Saturday, December 22, 2012

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 41 Weeks Pregnant

We're still here.

I'm still pregnant.

This week was tougher than I expected it to be.  Physically things are difficult, and only continue to get more difficult, but beyond that, emotionally I been a bit of a mess. 

People, understandably, keeps asking if Sprout has arrived yet.  We've said we will keep everyone updated, but there are still calls and emails daily.  While I appreciate that we're in peoples' thoughts, it's also a constant reminder that we are still waiting. 

I'm not able to get around easily, so I've mostly been at home, wondering when/if I am going to go into labour.  I try to distract myself.  The reminders don't make that any easier. 

Last night she didn't seem to be moving around as much as usual.  I said something to Jen about it and she asked if things were okay.  That got me worrying that they weren't.  I ended up sitting up in bed, in tears, hands on my belly waiting for some of the big kicks that she usually gives me in the evenings.  Eventually she did, but I was a mess waiting for them.  Thoughts of a long-time family friend who's son was stillborn at full term kept running through my head.  I wondered if I should be calling the midwife or going to the hospital or having an ultrasound just to make sure things were okay.  I worry that she would be better off outside than in, at this point.  I worry about the cord wrapping around her neck.  I worry that she'll grow to large for me to have a vaginal birth. 

I talked to my midwife and she agreed to an induction on the 27th.  I don't really want to be induced, but they would do it by the 30th anyway.  And I feel ready to meet this little one now.  I am confident that she is grown and developed and that those three extra days would not make a difference to that.  I also don't feel like those three days would make the difference of NOT needing the induction.  Plus, Jen's parents were going to stay until the 26th and then come back for the 30th.  That seemed silly.  With the induction scheduled for the 27th they'll just stay here until after the birth.  I feel better not worrying about them travelling 6+ hours to and fro on winter roads. 

Accupuncture this week was slightly more painful that in has been.  I probably won't make any more appointments.  The 24th and 26th would be the two days my accupuncturist is available and I already have a midwife appointment on the 24th.  I feel like if the accupuncture were going to make the baby come, it would have happened by now, though I do still hope it's helped my body prepare.  My midwife suggested inserting the Evening Primrose Oil and perhaps trying Castor Oil, but I think I'll just be to disappointed to have put myself through the discomfort if it turns out that those methods don't help.  So basically I've decided to just wait.  I'll keep taking my EPO and homeopathics,  I'll try to walk when/if I feel up to it, but I'm not going to start anything else. 

Please continue to send all your baby-come-soon thoughts out to the universe on our behalf. 

One way or another she will be here with us by next week. 

And we'll keep you updated.  Promise. 

41 week belly:

16 comments:

  1. Woah. Is it me or has that belly grown dramatically since your last pic? Either way... she'll be here SO soon and this period of waiting will be a distant memory. In the meantime, rest up for labor (and infancy!). Hugs, Mama!

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  2. Sorry to hear its been a hard week. I was going to make a "you're still here?" Comment on fb but thought better of it and now I'm glad I did. Ours both arrived on time but I do remember the anxiety increasing at the end over whether the baby was still ok etc. It's a very stressful time. Sending you lots of positive thoughts that your baby will be here before the 27th.

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  3. Good luck and I hope your baby comes soon!!! Pay attention to your mama intuition:)

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  4. She will be here so soon! And it will be wonderful and worth the wait. Hang in there! The end is so hard-- you're so eager, and tired, and uncomfortable... My bet is that you go into labor in Christmas Eve and have a magical present Christmas Day. :) Good luck!

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  5. I had all the same worries when I went overdue for the same reasons as you (friend with a full term tragedy) however that is VERY rare!
    But if she slows down again, get yourself in for monitoring asap because no one will mind.
    Really hoping she just turns up today!

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  6. I think inserting the EPO can definitely help prepare your body for a vaginal birth.

    I'm so sorry that you're worried. I can't wait for her to arrive. What a great Xmas gift!

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  7. Awww honey, she will be here soon! And healthy, safe, and sound...I feel it! I think of you daily, and do generally refrain from asking, "Is she here yet?" because I remember how nerve wrecking it was for everyone to ask us almost hourly, if LM had arrived yet...as if we would not tell anyone he had, haha. I hope she decides to come on her own, preferably Christmas Eve or Christmas day ;)

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  8. It's hard not to get in your head about the baby when you're so ready to have her. I completely understand how frustrating it is to have well meaning friends and family continuously asking about the baby too. That little girl will come out though and soon you'll be ringing in the new year with your new addition. I'll be sending my positive thoughts your way!

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  9. Sending excited baby dust your way. Can't wait to see the little one. Hang in there, its almost over!

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  10. I remember those days so well. They're so hard to go through, and the waiting feels like an eternity! I really hope she doesn't make you wait any longer, and that she comes out on her own. Christmas baby, maybe??? :)

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  11. We are thinking of you! Keep your chin up!!
    Hugs from Germany!

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  12. Baby come soon thoughts headed your way. So sorry it's been a tough week. Hang in there (which I'm sure you've heard a billion times).

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  13. Hoping for a happy and healthy delivery that comes SOON!

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  14. It was great seeing you this week. I'm keeping you in my thoughts, hoping that your L&D go smoothly :) I can't wait to meet the little one - just a few more days!

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  15. Oh my...I know how it feels to anxiously await a baby that is content to stay cozy inside instead of making a timely entrance ;-) Be gentle wit yourself and take comfort in knowing that your little one will very soon be in your arms!!! Holding you in my thoughts.

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  16. I wrote a long comment the other day but couldn't post for some reason. I'm so sorry you're having a hard time with this and I hope that it isn't a long wait. Baby-come-soon thoughts headed your way. Hang in there (which I'm sure you've heard a billion times already).

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