38w3d - Doc's Appt

Yet another doctor's appointment! This time I'm 3cm and 80% effaced. Still hasn't dropped any more, but that part can easily happen in labor. I'm still having the contractions, but they aren't very strong or painful, and they definitely aren't very often. In fact, last night, I got a really good stretch of sleep between 1am and 5am and the contractions didn't even phase me.

We toured a daycare this morning and we both really liked it a lot, so I think this may be the one. It was a daycare center, but it was smaller. So I feel like he will get a lot of one-on-one attention with the security of other teachers available.

In the meantime, I've just been trying to keep the house clean, clothing laundered, and making extra meals for after the birth. I think Buddy is getting excited, too! I'll keep everyone updated on my progress throughout the weekend (although my doctor has banned me from going into labor then since he isn't on call this weekend...haha).

38w2d - 1 year anniversary

Today is the 1 year anniversary of my mom's death. It's been a long, difficult year, but I also look back at all the wonderful and exciting things that have happened, which of course makes being without my mom that much more difficult as well. I wish I could go to the cemetery today, but with work and it getting dark early, it wasn't possible. If I haven't had the baby by this weekend, I'll try and go then. Regardless, I still miss her a lot and wish she could be here with me as I have this baby. I know she would have been a great grandma and I know she will be watching from heaven as I give birth and we raise Noah. Luckily I have lots of good family and friends!!!!

In baby news, I have starting contractions...and not just braxton hicks contractions, ones that actually feel like cramps. Sadly they come and go and the closest they ever get to each other is about an hour apart so no real labor yet. From what I understand, I can go for weeks like this or I could give birth tonight, so no real indication of when things will get moving. For now, I'll just try to rest and relax and wait until we get to meet our sweet baby boy!!!

37w3d - 37 week Doc Appt

Well I'm now a "good" 2 cm and 80% effaced. My bp, his heartbeat, and everything else is good, nothing to worry about there. Although I don't feel like he's dropped or engaged at all, the doctor seems to think there is more resistance when he pushes on him, so he thinks there is progress in that area. He also seems to think I should contracting more regularly soon and I'll have this baby sooner than later, but no guarantees about when. For now, we just take it 1 day at a time!!!

I definitely am going to make sure I have everything together since it feels like it could be anytime now. I'll keep everyone posted....otherwise, another doc's appointment next Wed.

36w4d - 36 week Doc's appointment

The test results from my GBS test came back negative!!! WOO HOO!!!  I think that was really worrying me because if it came back positive then they would recommend antibiotics during labor which means being hooked up to an IV and taking drugs.  There are alternatives to the antibiotics but I am so glad that I just don't have to deal with this at all now.

 

I gained 2 pounds which I think puts me at about +15 pounds for the whole pregnancy.  I'm pretty pleased with myself, although I still have 3.5 weeks to go.  For all those women who gained like 70 pounds in their pregnancies, I'm pretty sure you didn't start off as high as me, so you shouldn't be worried either.  Even after I lose the pregnancy weight, I need to get back to exercising and lose about another 50 pounds on top of that. 

 

My blood pressure was slightly elevated this time, which is strange since it has been so normal all along.  I somewhat attribute this to being worried about the GBS test and just being overly anxious about everything.  I'm going to keep an eye on it at home.  Also, the nurse who took my BP this time was different than the normal nurse and she did it really quick, so maybe she didn't get an exact reading.  Everything else at the appointment went fine and nothing else to really worry about - just wait now.

 

Noah's bag is packed and ready to go.  Mine is somewhat packed, although I will have several last minute things to get together when the time comes.  I would like to get the house more cleaned up and organized as well as make some freezer meals, so I definitely have enough stuff to occupy my time before he arrives.  Otherwise, we are ready to go! 

 

Tonight is our last Bradley class.  It is bittersweet because I loved going to the class and learning about everything and it will be sad not to go anymore, but on the flipside, it means the baby will be here soon!!!!  My next doc's appointment is next Wednesday.  I will update again then or sooner if something happens!

35w3d - Doc's Appointment

So I had my first internal exam today. I was 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced. He also did the Group B strep test. I should find out the results. If it is positive, they will recommend antibiotics during labor. The rest of my appointment went well. His heartbeat is still strong, fundal height is measuring about 36 weeks, my blood pressure is good, and I lost a pound. Now I start going to my appointments weekly until the baby is born.

In other news, I've been suffering from a stupid head cold. I am starting to feel better but pregnancy is much better when you aren't sick at the same time. I think I've been feeling a few Braxton Hicks contractions, but I can't tell for sure. They aren't painful though. I'll keep everyone posted on mine and Noah's progress.

35w5d - Turtles!!!!

Here's a gift that Beth received from one of her online forums. Look at the turtles!!!!