Pregnancy Journal - Thirty-eight Weeks

Update: We're still cooking over here, though we have had a couple "false starts." Last night we timed my contractions at about 3-4 minutes apart from 9:30pm until well after midnight when I decided to get some sleep. The contractions slowed down after that. A similar thing happened about a week ago. My midwife continues to be surprised every time she sees me and it's not at the hospital.

We're following a fun regime of labor-inducing activities. The sweet Chinese lady who runs the closest produce market has gotten into the habit of saying, "Thank you, baby" when I come in for my fresh pineapple (it's on the list of things to eat!). Today, she got a kick out of me pretending to talk for the baby and say thank you back to her. I've taken up "curb walking" (aka: walking with one foot in the gutter). A good friend of mine who is a doula also said it's a good hip opener. The challenging thing in Brooklyn is that there are very few curbs that are not lined with cars and even fewer that aren't covered in dog poop. Apparently, when the signs say, "please curb your dog" pet owners around here don't also assume that means "and pick up after him too."

How far along:
38 weeks 4 days

Weight gain, body changes: Since my last post at 35 weeks, I've gained 9 lbs (37 lb total weight gain) and 2 more inches around my middle. I have no new stretch marks )that I can find at least). The straight vitamin E and coconut oil seems to be working. My belly button is still an innie, though it is extremely shallow.
Last Friday I was dilated to 4-5cm and 90% effaced. Really, this kid could come any day now, but I'm just trying to be open to any birthday he chooses over the next few weeks. Now that we're "in the clear" I'm extremely low risk. My strep B test came back negative, the baby's in a great position for a natural birth, I'm feeling great...we have no reason to expect any complications. On the 12th of this month the baby was estimated at 6 lbs 11 oz. He'll be measured again tomorrow, but I'm guessing he's about 7.5 lbs now.  Oh how I would love to not have to birth a 9-10 lb baby.

Movement: The baby's still moving really well. He's been in the same position for the last few months, but he's got lots of wiggle room.

Sleep: It's hit or miss, but the last few nights when I do sleep, I sleep really well it's just not for very long. On the weekends, I've been able to nap like a champ! That's been great, since I couldn't really sleep during the day before a few weeks ago.

Best thing about this week: Getting excited that he could come "tonight" or "tomorrow."

What made you cry: At my appointment this week, there was a couple in the waiting room with a 1 week old baby boy. He got hungry and started to cry, which totally made me cry. I couldn't stop! I'm not sure why I was crying, if it was just hormonal or if it was out of longing for our little boy to be on the outside. People keep telling me to enjoy being pregnant and that they are so much more work once they are born, but I just can't wait to meet this little guy and be his mama.

Food cravings: Sweets. They've been terribly difficult to resist. The last few days have been a little easier though.

Something you miss: I will be so excited to be able to sleep on my back again. My shoulders are really starting to feel it. And some tuna sashimi. That's going to be one of the first things I eat after the baby's born.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. Finally. It a little ironic that the last few weeks of this pregnancy is when I have felt the best.

How's your mood: Very optimistic and excited. It's been nice to be able to do more and not be afraid of jeopardizing the wellness of my baby--book club, birthday dinners (and karoke!), and shopping trips to the city.

We went and saw Lion King on Broadway a few weeks ago. I was bawling like a baby during the opening scene. It was just so overwhelming and beautiful and brought back happy memories of my family. Sitting there for that long, however, was torturous. One perk was that they let me skip the line in the ladies room. That was fantastic!

The Captain and I helped out in the nursery at church yesterday (18-36 month olds) and it was all about getting down on their level (on the ground) or picking up and comforting the sad ones. He confided in me later that it was relieving for him to see that I was capable of being very pregnant and doing "mom type stuff." This pregnancy with all of it's restrictions and sickness, I think, had us both concerned for how I'll be able to handle subsequent pregnancies. I'm crossing my fingers they go a little easier.

Any surprises? After 10 weeks of being so careful to to keep this baby inside, it's starting to seem like he'll never come out! I know that's ridiculous because I haven't even reached my due date yet, but it's still surprising. 



2 comments:

Lindsay said...

I'm surprised, too, that he hasn't made his appearance! You look like you're doing great, though. Keep on hanging on, and definitely head to the hospital when you can no longer sleep through the contractions. I'm predicting a faster-than-typical labor for you!

Toodles said...

Sounds like you are doing great! I agree that a fairly fast labor seems to be in the works for you! Good luck over the next couple of weeks (or days) until your little guy is here!