hey what doctor says goes..
- Talking to the baby: My mommy friends swear by this and say that talking to the baby actually encourages them to make birth easier by cooperating. I don't know if the baby understands what's being said but what I do know is that my child definitely knows when I'm addressing him or her. Maybe its the tone, manner of speaking or some mother-child link but its always, always 2 seconds after I finish talking to my baby that my wee one kicks or nudges twice in acknowledgement.
Whatever way I may have to deliver, I know that I'm extremely grateful and excited to have this baby. I'm looking forward to setting up our little family and going through all the learning experiences with my child and Froggy. I know its not going to be a walk in the park all the time but it will all be worth it.
I was a breech baby or suhi myself. Mama said I was practically standing up on her tummy during the last few weeks of her pregnancy. So yes, she gave birth to me via C-section. Oh, and speaking from experience, I think breech babies are more stubborn than your usual kids. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. I was a breech baby too! I was in the correct position up until it was time for my mom to give birth but I was delivered vaginally. And about being more stubborn.. I completely agree! haha
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