| Dad's Diary |
| Archived Journal |
| Week 40, Volume I Be My Baby (NOW!) We have reached the first really stressful part of the pregnancy, and the first difficult decision we have faced. After the false labor episode over the weekend, we went in for a visit with the midwives today. The baby checked out perfectly. Fluid, reflexes, all that stuff look good. However, they are starting to get concerned about his size being too big to come out the natural way if we wait much longer. Also, he is moving a little less each day, which is natural, but they don't want to let that go too much further for a reason that wasn't completely clear to me, but seemed serious enough. Finally, with babies over 9 pounds and past 40 weeks, the risk of complication increases, so the midwives are recommending that we induce labor in the next few days. In fact, they wanted to do it Wednesday, mainly because the doctors (yes, there are doctors involved now) are still hanging on to the idea that the baby is now in the 42nd week of pregnancy, and that's as long as pregnancies can usually safely progress. Now, Erika has spent the last 9 months dedicated to having a natural, or mostly natural, childbirth. She definitely wanted to avoid a C-section or being induced. We've read lots of horror stories about induced births, the common theme being that they are more intense, more painful and more fatiguing. Also, since they inject a drug, pitocin, by IV, the mother has less mobility and can often spend 24+ hours laying down undergoing intense contractions. Sounds fun, huh? So, we bought ourselves at least one more day by saying we weren't prepared to give up on that idea just yet. Of course, there is an additional risk, however slight by doing this. Not an easy decision for prospective first-time parents. I recommended to Erika that we hold off at least one more day, and probably a few more, if necessary, but told her the decision is completely up to her. Why the recommendation? Mainly because I don't believe we are at 42 weeks. I know with absolute certainly the important dates of the, uh, events here, so despite an ultrasound that indicates a baby at 42 weeks, I know that's not the case. And, the baby still has room inside, according to that ultrasound. So, I'm pretty sure we haven't reached that critical stage. But, am I sure? Am I a doctor? No. So, I made the recommendation with some reluctance. I mean, what if something did go wrong? I don't want to think about it. Anyway, Erika felt strongly about holding off on inducing, so we wait. Another thing that made me feel this way was how the midwife seemed to be telling us these things in an almost CYA kind of way. Erika said afterwards that it seemed like she told us these risks mainly to protect them from liability. It was so different than anything we've heard to this point. Now, we are using all the mythical methods to get the baby out (see week 39, vol. 2). In fact, Erika took a dose of castor oil tonight to try to speed things along. Mmm. However, we've only bought ourselves a couple days at most. With each day, I know the pressure to induce will grow. Let's hope this kid shows up real soon. Next time: The decision Week 40, Volume II Whew. As some of you know, Samuel Peter Sendejas was born this afternoon at 12:48 p.m. after 17 hours of hard labor and an emergency C-section. He weighed in at 9 lbs. 1 oz. and has the longest fingers I've ever seen on a baby. I've got some pictures and details about the whole experience, but I'll have to send them later. Must get sleep. |