As usual, this blog is going to be a big mess of an update because it's been almost 2 months since my last post, but here it goes (I used to be so good at blogging.... what the heck happened?).
How I'm feeling: Fine! I've been having contractions for a few weeks now, but nothing major. I've only had a little swelling in my feet, and at that, it's only been on really hot days. For the most part I'm still able to be active and move around like normal. I get tired and sore, and when that happens, I slow down quite a bit, but it's not a constant thing. I'm still hiking for 30-60 minutes a day with my dogs and still doing yoga 4ish times a week.
Medical Update: Everything has been normal at each of my appointments until last week (May 22nd - 38w, 1d). Although my blood pressure and baby's heart rate were fine, I had dropped a pound and my belly measurement hadn't changed since my previous appointment 12 days previous. My doc was concerned that the placenta may be shutting down and she called for an ultrasound biophysical profile to make sure it made sense for the baby to stay where she was. That was Tuesday afternoon, and she said I'd get a call with an appointment by the end of the week. The next morning (my 27th birthday) my husband received a call that I was to go to the hospital right away for an ultrasound and that they were waiting for me to arrive. The long and short of it was that she measured fine and scored 8/8. At my follow-up appointment, my doctor explained that the baby and my fluid levels are on the low side of the normal range, and she's sitting very low, which caused me to measure smaller. They estimated her weight on the date of the ultrasound at 6lbs 11oz.
I have to say that although I was very relieved that baby was doing well and that I wouldn't have to be induced, there was a part of me, there was a part of me that, in the heat of everything, was prepared to be induced and meet her... and so I was a little disappointed at the same time.
My 39 week appointment was all good. My belly measurement had increased some, blood pressure and HB were fine... my doctor just gave me a little trouble because I had lost anothe pound. I'm now at 15bs total gain (I was at 17 at one point). Baby was still head down and engaged.... very low according to my doctor, which is good! On the discouraging side, I was only 1 cm dialated and my cervix was still high, but the doc said that it's was softening and did a stretch and sweep to see if she could get things moving.
My doctor told me to make sure I'm eating more, but I don't really know how to do that. I eat breakfast, 2 snacks, lunch, at least 1, usually 2 more snacks, dinner and then some kind of treat (usually ice cream). That's A LOT of food. When do I fit more in?
My next appointment is Tuesday June 5th at 40 weeks, 1 day (though I hope this little one makes her appearance before then).
Emotionally: I've really noticed that I get agitated and frustrated really easily recently. I'm stressing about getting everything sorted out with my leave, but I want to try to get that under control today. Other than that, I'm just anxious to meet this baby. At this point, I'm hoping to meet her over the next couple of days, but I'm not all that optimistic. I really feel like it's never going to happen and that I'll end up waiting for the next two weeks to be induced... which is exactly what I don't want. I want the experience of going in to labour on my own, making the phone calls... and letting my body do what it's supposed to do naturally. I'm really scared that an induction would lead to a more violent and painful birth experience and that my plan to try to go natural will go down the drain. Anyway.... I'm just feeling grumpy and impatient, and I'm ready to get things moving.
Baby: She's still moving around quite a bit, although she has quieted down some. The most movement is visible on my right side where there's often a little foot sticking way out... it's equally adorable and uncomfortable, but I LOVE it! I think I'll miss it.
Misc: I'm craving strawberries lately. I ate 2lbs in a day last week, and yesterday I managed to polish a pound in a sitting!
I think I'll start really trying some of those old wives tales for natural induction this week. I may even enlist my husband's help (wink, wink)... which I never thought I'd say (poor guy has gone 9 months). But I just want to get things moving!!!!
Nursery: It's pretty much done. We need a few more finishing touches in terms of decoration, but I love how it's turned out. It deserves its own post. I need to get it done today!
Shower: My MIL threw a shower for me on May 12th. It's was lovely and we were spoiled... and if someone sends me pics, I'll try to remember to post them! :)
Belly Pics: I owe a few I guess....
*How embarassing!!!! t looks like I'm wearing the same outfit in every picture, but I'm not I swear! Okay, It's the same outfit in the bottom two, but the first is my yoga clothes!*
33 weeks, 5 days - April 21, 2012
37 weeks, 1 day - May 15, 2012
39 weeks, 2 days - May 30, 2012
