I am 29 weeks pregnant and my baby only moves below my belly button, and mostly on my right side. When I went to my doctors appointment today he told me he can't tell if the baby is breech or not. He told me that we'll have to wait for another two weeks, and then if he still can't tell, I will have to have another ultrasound. Why can't he tell where the head of the baby is? If the doctor says the baby is breech does that mean I have to have a
C-section? Does the baby still have time to turn? At what point would they do the C-section? I am just a bit worried I hope some one can help thanks.

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Originally Posted by davejag

I am 29 weeks pregnant and my baby only moves below my belly button, and mostly on my right side. When I went to my doctors appointment today he told me he can't tell if the baby is breech or not. He told me that we'll have to wait for another two weeks, and then if he still can't tell, I will have to have another ultrasound. Why can't he tell where the head of the baby is? If the doctor says the baby is breech does that mean I have to have a
C-section? Does the baby still have time to turn? At what point would they do the C-section? I am just a bit worried I hope some one can help thanks.

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At this point in the pregnancy, the baby still has room in which to tumble around. Soon the baby will fill all the space and tend to stay in one position. Sometimes that position is breech (feet first). During delivery, the doctor can sometimes turn a breech baby so it will emerge headfirst. A c-section isn't a guarantee even with a breech situation but it would make it easier if the doctor can't turn the baby.

I had one vaginal delivery and one c-section. I would take the c-section over the vaginal delivery any day!

Why is that? I heard that a C-section is so much harder on your body and it is so much harder to lose the baby weight. Can I make the decision to have a c-section or is that up to the doctor?

If you are in an emergency situation, the doctor may feel a need to do a C-section. Without an emergency you can choose, unless you are railroaded. I've never had a C-section. My two babies were both vaginal deliveries without medication. The second was born at home, on the couch. That was great!

Find out about the Bradley Method. It uses the mood of the pregnant woman to determine what stage of labor she is in. It was right on for me.

My friends baby was breech right up till she was going to have a c section then he moved there is still loads of time

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Originally Posted by davejag

Why is that? I heard that a C-section is so much harder on your body and it is so much harder to lose the baby weight. Can I make the decision to have a c-section or is that up to the doctor?

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With a vaginal delivery, the mother may have trouble sitting comfortably for a week or so, especially if an episiotomy was done. With a c-section, she would have to avoid a lot of bending and stretching for a week or two.

I don't know why you think a c-section would be harder on your body or make it hard to lose the baby weight. I didn't pig out during my pregnancies and didn't have extra weight from that, so getting back to my normal weight was no problem. Breastfeeding helps that process.

Vaginal deliveries are preferred. Lamaze training or Bradley preparation will help. Just remember that labor is a productive effort by your body -- a GOOD thing. The increasing strength of the contractions help push out that baby. The best thing to learn how to do is RELAX with instead of fight each contraction.

Okay, here's the shizzy from a Labor & Delivery nurse intern...

At 29 weeks baby still has plenty of time to turn, if indeed s/he is breech. When the doctor puts the Doppler on your belly to hear the heartbeat, where does he put it? Below your belly button or above? That will give me an idea if baby is breech or not. Also, there is a maneuver called the Leopold's Maneuver that tells us what position the baby is in. It's all just basically feeling your baby and feeling the particular lumps and bumps to tell us which part is the presenting part in the pelvic cavity.

As for birth... if your baby is indeed breech you will in fact have to have a C-Section. That is because if baby get's stuck coming out buttocks first, the head is still inside the vaginal canal and baby is not getting any oxygen. Babies who are breech and are born vaginally have a very high occurrence of cerebral palsy. Another concern is that the ubmilical cord my prolapse or the baby may have "jewlery," which simply means the cord is wrapped around the baby's neck. If that is the case, and the baby is delivered breech, it is usually born, if alive, very hypoxic.

So, you don't want to risk baby's life just because you would prefer to have a vaginal delivery. Having a C-Section makes you no less a woman, as some women used to believe.

Thanks a lot everyone, all those answers helped a lot. To answer the J_9 question the doctor puts the doppler below my belly that's where he always hears it. He can't push to hard on my belly due to the pain I have, if I have a c-section how much sooner before my due date can they take the baby?
The reason why I am asking is because I've just had to many problems with this pregnancy. For example last week I ended up in Labour and Delivery because of unbearable pain due to an infection, then at 15 weeks I was run of the road by police officer ( he was going to an accident scene, he didn't see me in time and ran into me), so I was in hospital for that. Then at 18 weeks my labour began and the doctor had to stop it and for a while I was put on bed rest, not to mention the bleeding that has come along with this pregnancy. Would it be better if I had a c-section because of everything?

If the doppler is below the bellybutton, most likely the baby is not breech. If the baby were breech, the heartbeat would be higher up, more like above your umbilicus.

Now, as for the C-Section and when they would take the baby. They can't take it any earlier than they would if the baby were being born vaginally. The baby needs to grow inside you, it's still growing and it's organs are maturing.

The minimum age of term is 34 weeks for some doctors and 36 weeks to others. HOWEVER, this does not mean that they will take the baby then because you are suffering infections, etc.

At this point, if born, baby would most likely be in NICU on a ventilator. You see, there are certain weeks during pregnancy when certain organs, hormones, bodily chemicals, etc are formed. At this point in time there is not enough surfactant in the baby's lungs to help it breathe should it be born now.

The longer the baby stays inside you the healthier it will be.

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Originally Posted by J_9

hypoxic? surfactant??

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We are just ordinary peepul, J_9!!

Sorry, I forget that as it's ordinary language to me now.

Hypoxic means that there is not enough oxygen to the brain and that can cause brain or other organ damage. Many children who have cerebral palsy were hypoxic during labor and delivery, or even during pregnancy. This means they lacked the adequate amount of oxygen.

Surfactant is a chemical produced by the body so that the lungs perform properly. If we don't have surfactant, we don't breathe and our lungs risk collapsing. It is produced around the 26th week of pregnancy but is not in high enough concentration until around the 34th week.

Oh I see what you mean that makes a big difference in time when the baby is ready to come out. Well thank you again for all the help I will speak with my doctor in a few weeks and then I will decide if I want a c-section or vaginal delivery.

Honey, you may not have a choice for a c-section or a delivery. If your baby is indeed breech, you will not have a choice... if labor does not progress in a timely manner (about 24 hours) you won't have a choice.

You see, pregnancy is all a guessing game until that precious bundle of joy is in your arms.

As far as when they will do a c-section. My doc would NOT let me schedule mine before 38 weeks, she said anything earlier than that... there is a risk that the lungs may not be fully developed. I was very devastated when I found out I had to have a c-section, but now I am glad I did, as there were so many risks to me attempting vaginal delivery. Thanks to my c-section I have a healthy 3 month old son!

It sounds as if you have a "high risk" pregnancy. Do what the doctor says.

It would be unsafe to have the baby at home. However, episiotomy... That is when they widen the vaginal opening... In Sweden the episiotomy rate is about 2%. In the USA it is about 98%. The women are close to the same size, so, go figure.

Thanks again for all the great answers it really helps, I just hope everything goes well. It just seems like I am a less of a person or mom to be because I am just so sick and tired of being pregnant. I know how that sounds I am just so tired and my morning sickness is still not gone, I am just having to many problems. I think I just imagined pregnancy a bit different it's a selfish of me to think that. I thought if I had a c-section or an induction I would have everything planned out, and not be so scared of going into labour and not knowing what to do. Am I less of a mom for wanting my baby out sooner.

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Originally Posted by davejag

I am just so sick and tired of being pregnant. Am I less of a mom for wanting my baby out sooner.

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Most of us have walked in your moccasins. I suspect any woman who loved every second of her pregnancy is lying. After the sixth month, you are physically uncomfortable, your skin and hair get oily even after you wash them, you can't see your feet, you have to pee a lot and know the location of every public bathroom in the county, sleep is interrupted by Baby moving around or kicking, and the last thing you feel is pretty. If, on top of all that, you are having a lot of sickness or other problems, you just want it to be over. It certainly isn't the wonderful experience you've read about. (You do get a place to rest your arms or a plate though.)

And then the baby arrives.

Chapter Two.

Thank you I am not alone, it feels good someone else feels the same way the women I have talked to have said they loved every minute of their pregnancy.

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Originally Posted by davejag

Thank you I am not alone, it feels good someone else feels the same way the women I have talked to have said they loved every minute of their pregnancy.

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When you hear that, just chuckle. Notice they aren't pregnant when they say that. It's always during the "afterglow" (probably after Baby's been potty trained or is finally married) that they say that.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

When you hear that, just chuckle. Notice they aren't pregnant when they say that. It's always during the "afterglow" (probably after Baby's been potty trained or is finally married) that they say that.

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Ha Ha Ha that is so true come to think of it everyone that says that to me isn't pregnant at the moment.

Hun, I know how uncomfortable the last few weeks of pregnancy can be. I did it 4 times, a glutton for punishment 4 times!! LOL

But, it was after the children were born that I said I loved every second of pregnancy, and I did, I could do without the aches and pains. But seeing the first smile, having baby fall asleep in my arms... I would suffer the last few months over and over again.

Even when I was pregnant, I enjoyed it... but not all of it. Pregnancy is so hard on your body, and there were a lot of days that I would just tell my husband I wanted the baby out! It's no easy task creating another human being. You certainly aren't less of a woman or a mom for feeling that way. Just try your best to enjoy while you can, because once you deliver you will miss being pregnant. I know you probably don't believe it, but those first couple of days you will miss the kicks and movements that let you know everything is okay.

I had a vaginal delivery, with some complications, but I am so glad I was able to deliver naturally. If there had been an emergency or the baby was breech I obviously would have been okay with c-section for the baby's sake. For most women c-sections are much harder on the body and it takes longer for your body to heal. I was slightly sore for two days after delivery, but I had more pain throughout my entire body from pushing than I did vaginally. I had no problems sitting. I had no tearing and no episiotomy, and now days most doctors don't do them unless absolutely necessary. I asked my doc how often he did episiotomies and I think he said it was only about 5% of the time. Anyway, just make sure to talk to your doctor about all the options and possibilities. Some women prefer natural and some prefer c-sect, but you never really know until you go through it. Until then, try your best to enjoy being pregnant. Pretty soon you'll have a newborn, you'll worry constantly, and even though you'll be able to lay in bed comfortably you still won't get any sleep. The lack of sleep will go away soon enough, but the constant worry never does!

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Originally Posted by automansgirl

The lack of sleep will go away soon enough, but the constant worry never does!

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LOL - I didn't sleep a full night until my kids were out of the house, in college or on their own!

Babies can flip to breech even during active labor, if small enough within the womb. Which is not usual, but it happens. Your doctor will take another ultrasound and decide what is best for the baby at that time. At 29 weeks, it is a bit premature to worry about the what-if's. Your MD is taking an inventory poll on what your baby may do or not do according to his/her size at this time and actual position at this time.
And you have every right to feel uncomfortable about the possibility of having to have a C-section. It is normal to feel this way. If I were you, I would call the MD and ask to speak with him to hopefully calm your fears and make him aware of your wishes.
Usually, after 8 hours of hard labor in a L&D room, a mother is more than happy to have a C-section. That is if the baby has not been physically affected due to the stress of labor, itself. After 8 hours, stress on both mother and baby become more evident in most instances and doctors decide upon C-section. Unless, the baby is breech in the last month of pregnancy. Than a C-Section is planned and most of the time, you will be able to even pick the date of birth and schedule your babies future birthday celebration date. You have at least another 8 weeks before the MD usually will tell you one way or another how the plan of action will take place for your babies birth. In either delivery, it has its triumphs and pitfalls. Just ask any woman who has endured labor for longer than 8 hours with intensity. And without their baby becoming hypoxic or stressed. Which means without oxygen. Then ask some mothers who underwent C-sections. You will find that not many decide to V-Bac, even with the MD option, which means try labor again before planning a C-section with their second child's delivery. Most of them, never want to chance enduring a long labor again, only to have the same possible outcome.

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Originally Posted by simoneaugie

It sounds as if you have a "high risk" pregnancy. Do what the doctor says.

It would be unsafe to have the baby at home. However, episiotomy...That is when they widen the vaginal opening...In Sweden the episiotomy rate is about 2%. In the USA it is about 98%. The women are close to the same size, so, go figure.

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Speaking just on the episiotomy.. it is done by a scalpel - a straight cut.. and 'razor' cuts like that take a lot longer to bind and heal again. It used to be mandatory in military hospitals until a study resulted in reports that even after years, the scar tissue would cause problems, i.e. itching and burning and swelling on hot days, so it is no longer mandatory because normal tears or ripping during birth heals faster and better without subsequent problems for most women.

J_9, as usual, is currect in suggesting that the longer the baby stays in, the better for it's development. To add to conditions she mentioned.. I was born in the 8th month and did not develop all of my 2d teeth - so that is just one example of the dangers of being born too early - and I was also born with a heart problem, my bones did not develop right and I have pain 24 hrs a day from my spine. I don't think any mother wants that for her child..

When my daughter went in to have my grandson, she did not plan on a C-Section, but after 5 hours and danger of stress to the baby, he had a 'sunroof' birth. They are both wonderful and happy - and so am I.

You are NOT bad in thinking it would be nice not to be pregnant anymore, and finally wanting it to happen - we all think that way at times and it's normal. We all want the same results - a good outcome and a happy baby.

Talk to your doctor for all the reassurance you need, and remember, we are here to help too.

Good luck dear, and keep us posted.

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Good to see you Chery!! Glad you piped in here. I forgot about the episiotomy. Most doctors I work for don't even do them any more. They do a perineal massage that slowly and gently stretches the perineum so that an episiotomy is not required.

They only do episiotomies these days if the baby seems to large to fit through the birth canal without a little extra room.

And, no dear, you are no less of a woman or mother to be feeling the way you are. We all go through feelings of ambivalence during pregnancy at one stage or another. It is very natural to be feeling the way you are.

Hey, J... good to see you too.

With your expertise and this site, women are luckier than before. They get more experience and free information and a lot more patience than at the doctor's office most of the time.

With all the information collected from personal and professional experience here - they can't go wrong, and that's why I'm glad that AMHD exists and grateful to be a part of it.

I think the more we remember and pass on, the better young moms-to-be can be reassured that they came to the right place.

Hope you and the family are doing fine and that you will have a relaxing weekend.

XXXOOO.
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Well I have another question why are women induced before their due date? As well can my baby be lying side ways? The reason why I am asking is because when the doctor tries to find the heartbeat it is always below my belly button, but I only feel movement below my belly button never above.

The baby can be in what is called transverse lie, which means he/she is lying sideways, that is always a possibility. But again, you still have a lot of time for the baby to turn.

Why do they induce early? Usually it is due to dangers to the health of the baby and/or mother. Some instances would be oligohydramnios, which means too little amniotic fluid (this happened to me with my 3rd child)... fetal stress as evidenced by a stress test. This would mean that the doctor gives a little pitocin to induce some slight contractions. When mom has a contraction and the baby's heartbeat decreases by a certain number of beats, baby is in distress and needs to be delivered.

Another reason would be PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension (preeclampsia)) or Eclampsia where Mom's blood pressure has skyrocketed so high both the baby's and the mother's lives are in danger.

There are many other reasons, but those are the most common.

Oh I see I figured the baby maybe lying side ways just because I only feel it kick or move on that one side.
My friends and family have told me different things on how to dress the baby for the first few days, because the baby is due in late May my husband and I have gotten little outfits that don't always have the legs covered up. Should the baby have it's legs covered all time? I know that seems like a silly question but I am not sure what to do.

You do whatever you feel comfortable with. If you're hot, baby's going to be hot. If your cold... well, you got the point.

You see babies are sensitive to temperature changes, but primarily in the first few days of life. Other than that, they have the same body temp we do 98.6F, and should be treated as such.

If it's warm, I don't know where you live, and you wrap the baby up too warmly, you risk overheating him/her.

Now, if you're like me, I can't stand the heat and keep my air way low and it gets pretty cold in the house, I would wrap baby up a bit.

But for the most part, when you are comfortable at a certain temp, dress baby the same way you would be dressed. If it's cool, however, always remember to keep head and feet covered as this is where most heat is lost.

Yah that sounds good see why can't you be sister in law? I could just call when I needed something. As well what about a baby positioner do you need one or no?

Baby positioner?

Ya you put in the crib maybe we just have that in canada so the baby doesn't roll

Oh, no, baby won't roll for around 3 months.

Always but baby back to bed. That means put baby on his or her back when putting it to bed. A positioner isn't necessary.

The less you have in the crib the less chance of suffocation.

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Originally Posted by davejag

I am 29 weeks pregnant and my baby only moves below my belly button, and mostly on my right side. When I went to my doctors appointment today he told me he can't tell if the baby is breech or not. He told me that we'll have to wait for another two weeks, and then if he still can't tell, I will have to have another ultrasound. Why can't he tell where the head of the baby is? If the doctor says the baby is breech does that mean I have to have a
C-section? Does the baby still have time to turn? At what point would they do the C-section? I am just a bit worried I hope some one can help thanks.

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Other reasons it can be difficult to determine baby's position are the amount of amniotic fluid at the time, location of the placenta, how rigid mom's belly is at the time, and not being able to decern body parts.

As the others have said, you have plenty of time. At this stage, most babies are still deciding where they are most comfortable... :) Most will be head down by 34 weeks, and even more so by 36 weeks. Certainly some turn later, but it is not as common. If baby were to be breech at 34-36 weeks, you have several options to try and encourage baby to move head down. I have had two moms recently go from breech and transverse to vertex with help from their chiropractor who is trained in using the Webster technique. There are a number of positions you can use as well, and some unsual possibilities using water, sound, and light... as well as the possibility of your doctor performing an external version. The success rate of which again depends on baby's position, placenta location, and your doctor's experience. Some will attempt it, some won't bother.

Very few OBs these days have a good deal of experience in breech deliveries... and the training is pretty minimal. There are a number of techniques for this, but not too many parents want to have their doctor get additional practice on them! While you might have the option with subsequent babies, depending on the sort of breech presentation and the doctor's comfort and experience level, it is not common with a first birth.

Just to add to what J_9 mentioned about reasons for inductions... two more that are becoming increasingly common are "big baby" syndrome and going passed due dates. There is great debate on just how medically necessary either are unless true concerns are present. Birthing babies has become increasingly expensive for many OBs, causing some to get out of catching babies altogether. Currently there is a more medically managed system in place... hence another reason for the increase in the last number of years.

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Originally Posted by J_9

Oh, no, baby won't roll for around 3 months.

Always but baby back to bed. That means put baby on his or her back when putting it to bed. A positioner isn't necessary.

The less you have in the crib the less chance of suffocation.

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At what point do you recommend putting the baby in the crib for the night, I thought maybe after a month or two what do you think?

Where you going to put baby before then? I put all 4 of mine in their crib as soon as we got home. Had to "teach" them to sleep in their own rooms from the get go. LOL

I did have a bassinet, but it was downstairs with me where the babies would sleep during the day so that I did not have to go up and down the stairs.

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Originally Posted by DoulaLC

Other reasons why it can be difficult to determine baby's position are the amount of amniotic fluid at the time, location of the placenta, how rigid mom's belly is at the time, and not being able to decern body parts.

As the others have said, you have plenty of time. At this stage, most babies are still deciding where they are most comfortable....:) Most will be head down by 34 weeks, and even more so by 36 weeks. Certainly some turn later, but it is not as common. If baby were to be breech at 34-36 weeks, you have several options to try and encourage baby to move head down. I have had two moms recently go from breech and transverse to vertex with help from their chiropractor who is trained in using the Webster technique. There are a number of positions you can use as well, and some unsual possibilities using water, sound, and light....as well as the possibility of your doctor performing an external version. The success rate of which again depends on baby's position, placenta location, and your doctor's experience. Some will attempt it, some won't bother.

Very few OBs these days have a good deal of experience in breech deliveries....and the training is pretty minimal. There are a number of techniques for this, but not too many parents want to have their doctor get additional practice on them! While you might have the option with sbsequent babies, depending on the sort of breech presentation and the doctor's comfort and experience level, it is not common with a first birth.

Just to add to what J_9 mentioned about reasons for inductions.....two more that are becoming increasingly common are "big baby" syndrome and going passed due dates. There is great debate on just how medically necessary either are unless true concerns are present. Birthing babies has become increasingly expensive for many OBs, causing some to get out of catching babies altogether. Currently there is a more medically managed system in place...hence another reason for the increase in the last number of years.

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So how does a doctor know how big the baby is or how much it weighs? You said big baby syndrome how does that come about? As well why did my doctor just seem so concerned about if the baby was breech or not, I mean after hearing everyone answers there is no concern yet right?

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Originally Posted by J_9

Where ya gonna put baby before then? I put all 4 of mine in their crib as soon as we got home. Had to "teach" them to sleep in their own rooms from the get go. LOL

I did have a bassinet, but it was downstairs with me where the babies would sleep during the day so that I did not have to go up and down the stairs.

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Well I was going to put it in a bassinet beside my bed for the first little while, but your right the kid has to learn.