Progress Check Update

Posted on June 19, 2014 by playinghousewi

All of my bouncing and squatting and stressing don’t seem to be working. I’m pretty much the same as I was last week… the new stats:

Dilation: 1/2-1 cm (doc “did me the favor” of poking her finger all the way through the cervix, which technically makes me 1 cm, but not really. This is pretty much where I was before, although my doc didn’t poke through last time. She said that sometimes just “getting a finger in there” helps to get things moving. We’ll see. The thing I know for sure is that it wasn’t comfortable.)

Effacement: 70-80% (so, this is a little higher, but doesn’t really get me too jazzed)

Position: -3… AGAIN! (this is what totally makes me growl. I know, I know… the mantra. She’ll come when she’s ready. But can’t she just give me a little peace of mind by coming down a smidge?)

Weight: 1 lb gain. (I’ve stopped stressing about this. At this point, I’m so f’ing giant it’s not even worth the worry. What’s another pound?)

So, the gist of the visit is that I will likely be taking at minimum the full 40 weeks and up to 42 weeks. My doc, who originally said she’d let me go 10 days past my due date, is now saying she’ll let me go to the full 42 weeks, which brings us to July 11th. That seems like an eternity. But really, it’s not that I feel like I need her to come today or even next week, I just want to feel like we’re making progress. But apparently, she’s not ready… so, we’ll wait. Patiently… ish.

Obviously by the tone of my post, you can tell that my mantra didn’t really work. I can’t help but feel disappointed. I was definitely feeling worse right after my appointment than I am right now. I’m still a week out from my due date, so there’s still time. And ultimately, there is nothing I can do but, well, nothing.

The one little predicament is that my doctor is 90% sure she’s head down, but because of the baby’s very high position, she can’t be 100% sure (because she can’t get a good feel of the baby). She’s given us the option of getting an ultrasound because if the baby is breech, I’ll have to have a c-section. Last night, I had a dream that all of a sudden, I felt her head on top and in unison, the few people around me said, “<GASP> You need a c-section!!” This makes me want to get the ultrasound, but really, it doesn’t feel like she’s head up. I swear I feel kicks and knees and butt on top. So, I think we’ll end up skipping it.

Anyway, I guess it’s time to relax and enjoy my quiet time because once she comes, I’m sure it will be a thing of the past.

I Sweat, I Bled & I Dilated… A Little

Posted on June 5, 2014 by playinghousewi

Today was my 37-Week Appointment with the doc. At my last appointment, I was feeling a little discouraged because while I had effaced a bit (50%), the baby was positioned pretty high (-4 position) and my cervix was closed for business.

Since then, I’ve been bouncing and rocking on my ball, walking, and doing everything else I could to keep things moving.

Anyway, almost instantly upon entering the exam room, I got one of the delightful hot flashes I’ve been battling these days. I’m talking full on sweat. By the time the doc came in and listened to the heartbeat, my face was literally sweaty. Thankfully, my amazing husband grabbed a pamphlet about god knows what off the wall and started fanning my face. Umm… can we say already an amazing birth partner? That fan literally saved me from a VERY uncomfortable experience.

After the doc listened to the heartbeat, it was time for her to get up in there. I’m not going to lie, it took my words away. My nervous chatter turned to silent wincing. It wasn’t terrible, just not comfortable. BUT, totally worth it for the update I received. Once she removed her bloody… yes, bloody… fingers from my lady parts, she informed me that I had progressed! Not a ton, but any progress is great news in my book. I am now 60% effaced and 1/2 a centimeter dilated! She said she could have probably gotten the finger in there to make it 1 cm, but I wouldn’t have enjoyed it… so 1/2 it is! AND, our little babes has moved down a bit and is now at the -3 position. Still a ways to go, but I’m just over the moon that we’re making progress. I feel a resurgence of confidence in my body.

On a sillier note, my doc came in saying, “I had a dream about you last night!” She continued to explain her dream…

You came into the hospital thinking you were in labor. I checked you and it appeared as if you were. I had to finish something, so I left your room for a little and when I got back, you were gone. The nurse said that there was a new hospital policy that required patients to labor in one room and deliver in the OR. So, I went searching for this OR, but could not find it. Finally, I found it (and you) and you had delivered your baby. You were totally pissed at me for missing your delivery, but I was really happy that it went so quickly for you and was so easy. It meant things went according to your birth plan. Then I think my cat must have woken me up.

Honestly, I REALLY liked the fact that I had gotten into my doctor’s head so much and that she is concerned about giving me the delivery experience we are hoping for. Makes me feel like she actually cares and that it is somewhat of a priority to her. SO, all in all, today was a great appointment. I feel like progress was made in all areas… with my body, the baby, and my doctor.

Symptoms

Holy swelling. I gained 3 lbs this week, which my doc is pretty sure is directly related to the swelling… and of course our sweet girl beefing up. But really, my hands and feet are pretty damn thick and my ankles are starting to really look like cankles. Sexy momma over here.

But, besides the recent thickening, I really feel great. The hubs has been amazing and I’m feeling good and happy. Definitely pretty damn tired, but I think that’s just the way it is now. It really does go in waves. From about 2-6p, I’ve been feeling pretty zombie-like. Before and after that point, it’s more manageable.

And as for my back, it’s been SO great! I think I’m going to make an appointment to see the chiropractor just to proactively address any back issues, but really, I feel good.

My 36-Week Internal Exam & a Lot of Catch Up

Posted on May 29, 2014 by playinghousewi

Today was my 36-week appointment, which meant the drawers were dropped and I was assaulted. At this point, my cervix isn’t dilated a bit, but is thinning. Also, our sweet little girl is still very high. Obviously, I’m not over-the-moon about that part. What’s she doing way up there? It’s time to come down and “engage” as they say.

I’ve decided to help her make her way down, I will be adding in a few practices into my daily routine…

1) Walks – Maybe a quick, 30-minute walk will help. I feel like I could pretty easily add this into my morning or evening… or even a mid-day walk over lunch?

2) Sitting/Bouncing/Rocking/Squatting on my exercise/birthing ball. This is supposed to help loosen up the hips/pelvis and permit baby a bit more room to squeeze on down.

3) Squats – I feel like I do a lot of squats… at least on my workout days… but I think it’s time to maybe add in 20 in the am and 20 in the pm, just for good measure.

4) Pelvic Tilts – I do these sometimes… but not regularly and not enough. It’s simple, get on all fours and move the pelvis forward, into neutral, then back.

5) To my momma/momma-in-laws… please skip this one. That thing that got me pregnant in the first place. Supposedly this helps her get into position? Whatever. I won’t question it. I’m always happy to give love making some purpose other than the obvious.

Other than that, I had to get my Strep B test. That wasn’t too pleasant either. A nice swab to the Va-hoo-hoo and the butt. Lovely. I’m hoping and praying this comes back negative. I really do not want to be a) hooked to an IV during labor or b) on antibiotics.

In the weight department, I LOST .6 LBS! Such joy. I should also mention that last appointment, I had gained 5 lbs in 2 weeks. So a .6 lb loss was only fair.

In other news, here are some photos I’ve been hoarding.

This weekend, I went to my little friend Erica’s Wine Bottling Party. How cute is she? Also, why is my face so puffy? I should probably make sure she gains 30 lbs before we take another photo together.

I officially took my rings off (just to be safe) and replaced them with this GAUDY (fake) rock. I’m already regretting buying such a huge ring. It kind of… attracts attention. It’s created quite a few blushing/sweaty moments explaining that it’s fake and my fingers are just a little fat for my real ring.

Thoughts on this diaper bag? I bought it at Nordstrom Rack and think I really like it. Decisions…

Baby/Puppy Baby/Mommy snuggles. Best thing ever.

He’s so cute.

Mom/Dad/Pup hammock snuggles. My favorite activity ever.

My boys.

Silly face.

The hubs setting up show in the dining room. Toby trying to make work a little less painful.

The hubs setting up shop in the dining room. Toby trying to make work a little less painful.

The boys snoozing.

I've started filling the frames for the nursery gallery wall with DIY creations. Thought this turned out well. Just hearts cut out of scrap book paper.

I’ve started filling the frames for the nursery gallery wall with DIY creations. Thought this one turned out well. Just hearts cut out of scrap book paper.