I tried really hard not to have one of the stereotypical pregnant scenes where you go to the hospital only to be turned back home, but alas, I failed on Saturday. Friday night we had our friends over who had their baby three weeks ago. The wife has been home alone for some time and desperately needed to get out and about, so they brought over pizza and we sat and talked for a few hours. My contractions were coming on pretty good, especially while baby E was crying. The next day we met up with them again, this time so the girls could go shop for a Christmas tree and the boys for guns. A big storm rolled into town in the late afternoon causing the pressure to change. All these things combined starting my contractions going every 7 minutes and pretty strong. T and I went to dinner, our last one alone before we become parents, and the contractions started coming every 5 minutes. We went home, watched a movie, and they continued every 4-5 minutes. I changed positions, walked around, and they still kept coming. At this point they had been coming for about 3 hours, so we decided to call the doctor to see what he said, and he told us to head for the hospital.
I got very excited that maybe the baby would be coming out of own free will, like I had hoped. We called the parents to tell them that we were on our way and we would call if and when we got admitted. The triage nurse was very friendly and got me hooked up to all the monitors so we could see (and hear) the heartbeat and track the contractions. I got to wear the lovely gown that they make you wear at the hospital, which is made to fit people much bigger than me. The baby's heartbeat was still going strong and she was kicking the monitor occasionally just for good measure. When the nurse checked my cervix I had made no progress from my last appointment, which was not a good sign that things were progressing. Then the contractions just started to slow down again back to 6-7 minutes. They monitored us for about two hours total, and then sent us home cause it wasn't time. I was deeply disappointed and super tired at that point. They said I did all the right things by tracking and calling after lots of time, but now I am determined not to go back in unless I am screaming in pain or my water has broken.
My parents arrived last night, so they got to see me pregnant, which was something my mother had really wished for. Our appointment is Tuesday morning to be induced, and despite still having contractions every 7 minutes (for over a day) I am positive she isn't coming out anytime before then. My belly is sure sore already, and I can only imagine how sore it will be after all is said and done. I feel like I have done a million sit ups, which in essence is what I am doing, I just don't get the nice six-pack for all my efforts.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
40 Weeks
I didn't think we would get to this point, but here I am, still pregnant and waiting. We went to the doctor yesterday and not much progress has been made (still 2 plus centimeters, fully effaced, and now at -1 station.) The doctor said that maybe with the pressure change and moon waning this weekend I would go, but honestly I have just resigned myself to the fact that she isn't coming out till Tuesday.
This has taught me an important lesson about not creating lofty hopes of idealized situations. Since this pregnancy has been so easy going and textbook, I had hoped for the stereotypical birth story of my water breaking (hopefully while I am at home), T and I going to the hospital after timing contractions, and delivering at her pace. Unless the baby decides to do that over the weekend, my dream birth plan isn't going to happen. Now I am just trying to focus on how I want the induction to go and change my birth plan accordingly.
The doctors said they would try breaking my water first since I was already favorable, and that makes me feel more comfortable about the situation. I really want to avoid taking protocin if at all possible. I am hoping to get a walking epidural so I can still walk around, which I have been doing a lot trying to get the contractions to come stronger. I just want a little pain relief to take the edge off, and if allowed, would like to have control over how much I receive. (They say they can give you the button depending on your situation.) I don't often need pain meds, even after oral surgery, and I already had the kidney stones with nothing stronger than OTC Tylenol. I think mobility for as long as possible will be more comforting and helpful than sitting in bed numbed.
The good news at yesterdays appointment was they said she is almost completely turned with her back facing outward, so she won't be sunny side up! Also, they think she is still hovering right around 7 pounds so she won't be a huge baby, for which I am thankful. (Hopefully no episiotomy will be necessary.) I also lost a pound for the first time in months, which was most assuredly water as I have noticed some improvement in my swelling. I guess it does help that I have been drinking close to 12 glasses of fluids a day.
Here's hoping that the next entry will be a delivery story!
This has taught me an important lesson about not creating lofty hopes of idealized situations. Since this pregnancy has been so easy going and textbook, I had hoped for the stereotypical birth story of my water breaking (hopefully while I am at home), T and I going to the hospital after timing contractions, and delivering at her pace. Unless the baby decides to do that over the weekend, my dream birth plan isn't going to happen. Now I am just trying to focus on how I want the induction to go and change my birth plan accordingly.
The doctors said they would try breaking my water first since I was already favorable, and that makes me feel more comfortable about the situation. I really want to avoid taking protocin if at all possible. I am hoping to get a walking epidural so I can still walk around, which I have been doing a lot trying to get the contractions to come stronger. I just want a little pain relief to take the edge off, and if allowed, would like to have control over how much I receive. (They say they can give you the button depending on your situation.) I don't often need pain meds, even after oral surgery, and I already had the kidney stones with nothing stronger than OTC Tylenol. I think mobility for as long as possible will be more comforting and helpful than sitting in bed numbed.
The good news at yesterdays appointment was they said she is almost completely turned with her back facing outward, so she won't be sunny side up! Also, they think she is still hovering right around 7 pounds so she won't be a huge baby, for which I am thankful. (Hopefully no episiotomy will be necessary.) I also lost a pound for the first time in months, which was most assuredly water as I have noticed some improvement in my swelling. I guess it does help that I have been drinking close to 12 glasses of fluids a day.
Here's hoping that the next entry will be a delivery story!
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
39.5 Weeks
The beginning of this week was very difficult for me emotionally. Monday was my father's birthday, so of course he teased that he would like the baby to arrive that day. Well it appears the stork made a delivery that day, but to my friends who were due ten days later than me. I saw the status update online and I just broke down into tears. It just didn't seem fair to me. It didn't help that I had been reading birthing stories online from my online support group and most of the women described being even less physically ready then I was at the last appointment, and yet they have their babies already.
I am happy for everyone else, but I want it to be my turn already. I have never felt so prepared for something in my whole life, even though I know there are so many things that will happen that I simply can not prepare myself for. I have read every book I have on birthing, breast feeding, and child development from cover to cover. I have cleaned and organized the house several times over. I have everything at work set up so I can ignore it with no guilt for the next few weeks. I have food in the pantry and freezer for when we arrive home. I have my bags packed and ready in the car. I have very little left to do that can distract me further.
It doesn't help that I have been trying all the things they say will cause your labor to progress and nothing seems to stick. I have been going for walks, which are awkward around the neighborhood, so a lot of times I pace around the house and go up and down the stairs instead. I have been cleaning the house making sure to do things that will require me to bend, stretch, stand, etc. I alternate that with afternoons where I don't do anything but keep my feet up. (Because of course all the advice you get contradicts itself.) I am about ready to try eating spicy food and red raspberry tea, but I can assure you I will NOT be trying the caster oil trick. So far all the tricks seem to have done is make me sore. The contractions come and go as they please, getting more painful as the day progresses, but then stopping sometime in the evening.
I know T is just as disappointed as I am that she is not here. He comes home every day from work and tells me that people keep asking him why the baby isn't here yet. I know it isn't easy on him either watching me get grumpier and more physically uncomfortable. He tries to help me as best he can, but there isn't much he can do either. We have pretty much resigned to the fact that she will come next week when we induce. God help us if they have to move that appointment back a day or two.
I am happy for everyone else, but I want it to be my turn already. I have never felt so prepared for something in my whole life, even though I know there are so many things that will happen that I simply can not prepare myself for. I have read every book I have on birthing, breast feeding, and child development from cover to cover. I have cleaned and organized the house several times over. I have everything at work set up so I can ignore it with no guilt for the next few weeks. I have food in the pantry and freezer for when we arrive home. I have my bags packed and ready in the car. I have very little left to do that can distract me further.
It doesn't help that I have been trying all the things they say will cause your labor to progress and nothing seems to stick. I have been going for walks, which are awkward around the neighborhood, so a lot of times I pace around the house and go up and down the stairs instead. I have been cleaning the house making sure to do things that will require me to bend, stretch, stand, etc. I alternate that with afternoons where I don't do anything but keep my feet up. (Because of course all the advice you get contradicts itself.) I am about ready to try eating spicy food and red raspberry tea, but I can assure you I will NOT be trying the caster oil trick. So far all the tricks seem to have done is make me sore. The contractions come and go as they please, getting more painful as the day progresses, but then stopping sometime in the evening.
I know T is just as disappointed as I am that she is not here. He comes home every day from work and tells me that people keep asking him why the baby isn't here yet. I know it isn't easy on him either watching me get grumpier and more physically uncomfortable. He tries to help me as best he can, but there isn't much he can do either. We have pretty much resigned to the fact that she will come next week when we induce. God help us if they have to move that appointment back a day or two.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
39 Weeks (and Thanksgiving)
Despite having two Thanksgiving dinners (Thursday and Saturday), I managed to only gain one pound this week. It really surprised me because I ate for two in the way you really are not supposed to, but there was just too much good food to pass up. Our little Thanksgiving was a quiet affair since we did not know if we would be around (or if I would be in the mood) to host our annual orphan dinner. We made a small turkey breast which I had brined the night before and basted with various herbs. For side dishes I made a new sweet potato casserole dish that has a pecan crumble crust and some candied carrots. I managed to make the most delicious gravy out of the turkey drippings, all without a recipe. T made a pumpkin pie and a chocolate pie, which seemed a bit much for just the two of us, but it had to be done.
On Saturday we went to dinner at a friend's house and ate all the typical food items, and some regional items (creamed corn casserole, collard greens, etc.) It was nice to attend and not have to host. I made a pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting. I, of course, got lots of comments about being ready to pop or that they should put the turkey timer in me. One of the guests tried to convince me to do a belly wrap to create a cast of my belly for the little one to admire later in life. That just sounded miserable to do, and the last thing I really wanted was a plaque of how big my belly was at this point. (Sorry kiddo.)
T and I have been getting the house ready for the holidays and all the guests we are expecting with the arrival of the little one. We put up the Christmas lights outside, the tree and decorations inside, and prepared the various rooms for guest beds. T and I finished wrapping presents (for the most part), and both purchased gifts for the little ones stocking. I prepared some meals for the freezer and purchased enough food to last us a few days when we do arrive back from the hospital. It has helped that I have had fits and spurts of nesting which have allowed me to get stuff organized enough that I won't feel embarrassed to have people over.
At this week's appointment the doctor said I was 2 plus centimeters, 80% effaced (still), and at zero station. She had a tremendously difficult time trying to listen to the heart. The baby decided she didn't want to be poked, so she would move her arm back and forth in front of the Doppler causing this weird noise on the monitor. The doctor also had to push on her from the other side to get her to close enough to monitor. I say if the baby is already aware enough to react to this kind of stuff, she needs to come out. We did schedule an induction for five days after she is due so my parents will definitely get to see her before they leave. I am just hoping it doesn't come to that. The doctor said she didn't think we would get that far, or even to next weeks appointment, but just in case we went ahead and booked it.
I have had continued contractions, but still nothing worth going to the hospital. Sometimes at night I will get them as close as 5 minutes apart, but just when they have gone on long enough that I consider calling the doctor, they start dropping off. The other night it even lasted 4 hours, but nothing was painful enough or progressing enough for me to feel comfortable calling and then they stopped when I went to bed. Sometimes they come during the day and progress as the evening arrives, getting more and more uncomfortable, but again they stop or slow as soon as I go to bed. I even tried to get them to progress by walking all over the house (cause it was too cold and dark outside.) T and I are trying not to get too eager for her to arrive, but that is near impossible at this stage.
On Saturday we went to dinner at a friend's house and ate all the typical food items, and some regional items (creamed corn casserole, collard greens, etc.) It was nice to attend and not have to host. I made a pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting. I, of course, got lots of comments about being ready to pop or that they should put the turkey timer in me. One of the guests tried to convince me to do a belly wrap to create a cast of my belly for the little one to admire later in life. That just sounded miserable to do, and the last thing I really wanted was a plaque of how big my belly was at this point. (Sorry kiddo.)
T and I have been getting the house ready for the holidays and all the guests we are expecting with the arrival of the little one. We put up the Christmas lights outside, the tree and decorations inside, and prepared the various rooms for guest beds. T and I finished wrapping presents (for the most part), and both purchased gifts for the little ones stocking. I prepared some meals for the freezer and purchased enough food to last us a few days when we do arrive back from the hospital. It has helped that I have had fits and spurts of nesting which have allowed me to get stuff organized enough that I won't feel embarrassed to have people over.
At this week's appointment the doctor said I was 2 plus centimeters, 80% effaced (still), and at zero station. She had a tremendously difficult time trying to listen to the heart. The baby decided she didn't want to be poked, so she would move her arm back and forth in front of the Doppler causing this weird noise on the monitor. The doctor also had to push on her from the other side to get her to close enough to monitor. I say if the baby is already aware enough to react to this kind of stuff, she needs to come out. We did schedule an induction for five days after she is due so my parents will definitely get to see her before they leave. I am just hoping it doesn't come to that. The doctor said she didn't think we would get that far, or even to next weeks appointment, but just in case we went ahead and booked it.
I have had continued contractions, but still nothing worth going to the hospital. Sometimes at night I will get them as close as 5 minutes apart, but just when they have gone on long enough that I consider calling the doctor, they start dropping off. The other night it even lasted 4 hours, but nothing was painful enough or progressing enough for me to feel comfortable calling and then they stopped when I went to bed. Sometimes they come during the day and progress as the evening arrives, getting more and more uncomfortable, but again they stop or slow as soon as I go to bed. I even tried to get them to progress by walking all over the house (cause it was too cold and dark outside.) T and I are trying not to get too eager for her to arrive, but that is near impossible at this stage.
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