Baby Caterpillar - 30 Weeks

Another HUGE week this week with another impromptu hospital trip. This time, not for my sickness for once, but my high blood pressure! Of course as soon as I got there all was okay, and it had completely dropped, but because I have protein and swelling I can never be too careful! I also had a little more bleeding this week, but I often get that when I've vomited a lot, and all was okay. So I was hooked up to the ctg again, had blood and urine tests and oh, got my gestational diabetes results from last week. I was positive. I have gestational diabetes now too!!! How on earth can I possibly have something else this pregnancy?! So appointments will now be weekly, alternating between diabetes appointments and pregnancy check ups. 

Due to everything going on this pregnancy; hyperemesis, dehydration/fainting, bleeding, baby measuring small, mild pre-eclampsia (for the moment), pelvic issues, and now GD, I've decided to ditch my VBAC plan. Most likely I'll need to go early anyway, and I can't be induced, so it'll result in another ceaser.. I've decided to plan for one anyway. I just feel like so many things have gone wrong this time, I'm not sure if I could handle the birth going wrong too, plus It'll be nice to have something go to plan. Also it's nice having a 'date' and seeing the end. 

Seriously, no wonder I'm exhausted!!

Symptoms this week:

Hyperemeis.

Dehydration.

Feeling Faint.

Protein.

Swelling/Fluid.

Leukocystes

High BP.

Pelvic Pain.

Trouble Staying Asleep.

Exhaustion.

Gestational Diabetes.

Colostrum.
Baby's Engaged.

Weight gain: 7 kilo. .. I've lost a little bit of weight this week.

Doctors/Midwives Appointment:

I saw the midwives this week re my BP and will have another appointment on Monday for all the diebeties stuff.

Scan:
Next scan in around three weeks

Size of baby: 

Baby is now around 1.32 kilo and 39.9 cms long.
Big growth spurt this week!
About the size of a large cabbage!

Baby's doing this week:

Baby can follow lights and see around their environment.

Time left:

10 weeks!!

Next Milestone:

33 weeks, after the next scan.

Baby's Gender:

GIRL!

Nickname for baby:

Caterpillar - because of the hungry caterpillar themed nursery.

Cravings:

No cravings this week!

Names:

We've decided to incorporate my Opa's name into the baby's name as he's battling cancer. His name is Adriaan, and the baby will be Arabelle Adrianne.

Planning Baby #2!

 

 

It was our plan that we will start trying for baby #2 when Jydan turns one. In four & half months time now!

I have decided that I REALLY want a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) after my emergency cesarean for Jydan. So we are moving our trying date to May 2014, in ten & half months time to allow a higher chance for one.

 

 

I am a bit sad that we won't get our bubby as soon as we wanted. I would have loved to have our babies close in age. It took us so long to try for Jydan so it could be another three years or more until we meet our baby number two. I can't risk it though, if we were to fall pregnant straight away I wouldn't be able to go for a VBAC.

 

 I know I need to keep it in mind that I may not get a VBAC. I think I will be REALLY disappointed if I didn't have a virginal birth though. I'm not mentally prepared for another cesarean, and I don't want to be. I know at the end of the day, it's the end of the result that counts, but I see it as a domino effect. If I don't push for a VBAC for #2 it's going to get harder and harder each baby to go for a vaginal birth. Also, I would hate to be restricted on the amount of children I can have because of the amount of ceasers I've had.

 

Here is a few reasons why I'm pushing for a VBAC;

 

- Recovering from a cesarean while running around a possibly 2 & a half year old will be a nightmare!

- We are wanting five children. It is recommended (although it's not ruled out) that you don't have any more then three sections.

- With each cesarean the scar tissue gets worse.

- It's a long recover after a cesarean ( my scar still hurts at times!).

- The medication to help with the pain after a cesarean is not really good for a breastfeeding mum.

-The after pain was not a good mix with a cesarean pain.

- A vaginal birth is something I just really want to experience.

-I want to feel the accomplishment of being able to delivery naturally.

-Shorter stay in hospital.

-Ability to do more for my newborn.

 

So I'm using this time to prepare my body for a VBAC by;

 

-Becoming more fit.

-Becoming more healthy.

-Strengthening my stomach muscles.

-Waiting over a year and a half for recovery.

- Preparing my body for pregnancy.

-Finding a pro VBAC doctor.

-Researching doulas.

 

  We all know how quick time goes, the last 7 & 1/2 months have just flown, so I'm sure the next 10 will too. I guess it's good in a way... if I was getting ready to try for baby #2 now, I wouldn't be able to wholey enjoy Jydan as a teeny tiny little person that he is now. I would be worried and then heartbroken every month. Besides having to wean him off feeding so I could get my periods (which I haven't had yet). And then morning sickness while trying to run after a new walker.. ehh! It's just funny how it all worked out.

 

Any tips on planning for a VBAC you would like to share?