That's right...almost 41 weeks pregnant and ONE more doctor's appointment to finally decide on when Little A would be born.
Of course I made my appointment for the morning, I do not like waiting until the end of the day for such special news. My nurse Tanya called my name and of course she is just as surprised as the rest of us that this little one hasn't arrived. We went through our routine: weight, blood pressure, urine, heart rate...etc. Once she and I were in the exam room we started talking about how much I really do not want Pitocin, but more how I did not want to have a c-section. Of course I got teary-eyed talking about the possibility of having surgery. I know many women have them everyday, but I did not want to add that to my list of accomplishments. She reassured me no matter what happens, everything will be ok.
Dr. V came into the room shortly after speaking to Tanya in the hallway. I overheard her telling him about my fears. They came into the room and immediately listened to Little A's heartbeat. Dr. V usually just estimates how fast his heart rate is, but today he took out his cell phone to time it...because it was not as fast as normal. Phew! Little A was still beating around 120 bpm, so everything was good.
The next step of my exam...checking for cervical dilation and effacement. As I'm laying there, all I could think of was please, please let my body show some signs that we are ready to deliver this little miracle. Sadly, there hadn't been much change since last week! Really?!?!
NOW WHAT???
Dr. V told me to go ahead and get dressed and he'd be back in a minute after he gives the next steps some thought. Upon his return he had a plan - two more days! Two more days before he'd induce me. He was hopeful that checking me today would help. I guess we'll wait and see.
Tanya called the hospital to let them know I would arrive on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 7 AM to begin my induction.
Induction plan: Break my bag of waters (hopefully) and then Pitocin if needed.
I left the office knowing Little A would finally arrive in two days, really what was two more?
A Bright Star
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Since the Shock is Over
Yesterday I went to my 40-week appointment. The nurse went through her normal routine: urine check (good), blood pressure 115/72 (good) my heart rate 96 bpm (high - wow!), weight - I've lost 2 pounds (great).
Then into the exam room to get undressed from the waist down and wait for the doctor to come in for his portion of my check up. I laid down on my back, which is very uncomfortable, and he examined my belly feeling for Little A. He is still in place for delivery, yay! Dr. V measured my pregnant belly and instead of asking the size, I said, "So do you think he is still going to be 8 pounds?" His response, "How big was your largest baby?" Hmm...I thought, "She was 9 lbs. 10 oz, why?" "Well at least we know you can deliver a larger baby. I think this one may be closer to 9 lbs." That's what I figured! At least my IPs won't have a little bitty baby that they'll be scared of - I know when I had my first child at 9 lbs 6 oz, it was nice because I wasn't scared I'd break him!
He also checked Little A's heart beat and it was in the 150s - thumping right along.
The next part of the exam most women are anxious for and today was definitely one of those days. Since last week, there was not much "action" going on to help with labor and delivery I really had my fingers crossed that I'd be at least 3 cm dilated and the doctor would deliver good news, like having a baby by week's end.
Well the nurse came back in and he began the exam - it's not pleasant at all, but necessary...so he's poking around, checking to see if my cervix has effaced and dilated. "About 1.5 cm and still about the same for effacement." Nurse T knows what that means and she could see the disappointment in my face, boo! How frustrating!
I sat up and we discussed our options. Since I am not dilated to at least 3 or 4 cm, he wouldn't be able to break my bag of waters - this didn't leave any options. Wait...Wait...Wait...and Wait some more.
I have another appointment set for Tuesday, January 17 in the early morning and if I make it to that appointment that means we'll have to use medication or other methods to deliver Little A on Wednesday, January 18 (a week over).
I've never gone more than 4 days over due, so I am anxiously waiting the "sign" that I've had with my three children - the "show". I know it doesn't happen every time, but with me it does and within 24 hours I give birth. I say, "BRING IT ON!!!"
Of course as I'm walking to my car, all I could think of was my IPs and how long they've been waiting...and now it would be more waiting. I got into my car and started to cry...There's nothing I can do, but deliver them a healthy baby boy.
Little A it's time to come out and greet 2012 already!
Then into the exam room to get undressed from the waist down and wait for the doctor to come in for his portion of my check up. I laid down on my back, which is very uncomfortable, and he examined my belly feeling for Little A. He is still in place for delivery, yay! Dr. V measured my pregnant belly and instead of asking the size, I said, "So do you think he is still going to be 8 pounds?" His response, "How big was your largest baby?" Hmm...I thought, "She was 9 lbs. 10 oz, why?" "Well at least we know you can deliver a larger baby. I think this one may be closer to 9 lbs." That's what I figured! At least my IPs won't have a little bitty baby that they'll be scared of - I know when I had my first child at 9 lbs 6 oz, it was nice because I wasn't scared I'd break him!
He also checked Little A's heart beat and it was in the 150s - thumping right along.
The next part of the exam most women are anxious for and today was definitely one of those days. Since last week, there was not much "action" going on to help with labor and delivery I really had my fingers crossed that I'd be at least 3 cm dilated and the doctor would deliver good news, like having a baby by week's end.
Well the nurse came back in and he began the exam - it's not pleasant at all, but necessary...so he's poking around, checking to see if my cervix has effaced and dilated. "About 1.5 cm and still about the same for effacement." Nurse T knows what that means and she could see the disappointment in my face, boo! How frustrating!
I sat up and we discussed our options. Since I am not dilated to at least 3 or 4 cm, he wouldn't be able to break my bag of waters - this didn't leave any options. Wait...Wait...Wait...and Wait some more.
I have another appointment set for Tuesday, January 17 in the early morning and if I make it to that appointment that means we'll have to use medication or other methods to deliver Little A on Wednesday, January 18 (a week over).
I've never gone more than 4 days over due, so I am anxiously waiting the "sign" that I've had with my three children - the "show". I know it doesn't happen every time, but with me it does and within 24 hours I give birth. I say, "BRING IT ON!!!"
Of course as I'm walking to my car, all I could think of was my IPs and how long they've been waiting...and now it would be more waiting. I got into my car and started to cry...There's nothing I can do, but deliver them a healthy baby boy.
Little A it's time to come out and greet 2012 already!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
39 weeks + 3 days...
We are definitely approaching the due date now! Wow - I can't believe Little A is almost here. Well, actually I can but it really does not seem likes it has been nine months.
I've really been blessed during this pregnancy. Everything has gone the way it should, Little A has been healthy and so have I. Let's just pray the delivery is smooth too.
One of my IPs brought his mother to our home on Thursday evening. They brought me the most beautiful red roses. Grandma or "Grand-mere" speaks French only, so my IP had to do all the translating. It was a wonderful visit with them - many pictures of my protruding belly were taken.
Tonight my other IP arrives from France. I'm glad Little A is waiting for his arrival too!
I've really been blessed during this pregnancy. Everything has gone the way it should, Little A has been healthy and so have I. Let's just pray the delivery is smooth too.
One of my IPs brought his mother to our home on Thursday evening. They brought me the most beautiful red roses. Grandma or "Grand-mere" speaks French only, so my IP had to do all the translating. It was a wonderful visit with them - many pictures of my protruding belly were taken.
Tonight my other IP arrives from France. I'm glad Little A is waiting for his arrival too!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
After the 39 Week Doctor Appointment...
Feeling a little, um let's say, discouraged. *sigh*
I know it is not the due date today, but we are only a week away and the doctor said there has been progression since the last "check" at 36 weeks, but I am not really dilated. I am about 3/4 the way effaced - which is good, but also neither are perfect predictors of when I will deliver.
On the good side - everything still looks good. Heartbeat was about 140 today! I am measuring only 37 weeks, so according to the doctor is a good thing because that means he is engaging more into the pelvic region (hence all the pressure I am feeling).
My sister did remind me the other day that I typically go to my due date - actually OVER!!!
We will see...until week 40.
I know it is not the due date today, but we are only a week away and the doctor said there has been progression since the last "check" at 36 weeks, but I am not really dilated. I am about 3/4 the way effaced - which is good, but also neither are perfect predictors of when I will deliver.
On the good side - everything still looks good. Heartbeat was about 140 today! I am measuring only 37 weeks, so according to the doctor is a good thing because that means he is engaging more into the pelvic region (hence all the pressure I am feeling).
My sister did remind me the other day that I typically go to my due date - actually OVER!!!
We will see...until week 40.
38 weeks...
I cannot believe I forgot to update last Wednesday! Technically, today we are 39 weeks into this pregnancy and still have NO baby to show for it! Well we have a baby, but he's turned into a large watermelon!!!
Last week's appointment was boring - no cervix check, but that was because I was not feeling many contractions. What's a girl to do? Of course I've read about all the ways to induce labor and nothing is guaranteed so why put yourself through a drink of castor oil? Not me!
Besides, my intended parents were still in France so I definitley need to bake Little A until January 8th when they'll both be in the United States.
Little A's heartbeat was in the 130s. I am not sure what I was measuring, I didn't ask - I feel gigantice! Everything the nurse tested on me was fine; although my blood pressure seemed a little high for me: 129/77. No worries from the nurse or doctor though!
My doctor reminded me again of three things: Go to the hospital if my water breaks; if my contractions are close together (5 minutes); and go to the hospital if I am not feeling Little A move around.
Until next week, right?
Nope...so that night, after my appointment I became very ill. I believe I had food poisoning!!! A sudden onset of puking and y'know, the other! My thought while puking was, "I am going to puke so profusely that my water is going to break!" HA HA
Then on Thursday I couldn't eat or drink hardly anything. Three pieces of toast and a little bit of sprite got me through the day - and A LOT of sleeping. I had chills all day long too. I was definitely dehydrated, but tried to keep as much fluid going in me that was coming out.
By Friday, I was feeling better, but not 100% until Saturday. I never called my doctor - I thought if I would've continued to feel bad on Friday I would have, but things turned around. Besides who wants to be put on bed rest in a hospital? Not me!
I am back to work this week, teaching my high school kiddos. Many of them were excited to see me return yesterday, because they were unsure if I would be here or not. I plan to make it through Friday, but will not return on Monday, January 9.
Today is the 39 week appointment. Let's see if anything has progressed and what my doctor thinks will happen!
Here's to Little A's approaching arrival :)
Last week's appointment was boring - no cervix check, but that was because I was not feeling many contractions. What's a girl to do? Of course I've read about all the ways to induce labor and nothing is guaranteed so why put yourself through a drink of castor oil? Not me!
Besides, my intended parents were still in France so I definitley need to bake Little A until January 8th when they'll both be in the United States.
Little A's heartbeat was in the 130s. I am not sure what I was measuring, I didn't ask - I feel gigantice! Everything the nurse tested on me was fine; although my blood pressure seemed a little high for me: 129/77. No worries from the nurse or doctor though!
My doctor reminded me again of three things: Go to the hospital if my water breaks; if my contractions are close together (5 minutes); and go to the hospital if I am not feeling Little A move around.
Until next week, right?
Nope...so that night, after my appointment I became very ill. I believe I had food poisoning!!! A sudden onset of puking and y'know, the other! My thought while puking was, "I am going to puke so profusely that my water is going to break!" HA HA
Then on Thursday I couldn't eat or drink hardly anything. Three pieces of toast and a little bit of sprite got me through the day - and A LOT of sleeping. I had chills all day long too. I was definitely dehydrated, but tried to keep as much fluid going in me that was coming out.
By Friday, I was feeling better, but not 100% until Saturday. I never called my doctor - I thought if I would've continued to feel bad on Friday I would have, but things turned around. Besides who wants to be put on bed rest in a hospital? Not me!
I am back to work this week, teaching my high school kiddos. Many of them were excited to see me return yesterday, because they were unsure if I would be here or not. I plan to make it through Friday, but will not return on Monday, January 9.
Today is the 39 week appointment. Let's see if anything has progressed and what my doctor thinks will happen!
Here's to Little A's approaching arrival :)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
37 Weeks...
The past week has flown by - we've been really busy with our oldest child, Nathan, returning from the Air Force and celebrating one family Christmas.
Little A continues to wiggle around and kick me suddenly. I hope that I'll be able to see the outline of his foot before he makes his debut.
We had another check-up today. It's weekly now, but the nurse and doctor continue to test the same things: BP - 117/72; heart rate 83 (mine); weight gained 1.4 lbs (holiday cookies); tummy measurement: 37 cm; Little A's heart rate 130s.
Dr. V is predicting Little A will weigh in the 8 lb range :) This makes me happy because my first two children were 9+ pounders, but my last was only 8 lbs 5 oz and she was much easier to deliver. Of course he said this could quickly change, let's hope not!
One of my derby sisters is a photographer and I had her take some belly shots for me. I've always wanted pictures taken during pregnancy but never had the opportunity. She took them about a week ago and we had so much fun! The pictures will definitely be cherished by me.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
28 Days until D-Day!!!
Just back from my 36-week doctor appointment. Here's the lowdown:
Total weight gain: 32 lbs (none since the 34 week appointment)
Blood pressure: 117/77 - yay!
My heart rate: 93 bpm (asked the nurse if this was normal and she said, "Yes," - I was just curious since my heart rate is usually much lower)
Little A's heart rate: 150 bpm (active guy this morning!)
Tummy measurement: 36 cm - right on!!!
Cervix: no dilation yet - which is good :) We don't want Little A to arrive before his parents!
Urine test: a little sugar again (same at 34 weeks). Dr. V asked what I ate this morning - just Raisin Bran, not a vanilla shake like the last time. He looked at my other blood work I had done a few weeks ago, and has decided he's not concerned with a little bit of sugar.
We talked about my last delivery and looked at the calendar again to see when January 11th falls. Dr. V is not predicting Little A's arrival before 39 weeks for sure, but just in case he gave me his personal cell phone number. How nice is that!!!
He continued by reminding me if I do have multiple contractions that are close together and painful...to go to the hospital. Then, he reminded me if my water breaks or starts to leak, or even if I think it could be...to go to the hospital. So, at this point if anything does start to happen...to go to the hospital and be sure. Since we are 4 weeks away from D-Day, he would not stop labor. Little A would be strong enough to survive outside his room/womb.
From here on out, I'll be visiting with Dr. V every week. Basically we'll go through all the routine checks and then in 2 or 3 weeks he'll check my cervix again to see if we're any closer to delivery.
Until next time...
Total weight gain: 32 lbs (none since the 34 week appointment)
Blood pressure: 117/77 - yay!
My heart rate: 93 bpm (asked the nurse if this was normal and she said, "Yes," - I was just curious since my heart rate is usually much lower)
Little A's heart rate: 150 bpm (active guy this morning!)
Tummy measurement: 36 cm - right on!!!
Cervix: no dilation yet - which is good :) We don't want Little A to arrive before his parents!
Urine test: a little sugar again (same at 34 weeks). Dr. V asked what I ate this morning - just Raisin Bran, not a vanilla shake like the last time. He looked at my other blood work I had done a few weeks ago, and has decided he's not concerned with a little bit of sugar.
We talked about my last delivery and looked at the calendar again to see when January 11th falls. Dr. V is not predicting Little A's arrival before 39 weeks for sure, but just in case he gave me his personal cell phone number. How nice is that!!!
He continued by reminding me if I do have multiple contractions that are close together and painful...to go to the hospital. Then, he reminded me if my water breaks or starts to leak, or even if I think it could be...to go to the hospital. So, at this point if anything does start to happen...to go to the hospital and be sure. Since we are 4 weeks away from D-Day, he would not stop labor. Little A would be strong enough to survive outside his room/womb.
From here on out, I'll be visiting with Dr. V every week. Basically we'll go through all the routine checks and then in 2 or 3 weeks he'll check my cervix again to see if we're any closer to delivery.
Until next time...
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