August 2008 – Hospital Visit

The previous week, Chloe hadn’t been happy with the way the baby was moving. The kicks didn’t feel as strong or in the same place. Her doctor had been understanding and made an appointment at the local hospital with the Obs and Gynae consultant.

Chloe was seated uncomfortably on a chair, waiting for her appointment. The waiting room was full, but she was the only one on her own. She didn’t want her mates with her, even though they would gladly have come. She had made her mind up that she was going to do this on her own. Niamh had originally been a bit upset but had eventually understood. Even Tom’s mam had been more than keen to accompany her on her antenatal visits. But Chloe didn’t want reminding that her friend had abandoned her.

She could still recall the look on his face when she had caught him coming out of his mam’s house, before he had joined up. Whether the shock or incomprehension won out she wasn’t sure. But he had made it quite clear that he didn’t want to get too involved. It had made the rift between them grow, and it seemed pretty clear to Chloe that she was having this baby on her own.

Before Tom had left for training, they’d spent a few minutes together at their place in the park. He had been adamant that he had to get out of this town away from his mother. He’d passed his test to get in the army and for once he had seen some light at the end of the tunnel. He’d promised to send money back as soon as the baby was born.

But that wasn’t what Chloe wanted or needed. She had thought that if Tom and her had ever got together it would have been good. Like Rachael and Ross. But it had turned into a nightmare. They had never even talked about what happened. But at least Chloe was relieved he’d never asked who the father was. She had told him before that she’d never had sex. And now, despite being pregnant, she couldn’t even remember it. It was kinda ironic really. She would have liked to ask Tom about it. But it just wasn’t going to happen.

Anyway, in a few months he would be off training in Yorkshire, so Chloe had little choice but to go it alone. Her thoughts were disturbed by her name being called from the doorway of the consulting room. She hoisted herself out of the chair and waddled across to the door.

The medic was an Indian lady. She had a nice, welcoming smile and made Chloe feel at home as she settled down in front of her desk. Chloe explained her concerns about the baby’s movements and the doctor moved her to the couch to be examined.

“Mmm … You were right, the baby has definitely changed its position. It’s moved to breech.”

Chloe wasn’t certain what this meant. So the consultant explained.

“The baby’s head isn’t presenting as normal. Wrong way round if you like. So we have three main options. You can go into labour with the baby in this position.”

The consultant frowned.

“But that does mean a bit of a chance of the baby becoming distressed. I can try and turn it around, but many women find that a bit uncomfortable I’m afraid. Or…”

Chloe wasn’t feeling particularly comfortable with the conversation.

“Or what?”

“You can deliver by c-section.”

The doctor went on to explain the alternatives in more detail.