26 weeks
We saw the doctor again last Wednesday. Everything continues to look good. I’m pleased with my weight gain so far – thanks to the five flights of stairs I climb several times a day and lots of fresh salads here!
We got to watch Bean for about 5 minutes. The doc focused on his face and we watched him move his hands in front of his face and try to put his whole fist in his mouth! At one point he even opened his eyes as though he was looking at us!
Although it was exciting to be able to watch him, and I was happy to hear that all is well, I left feeling a bit down about the answers to some of the questions I had for the doc. I’d really like to have as natural a childbirth as possible, but after asking about the hospital routine, etc. I feel that my wishes won’t be respected. And chances are very slim (1 in 13) that my English-speaking female doctor will be the one who does the delivery.
As soon as I’m admitted I will be given an IV, and strapped to a monitor to watch baby’s heartbeat and contractions. The protocol is for constant monitoring which means no getting out of bed to walk, stretch, squat, take a hot shower, use a birthing ball . . . all the things that are helpful to promote labor and ease discomfort. I am also to expect an enema – and if I am not allowed out of bed . . . yuck! I didn’t ask about a catheter, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s not part of the deal too. I should also expect an episiotomy (their rate is 90%), since “that opening is too small for a baby more than 3 kg (6.6 pounds) to fit through.” Umm, wait, didn’t God kind of design my body with a grand purpose of being able to do just that?
I don’t know how long it will take to get to the hospital. It is in the center of the city and if it’s during the day that we go traffic will definitely slow the process. I’m praying for middle of the night labor. I hope to stay “home” (wherever “home” may be) as long as possible – but how will I really know when it’s time to go? I’d love to time it so I’m ready to push minutes after being admitted.
We were also surprised to hear that if there are any “complications” requiring the use of forceps or vacuum; Samuel will have to leave the room. In fact here in Spain, if one has a C-section the husband is not allowed in the room unless he himself is a surgeon. He’s already planning his fight against that if it is the case (let’s hope we won’t need any fights). And I was informed that if I want anything other than a paper gown while in the hospital, I need to supply it myself. This is true for baby, too. If I don’t want him completely naked, I must bring my own diapers, onesies, blankets, etc. I guess that’s one way to keep hospital costs down!
I have been reading Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, written by the “nation’s leading midwife.” I’m really enjoying the birth stories and natural, encouraging approach she writes about. It makes me excited about the process, but then in light of the restrictive Spanish medical system – I feel even more disappointed. As far as I know, home birth is not an option with my insurance (though I really don’t want a home birth, either).
So, a few more fun notes about Bean. He’s moving a lot now. Friday night he was really active for a few minutes – it felt like he was kicking and punching me at the same time. I was lying on my side with Samuel’s back to me and he could even feel it on his back! Some part of him – maybe his butt – keeps sticking up in my ribs on the right making anything other than sitting up straight uncomfortable. I’ve also been getting about 5 contractions a day – nothing painful.
In other news . . . Samuel and I spent the weekend in Sevilla in the south of Spain. We had a great time and I’ll write more about that soon.
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