Back from the midwife...(update on posterior babe)

[NordicMamma]

I just came back from my 37 week appt. No protein in urine, HB was a little low (despite the fact that I am taking iron), and blood pressure a little high, but nothing to get overly worried about. After some discussion I took a blood pressure machine home with me so that I can check it myself and see if it gets any higher. (MW goes on holiday next week, and if I get some new midwife to check it, it will be sky high no matter what.)

But the really good news is that the MW doesn't think the baby is posterior - at least not flat on her back. The baby HAS moved a bit since the last appt, but she could quite easily get the heartbeat in my lower right quadrant, and she said she felt a bum. *I* can't feel a bum, but then I don't tend to dig around as much as she does! So the baby is probably lying at least slightly rotated, and the MW feels there is nothing to worry about and she will probably rotate more when labour begins. That is a huge relief!

She's also head down and VERY engaged. As the MW put it: 'this baby is just waiting to be born!'

My mum comes on Monday to take care of ds - from next Tuesday onwards I am ready to give birth!

[asianmama]

Hi NordicMamma,

Congratulations on your good news! Sounds like you're very ready and the baby will come soon. I'm sure this birth experience will be a great one!

[ewe+lamb]

Well we're all here waiting for the news that you'll be next!! Congratulations that everything is working out well for you - you sound so much more happier.
Do you use a birthing ball for getting babe into the correct position? I've been using one and it really helps - you may like to try for the last few days just to get her right into the correct position for you to birth well.
Happy thoughts to you.

[yamilee21]

Ewe + lamb - can you elaborate a bit on using a birthing ball for positioning? Or point me to a resource about that? Thanks.

[soccerchic21]

Yay! Is this your first? I can't remember. They keep telling me mine is floating above the pelvis but then they say that happens with second and so on pregnancies.

[ewe+lamb]

Of course - it's just a big exercise ball that there are different exercises and positions you can sit, lean etc on - I got mine at Argos (UK) if you google birthing ball - I am sure you'll be able to find one - mine was £3,99 - not bad considering. You can get books - but I'm sure you'll be able to find enough info on the internet about it.

You'll also probably find some information on the positions - but personally I either lean on it or sit and do big circles so that the baby's chin is in the correct position for birthing - so that the smallest part of the head will birth first.

Hope this is helpful.

[NordicMamma]

I tried all sorts of things, including the excercise ball (wow - £3.99 at Argos?! We bought ours in Germany and it cost a heck of a lot more than that!). I sat on it instead of the couch, making sure I was sitting well forward. I also bounced around a bit, swiveled my hips...basically made sure my pelvis and belly were well forward, and my back straight.

I also did MANY pelvic tilts, and got on my hands and knees to scrub the bathroom floor.

I have no idea if any of these worked, or whether it was just luck. Also, although it definitely feels like she is not posterior now (I am getting kicks mainly in the left upper quadrant again), I worry that she will turn posterior again before things happen.

ETA I plan to stick with my scrubbing schedule AND continue to use the birthing ball. Hopefully that will keep her in place.

[NordicMamma]

Originally Posted by soccerchic21

Yay! Is this your first? I can't remember. They keep telling me mine is floating above the pelvis but then they say that happens with second and so on pregnancies.

This is my second, and I have heard that too.

Ironically may first didn't become engaged until 39 weeks, while number 2 has been slightly engaged since at least 31 weeks. Go figure.