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!!

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 update

I had my first OB appointment yesterday with a new doctor that came recommended from a friend. The office was in a...how do you say...SEEDY part of town?? But, they are moving to the offices across from Banner Estrella hospital (which is where I'd be giving birth). That's only about 5 miles from home, so that's doable.

The office itself left a lot to be desired and it was definitely busy. I was left in the exam room wearing nothing but the paper stuff for almost 45 minutes! Not fun, especially when you're already nervous! But I did like Dr. LaBranche and I'm glad she's a WOMAN! She seems very down-to-earth, knowledgeable and has a good sense of humor. Plus, she's a Christian! She attend North Phoenix Baptist! So that's a bonus.

I didn't get to ask all of my questions but I'll be going back in a month when I'll be at about 11 weeks so I hope to "interview" her a bit better then. I know I can birth naturally so I'm not really worried, as long as she respects my wishes and we communicate well.

My uterus measured at right around 8 weeks, which is just right. She found a cyst in my left breast so I'm getting a sonogram on that. Beyond that, there weren't any concerns. I get a blood test this week, too.

So far, I haven't had any cramping or bleeding. This Friday will mark when the miscarriage was complete last time, so getting over that "milestone" will be reassuring!!

She talked to me about supplements, nutrition, additional tests, etc. and I turned down extra tests and an early ultrasound. We talked about my due date and since I know when I conceived, it's pretty accurate, despite my longer cycles.

So...it went fine and I plan to stick with her, barring any red flags the next time I'm there. I know what I want and what I have to do (regarding pregnancy and birth) and I know Drew will be my best support so beyond that, I just need to know that she won't work against me during the actual labor/birth. I think we'll be fine.

I'm asking everyone to continue to pray for the health of the baby (and me). I feel mildly nauseated basically all the time, but it does come in waves. I feel fine sometimes, too! Food and I have a love-hate relationship. I am tired and fatigued a lot. But it's all worth it and I know the second trimester will bring relief!!

And as a P.S., we are investigating the total cost of the pre-natal care and birth (our insurance pays 80% of the bill)...and there's a chance paying a midwife would be cheaper, so that may still be an option, and one I'm open to. In fact, I'd love to go back to my midwife and try another homebirth. But, it's a complicated decision, financially and otherwise...so pray for wisdom!!