Third (trimester) Watch

Had another doctor appointment today. Swelling way down (good), amniotic fluid levels normal (good), blood pressure still skewing a bit high (less good). She wants to monitor me more closely -- weekly now -- and if I continue to skew high they may want to induce/schedule a c-section (depending on baby's position -- she's still breach as of now) at 38 weeks.

Today is 34 weeks... so WOW that is soon. When you're this close two weeks really does count!

Meanwhile, every time I mention the possibility of a c-section to my parents (which is more and more likely with every passing day that she doesn't turn, I guess), they gasp and say things like "OH NO" and "Oh I HOPE you don't have to go through that," etc. etc. etc. -- like it's a huge doomsday prediction. Honestly, this reaction is stressing me out! I figure if my doctor feels it has to happen, it has to, and I might as well be flexible about it and try not to worry. It is not helpful for them to (outwardly at least) express their vast opposition to a possible outcome they cannot control (and I know they want for me whatever is best/safest/smartest). I tried to call them on it today, and I think they got it -- because all of a sudden it changed to, "Well, it'll be fine, it's probably no big deal" (which of course didn't exactly ring true either after the initial gasping in horror). Ugh.

That said -- I would be a little sad if I had to have a c-section. I can't totally explain why, and I have non-pregnant, childless friends who can't understand why you would want anything *other* than a scheduled c-section (no labor, pretty non-smushed baby, etc). But... I want to understand labor, and feel contractions, and tell my husband "it's time," and go through that amazing life event together. I have nothing but respect for the c-section, and certainly believe it's just as legitimate a form of birth, and motherhood... just would prefer the other way (not to mention the recovery from c-section just doesn't sound fun).

In other news, a mutual friend had a "portent" yesterday that SS will live to meet the baby. I hope she is right; on good days it seems likely and easy, on bad days I almost wouldn't wish such a protracted painful existence on him. We will see. A scheduled c-section at 38 weeks certainly would make that a more realistic possibility, I suppose... For him, two weeks early could make all the difference.