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Monday, October 29
37 Weeks and Full Term!
Had my weekly appointment this morning. Matt was able to go as well since it was in the morning. I still weigh 136 (haven't gained any the past 2 weeks) but she said this was fine cause I'm smaller and my total weight gain is still pretty good (22 pounds). I measured 35cm (down one from last week) but the midwife said this could be due to the baby coming down lower in my pelvis - so that would be a good thing.
We talked about my itchy stretch marks. They are SOOO incredibly itchy - I literally could not get to sleep last night for a long time because they itched so bad. She said there's unfortunately not a lot you can do for that. She suggested using Aveeno lotion that has oatmeal in it. She also said I could rub a little hydrocortisone cream on there as well if I needed to.
I am full term now (although my due date isn't for another 3 weeks) so I can go anytime and it will be fine. We talked some about things you can try to help soften the cervix and release the hormone that supposedly helps to bring on labor. She said that taking evening primrose oil has really helped a lot of women and also rasberry tea leaf (helps to get some contractions going). So I can start trying both of those.
I asked about whether they do vaginal exams and she said they don't really unless there's a need because there is no way to indicate how far away labor is from that. She said some women can be 3-4 cm for several weeks and others who aren't dilated at all can literally go the next day. So there's really no need to do them. At 39 weeks (2 weeks from now), she said that they can start doing membrane checks. Basically what they do is stick their finger up inside the cervix and rub around underneath the amniotic sac which will help to also soften the cervix and help with bringing on more contractions. They don't let anyone go beyond 2 weeks past their due date.
Once I turn 40 weeks, they will have me come in twice a week to see the midwife and also to have a non-stress test and ultrasound to make sure amniotic fluid level is good and baby is in no distress.
The baby's head is still in place well - right down in the center of my pelvis. I'll be having an ultrasound this Friday - they want to check the baby's actual position, amniotic fluid levels, and fetal growth. Matt is taking the day off on Friday so he will be able to go too.
Well - I think that's about it - enough for one appointment, right?!
We talked about my itchy stretch marks. They are SOOO incredibly itchy - I literally could not get to sleep last night for a long time because they itched so bad. She said there's unfortunately not a lot you can do for that. She suggested using Aveeno lotion that has oatmeal in it. She also said I could rub a little hydrocortisone cream on there as well if I needed to.
I am full term now (although my due date isn't for another 3 weeks) so I can go anytime and it will be fine. We talked some about things you can try to help soften the cervix and release the hormone that supposedly helps to bring on labor. She said that taking evening primrose oil has really helped a lot of women and also rasberry tea leaf (helps to get some contractions going). So I can start trying both of those.
I asked about whether they do vaginal exams and she said they don't really unless there's a need because there is no way to indicate how far away labor is from that. She said some women can be 3-4 cm for several weeks and others who aren't dilated at all can literally go the next day. So there's really no need to do them. At 39 weeks (2 weeks from now), she said that they can start doing membrane checks. Basically what they do is stick their finger up inside the cervix and rub around underneath the amniotic sac which will help to also soften the cervix and help with bringing on more contractions. They don't let anyone go beyond 2 weeks past their due date.
Once I turn 40 weeks, they will have me come in twice a week to see the midwife and also to have a non-stress test and ultrasound to make sure amniotic fluid level is good and baby is in no distress.
The baby's head is still in place well - right down in the center of my pelvis. I'll be having an ultrasound this Friday - they want to check the baby's actual position, amniotic fluid levels, and fetal growth. Matt is taking the day off on Friday so he will be able to go too.
Well - I think that's about it - enough for one appointment, right?!
Tuesday, October 23
Time is slowing...
Time just seems to be dragging now but the end is in sight - 25 more days to go! Went to see the midwife again yesterday. Everything was great. I weighed in at 136 (same as last week so no weight gain) and measured 35cm (1 week less but that's normal). Baby's heartbeat sounded good and steady. My Strep B test they did last week came back negative so I don't need to have antibiotics during labor/delivery. Besides that, nothing new. I go back again next Monday. Hopefully only 3 more appointments would be nice! Let's hope she's on time or a little early!
Last week we had our last childbirth class and got our certificate of completion - yeah for us! Apparently we are officially ready for childbirth now - guess we'll see! We also took a tour of the birth center at the hospital. It is really nice and the rooms are great - all private. I get room service with whatever I want to eat off the menu 24 hours a day - yeah! I'm also the geek who asked if there was wireless internet available in the rooms. There is so that means Matt can bring the laptop and hopefully post a few pics and news of her birth! Her picture will also be posted on the hospital's website: http://www.ohlooknps.com/vbh/.
All I can say is I am ready to have her! Ready to get rid of all the aches and pains in my hips/lower back. Ready to get rid of my heartburn. And most importantly, ready to see her and hold her! She's been so active and her movements at times are REALLY noticeable. You should see my belly jumping out and her contourting it in all these weird positions! It's SO crazy to really think that there is a real baby living inside there!
Last week we had our last childbirth class and got our certificate of completion - yeah for us! Apparently we are officially ready for childbirth now - guess we'll see! We also took a tour of the birth center at the hospital. It is really nice and the rooms are great - all private. I get room service with whatever I want to eat off the menu 24 hours a day - yeah! I'm also the geek who asked if there was wireless internet available in the rooms. There is so that means Matt can bring the laptop and hopefully post a few pics and news of her birth! Her picture will also be posted on the hospital's website: http://www.ohlooknps.com/vbh/.
All I can say is I am ready to have her! Ready to get rid of all the aches and pains in my hips/lower back. Ready to get rid of my heartburn. And most importantly, ready to see her and hold her! She's been so active and her movements at times are REALLY noticeable. You should see my belly jumping out and her contourting it in all these weird positions! It's SO crazy to really think that there is a real baby living inside there!
Monday, October 15
35 Weeks and Car Seat
Update from my appointment today: I gained 2 pounds this week (up to 136) and I measured right on my week (35cm). I had the Strep B test done today and will have the results of that next week at my visit. Nancy, the midwife, said that the baby is head down right in my pelvis where she should be. She also said that the baby weighs about 6 pounds right now and she expects I will probably have about a 7.5 pound baby. We also talked a little more about what I am planning to do in regards to pain medication/epidural and whether I am planning to breastfeed. I am planning on having an epidural but don't want to have it done too early if possible so as to not slow the labor down and so I can be able to get up, walk around, get in the tub, etc. as long as possible. So my goal is to probably have it done around 5-6cm. That is all subject to change though seeing as I have never done this before and don't know what it will feel like! And I've decided to attempt breastfeeding and see how that goes as well.
We got the car seat installed this weekend at the fire station. It makes us realize the time is drawing near now when we see the car seat back there! Only 5 more weeks to go!! Here are some pics of our baby girl's room (my sister made the canvas paintings hanging above the dresser!) The bigger canvas painting has Isaiah 43:1 on it - I have called you by name; you are mine!
Tuesday, October 9
34 Weeks
Had another appointment yesterday with the midwife. I am SO glad that I had to by accident see a midwife last time because I absolutely love seeing them! I have definitely decided to switch over to them so they will be delivering our baby. I talked with her this week about the differences between midwives/doctors, what if there is complications they can’t handle, need a c-section, etc. She was very informative and said they work closely with the doctors in the practice so if there is anything that goes wrong they are always right there on call (which hopefully nothing will!). She was very reassuring and willing to take the time to talk with me. The midwives are also there during your labor as well as delivery, not just like a doctor who will come in at the last minute to deliver your baby. She said that they are there for you and will do whatever they can to help you through everything – rub your back, help you get in the whirpool, etc. So that will be wonderful to have that extra support – after all I am paying them a bunch of money so they should! J They are totally neutral on epidurals too – she said that they support whatever the woman feels is best and what they want – they’re not all like “oh you need to try to do it natural.” Matt and I just feel really good about them. There are 3 of them that rotate on call – Nancy, Mary, and Tamra. Mary is newer to the practice and young but she is absolutely fabulous. I will see Nancy next time.
The appointment went well. I made up for the 2 pounds I didn’t gain last time – I gained 4 pounds the past two weeks so I know weigh a whopping 134 (total gain of 20 pounds). My uterus is growing well too – measured 33cm this week – so only one week off my actual time (34). Mary said that I am definitely just having a smaller baby which will have part to do with that – and that on both ultrasounds the baby was on the 22nd percentile – so smaller but she said still completely healthy and fine. She felt around to see what position the baby was in again – man, does that feel uncomfortable! Her head is down but is off to my right side/pelvis area. So she still needs to move around and have her head in the center but she has a little time to do so. I start going every week now – so another appointment next Monday (it’s getting much closer!).
On a side note, sleeping through the night is now a distant memory for awhile I guess! There’s always something that keeps waking me up in the nights – and that then usually wakes Matt up too. We decided that it must be getting us ready for having the baby and not getting straight through sleep!
The appointment went well. I made up for the 2 pounds I didn’t gain last time – I gained 4 pounds the past two weeks so I know weigh a whopping 134 (total gain of 20 pounds). My uterus is growing well too – measured 33cm this week – so only one week off my actual time (34). Mary said that I am definitely just having a smaller baby which will have part to do with that – and that on both ultrasounds the baby was on the 22nd percentile – so smaller but she said still completely healthy and fine. She felt around to see what position the baby was in again – man, does that feel uncomfortable! Her head is down but is off to my right side/pelvis area. So she still needs to move around and have her head in the center but she has a little time to do so. I start going every week now – so another appointment next Monday (it’s getting much closer!).
On a side note, sleeping through the night is now a distant memory for awhile I guess! There’s always something that keeps waking me up in the nights – and that then usually wakes Matt up too. We decided that it must be getting us ready for having the baby and not getting straight through sleep!
Monday, October 8
My Prayer
This past weekend my friends from college had a baby shower for me here in town. It was wonderful to have everyone together and of course for Tara to be in town. I had a great time and got good stuff for the baby! My friends took pictures so once I get those I will post some from the shower.
One of the gifts that I got though from Tara was a cd called "Sing Over Me: Worship Songs and Lullabies." Most of the songs are worship songs you have probably heard but in a lullaby form/sound. It is just SO beautiful and peaceful to listen to. You should definitely check it out. One of the songs I had never heard on it was called "Hold on to Jesus." What a beautiful sweet song - it makes me want to cry listening to it because it is our desire for our little baby girl. There is nothing more I could ask for then for our little girl to love God and want to hold on to Him through the good and bad times. There will be hard times for her because of the fallen world we live in and I can't protect her from those, but God can ALWAYS be there and help her through. I pray for our baby girl every morning on my way to work and this has become part of my prayer. I'm posting the lyrics to the song but you should listen to it if you get a chance! Thank you to everyone who already remembers our little girl in your prayers - that's the most important thing you can do! I'll post again later because I go for another check-up today with the midwife. Here's the lyrics:
You’re a little piece of heaven
You’re a golden ray of light
And I wish I could protect you
From the worries of this life
But if there’s one thing I could tell you
It’s no matter what you do
Hold to Jesus He’s holding on to you
The world will try to tell you
That might is more than right
That beauty’s on the outside
And being good’s a losing fight
But remember what I’ve told you
Because the world will make you choose
Hold to Jesus He’s holding on to you
Hold on to Jesus
Cling to His love
Rest deep in His mercy
Whenever things get rough
Don’t lose sight of His goodness
And don’t ever doubt this truth
That when you hold on to Jesus
He’s holding on to you
Hear me dear Jesus
Rock this little one to sleep
Keep her close when she’s scared
And give her grace when she is weak
I know she’ll stumble
But I know she’ll make it through
If You hold to her just like You said You’d do
Hold her, Jesus
So she’ll hold on tight to You
One of the gifts that I got though from Tara was a cd called "Sing Over Me: Worship Songs and Lullabies." Most of the songs are worship songs you have probably heard but in a lullaby form/sound. It is just SO beautiful and peaceful to listen to. You should definitely check it out. One of the songs I had never heard on it was called "Hold on to Jesus." What a beautiful sweet song - it makes me want to cry listening to it because it is our desire for our little baby girl. There is nothing more I could ask for then for our little girl to love God and want to hold on to Him through the good and bad times. There will be hard times for her because of the fallen world we live in and I can't protect her from those, but God can ALWAYS be there and help her through. I pray for our baby girl every morning on my way to work and this has become part of my prayer. I'm posting the lyrics to the song but you should listen to it if you get a chance! Thank you to everyone who already remembers our little girl in your prayers - that's the most important thing you can do! I'll post again later because I go for another check-up today with the midwife. Here's the lyrics:
You’re a little piece of heaven
You’re a golden ray of light
And I wish I could protect you
From the worries of this life
But if there’s one thing I could tell you
It’s no matter what you do
Hold to Jesus He’s holding on to you
The world will try to tell you
That might is more than right
That beauty’s on the outside
And being good’s a losing fight
But remember what I’ve told you
Because the world will make you choose
Hold to Jesus He’s holding on to you
Hold on to Jesus
Cling to His love
Rest deep in His mercy
Whenever things get rough
Don’t lose sight of His goodness
And don’t ever doubt this truth
That when you hold on to Jesus
He’s holding on to you
Hear me dear Jesus
Rock this little one to sleep
Keep her close when she’s scared
And give her grace when she is weak
I know she’ll stumble
But I know she’ll make it through
If You hold to her just like You said You’d do
Hold her, Jesus
So she’ll hold on tight to You
Thursday, October 4
Heartburn, Backaches, and Class
So my life now consists of a lot of heartburn, backaches, and hip pain. Sounds like fun, huh? The growing belly is definitely affecting my body now. Sleeping isn't too bad except for the nights when I have heartburn - the reflux is awful and keeps me awake. My back and hips by the end of the day are hurting because of sitting at my desk. I believe I'm putting on a little more weight again though unlike the previous 2 weeks where I didn't gain any. I will find out more at my appointment on Monday.
We have finally finished up the nursery (well, almost). The only thing left I want to do is to buy wall letters for her name to hang up. I'll take pictures soon to be able to post of how everything looks. I just love our bedding set and I am glad we decided to do the "girly" option!
We had childbirth class again last night. We reviewed everything we had talked about so far and the stages of labor. Then she talked about your water breaking - how it can happen, what they do if they need to break it. Watched 4 more live births - AAHH! :) The video was discussing the different types of birth - natural, epidural, c-section, twins, etc. Then we did breathing exercises and talked a little bit about epidurals. Next week is when we will really get in to that discussion and she will talk about the pros/cons of epidurals. It kind of stinks that you can't get out of bed and move around if you have an epidural, but I think the benefits of pain relief will definitely outweigh that factor.
On a side note, my sister had two embryos implanted in her uterus yesterday for the IVF process. Be in prayer for her and that at least one of these embryos will hang on and attach to the uterus! I would LOVE to have another niece or nephew! Results will be in two weeks.
Our baby girl is moving around a lot still and we're just so excited for her to get here. I can't wait to see what she looks like and hold her. It seems like the next 6 1/2 weeks are going to go by slowly!
We have finally finished up the nursery (well, almost). The only thing left I want to do is to buy wall letters for her name to hang up. I'll take pictures soon to be able to post of how everything looks. I just love our bedding set and I am glad we decided to do the "girly" option!
We had childbirth class again last night. We reviewed everything we had talked about so far and the stages of labor. Then she talked about your water breaking - how it can happen, what they do if they need to break it. Watched 4 more live births - AAHH! :) The video was discussing the different types of birth - natural, epidural, c-section, twins, etc. Then we did breathing exercises and talked a little bit about epidurals. Next week is when we will really get in to that discussion and she will talk about the pros/cons of epidurals. It kind of stinks that you can't get out of bed and move around if you have an epidural, but I think the benefits of pain relief will definitely outweigh that factor.
On a side note, my sister had two embryos implanted in her uterus yesterday for the IVF process. Be in prayer for her and that at least one of these embryos will hang on and attach to the uterus! I would LOVE to have another niece or nephew! Results will be in two weeks.
Our baby girl is moving around a lot still and we're just so excited for her to get here. I can't wait to see what she looks like and hold her. It seems like the next 6 1/2 weeks are going to go by slowly!
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