So, yesterday we did another trial run to the Labor and Delivery department. I was very crampy/tightening etc. on Monday evening. I didn't really time anything, but I did check the clock on the last couple and it was in the 5 minute range, so I decided to just go to bed. I figured if it were the real thing, I'd wake up before I delivered. Overnight was fine (except for 4 trips to the bathroom to pee), but Tuesday I still felt really crampy/contractiony all morning. Once I got settled in at work, I decided to time them starting around 8:50. I spoke to a couple coworkers because they were strong enough that when I'd get one at my desk, I would just close my eyes, rub my belly and breathe slowly until it eased up. If I happened to be talking to someone, I'd have to stop in the middle of the sentence until the worst past. I promised to track things for an hour or so before calling the doctor. They seemed to be about 4-7 minutes apart, with a few coming in around 9 or 10 minutes. I agreed to call the doctor and when I told them I'd had 11 between 9:30 and 10:30, they told me to go to L&D. Everyone at work got all worked up and two girls drove me to my house to drop off my car and grab my hospital bags and then to the hospital. While I was at the house, I kept having them and really had some trouble focusing on what I needed to add to my bag. Eric called again and I told him I was done at home and on my way, so he agreed to finish up at work and meet us there. I checked in, literally had a contraction while they were hooking me up to the monitors and then...the contractions stopped. It was the weirdest thing. I think I was there for about 2 1/2 hours and had maybe 4 contractions total. They also did an internal exam and I was still 2 cm. So with no cervical change and no contractions to speak of, they sent me home. I felt really silly, but the upside is that my Mom didn't miss the birth again.
That leads to the next topic. Because of all this false alarm stuff, etc. and the fact that both me and my Mom would really like her to be present, today she decided to change her flight for the second time and will now be arriving tomorrow night instead of Monday night. That means only 1 more day to stay out of labor, although we do have weekend plans with both Samara's birthday dinner and Ava's 3rd birthday party. Considering Samara is also supposed to be at the birth, it might be better to wait until next week. Like I have any choice in the matter. Anyway, assuming nothing crazy happens tonight or tomorrow morning, my Mom should be her for Luke's birth.
Speaking of...If we make it to the induction, it is scheduled for 6 a.m. on Wednesday. I meant to call the doctors office today to see if I had a time scheduled, but kept getting busy doing other stuff. Late afternoon, I got a call from the hospital pre-registration to see if they could pre-register me for my induction. I asked if they knew when it was scheduled and they shared the time with me. I'm not 100% sure of the procedure, but I do have my 37 week appointment on Friday and assume I'll get all the details then.
So, my countdown, is 1 week until induction, we can practically call it 6 days now. I also have only 3 1/2 work days left. This week has been going quickly, so I assume it will be the weekend before we know it and with only Monday and part of Tuesday to work, it'll be time very soon. I really can't wait.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Expiration Date
On Sunday when I did my grocery shopping I bought milk that expires after my induction date. Today I looked at the 10 day weather forecast online and can see it's supposed to rain on the day Luke is born. Suddenly it really feels like this is happening soon.
Nothing yet except, I'm really almost ready now. Just need to finish up those thank you notes from my work baby shower. Grace is in the bathtub, so I better go finish that up. Nine days and counting.
Nothing yet except, I'm really almost ready now. Just need to finish up those thank you notes from my work baby shower. Grace is in the bathtub, so I better go finish that up. Nine days and counting.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The New Plan
So, after much anticipation, I had my "36 week" appointment today and was able to discuss my ultrasound results (although she hadn't reviewed them) and our alternatives and plans for delivery. I must say I am very happy with my doctor because she took all the time we needed to discuss and even though this was a fairly routine appointment, she didn't make us feel rushed at all.
She really does not want me delivering a huge baby. She discussed how as an OB she can handle switching to c-sections for things like fetal distress or failure to progress, etc., but one of the scariest things is a severe shoulder dystocia. If the baby is half way out and gets stuck, it's pretty hard to do a c-section. She said in that case that have to get the head back in and take him the other way (OUCH!). Although, Graces labor and even first part of delivery was fairly easy, they don't want to chance that I have a 10 pound baby.
She can't do anything at the moment because I'm just shy of 36 weeks and you aren't considered full term until 37 weeks. Also, she isn't allowed to do an "elective" induction earlier than 39 weeks without proving lung development. So the options are:
1) Once I complete 37 weeks (3/3) she could order an amnio to check on the lung development. If they are developed, we would be cleared to induce. Some possible complications of an amnio are rupture of membranes or beginning labor. Neither of these are major concerns because that is what we are working towards anyway. She also told me at this time they wouldn't try to stop labor anyway.
2) We pick a cut-off date (closer to 39 weeks) and if I don't spontaneously go into labor by that date, we would do a c-section. A c-section could still be required anyway (the longer we wait). If she sees signs during labor that things are stalling or slowing, it may be a sign that he is too big and they might still decide to do the c-section. Again, more likely the longer we wait.
I would prefer not to have a c-section. They won't induce me if his lungs aren't ready, so I don't see any real risk in pushing the delivery up, so we decided for now to go with Option 1. We also told her that our most important objective is a safe and healthy baby, so while I prefer not to be cut open, if at any point she recommends that as a better option, we'll go with the flow. No arguments from us.
I got a call this afternoon telling me that they are scheduling the amnio on Tuesday, May 6 at 1:00 p.m . If the lungs are good (test results only take about an hour), we would induce on Wednesday, May 7th (37weeks, 4 days). That is two weeks from today. They can't officially schedule at the hospital until 1 week prior, so they'll do that next week and I should know by the time I have my 37 week appointment next week.
After this entire discussion, she decides she should probably check me and I have my internal exam. I am currently 2 cm dialated and 70% effaced. So, nature is getting the process started. Maybe I won't make it two more weeks. Just to give you an idea, at 36 weeks with Grace I was 1 cm and 60% effaced. I also made it 3 more days after my doctor's appointment that I was 3 cm and 90% effaced with Grace, so that doesn't mean I'm necessarily going into labor in the very near future.
I stayed late at work tonight on got the big project done that has been hanging over my head. I really think if I didn't go back, the world wouldn't end. Sure I've still got stuff to do, but I'm not stressing.
Probably stupid to even mention it, but I've been extremely uncomfortable all evening and am just resting and timing my contractions now. Someone at work got me all paranoid by mentioning "loose stools" as a sign of labor. I've been having issues for a couple days now. Oh well, I'll be done in two weeks or less. We'll just see what happens.
She really does not want me delivering a huge baby. She discussed how as an OB she can handle switching to c-sections for things like fetal distress or failure to progress, etc., but one of the scariest things is a severe shoulder dystocia. If the baby is half way out and gets stuck, it's pretty hard to do a c-section. She said in that case that have to get the head back in and take him the other way (OUCH!). Although, Graces labor and even first part of delivery was fairly easy, they don't want to chance that I have a 10 pound baby.
She can't do anything at the moment because I'm just shy of 36 weeks and you aren't considered full term until 37 weeks. Also, she isn't allowed to do an "elective" induction earlier than 39 weeks without proving lung development. So the options are:
1) Once I complete 37 weeks (3/3) she could order an amnio to check on the lung development. If they are developed, we would be cleared to induce. Some possible complications of an amnio are rupture of membranes or beginning labor. Neither of these are major concerns because that is what we are working towards anyway. She also told me at this time they wouldn't try to stop labor anyway.
2) We pick a cut-off date (closer to 39 weeks) and if I don't spontaneously go into labor by that date, we would do a c-section. A c-section could still be required anyway (the longer we wait). If she sees signs during labor that things are stalling or slowing, it may be a sign that he is too big and they might still decide to do the c-section. Again, more likely the longer we wait.
I would prefer not to have a c-section. They won't induce me if his lungs aren't ready, so I don't see any real risk in pushing the delivery up, so we decided for now to go with Option 1. We also told her that our most important objective is a safe and healthy baby, so while I prefer not to be cut open, if at any point she recommends that as a better option, we'll go with the flow. No arguments from us.
I got a call this afternoon telling me that they are scheduling the amnio on Tuesday, May 6 at 1:00 p.m . If the lungs are good (test results only take about an hour), we would induce on Wednesday, May 7th (37weeks, 4 days). That is two weeks from today. They can't officially schedule at the hospital until 1 week prior, so they'll do that next week and I should know by the time I have my 37 week appointment next week.
After this entire discussion, she decides she should probably check me and I have my internal exam. I am currently 2 cm dialated and 70% effaced. So, nature is getting the process started. Maybe I won't make it two more weeks. Just to give you an idea, at 36 weeks with Grace I was 1 cm and 60% effaced. I also made it 3 more days after my doctor's appointment that I was 3 cm and 90% effaced with Grace, so that doesn't mean I'm necessarily going into labor in the very near future.
I stayed late at work tonight on got the big project done that has been hanging over my head. I really think if I didn't go back, the world wouldn't end. Sure I've still got stuff to do, but I'm not stressing.
Probably stupid to even mention it, but I've been extremely uncomfortable all evening and am just resting and timing my contractions now. Someone at work got me all paranoid by mentioning "loose stools" as a sign of labor. I've been having issues for a couple days now. Oh well, I'll be done in two weeks or less. We'll just see what happens.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Ultrasound Appointment
First of all, this picture is a 3D picture that we unexpectedly got at today's "36 week" ultrasound. I love going to the "high risk" place because they take so much time with you and the pictures are awesome. We also have a really good 2D face shot if you look at my flickr pics.
So, I will see my doctor at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday to discuss the results, but the tech was able to tell us an estimate on size based on a measurement of the femur, belly, and two head measurements. Currently, according to measurements, Luke is weighing in at 8 pounds 7 ounces! Wow! Granted, she did say there could be up to 1 1/2 pound variance meaning he's likey somewhere between 7 and 10 pounds at the moment. Her guess was right around 8 pounds. He was showing signs of plumpness including the pudgy cheeks, "back fat" and a fat roll behind the knee on his pudgy thighs.
Keeping in mind that babies at this stage gain about 1/2 pound per week, we could still add 1 1/2 to 2 pounds going 3 1/2 more weeks. For a baby weighing between 8 1/2 (on the small side) to 10 1/2 pounds.
We don't know what the doctor is going to suggest, but I wouldn't be surprised if we consider an amnio for lung maturity and move the induction up another week. Or of course, if he's that big, he may come on his own in the next week or two.
I'll update after Wednesday's appointment.
So, I will see my doctor at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday to discuss the results, but the tech was able to tell us an estimate on size based on a measurement of the femur, belly, and two head measurements. Currently, according to measurements, Luke is weighing in at 8 pounds 7 ounces! Wow! Granted, she did say there could be up to 1 1/2 pound variance meaning he's likey somewhere between 7 and 10 pounds at the moment. Her guess was right around 8 pounds. He was showing signs of plumpness including the pudgy cheeks, "back fat" and a fat roll behind the knee on his pudgy thighs.
Keeping in mind that babies at this stage gain about 1/2 pound per week, we could still add 1 1/2 to 2 pounds going 3 1/2 more weeks. For a baby weighing between 8 1/2 (on the small side) to 10 1/2 pounds.
We don't know what the doctor is going to suggest, but I wouldn't be surprised if we consider an amnio for lung maturity and move the induction up another week. Or of course, if he's that big, he may come on his own in the next week or two.
I'll update after Wednesday's appointment.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
34 Weeks (Posted One Week Late)
Sorry to subject you to the belly, but it seemed like it would get some attention, because, seriously, it's hard to miss.
I guess it's only been 2 or 3 weeks since my last baby update, but it feels like a lot has happened and I hope to have some more stuff to post about next week, so I wanted to get this one out there.
First of all, I'm still having "contractions" fairly regularly. I'm just trying to keep off my feet at home and not do anything overly strenuous. I'm only timing them if I feel like they are happening a lot or are painful, but I'm pretty sure none of it's actual "labor" so we haven't went back to the hospital.
I had a 34 week doctor appointment last Friday (a week ago). She mentioned my trip to L&D, but didn't really suggest I change anything, she just said he may just not want to stay in there the whole time. I gained 3 pounds in that two weeks. Currently up to 26 pounds. I don't know how some women stop gaining the last month, that's when I seem to put it all on. She measured me and said I'm measuring 2 weeks ahead, so at 34 weeks, my belly measured 36 weeks. She also gave me a Rx for a 36 week ultrasound to check the size again. We've already had to reschedule it, but as of now, I go on Monday for the ultrasound and will see the doctor again on Wednesday. I did ask her about induction (are there certain days she does it, when can we expect, etc.). She said we'd likely do it either May 14, 15, or 16, unless we get unexpected news at the ultrasound and look like we're going to have an extremely large baby in which we may discuss pushing that another week sooner, but there would be additional concerns to that too.
Now that I have an "end date" I feel like I can really start to finalize plans. Mom has a flight scheduled to arrive the afternoon of 5/14 and with everyone else coming in, my first choice would be to do it on Friday, 5/16, so that's what I am going to request when we get to that point. Regardless, I told work that unless he decides to come sooner, May 14 will be my last day of work.
I'm feeling more calm about getting stuff completed. Work is starting to pull together. I've been staying late 1-2 nights a week and have been marking more off of my list than I've been putting on. I only have one major project that would cause problems if I didn't finish before I leave. I have more open items too, but everything else, I think someone else could pick up fairly easily. I did bring the big project home this weekend and I may work on it Sunday night after Grace goes to bed to at least get me started. Hopefully, I can finish it next week.
My stuff to do at home has all been started, but not finished. Tonight I am going to start packing my hospital bags. I have a list, but need to start putting things into the bags, so I can see if there's anything I need to buy. I have the "call list" about 75% done. I have all the people written down, I just need to decide when they should be called in the process and who should call them and then need to tell anyone that I've assigned to spread the word. I also need to finalize my announcement list and get to Danialle and Chadd (they are designing and sending my inviitations as a gift). I keep a list of addresses in a Word doc that can be printed on mailing labels, so I just need to look through my list from Christmas and update it for the baby. Today, I got my bottles (that we never got to use with Grace) back from Samara. I'm washing them tonight and will have them all in the cabinet by tomorrow. I plan on getting an extra key to hide this weekend and then the only major thing will be installing the car seat bases.
Last night, I read through the final month or so of my pregnancy with Grace (on my blog) and it definately seems like I feel farther along than I did with her. Some examples:
- At 34 weeks I mentioned Grace running out of room and making my belly change shape and that if I pushed on her feet when she poked them out, I could feel her butt move on the other side. Luke's been making my belly change shape for weeks and I've been able to pick out body parts, including shoulders, butt, feet, and hands for weeks too.
- At 35 weeks, I mention waddling and starting to feel increased "pressure" below. Luke is just so much lower, that I've been feeling the pressure for weeks too. I mention getting full faster. Not so much this time, I think he just sits lower, so my stomach still has room for a full meal. Also, I said my belly button was still technically "in." Mine actually popped this time. Probably about 3 or 4 weeks ago.
- At 36 weeks I had gained 28 pounds. Since I was 26 pounds at 34 weeks, looks like I might catch up with the Grace weight gain after all. At my 36 week appointment with Grace I was 1cm dialated and 60% effaced. My "36 week" appointment this time is on Wednesday, I'm really curious with all the contraction activity if I've started dialiting yet. We know at 32 weeks (3 weeks ago) I had not started.
- Also around 36 weeks I posted about feeling really "blah" and "icky" and sounds like completely uncomfortable. I feel like that about 50% of the time right now. I will have a good day and then the next day, I can't get comfortable sitting, standing, or anything and I get grouchy and just want to bite the head off of the next person that tells me there's no way that I have 5 weeks left. Usually that happens like this: Stranger: When are you due? Me: May 24th, 5 more weeks! Stranger: "Oh" (with an I feel so bad for you look), "I don't think so!", "Are you sure there's only one?", etc.
-
So, anyway, if we use 5/16 as my expected induction date, in just 4 weeks I should be a Mom again. I only have 3 complete weeks of work left. I still wouldn't be shocked if I go into labor before the 16th, but at least I have an end date and I think this week will go very quickly. Tomorrow, Grace and I are going to a co-worker's daughter's 1st birthday party after church. Monday, I have a morning meeting/conference call and my ultrasound at 3 pm. Wednesday, I have my 36 week appointment at 8:30 a.m. and then at 2:45 p.m. I have an appointment with Dr. L to do a quick cancer checkup (had the breast ultrasound last week and all looked good). Next Saturday, Grace has a "Sibling Class" at the hospital and I'll be 36 weeks pregnant.
Still hoping this last month flies by. As I'll now be having weekly doctor appointments with internal's, I'll try to update weekly. I really like being able to look back for details.
I guess it's only been 2 or 3 weeks since my last baby update, but it feels like a lot has happened and I hope to have some more stuff to post about next week, so I wanted to get this one out there.
First of all, I'm still having "contractions" fairly regularly. I'm just trying to keep off my feet at home and not do anything overly strenuous. I'm only timing them if I feel like they are happening a lot or are painful, but I'm pretty sure none of it's actual "labor" so we haven't went back to the hospital.
I had a 34 week doctor appointment last Friday (a week ago). She mentioned my trip to L&D, but didn't really suggest I change anything, she just said he may just not want to stay in there the whole time. I gained 3 pounds in that two weeks. Currently up to 26 pounds. I don't know how some women stop gaining the last month, that's when I seem to put it all on. She measured me and said I'm measuring 2 weeks ahead, so at 34 weeks, my belly measured 36 weeks. She also gave me a Rx for a 36 week ultrasound to check the size again. We've already had to reschedule it, but as of now, I go on Monday for the ultrasound and will see the doctor again on Wednesday. I did ask her about induction (are there certain days she does it, when can we expect, etc.). She said we'd likely do it either May 14, 15, or 16, unless we get unexpected news at the ultrasound and look like we're going to have an extremely large baby in which we may discuss pushing that another week sooner, but there would be additional concerns to that too.
Now that I have an "end date" I feel like I can really start to finalize plans. Mom has a flight scheduled to arrive the afternoon of 5/14 and with everyone else coming in, my first choice would be to do it on Friday, 5/16, so that's what I am going to request when we get to that point. Regardless, I told work that unless he decides to come sooner, May 14 will be my last day of work.
I'm feeling more calm about getting stuff completed. Work is starting to pull together. I've been staying late 1-2 nights a week and have been marking more off of my list than I've been putting on. I only have one major project that would cause problems if I didn't finish before I leave. I have more open items too, but everything else, I think someone else could pick up fairly easily. I did bring the big project home this weekend and I may work on it Sunday night after Grace goes to bed to at least get me started. Hopefully, I can finish it next week.
My stuff to do at home has all been started, but not finished. Tonight I am going to start packing my hospital bags. I have a list, but need to start putting things into the bags, so I can see if there's anything I need to buy. I have the "call list" about 75% done. I have all the people written down, I just need to decide when they should be called in the process and who should call them and then need to tell anyone that I've assigned to spread the word. I also need to finalize my announcement list and get to Danialle and Chadd (they are designing and sending my inviitations as a gift). I keep a list of addresses in a Word doc that can be printed on mailing labels, so I just need to look through my list from Christmas and update it for the baby. Today, I got my bottles (that we never got to use with Grace) back from Samara. I'm washing them tonight and will have them all in the cabinet by tomorrow. I plan on getting an extra key to hide this weekend and then the only major thing will be installing the car seat bases.
Last night, I read through the final month or so of my pregnancy with Grace (on my blog) and it definately seems like I feel farther along than I did with her. Some examples:
- At 34 weeks I mentioned Grace running out of room and making my belly change shape and that if I pushed on her feet when she poked them out, I could feel her butt move on the other side. Luke's been making my belly change shape for weeks and I've been able to pick out body parts, including shoulders, butt, feet, and hands for weeks too.
- At 35 weeks, I mention waddling and starting to feel increased "pressure" below. Luke is just so much lower, that I've been feeling the pressure for weeks too. I mention getting full faster. Not so much this time, I think he just sits lower, so my stomach still has room for a full meal. Also, I said my belly button was still technically "in." Mine actually popped this time. Probably about 3 or 4 weeks ago.
- At 36 weeks I had gained 28 pounds. Since I was 26 pounds at 34 weeks, looks like I might catch up with the Grace weight gain after all. At my 36 week appointment with Grace I was 1cm dialated and 60% effaced. My "36 week" appointment this time is on Wednesday, I'm really curious with all the contraction activity if I've started dialiting yet. We know at 32 weeks (3 weeks ago) I had not started.
- Also around 36 weeks I posted about feeling really "blah" and "icky" and sounds like completely uncomfortable. I feel like that about 50% of the time right now. I will have a good day and then the next day, I can't get comfortable sitting, standing, or anything and I get grouchy and just want to bite the head off of the next person that tells me there's no way that I have 5 weeks left. Usually that happens like this: Stranger: When are you due? Me: May 24th, 5 more weeks! Stranger: "Oh" (with an I feel so bad for you look), "I don't think so!", "Are you sure there's only one?", etc.
-
So, anyway, if we use 5/16 as my expected induction date, in just 4 weeks I should be a Mom again. I only have 3 complete weeks of work left. I still wouldn't be shocked if I go into labor before the 16th, but at least I have an end date and I think this week will go very quickly. Tomorrow, Grace and I are going to a co-worker's daughter's 1st birthday party after church. Monday, I have a morning meeting/conference call and my ultrasound at 3 pm. Wednesday, I have my 36 week appointment at 8:30 a.m. and then at 2:45 p.m. I have an appointment with Dr. L to do a quick cancer checkup (had the breast ultrasound last week and all looked good). Next Saturday, Grace has a "Sibling Class" at the hospital and I'll be 36 weeks pregnant.
Still hoping this last month flies by. As I'll now be having weekly doctor appointments with internal's, I'll try to update weekly. I really like being able to look back for details.
Friday, April 04, 2008
From the Mouth of Babes
So, after Grace has her worst day ever at Amy's House (the new sitter), including lying, spitting in her hands and wiping it on the carpet while in time out, multiple fits in timeout, talking back, etc., Eric's punishment for her when she came home was no TV at all tonight.
So, we're sitting at the table as a family for dinner and Grace is chatting up a storm (makes me think we should really try to eat at the table all the time). Anyway, Eric says, "Why are you so stinking cute?"
Grace's answer? "When poop comes out of your butt it is stinky. Then I go upstairs and put on a dress for church and I am very beautiful."
So she told us when she is stinky and when she is cute. They are so literal at this age. I don't want to forget all these cute things she says now.
So, we're sitting at the table as a family for dinner and Grace is chatting up a storm (makes me think we should really try to eat at the table all the time). Anyway, Eric says, "Why are you so stinking cute?"
Grace's answer? "When poop comes out of your butt it is stinky. Then I go upstairs and put on a dress for church and I am very beautiful."
So she told us when she is stinky and when she is cute. They are so literal at this age. I don't want to forget all these cute things she says now.
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