Friday, August 28, 2009

39 Weeks

But who's counting?

I had my appt with Dr. Delightful today. I had to have my 38 week visit with a midwife last week, so it was great to see him again. I ran down my list of questions and then he took measurements, listened to her heartbeat and did a pelvic exam. I am currently 1 cm dilated, and 25-30% effaced with a soft cervix. Not too bad. At least there is some progress. (By the way, have any of you had spotting after a pelvic in late pregnancy (or anytime in pregnancy for that matter)? I think it is pretty common, but bleeding of any kind I don't really care for.)

I had spoken to him previously about not wanting to go past my due date. I have a few reasons why. First, my blood pressure has been slowly creeping up in the last week or two. I test my urine everyday and there have been no proteins present, so that is good. And I have had no other signs of pre-eclampsia (headaches, swelling, etc.). I think it is the pregnancy slowly taking a toll on my body. My numbers aren't that bad, just different than they usually are. Because of this, he ordered some blood work for me today. If that comes back fine, he isn't very concerned unless my BPs shoot off the charts, then they would just deliver.

The other reason I don't want to go past is my concerns of a baby too big to fit through my pelvis. I am pretty petite and I don't want to try to deliver a baby that has grown past due and experience complications because of that.

But my main reason is the anxiety going beyond would bring me. We. have. come. so. far. I don't want to push it. I figure, we needed all sorts of medical intervention to get her in there, why not use some medical intervention to get her out. :)

Luckily, today the doctor agreed and we scheduled an induction for next Friday, September 4, my due date. As an added bonus, my doctor will be on call in labor and delivery that day. He picked it because of that. At my hospital, when it comes to doctors, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit" (also the mantra in my classroom with first graders). I feel very lucky that he might be able to deliver me. It was also reassuring to know that he scheduled me on a day he knew he'd be there. I must not be that annoying to him. :)

So, there you have it. If I don't go into labor on my own (and my BP doesn't become a bitch), next Friday will be the big day.

The countdown is on.

Seven more days.

I can't believe it.

38 weeks

39 weeks

7 comments:

Carrie said...

You are SO close! I cannot believe it- seven nighttime sleeps as my daughter would say.

I induced myself using large amounts of caster oil, and then they gave me pitocin. It was not that bad, but I did have an epidural.

The spotting, I can't relate to but I have friends who spotted as they dilated. Quite common, I think.

Your belly is gorgeous and I cannot wait to see the angel who emerges from it. I bet you are so excited to meet her! :)

Mandy said...

I can't believe it! IF mine hadn't come early we'd be in this together. I don't know what would be worse-not know when or knowing exactly when!

Sooo exciting!

Double and triple check your bag for comfort items, comfy clothes and snacks! Don't forget the hair tie/bandana, chapstick and gum/mints! OR THE CAMERA cause you know we'll hound you for pics!

You look wonderful but I can't begin to contemplate your anxiety! I hope you're ready mama!

Lost in Space said...

Wow, so the real countdown begins...your last full Friday with your little girl tucked inside. Enjoy your last days. You look beautiful!

Paula Keller said...

Amazing!

I've been doing an Author Study on Kevin Henkes, and thought of you.

Ashley said...

I'm sooooo excited for you!! It's sooo close. I'm so happy that you will soon be holding your baby girl in your arms. Can't wait to see her cute face;) By the way that is my classroom mantra too;)

Melissa Griffin said...

Ohh I am soo excited for you!!! I cant believe its already here ha? We cant wait to meet your beautiful baby!!!

Melody said...

OH! Just a few more days and you will be a mommy! I'm so excited for you! She's really growing!