Welcome back from the weekend! Did you survive?
Our weekend was high on productivity and low on unabashed fun. But I feel good about it.
Friday night our plans to have dinner at a new pizza place were thwarted by a rehearsal dinner. Boo – hissssss 
And then the fancy futon we wanted for the baby’s room couldn’t be picked up. We need a week for it to be delivered.
Saturday we headed to Buy Buy Baby to pick up the crib, diaper changing station, and crib mattress we had received as gifts from our registry. Let’s just say it took, oh, a good hour to figure out how we were going to strap the crib box to Zach’s car since it wouldn’t fit inside. Oye. What an adventure!
But we did have some fun in BBB:
The remainder of the day was spent tackling the beast that is putting furniture together. 
I’ll definitely do all an-up post on the Nursery progress, but not today 
But let’s back up for a second. Friday morning I had my 28 week check up (28 weeks and 4 days actually). I told Zach he didn’t have to go to this one since we weren’t having an ultrasound. But it ended up being a super informative appointment with just me and the doc (whom I adore btw).
Let’s revisit the “By the numbers”:
(Compare to 24.5 weeks here)
- Weeks into pregnancy: 28.5 weeks at appt (29 weeks today!)
- Days to go: 77 days (as of today) <—MEEP!
- Pounds gained: 16.5 lbs (average weight gain is between 17 and 24 pounds at this point)
- Current waist size (measured at belly button): 35.5 inches
- Uterus size (weird I know – outside measurement on stomach called “fundal length)): 26 cm
- Glucola test (for diabetes): Negative! Wahoo! As you recall, I fainted right after my blood was drawn. Well apparently my sugar level was the lowest my doctor has ever seen in a pregnant woman!
Above 175 mg/dL is at risk (enough to have to take the 3 hour test). Below 70 mg/dL is the super low range where people have extreme reactions. I was at 50 mg /dL. Bottom line, when I say I need food, I need food. Rawr! - Ta-ta size increase: 1++ cup size (no change since 24.5 weeks)
- Baby weight: ~2.5 lb (according to WebMD)
- Baby length: 16 inches head-to-toe (according to What to Expect website)
- Kick Count Card: started at 28 weeks (Oct 3rd) – 10 baby movements are occurring in about 10 minutes (20 minutes tops). He’s a wiggly one!
- Flu shot: Zero. I do not plan on getting one. I have never in my life received a flu shot and the last time I actually caught the flu, I was still in the single digits. Yes, I’m aware that the shot also has H1N1, but I was in Mexico when H1N1 broke out and didn’t get sick. Am I delusional that I’m immune? Nope, but I don’t feel it’s right for me or my baby to start getting the flu shot now. (My doctor completely supports me and agrees with my approach)
- Weeks until next ultrasound: 7 weeks! Too long to see my lil one again!
Me at 28 weeks and 3 days: Gap Maternity black pants, green Banana Republic (non-maternity) tunic, green Nine West peep-toe shoes
One thing I have not yet shared is my birth plan. While there are many, many aspects to the plan, the big gigantic elephant in the nursery is whether or not I’ll have a c-section.
While my doctor does do elective c-sections (though not recommended), there is a medical concern for me based on my plummeting blood pressure (and fainting) after medical procedures.
Ideally, I agree that a vaginal birth is best / preferred, but I also need to do what’s best for my health as well. That being said, I’ve been exploring the option of a c-section.
And you know what?
There really isn’t a lot of information out there. Books do not abound, nor do classes.
So I’m sort of stuck.
Readers, friend of readers, pregnancy blog followers, help!
- If you’ve had a c-section, please share your experience.
- How was the recovery different if you’ve had both a regular birth and a c-section?
- What are the pros / cons of c-sections
And to the rest of my readers:
Does a productive weekend make you happy?
What’s one thing you did this weekend that put a big ol’ smile on your face?
Getting closer! Yay! Sorry about the blood sugar, but at least everything else seems to be going well.
Cute shoes!
Yup, all is well despite the fainting spell..hehe
I love your outfit and green looks gorgeous on you!
Our Saturday on the Hornblower Cruise while watching the Blue Angels definitely put a smile on my face 
Although having fun is always great, I also love being productive in going to the grocery store and getting laundry done to be ready for the week ahead!
Thanks Miss Shayla!
I really wish I could have seen Fleet Week!
You would have loved it! And yes, I had 3, 4, 5 glasses of champy for you
Hope your week is off to a great start…can’t wait for Wednesday!
Mmmm love me some champagne — especially Chandon!
I had an emergency c-section and highly recommend going natural if possible. The recovery is NOT fun!
You look fantastic!!!
Thanks for the insight Heather — that’s what I’m worried about!
Very impressed with your shoe/top matching! I was a c-section baby but only because of an emergency situation. I turned out OK (ha) and my mom said the c-section process went well and she did not take too long to recover after. And YES I thrive on productive weekends. This past one was super productive!
Did your Mom also have a natural birth (with a sibling maybe)..if so, how’d it compare?
I want to say that you look absolutely beautiful! What a beautiful and sassy pregnant woman you are! ; )
I had a natural birth with my son, but with another child if I have one in the future, I would do a c-section if it came to health reasons or a emergency!
Miss you!!!!!!!
Haha, thanks Katie! Can’t wait to see you again in Nov!
I was dead set on having a c-section and my doctor even said she would do an elective one for me. But the more I read about them and talked with people who had them, the more I started thinking about not doing one. As of right now, I want to deliever naturally without any medication whats so ever. I can’t stand the thought of being strapped to a table and having people cut me open and taking out my organs and setting them on my stomach. That right there is what makes me afraid to have one. I’m definitely controlling and not being able to move my lower body once they are done is super scary to me. I could however change my mind, but this is where I’m at *this moment*!
I think you need to do whatever is going to be best for you and the baby and that is all that matters! You look so cute in that green tunic! I’m loving it!!!
Yeah, the details of a c-section really freak me out…definitely don’t love that aspect at all. But I also feel like a c-section seems more ‘controlled’ than a vaginal birth. I just don’t know! Ugh it’s so hard. Luckily I have until around 36 weeks to decide :-/
I hear you, it is such a big decision. The thought of pushing a baby out from down there might scare me just as much as a c-section does!!!
I totally share the same opinion on the flu shot as you! I understand that its very beneficial for some, but I don’t like the thought of it for myself, unless I was a kindergarten teacher or something. But I also agree when pregnant, thats a weird thing to dose up your unborn child with. (P.S. I’m totally scared of taking any kind of medication too, so that might be part of it! lol)
Yeah I feel that way too Mila…I completely respect if other moms-to-be want to get it, but it just doesn’t resonate with me.
i’d be scared of the c section but i’m afraid of pregnancy in general lol. you are so brave about all this! i still can’t believe you fainted! my bp is low as well. i’d do what is going to be safest for you & baby taking into consideration your pre-existing health ‘data’ so to speak. your baby is going to be so beautiful!
Brave? Hahah..I wish! I’m a scaredy cat
All I know is I’ve heard the recovery time is MUCH faster with a vaginal birth. My sis-in-law ended up having to have a c-section after trying for hours to do it naturally and was really upset about not being able to get up and walk around right away, but afterwards said she didn’t care about any of it and was just happy to have her little man. So I think do what is best for you & your baby and everything will go as it’s meant to.
I’m most worried about committing to a vaginal birth and then having a c-section in the end. That would not be cool.
I don’t have any advice on the birth plan, but I’m glad the weekend was productive. Mine was as well… at least in terms of shopping. Hehehehe
Oh how we love shopping A
Ha ha ha, I love that basketball chair! Pros of having a c-section: that it might turn out as awesome as me! Just kidding
But I was a c-section baby and I think I turned out pretty okay.
I was shocked Zach fit in that tiny chair!
Was your sister born c-section too?
(You did turn out awesome!)
Productive weekends are the best! Especially when everything is done early in the day. It’s an excuse to relax in the evening.
I so agree with you! I tackle my to-do list first thing in the AM and then can relax!
I can only relay what my sister went thru, c-sections for both of her kids and the recovery was not fun. She couldn’t pick up anything heavier than her baby for 2-4 weeks and she needed our help with their other child and preparing meals, etc. She still has a little tummy bulge 4 years later due to the ab muscles being cut during both c-sections, I don’t know if that’s normal or just her body type, but she will never have a flat stomach without surgery.
That’s all cosmetic of course, and she didn’t have a choice since natural labor did not progress. Good luck whatever you decide
Kristen — thank you so much for you insights. I know it’s very tough on the recovery and stomach muscles. And also the limitations right afterwards. I wish there was an easy answer!
As a pediatrician, I would feel bad not recommending a flu shot. The risk of getting very sick with the flu, like intensive care sick, is much worse when pregnant since you are basically immuno-suppressed. Second, your little one is due to be born in the middle of flu season and cannot get the flu shot until 6 months old. By getting yourself vaccinated, you pass on some immunity to the flu that the new tike couldn’t get otherwise. Also, anyone that is going to be hugging, kissing and snuggling a new baby should consider getting the shot/mist. I love the blog and updates.
Thanks for sharing buddy
Yeah, she ‘recommended’ it, but understands why I’m not for it. I geuss in one sense we are lucky not having family out here because there won’t be a lot of people coming in and out. But I will definitely take precautions!
I too, had planned to have a vaginal birth. My mom, aunt and sister all delivered babies within 2 hours of going into labor. i thought i was going to be easy. I was actually in labor for 20 hours, until she turned and i had to have an emergency c-section. I have very very low blood pressure, i had some problems with the medications they give you before and after. (vomiting, light headed, fainting) But honestly, if you have good doctors and you are comfortable with them, i think all will be fine. It took about 2 weeks to feel ‘comfortable’ with my first one and 2 days with my second baby. You are very athletic, i think you’ll do well with either birth.
Thank you Lisa — I’m sorry you had some difficulties. I’ve heard that the low BP can be quite unpleasant right after birth. I do very much like my doctor though so as long as I communicate and know how they plan to help me, I should be ‘okay’ relatively speaking
Yikes on the blood sugar test! Definitely don’t get in the way of food for you. I wonder if I ahve the same since I can go from 0 to 60 on the evil meter fast when it comes to the hungry anger.
Haha…yeah my evil meter is scary — especially to the hubby!
Shanna, I had C-sections with both of my boys. The first was an emergency c-section…after attempting to deliver vaginally for 30 hours, my son ended up in a funky position against my pelvis. My second was elective, because I didn’t want to go through the 30 hour-labor thing again. As it turned out, I would’ve needed a c-section anyways because he was breech.
As for the recovery, it is quite painful. You have to be on pain meds, which means no driving of course. Also you cannot lift anything or walk up stairs for 2 weeks. The only “pro” of having a scheduled c-section would be the fact that there is no guessing when the baby will come, which does help with planning. I would recommend trying a vaginal delivery though, because the recovery does suck!
Good luck! You look beautiful!
Thanks Stephanie
I really appreciate your honest feedback about how hard it was. That’s just what I’m looking for. Ideally I think i want to go vaginally, but then I get freaked out.
The planner in me would oh so love to know just when Baby O will come
First off you look Beautiful! And because you asked here is my experience: I had c-sections with both my kids. The first one was an emergen, she was almost 2 weeks last so they induced on a Monday and by Friday morning her heart rate dropped because she just didn’t want out!my incision(sorry about spelling) got infected so my recovery was long & painful.with my 2nd we had a planned c-section & I was up and walking around within hours and even went home from. The hospital a day early! I will never have a flat tummy because of the ab muscles they cut but I didn’t have a flat tummy before & both kids are worth more to me than that! I had a bad experience but also a good one! I know you’ll do what’s best for you & baby Sawyer!
Btw I didn’t get flu shots during either of of my pregnancies & they were both born during flu season & neithe ever got sick!
I think that’s part of it Kim, is that you just can’t predict if it will go well or not so well. That’s a big theme in pregnancy and eventually parenthood huh?
I appreciate you sharing!
My friend was dead-set on going all-natural (at home, no drugs). Long story short, 3 days after starting contractions, she was in the hospital getting an emergency c-section. She said she felt nauseous while they were re-arranging her insides, but other than that, she was loving the drugs after such a difficult labor. Once you get a c-section, you can’t go back to a vaginal birth, no? Would you be OK with that? Loving your honest blogs…
Ooo that’s creepy..rearranging insides. I think I’d feel nauseous too. YIkes!
Can’t wait to see you in a couple weeks Anne!
Hi Shanna,
This is Nicki (Wanta) from HS. I have been reading your posts. Fun stuff. I have had many friends who have had C-Sections. The recovery time is the problem. I hear it is quite painful.
I had a vaginal birth. Simple, simple, simple. I was back at working out (like at the Y) after 2 weeks and was walking around the neighborhood after 1 week (easily)…and I even had a bad situation with an epidural (but that is do too inept anestheiologists. I also had the worst tear possible, and again, my OB/GYN was amazing and I was practically perfect after 2 weeks. Again, simple.
Best to you!
Hi Nicki!!! Wow you had a really great and fast recovery! That’s awesome. That is a huge weight on my mind with the c-section and something I’d like to avoid. Thank you for sharing
OMG 11 more weeks!? I cannot believe it…it’s flying by for me… how bout you? haha
Haha, YES! It’s going by so fast! Then sometimes 11 more weeks seems soooo far way!
you’re so lucky you get to do all these ultrasounds! I only did the 2 and I wouldn’t have gotten them unless I opted for the genetic testing.
You better start eating up, girlfriend
You only gained 16.5 pounds so far! That’s nothing! The blood sugar thing is scary! I know throughout my pregnancy I HAD to eat every 3 hours. In the beginning I would get naus if I didn’t and at the end I would feel dizzy if I didn’t!
Oh believe you me, I’m eating. Like a lil piggy! I have to eat every 2 hours tops (sometimes earlier) to prevent getting the crankies!
Wow . . . I cant believe its been so long already. You make such a cute pregnant lady.
I obviously have no advice for you regarding the c-section seeing as how I have no kids. You’ll figure out what’s best for you though.
Thanks for the vote of confidence Miss Leah!
My oldest sister has 1 emergency c-section and 1 scheduled c-section. She said it was much easier to recover from the scheduled c-section since she didn’t have to go through 15 hours of labor first. My other sister had a natural delivery with her first and had an emergency c-section with her second just last week! She was in alot of pain the first couple days and then its been getting better with each day. I’m not sure what all the comments are about cutting through your muscles? All I know my sister has a flat tummy after 2 c-sections. What ever decision you make will result with your baby boy and that is all that matters!
Oh that’s really interesting to know Maria — that the scheduled one went better than the unplanned. Hmm, interesting.
I will ask my doc if she has any statistics (feedback from Moms) on that situation as well. Thanks!
I have not had a csection (or a child for that matter). But should I ever have kids I have to due to previous medical issues.
I HAVE had a number of abdominal surgeries (3, actually) and I can say that the recovery really isn’t that bad at all. It’s not fun, but you quickly forget the pain. And I’d much rather have my belly cut then my…well, the alternative in birthing, ha.
I hear ya Kace! To me, stomach surgery sounds less terrifying than that “other option”
Just remember that the “other option” shows no scars and my husband says it is exactly the same as it use to be
No problems “down there” whatsoever (and I had worst tear possible…class 4!).
Tummy=scars!
Haha, that’s good to know Nicole — I think it’s one thing that’s always on people’s minds, whether they talk about it or not!
I was a c section baby but only because I wanted to come out ass first. One of the many situations I felt the needed to show my ass. But anyways.
Haha, Hollie, you make me laugh
I had a whole hippie dippie birth planned out – water birth, no drugs, etc. – and ended up having an emergency c-section on my due date this August (baby girl had the cord wrapped around her neck 3 times). Not being able to have contact with the baby immediately was my biggest gripe, and as for recovery, I was on my feet the next day and taking walks three days later. Definitely a little bit of pain, but I think that if you’ve been active and healthy throughout the pregnancy, you recover just as quickly as with a natural birth. That being said, I don’t know if I’d elect to have one – my baby has had problems with digestion (not getting the good bacteria that comes from passing through the birth canal) and there’s just something about the natural process that I fear I missed out on.
I think it is important for you to consider that the risk of complications or long-term health issues for you and the baby is much higher with a c-section. I would suggest you really take time to research prior to making a decision. Good luck with your decision.
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10166