The end is near....

I am now 39 1/2 weeks pregnant.  Things are mostly going well.   I am dilated to a four, so really I could go at anytime.  They did not strip my membranes, they asked if we wanted to do that, but I was hoping to wait until after the holiday if possible.  We said no. After I got up we asked about blood pressure because the MA said it was high.  After the appointment they took it again, it was still high and they did not want it getting too much higher so they told us we needed to schedule an induction.  They did say it was not high enough they absolutely needed to get in tonight but as soon as possible and I was not to go past my due date at all.  They gave us three options  to go in. If it does not happen before  the date we chose, we will have to be induced.  We are keeping that date a surprise but we will let you know when it happens for sure. :)

38 1/2 weeks

Good news. If you read my last post it talks about contraction pains I was having; they did do some good. I am at a 3 now, probably 60% effaced or something.  He said it was more than last time.  Baby is head down and ready to go. He could come at anytime, but then again I was at a 3 for 2 weeks with Matthew before I changed to a four and finally went into labor.  He let Michael feel where the head was, I think Michael thought that was pretty cool. Heartbeat is good, about 143 today. They gave me the option to induce, but we did not schedule anything because we have never even thought of that option, as I like more natural. They said if you want to do that, call back and let us know. We can schedule for next week, or we will see you at your appointment next week. No pressure, just giving us the option.

New experiences

Last night I had awful contractions for about three hours straight. I did not sleep from 1:30-4:30.   They were not as bad as full blown contractions, but still pretty intense, like bad really cramps.  They were about 5 minutes apart and 30-50 seconds every time.  However they never did get more intense than they started, so didn't think it was real labor.  Was debating calling the hospital and asking if they did not stop in the next hour if I should come in and get it checked.  I woke up Michael to tell him about the pain finally.  I had taken tylenol, changed positions, walked around, not much helped. Maybe next time I'll try a warm bath. So Michael gave me a blessing and almost immediately the next ones were gradually less intense and within 10 minutes I was asleep, and sometime they stopped.  I have had contractions today, but nothing painful like last night. This is a new experience for me. With Matthew I didn't feel any contractions that were painful at all, just kept dilating until they stripped my membranes at 5 days overdue and 2 hours later intense labor starting. I could definitely tell those were real! I had never had so much pain in my life and was throwing up because of it.  So this pregnancy has been very different at the end. Could be a few days, still could be a couple weeks away...

37 1/2 weeks and the Matthew

We had both Matthew's and my OB appointments today, so figured I'd just give a quick update on both.  Matthew did well at the appointment, the doctor did observe he was an extremely active and talkative child.  He said for now as long as he has good interactions with other children and seems happy we don't need to worry about that.  We will monitor him when he gets to school to make sure he is doing well there.  He is still 3% for weight (29.2 lbs) and 25% for height ( 39 inches), so still super tiny for his age. He has always been small since he was born.  He is following his growth curve so they are not super worried but want to check him at 6 months to make sure he is continuing to grow at the same rate.  I am not worried, I was always small with weight as well when I was young. He is happy, active, and is a normal hyper boy :)  He is also a little charmer.  He told the doctor "You know, you have a really nice office. I really like this office."  Everywhere he goes he has something positive to say to adults everywhere. So if you are having a bad day just come over he'll make you feel better :).


OB appointment went well. Not much new news.  The NP must have really been running behind today. She was in and out in probably less than two minutes, if that.   She listened to babies heartbeat, which sounded good.  Baby was more head up, so still turning circles.  There was not a lot of change in dilation.  She did not tell me about effacement so I'm not sure about that.  She said until the baby really turns I probably won't dilate that much.  She did not measure this week.  Just said okay seems fine, see you next week.  Not a huge fan of the girls who work at this place, with the exception of one female doctor who I did really like (who is probably on maternity leave herself by now).  It seems like the men take more time and answer questions or bring up things that you may not have thought about.  Anyway, 2 1/2 more weeks until due date...:)  Won't mind if he shows up just a bit early...but after the 22nd would be great since Michael has clinicals until then. 

Week 36

Got a call this morning saying the doctor I was supposed to see was sick, so I would have to reschedule. Luckily they could squeeze me in in the afternoon so I was still able to go today.  The heart rate was good about 130's.  I am 1 cm dialated and 40% effaced. We definatly still have some time, but things have started.   I was probably about the same with Matthew about 36 weeks and he was almost a week late, so we will see.

I am feeling fine, having ligament pains on occasion, but other than that feeling fine.  I am almost ready to be done. I never felt that with Matthew.  With him I think I was excited, but nervous about the change.  I felt just fine up to the end, in fact, the day I went into labor I was debating on going into work then decided I would just go in the sign papers.  This time I am tired of my tummy getting in the way of everything! I am so much bigger (well measuring right on, and with Matthew I was always small) and it is definitely harder to bend over and get up and down off the floor this time around.  That being said, I want this baby to stay in as long as he needs to. :)

And yes we are getting super excited to meet this guy

Week 34

The doctor's visit today was good, short, sweet and to the point. Heartbeat sounded good.  The baby is moving, really active for 2 or 3 days, then hardly at all comparatively the next 4.  He does move everyday, but that's been the pattern.  Today has been pretty quiet.  I go in next in two weeks, then we are down to weekly visits and November.  Crazy! It has gone by super fast this time.

In other news I am feeling better!  My iron number went up from 9 to 10.5 with doing the two iron pills a day.  That means about 31.5.  It is still not where they want it, but its going up, that's a good sign.  They like it about 34 minimum and 36 is where they are more comfortable having it at.  They will just have me keep taking the pills, and hope it will continue to increase.  This last week though, overall, I seriously have had more energy than I've had my entire pregnancy it seems!  There are days that I'm still pretty tired, but for the most part I can actually get more than one thing done, its wonderful!  Hopefully it continues to rise as I near the end of the pregnancy. 

That's all for now, we'll see you in two weeks!

32 weeks

We made it to 32 weeks.  Hurray :). Baby is doing well. Heartbeat about 136ish, which is normal for this time.  Measuring about right on, 31 1/2 weeks.  I am guessing this will be a bit bigger baby than Matthew, who was a week late, but small.  He has always been small...he is almost 30 lbs now though!  Yes, still in the third percentile for weight. It has not changed.

So I have still been super tired. I wasn't sure if it was just because I was getting further a long in pregnancy, which I know defiantly has an affect.  Last time they said they would check my iron again.  I had to ask them, as they did not bring it up. They checked it.   It was at a 9 (so 27) and below a 11 is anemic.  They asked if I was taking the iron pills, which I have been every night.  They asked how I was taking them (best is on an empty stomach with vitamin c not with any calcium near time taking pill). I have been taking them right.  They said I need to double up on the pills. Now it will be one at night, one in the morning. I guess they will check next time and we will go from there.  I am just glad I am not below 6. If you are below 6 that could start causing issues for the baby, including higher risk for stillborn. 

I am down to the 2 week appointments for the next couple times and then down to weekly appointments. I can't believe it.  It has gone super fast compared to last time.  Last time I was super nervous for the little one to get here in general. This time I am still nervous to go through post patrum again. We are trying to make plans in case that happens.  However, even still, I would go through anything to have a little friend for Matthew and another little one in our home. Even if I go through it again, I am very greatful for this miracle.