Birth Story Part 1

On Thursday, Oct. 25, I had an ultrasound to check fluid levels, a midwife appointment, and a nonstress test. The fluid went up again another 4 cm, so at my appointment we decided on induction at 39 weeks. But during my NST, another midwife consulted with one of the OBs and came back and said that because they were thinking I may gestational diabetes, they wanted to have me stay that night to monitor glucose levels and do a "test" induction in the morning. (Spoiler alert -- my fasting glucose was in normal limits, so the cause of my polyhymdramnios wasn't GD.)

I never imagined that when I went to work Thursday morning, I wouldn't be coming back home anytime soon! I moved into an L&D suite and had friends pick up my things from home. I mainly hung out that night. Friday morning the activities started with an IV and Pitocin drip. The contractions were pretty easy at first (and I guess I had been contracting on my own before that though I was only a fingertip dilated and 25% effaced). 

Around 10:30 am, the contractions were getting stronger, and around noon the midwife inserted a cervical balloon to help me dilate to 4-5 cm, in the hopes that they'd be able to break my water then.


Between the balloon, the more intense contractions, and a full bladder that I couldn't relieve because of the balloon, I was struggling. I had three rounds of fentinoyl which helped for all of 5 minutes each time. They took out the balloon a little early because I was having such a tough time. I only got to 3-4 cm and 75% effaced. The OB thought it would be better to just take a break and start again in the morning. I think that was the best idea because it allowed my body a break, and I got to eat, sleep, and take a walk outside.


TO BE CONTINUED.

37 Weeks

We're full term now!

Looks like Lucy will be here in two weeks. My fluid levels went up another 3 cm, and according to the growth ultrasound measurements, she's clocking in at 8 lbs 3 oz. I know from friends' experiences that this number is generally inaccurate and overblown, but it doesn't make me any less fearful. In regard to the fluid, my OB team and I suspect she's healthy and that the fluid levels could be caused by a late onset gestational diabetes. At this late stage in the game, they're not going to re-test me for GD. I still have bi-weekly nonstress tests (which she does perfectly on) and weekly ultrasounds. We'll talk induction at 39 weeks.

I have a lot of fears going into delivery. Because of the fluid and her size, I'm more likely a candidate for a C-section, so I need to come to terms that could happen if the induction doesn't work. It's definitely not what I want for several reasons, but at the end of the day, I just want our baby.

Symptom-wise, I'm struggling. While I'm not having noticeable contractions, everything else just hurts. I'm so heavy with such little ability to move anything but my arms. I'm also having the most incredible edema in my legs, ankles and feet. And it's NOW that I need to feel more energy and be more mobile as my to-do list isn't getting any shorter.

The To-Do List

• install car seat
• wash more of her clothes
• organize her clothes 
• buy more nursing tanks and a robe
• buy a traditional baby book
• pack hospital bags
• buy the video monitor and breast pump

I keep hoping that she'll decide to "move toward the light" on her own so I know that SHE is ready. C'mon, baby girl, we want to meet you!!

Fall Maternity Mini Session

The difference in my belly from 30 weeks to 36 weeks was pretty intense, so I had my bestie grab a few pics of us today (was also hopeful for some fall foliage). This belly is just obnoxious and getting more so by the day. In other news, the jeans I bought early in my pregnancy ... not the best fit right now. Eep.

36 Weeks

It's getting harder and harder to believe it's almost time. In under 4 weeks my little girl will be here. We still have a lot of things to do yet (install the car seat, pack the bags, pick up things FOR the bags, wash things, put the swing together, etc.), so I'd prefer to wait until after that's all done.

This part of pregnancy has been the hardest for me. I'm just really uncomfortable and can barely do the minimum, like going to work and coming home. Any physical movement is a struggle, and I feel like a circus act whenever I'm out in public. I get stared at, smiled at, and constantly approached by strangers who want to comment on my size. And in addition to my elephant-like body, I've been having lots of swelling in my ankles and feet.

Last weekend we attended childbirth education class, which scared the bejeesus out of me. It made me just reconsider having her out altogether! While I did learn some tips, a part of me just wants to play things by ear and be coached by the clinicians. I also attended a breastfeeding class this week.

Wednesday I had an u/s to measure her fluid levels with an appointment with the OB right after. The levels went up, past the line of a condition called polyphadramnios. It could be a sign of absolutely nothing or it could be a sign of a birth defect/chromosomal abnormality. I have the option of a referral to a nearby hospital with a neonatal specialist, and I was sent immediately down to L&D for a nonstress test.  During the test, the midwife who was on call told me the baby looked great and that I shouldn't be worried about the fluid levels as I was just over the line. She has been the only one to be comforting and reassuring about this as the thought of something being wrong with Lucy makes me want to hide in the ground. I have another nonstress test scheduled for tomorrow and I'll have another u/s at my 38 week appointment. I just have to have faith that my baby is a big, strong healthy lady with no health problems. If she isn't 100% healthy, we'll tackle that at birth.

For now, I'll concentrate on the fact that Lucy has lots of hair as shown by the u/s this week -- long enough to float away from her head!

Nursery Reveal

It's about as complete as it may ever get. (Though I still think we need to add a pretty chandelier!) Thanks to  many friends who helped with painting trim and closets and walls and hanging the fabric hoops and decal, I think Lucy finally has a nice big room to call her own. All that's missing is her! (I hope.)

 

Crib: Graco Charleston

Dresser: Ashley Signature B102

Shelves: Closetmaid Cubicals (Target)

Changing Pad Cover: Max and Grace (Etsy)

White Vines/Flowers: Target

Chevron Hamper: Home Goods

Rug: Home Goods

Lamp: Lowe's

Curtains: Xhilaration Ruffle Curtains

Glider: Storkcraft Hoop Glider

Ottman: Walmart

Word art and pennant banner: DIY

Shower #3

Yesterday I had the last of my three showers -- this one being my work shower. :)

35 Weeks

35/35!!!  It seemed like this milestone would never happen! 


How far along?  35 weeks -- the size of a honeydew

Symptoms:  Pelvic pain, mild Braxton Hicks, pressure on bladder, sluggishness, heartburn

Total weight gain/loss:  +42

Maternity clothes? I'm now down to maybe 5 dresses that fit right. I stopped caring though. Ha.

Sleep:  Sucky. Still sleep in 1 to 2 hour increments on the couch.  

Best moment this week: Had my work shower yesterday! 

Movement:  She loves the nightlife. She's definitely more active at night, especially when I wake up to hang out with my husband between 11:30 - 1:30. The movements aren't too painful. Once in a while she'll get in a good jab that will take my breath away. Since she's dropped a bit, there's more pressure lower.

Food cravings:   Nothing in particular.

Gender:  Girl

Labor Signs:  No.

Belly Button in or out?  In. But it's really shallow/flat!!

What I miss:  Sleeping on my stomach, sleeping in my bed, cocktails, being comfortable, being able to go for more than 1 hour without an urgent need to pee...

What I am looking forward to:  Putting finishing touches on the nursery and getting all the essentials off the registeries. We're in full nesting mode in October!

Milestones:  The famous 35/35!