Week 39, day 3

Today we had an appointment and everything went great. We were measured and heard the heartbeat as always. We also had and internal exam which told us that my cervix not dialated one bit but is starting to efface, which is something. 🙂 We also reviewed the reasons under which an induction would be appropriate.

Dr. Meyer ordered a non-stress test. So we registered once more and went upstairs to get strapped up to a fetal monitor. The monitor recorded the baby’s heartrate while I counted kicks. The baby just had to elevate her heartbeat two times within 20 minutes. Baby brassard passed with flying colors. 🙂

Here’s a picture of Todd during our appointment.

Week 39, day 2

So last night, between 7 and 10:30 we had a bit of a “practice run.” we have minor contractions about every 30 minutes. It was kind of fun to see if the next one would really come. And they just kept coming. But around 10-ish, I knew they weren’t leading anywhere. But it was still fun to practice.

Sure enough, during the times I woke up in the night, I knew there was no progress.

Today, I went to work as usual and did not find anything to be too different. I had a couple contractions through out the day. Again, just Braxton-Hicks.

Right now, the baby has hiccups. It is funny, but just as exhausting as having hiccups myself. 🙂

Week 37, day 7

I’ve been feeling sporatic, mild … very mild … contractions over the past few days. Nothing regular to speak of.

The past couple of days I have woken up with sore hips and knees, like I worked out the day before. It’s that relaxin helping my ligaments relax. Which is good. It makes me imagine myself as one of those toys that you squeeze the handle and the character collapses because all the tension holding him up straight has gone. 🙂 I won’t collapse, but I will get more “noodley.”

Todd seems to get more and more anxious everyday. He is a darling husband and will be a wonderful daddy. I absolutely can’t wait to see him hold his baby for the first time. I think it will make my heart burst.

Week 37, day 4

Today we went to our childbirth education class! We were pleasantly suprised at how much we learned and enjoyed it. The educator was engaging and very knowledgable. She’s a certified childbirth instructor, certified lactation consultant, certified doula and a registered nurse. Very cool lady.

We ran through everything:

• Feeding choices
• Pain management
• Birthing center tour
• Car seat safety
• Vaginal and cesarean delivery videos
• and loads more …

Our favorite parts were when a baby from the nursery got to come into the room and get a bath. We also got to see meconium. Those of you who know what that is … yah!

Another favorite part was when I pretty much got a fully body massage from Todd. 🙂 We practiced a few relaxation techniques and also practiced guided imagery and meditated on the baby in my belly … just enjoyed the fact that we are pregnant instead of focusing so much on all of the stuff that we have to think about once baby Brassard is here. It was really nice.

Week 37, day 3

Here I am in the waiting room for our 10th appointment. We see Dr. Meyer today.

Week 37, day 3

We had a doctor’s appointment today … our 10th one. We were scheduled to see Dr. Meyer. We have already seen Dr. Dwyer and Dr. Warren.

All the vital stuff was done my a nursing student on his OB/GYN rotation. He was super nice, but very by the book. It was kind of funny. I asked him if my blood pressure was okay, and he said “I’m not supposed to have any opinions.” Sheesh. I just wanted to know if it was up or down from last time or if it was holding steady. 🙂

Then we sat and waited for the doc.  Next came in a doctor in his residency training! We were getting all the newbies today! But he was super nice and very knowledgable. After he was done with the exam, when they would usually send you off and ask when they want to see you again, he said “I’ll be right back.” Ummm, okay …

Turns out he needed to review the exam with Dr. Meyer. So then both Dr. Meyer and the doctor in residency came in and reviewed the exam and we also asked more questions of Dr. Meyer. It was a great appointment and fun, too since both doctors were so nice. 🙂

Week 37, day 1

I’ve been sleeping like a rock at night. I know I get up at night, but I hardly remember. And even though I’m sleeping deeply, I still wake up tired, wanting more sleep.

Week 36, day 7

I feel a bit out of sorts today. Like my head is in a fog. It may be partially due to the cold that I’ve had since Friday. And I had one dizzy spell this morning. But it was after standing straight after bending sideways to look at a paper jam in our printer.

Week 36, day 4

Yesterday we had a weekly doctor’s appointment which went fine. I have gained a few pounds in one week, but I’m not worried. I don’t seem to be retaining fluid so it is probably just from me stuffing my face! 🙂

We did ask the doc about the conditions under which they induce. Sounds like they prefer not to, especially for a first time mom. This is because for some reason the risk of a c- section doubles if you induce a first time mom.

We learned that morbidity and mortality rates increase dramaically at 42 weeks of pregnancy, so that would be a time to induce. If we are late, I don’t think we’ll be that late.

We also learned that they will induce if the baby becomes stressed out. But in general, the doc said that it is always best if labor happens on its own. We agree. It seems only right that your body will do things correctly after deciding to go into labor on its own terms. If it’s forced into the invountary act of labor, the body will not be in full sync and the chance of complications go up.

Anyway, WE are going to have a textbook, perfect labor and birth of a perfect baby. That’s just the way it is going to be. 🙂

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