**Uncertainty and Examination**

"Okay, Ashley, I'm going to ask you to spread your legs and I'll need to do an internal exam to get a closer look at the baby," Dr. Lee said, his voice still gentle but with a hint of professionalism. Ashley nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and apprehension as she opened her legs and allowed Dr. Lee to perform the exam. As Dr. Lee inserted the ultrasound wand, Ashley felt a slight discomfort, but it was over quickly. He moved the wand around, taking more images of the baby from different angles. Ashley watched on the screen as the baby's features appeared again, but Dr. Lee's expression remained serious. After a few minutes, Dr. Lee finished the exam and removed the wand. "Okay, Ashley, that was helpful. I think I have a better understanding of what's going on," he said, his voice calm but not reassuring. Ashley sat up, her heart still racing with anxiety. "What did you find?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Dr. Lee took a deep breath before speaking. "The baby's heart is functioning normally, but there is a concern with the umbilical cord. It's not as long as it should be, and it's also tangled in a way that's not typical." Ashley's eyes widened as she processed the information. "What does that mean?" she asked, feeling a sense of panic rising up. Dr. Lee's expression was sympathetic. "It means that the baby may not have enough room to move around in the womb, and there's a risk of cord compression. We need to monitor the situation closely and consider our options." Ashley's mind was racing with questions and fears. "What are our options?" she asked, her voice shaking. Dr. Lee hesitated before speaking. "We can try to monitor the baby's movement and the cord's position more closely, or we can consider inducing labor earlier than planned. However, inducing labor at this stage comes with its own risks, and we need to weigh those against the risks of continuing the pregnancy." Ashley felt like she was being pulled in different directions. She wanted to do what was best for her baby, but she was scared of the unknown. "What do you recommend?" she asked, looking at Dr. Lee for guidance. Dr. Lee's expression was thoughtful. "I think we should try to monitor the situation closely and see how things develop. But we need to be prepared for any eventuality and have a plan in place in case things change quickly." Ashley nodded, feeling a sense of uncertainty wash over her. She knew that she had to trust Dr. Lee's expertise, but it was hard to shake off the feeling of worry and concern for her baby's well-being.