OB update, almost 40 weeks

I honestly cannot wrap my brain around the idea that my due date is TOMORROW. It's still surreal, that we're HAVING A BABY IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS!!! Andrew was six days past-due, that's a week from now! My doctor has agreed to "let me go" to 41 weeks, then we'll be taking it two days at a time after that (checking amniotic fluid levels, seeing how he's coping, etc.). I have an appointment for Monday, 5 days past-due...and I'm REALLY hoping to see her before then!!

So today I had lost a little weight again, which seems impossible...I just need to eat two of everything to gain at this point, I suppose. She isn't concerned, however, and says he's growing just fine. My belly measured 37 cm for 40 weeks, his heart rate was in the 130s and my blood pressure was normal. She said we're doing great!!

Looking at me, she said twice that I "look done." I said, "Maybe that's because I'm not wearing make-up." She said, "Nope. You look done." I'll take it!! Who wouldn't, though, at 40 weeks pregnant?? When you've had that due date in mind for so long, it's not much fun to get to the PLUS "x-number of days" phase!

So I am dilated now to 3.5 cm, so that's an improvement! He's still pretty high, as is my cervix, so she again couldn't do the membrane sweep. I'm glad, actually, and would rather nature take its course. I'm not at that really, really DONE phase of, "Do anything to get this baby out!!" so a little more waiting is fine with me. I'm hoping he gets things going on his own soon, though!

The best part was that when I was heading down the hall, she looked up from my chart and said, "My bet is you only have a few days left." I said, "I'll take that bet!"

I think just last night was that turning point of "being done." We took Andrew to the park so I was walking, of course, and going up and down steps, sliding, climbing, etc. and all evening, was crampy and not feeling great. By the time we were headed for bed, I was getting tons of weird sensations and pains, lots of cramping (even low) and plenty of BHCs. At about 1 a.m., he started moving like crazy--more than EVER before--and causing me all kinds of discomfort. I finally got up and sat on the ball for a while, and realized I was feeling some pulsing down low--so I think he was so squirmy because he had hiccups, but I couldn't feel them laying down! Either way, I definitely felt "different" and like things were moving along--and from today's report, I guess I was right.

Still today, I'm feeling different and he's moving different--so hopefully we're making progress! We have Bible study tonight but afterward, I'm thinking we need another trip to the park and more walking!! I also have a ton of energy, so that's interesting.

So...we wait. Could be any time now!!

39 weeks, OB update

So the story is, I've been having contractions for the last week or so...enough to time them and take notice. Yesterday, I started getting this tight ball at the top middle of my belly when I'd feel myself tighten--like a baseball! NOT a baby body part, either, because it wasn't moving--it just tightened, then loosened. So we started thinking, "Oh, goody, contractions!" and thought things might be moving. We remember when I was in labor with Andrew that I had Drew feel my stomach tighten in the same way...the difference with him was, it was also accompanied by the contractions in the lower abdomen.

Alas, I saw my doctor today and she said, yes, different parts of the uterus contract at different times...but it doesn't do anything to actually change your dilation or cervix--they're just uncomfortable and annoying!!

So, yeah, the "contractions" aren't doing anything except making me semi-miserable off and on all day! BUT, the good news is, I know what to look out for--the lower, menstrual-like cramping I had when labor started with Andrew. My first contraction when I woke up that day was low and felt "different," and sure enough--labor time! They just got more intense and closer together and all that--so that's what we're waiting for now.

In other news, I haven't dilated any more and may be even dilated less because of how he's sitting. In fact, my cervix was so high that she couldn't be sure even of the 2cm and she had planned to sweep my membranes--but said it would've been hard to do, and really uncomfortable for me. Obviously that wasn't a good option and she really prefers to "let nature take its course" so I'm glad for that.

He hasn't moved any lower and things haven't really progressed in a week--except that I FEEL better and gained .5lb. instead of losing! I know I've eaten SO much better in the last week, and now I can imagine how much more he needed and how much I needed even more than that. I definitely wasn't "eating for two" and I regret the time I spent feeling so miserable and not understanding that my body just needed more fuel. Live and learn. It helps that the anxiety is so much better--that makes a huge difference. In fact, the last couple of days I've felt super-energized and clear-headed, which has been nice--and my appetite is back! YEAH!

So no real "news," except that we're probably looking at another week. Well, and my blood pressure and his heart rate and all of that were all beautiful--which is a HUGE blessing!!

I've got a women's luncheon to help out with at church Sat. (I would like to be there--it should be fabulous!) and hopefully my Blessingway with a few close friends Sat. night--looks like I'll make it! I go back to the doc Tues...then Wed. is my due date--and after that, I'll be getting pretty antsy! I don't mind going past-due--I told my doc I'm totally OK with going to 41 weeks. I would, however, like him safely in my arms by Mother's Day!!

So here's pictures from today--it's getting hard to find tops that cover my enormous belly, so I opted for this dress--but it made me look massive!!

39 weeks and HUUUUGE!!



No wonder people looked at me warily in Target--I truly do look like I'm about to POP!!!



At least here you can see that I do still have a waist!! :)



And the neked belly yesterday.



We'll see how many more of these updates I'll do--my doctor said she'd love for today to have been the last day she sees me in the office!! Good thing GOD IS IN CONTROL!!

37 weeks--OB report

*** TMI alert!! For women's eyes only! ***

My doctor and I were both excited today that I am "full term." We made it!!!

Drew and Andrew came along so that was fun!

My belly measured 37cm for 37 weeks, right on. Gained 1.5 lbs FINALLY, which puts me up to right around 18 total (I think). My appetite has returned so it's nice to enjoy food again and not be forcing myself to eat.

Ethan's heart-rate was in the 140s. He had to be sleeping cuz he'd been pretty quiet for the hour or so beforehand, whereas typically, he's jumping around like crazy with a heart rate in the 160s.

My blood pressure was good, as always.

And, of course, she "checked" me. I was never checked during my pregnancy with Andrew so I have no point of comparison...but I am 2 cm and my vagina is starting to soften slightly, but is still quite high. So...things are starting to soften and prepare, of course, but he hasn't dropped and there are certainly no signs of impending labor. She asked if I'm contracting and I said I haven't really noticed--but there are lots of jolts, tightening and pressure that could easily BE contractions.

She gave Drew the all clear to go out of town next week--we're figuring that I've got at least a week before things get going. PHEW!

The highlight was when she was listening for Ethan's heartbeat with the Doppler and Andrew was watching her and said, "Be careful with Ethan." HA! He's already looking out for his little brother!

The building where my OB's office is sits right next to the hospital so we took different routes to get there and back, so we have plans A and B for getting to the hospital. We also saw the maternity and emergency entrances, so it'll depend on when we arrive as to which one we use. So I feel better about that!!

Afterward, Drew treated me to an Icee and a Snickers--yum!! And he didn't have to go back to work, so we're all home, enjoying the cool afternoon and some downtime.

My mom is coming to stay this weekend because my dad will be a few miles away at the race track and Drew is planning to head across town to their house to do some soul searching and praying. So he'll be close by if anything happens. Then he leaves Monday for Florida for a church planting conference with our pastor, so mom is staying the nights he's gone (Mon., Tues. and Wed.). It's more to keep me company and hang out with Andrew than "just in case," but I will feel better having a birthing coach nearby should things start changing. I'm banking on Drew arriving home to a slightly larger and more miserable wife Thursday night!

And, of course, we'll know more on Wednesday when I go back at 38 weeks!

In the meantime, no hiking or heavy lifting for me! Or vacuuming or mopping or strenuous chores...maybe just sipping Starbucks drinks and watching movies, y'know, just to be safe...

OB appointment update & belly shots

Saw my doc today, took Andrew with me so it was more fun than usual!! heehee
He was very intrigued with the Doppler--he said, "Mommy, I'm sorry you're hurt. Would you be all better?" I tried to tell him, we're just checking your brother's heart beat! He didn't get it.
So my blood pressure was fine, as always. My belly measured the same as last time, 32 cm. For 31 weeks, that means we're right on track. I only gained 0.5 lbs. this month. Evidently, I'm due for a growth spurt so maybe I'll gain weight and width at the same time soon! The indigestion/heartburn has been better for the last few days so if that keeps up, I know I'll be packing on the pounds!!
Dr. L said Ethan should be about 3 lbs. now--wow!! She also smiled when I told her I often feel like I can't breathe and said, "Well, I almost hate to tell ya, but that's completely common and normal." Yeeeaaahhh.
His heart rate has always been in the 150s-ish, but today was in the 160s. He'd been kicking around the whole time we were at the office so it made sense--he was wide awake and rarin' to go!!
I'm glad to be this far along but also glad to have two more months to get ready!
So far, so good!
I go every two weeks now--home stretch, baby!!

Here's me today, at 30.5 weeks.

OB report

It had been almost 6 weeks since I saw my doc just because we had car issues that prevented me from going to my last appointment. Oops.

BUT, thankfully, all is well. My blood pressure was fine and Ethan's heart rate was in the 140s, as usual.

My belly measured 30 cm for 27 weeks, but she said I've "always measured a little bigger." HUH?? I'm guessing it's because I'm tall. I don't feel big or think I look big, so I'm just letting it go. Weight was up 5.5 lbs in 6 weeks, so that's quite average.

As for his size, she said he feels kinda big--but that he'd probably be around Andrew's size, who was 8 lbs. 4 oz. at 5 days past my due date. She said anything under 9.5 lbs. should pose no problems as far as the birth. I would never complain about Andrew's size because he was perfectly healthy! I'd be fine with this one being the same size, even bigger, as long as he's healthy, too.

I refused the glucose tolerance screening but have to go in for some blood test. No thyroid test, either. Yeah!

And I go back in 1 month, then every two weeks after that! We're gettin' down there!

"So far, so good" as she said.

OB report

I took my grandmother to my OB appointment today so she could meet my doc. My uterus is measuring at about 22 in. at almost 21 weeks, which is right on. She found HIS heartbeat on the right side, way higher than last time, and it was so strong. In the 140s, just like at the ultrasound. She found it, he moved a little, and she found it again. She was awake but just kinda swimming around, so she said he seemed happy. Weird, huh? I liked hearing that! :) My blood pressure was 122, which impressed Nannie!

I did gain weight, of course, but she expressed no interest in how much--I think 8 lbs. total, according to them.

She did remind me that after 20 weeks, it's all downhill!! HA!

I asked her about rupturing membranes during labor and she said she almost never does, but rather let's nature take its course. So that's good! And I asked her when she wants me at the hospital and she said I could come whenever and if I wanted to wait until the last possible moment, fine! I'd love to get there when I'm fully dilated and just about ready to push so I can walk in, get in the room, and have this baby!! So that was good news, too.

So all is well for the next month! I showed her the pictures of our baby boy and she was glad I did. I took her a lil' goody for Christmas, too. I'll see her again in 2009!!

Big pregnancy update!

I had my second OB appointment today and was the first one in the door after lunch so I was the first one back and the first one seen. Woo-hoo!! I really do like my doctor and she answered all my questions so I'm happy about that.
Here's the deal:

1. I actually lost half a pound according to them but she's not concerned. I didn't gain in the first trimester with Andrew, either, but certainly caught up later (I gained almost 30 lbs. with Andrew). Now that I feel better, I'm sure I'll be making up for lost time!

2. We looked at my fertility chart and she has my due date officially at May 6, a week earlier than I had determined. I bet I'll end up closer to the 13th, anyway, but we'll see. So I gained a week!! You'll notice my ticker, weeks progress and days left have all been updated. I like being farther along rather than less!!

3. She is scheduling my ultrasound for 19 weeks, when my grandmother is here visiting from Florida so she can come to the ultrasound with me! Woo-hoo!! It'll be Dec. 22 so I'm super-excited to know that all is well with the baby and hopefully to find out the gender!! What a great Christmas gift!!

4. She said my uterus is measuring larger than usual for this point, but evidently my pelvis is tilted...?? So it's normal. She did feel my uterus up under my belly button, which explains why I feel so huge!!

5. All my blood, urine and Pap results came back normal. YAH! She said there was a slightly elevated thyroid reading that's normal in the first trimester that they'll re-test when they do the diabetes screening later.

6. The BIG news! She couldn't find the heartbeat with the Doppler, no matter how low she went. NO, I wasn't worried or freaked out! She thought the baby was sleeping and sitting very low, so we moved into the ultrasound room. There, she powered that sucker up and my uterus and the baby popped up immediately! I could make out the head and body right away. It was so still--it really was sleeping!!

***THIS is exactly what it looked like! It's a Google image I borrowed but I wanted a visual. Laying in this position, head to the right. Same head shape I remember, too!!***



So she jostled me around a little and sure enough, it started wiggling around and moving its head!! I'm pretty sure I could make out its eye sockets! It was my first ultrasound and totally amazing. It looked just like the Babystrology picture in the sidebar!

She did see the heartbeat and we watched it move for a moment. Since I'd just emptied my bladder, there wasn't much to see but she said everything looked great!!

My next appointment is for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, then the ultrasound is the Monday before Christmas!

Having miscarried just 6 months ago, I can honestly say that this pregnancy had a very surreal quality to it up until today and having seen our baby was so reassuring and made me feel so good, to connect with that little person in there! I hadn't realized how much I was sort of "holding my breath" to make sure everything was OK before getting excited about this baby. Now I can look forward to the next milestones and the holidays approaching, knowing there's a bona fide baby growing in there and it's not just gas! :)

I am so grateful for all of you who have been praying and asking about the pregnancy. I feel so blessed that this baby is healthy and well--and Mama, too!!

In other news, some of you may not know that at my annual exam, my doc found a spot on one of my breasts. I had a sonogram done and it was nothing, BUT they found a different spot. That spot is probably nothing but because of my family history, they wanted to be sure.

I'm seeing a highly recommended surgeon on Thursday who is going to give me a second opinion and advise me on what to do and whether a biopsy is required. The other issue is that Andrew isn't completely weaned yet, and they can't do a biopsy until he is. So pray for wisdom for the doctor (Dr. Donoghue) and that we can continue (and bring to an END) the weaning process quickly, and with as little drama (and trauma!) as possible.

Will keep you posted!!

Thanks again for your prayers! Thank you, Lord!!