Today was the first of my weekly OB visits. So, when is Little One making her debut?<\/p>\n
According to my doctor (who gave me an exam), it’s not likely she’ll arrive before her due date on August 27. There’s no dilation. She is head down, but she hasn’t dropped. Once she drops into the pelvic opening, she’s kind of “locked in” and won’t flip. Here’s hoping she doesn’t get all excited about something and flip herself laterally or upright. So, my doctor said, “You’ve got time. Make a getaway to Santa Cruz, or San Francisco. Enjoy it!” This means when my brother comes to visit during my 39th week, he won’t have to deal firsthand with his sister raving through labor pain. One caveat from my doctor, though: things can change. I’m rather enjoying this period of wondering.<\/p>\n
We also reviewed my one-page “birth preferences” document. I don’t put much stock in a birth plan — in fact I think the concept is rather amusing — it’s a natural event and has too many variables to really plan. However, I decided it was worth noting my preferences for labor positions, pain management, postpartum care, and so on, all of which are flexible if other measures are needed. The doctor made helpful suggestions about some things to change and was generally satisfied with it. She was especially pleased it was only one page. She’s seen birth plans that are six pages long, and she said, “Believe me, the nurses don’t read beyond page one. There’s so much going on.” Fortunately for us, a friend of mine has offered to be a coach alongside Husband. She’s had two children before, and I appreciate her willingness to assist, especially since she’s in the second trimester of her third pregnancy. She’ll be able to look after me, make suggestions to Husband on how he can comfort me, and they can help each other take breaks as they need. If I’m really lucky, my labor will be like my mother’s — with her first child it took about eight hours, and the rest of us were also pretty short.<\/p>\n
One change to note: in the past two weeks, I lost<\/em> 1.5 pounds. Little One is growing bigger and her heartbeat is good. It’s just too hot to eat a lot, and I don’t have much room. Doctor said there’s no need to be concerned; I have ample reserves!<\/p>\n In general I feel fine, except that the heat really sucks my energy out, and then I feel crabby and as though I’m wearing lead weights. Several people suggested I try swimming, and I finally took their advice. Our community has a small pool; this evening I immersed myself for 40 minutes. (Glory be, my bathing suit fit, although it, um, looked rather like it’d been spray-painted on me.) It was delicious to be in the water.<\/p>\n