So I did some more research on GBS, and found out that I was wrong about the European protocol of using an antibacterial wash in labor. Perhaps this is standard in some European countries, but not across the board, as I was led to believe by some other blogs. In any case, I’m still going with that protocol–wherever it is standard. I did find out that in the UK, women are not even tested for GBS and their infant infection rate is nearly identical to ours in the US, even though here AT LEAST 30% of women receive intravenous antibiotics during labor.
Today was the day I predicted I would start my birthing time. So far, I’m still pregnant! I have had a few minor indications that birthing will begin sooner rather than later, but nothing really significant.
Yesterday and the evening before, I experienced some intense pelvic pain. I’ve had some pelvic pain that’s varied from discomfort to outright pain for the last couple of months, but yesterday it was the worst it’s been. When it has flared up in the past, it is usually due to my doing a lot of walking, and I believe that was the case this time, too. However, when I felt for baby’s position–which I always do when I wake up–I discovered his head was kind of sitting right on top of my pubic bone. I believe that was putting extra strain on my pubis symphysis (the cartilage that holds the two front halves of the pelvis together). I spent a lot of time with my rear in the air–to get some relief from the pressure. I was so afraid that baby would stay in that position until birth. Thankfully, he had settled into my pelvis by the time I went to bed last night. Today I was MUCH more comfortable.
Margo discovered that baby’s head is flexed (chin to chest) and nicely sitting in my pelvis now. A flexed head is ideal for birthing as it means the smallest part of the head is the presenting part. The only thing that concerns me about this is that it took a few minutes of feeling around to come to that conclusion because it seemed like his head was simultaneously in my pelvis and not in my pelvis–meaning he may have a large/round forehead. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing, but I’m imagining all kinds of strange head-shapes now. I kind of feel like Margo would have recognized his head position more easily if his head were shaped more normally.
With Daniel, the ultrasound technition made a comment about how big his feet were, and I worried that maybe he had abnormally sized feet. It turns out they were just fine. I’m sure this baby will be just fine, too.
The Hanson Family 
Stefanie said,
May 17, 2009 @ 6:04 am
At least it sounds like he’s where he should be. Hopefully he will make his appearance in the next couple of days!
I’m interested in your GBS plan. I was negative with Ian, but since I was induced I had all sorts of things pumped into me, so wouldn’t have noticed another thing! With the next one, though, I’m hoping to go as natural as possible…hopefully I’m negative again and don’t have to worry about it, but if not, I’ll need some training from my favorite cousin. 😉
Willow said,
May 20, 2009 @ 1:06 pm
I am so interested to read what you are writing about GBS! I tested positive, and began rinsing with Hibicleanse a few times a day for the last few weeks. As my due date drew nearer, I still tested positive, so my midwife told me that I could take oral antibiotics, since we planned not to be anyplace where an IV was offered. At first, I didn’t take them, but she did tell me that if I was transferred to the hospital for any reason, the hospital staff would be more adamant about me taking IV antibiotics if I hadn’t already been taking them orally. So, I began taking them at the beginning of my 52 hour labor and stopped somewhere in the middle – lot of good that probably did! I’m living vicariously through you – the woman bold enough not to take them at all. 🙂
nanddhanson said,
May 20, 2009 @ 10:17 pm
Willow,
I don’t know that it’s boldness that keeps me from taking the antibiotics… it’s more that I’m afraid of them! In everything I’ve read about GBS, it’s a normal bacteria that colonizes in the gut. It often makes its way into the vagina because of its proximity to the rear. I’m afraid to take antibiotics which carry their own risks in order to kill a normal non-infectious (in my case) bacteria. Should I show signs of infection, or have any of the risk factors for infection, I will probably then take the antibiotics.
It’s not that I’m unafraid of the GBS. I am. But I’m trying to remind myself of all the statistics that are on my side. I have not taken antibiotics in at least 10 years. My son never has. I really believe in the body’s ability to keep itself healthy–though sometimes I really do struggle to remind myself of this!
As of now, I’m praying that baby stays in his amniotic sac until the very last possible moment–it would be so cool if he were born in the caul! Daniel almost was. I accidentally ruptured his sac while pushing (my midwife told me I could feel inside if I wanted to… I did, and punctured it in my hand!) If this one were born that way, I’d be much relieved.