Monday, February 27, 2012

35 Week Checkup

Today was my 35 week appointment, and from now on my appointments will be every week! Augie is still pointed head down, and his back is along my right side. Hopefully this will eventually turn into him facing my spine, and not sunny side up. Lydia Weldy warns me that I do not want to encounter back labor. I was given a packet of information and such today, including a "what to pack" list, a description of what to do/how to know when you are really in labor, a description of a typical scenario of what will happen at the birth center when I am in labor/birthing/going home, and finally a sheet to fill out describing my "birth plan". This last sheet has questions such as, "Where/what position do you plan to birth in?" and "Who do you want to be present in the room with you?" Even things like "What kind of lighting will you prefer?" and "What is your perfect birth fantasy?" My MW says they will use this to refer to in my chart during my labor to make sure things are as comfortable as possible for me. I am feeling more an more pleased and relaxed with the choices I have made for Augie's birth, and I hope everything goes well, even if not perfectly. If there is a complication and I am transferred to the hospital, I am glad that it will be Allen Presbyterian, as this is the hospital I would've wanted to go to anyway. At the end of the experience, if it takes a painful natural birth, a c-section, or even a magician, as long as Augie is safe I will call it a win.

Next week's appointment will include my test for Group B Strep. Apparently about a third of all women are positive for GBS, and it is not that big of a deal, but it would mean that I would have to get a drip of antibiotics every 8 hours while I am in labor. No big deal, but I still really hope it comes back negative so I have one less thing to worry about.

Right now I am getting into packing mode, and making lists and notes about everything we will need to bring (which is really not much, since we won't have to stay long). One of Forrest's task's is to make 2 birthing CD's-- one with nice classical music for late labor relaxation, and one with mellow but more enjoyable tunes to listen to as a distraction in earlier labor. If anyone has good suggestions for songs, post them on my Facebook!! I have a feeling this will need to be a long CD.

Current Stats:

How far along: 35 weeks
Weight gain: 29lbs
Cravings: WATER! I am a thirst monster now.
Sleep: Still doing good on sleepy times.
Moods: Still a pretty happy lady.
Stretch Marks: YES! Ladies, I found my first stretch mark last week! Now I will point at it every time Augie acts bad and say "This is what you did to me!", like my mom did with her c-sec scar. 

What I Miss: Wine
Milestones: Stretchmark-ville. I have joined the sisterhood. One is enough, though : )
Looking Forward To: Learning how to nurse. I got my organic nipple cream this week!

Monday, February 13, 2012

33 Weeks and Counting!

Today I had another appointment at ABC and I am really starting to get excited!! I now have bottles of Red Raspberry Leaf caplets and Evening Primrose Oil caplets which I will begin using next week. They will help prepare my uterus and cervix for labor, and  HOPEFULLY help to get it going ON TIME so I don't have to get induced. Another good bit of news is that Augie is still pointed head down! When my midwife was feeling around she told me that he feels like his head is down in my pelvis, his back is curved around my left side, his bottom is in my right ribs, and his feet are on my right side. No wonder I keep feeling like all the action is taking place on my right side-- his butt pushes me there and his feet kick me there! Speaking of which, his "little kicks" are starting to get somewhat painful and make me gasp on occasion. They startle me sometimes when I am not expecting to get a jab in the ribs or, even worse, a swift bang to the bladder. So, only 7 weeks to go now until my due date. The time seems to be flying by and I am glad for that, but a little sad at the same time. I worry that I will turn around tomorrow and be sending him to college, so I wouldn't really mind if these moments lingered a little bit longer. I can't believe that it will be more than just Forrest and I in the house soon. This place will be filled with little hugs and poop diapers before we know it!

In other news:
Sarah Giles was nice enough to take awesome pictures of me this weekend when I went to CS for a visit, so my "how big does she look this week" picture is actually good quality for once!

33 weeks.


Current Stats:

How far along: 33 weeks
Weight gain: 25lbs
Cravings: SCHLOTZSKY'S SAUUUUUUCCEEEEEEE!!!! I bought my own bottle.
Sleep: Still quite good, albeit interrupted 
Moods: Sappy, excited, and easily tired out (grumpy) if I don't get sleep and naps.
Stretch Marks: nada
What I Miss: Being able to bend forward
Milestones: He is head down and staying there!
Looking Forward To: Labor!!!!!