Friday, July 13, 2007

Due Date

Well, the EDD is here and so far...no baby! Truthfully, I'm not expecting her this weekend since I wasn't dilated any more than 1cm at the appointment yesterday. (That is no change from the last visit 9 days previous.) Also, I haven't been having any contractions either. The midwife did go ahead and strip my membranes yesterday and that was PLEASANT let me tell you. For those of you wondering, it just separates the amniotic sac from the cervix and in the process releases prostaglandins -- hormones that soften and dilate the cervix. The thought is that if your body is ready, having this done can kind of jump start labor...sometimes within 24-48 hours.
I am so ready to be done with pregnancy! I really want to go into labor on my own without having to be induced, but I am starting to lose heart! I have 10 days left for something to happen naturally, otherwise the midwives will induce.
I know people say that near the end they sometimes lose their appetites and actually lose weight. Ha - if only that would happen to me! While I'm certainly not ravenous and the idea of cooking is NOT appealing, I'm still eating and that means still gaining!!! I weigh a few pounds more than I did when Lydia is born and the prospect of 10 more days means that number is just going to rise!! Besides concern over my own weight, I really don't want to birth a 9 pound child!! (My friend Rachel just had a 10lb 9oz little boy --- WOW!)
Another "disheartening" tidbit to add to my own scenario is that quite a few of my friends from church are(I think I'll have to change that to were) pregnant at the same time as me. It has been lots of fun going through things together, but that "fun factor" is beginning to wear off now that I (whose due date was the first of five) am now at least third in the delivery order!!! As exciting as these calling posts and emails of births are, it is just a constant reminder that I am still pregnant!!Five of us were/are due in 5 consecutive weeks. Chris went 1 week early last weekend and Amy (due 2 weeks after me) is scheduled for induction tomorrow. This leaves only Stephanie and Michelle (both due in August) for me to "beat" to delivery. *sigh* (And with Stephanie's track record, I really wouldn't be that shocked if she went into labor before me too -- right Steph?!!)
Unfortunately my thoughts are starting to turn from a natural onset of labor and all of the options I should have for labor and delivery to how I will handle induction and all the interventions (I interpret that as "restrictions") that can and usually do accompany the procedures. So -- send me your tips on natural things to do to get labor started! I think I tried them all two years ago with Lydia, but a reminder or some new idea can't hurt. I am off to the health food store in search of magic pills or potions =)

p.s. Ben just walked by Lydia's room where she is supposed to be napping. He told me he heard her talking and stopped to listen. He caught her saying the ABC's...apparently from M-Z. I'm impressed. I haven't heard her do that and didn't know she could!

8 comments:

JM said...

Jen, I'll take a look back and see what suggestions I read when I was in the same boat. I did end up having Caroline a few days before my due date, but that felt quite late since I was expecting her to be three or so weeks early. Don't lose heart yet! I know it's so hard when you're waiting day by day...and hour by hour. As much as you can, relax. Do all those "normal" things that need to be done...and some that aren't so "normal" but won't get done in a long time.

Rachel said...

Being in the same place just a few days ago, I know how hard it can be. I was also still gaining weight and nothing seemed to be happening. Remember to keep busy and you will have that little one in just the next couple of days. I'll be praying she makes her grand intrance SOON!!!!!!

Beth said...

My midwife told me to drink Raspberry Leaf tea and take 2 Evening Primrose Oil tablets as well as squeeze 2 umm someplace else everyday. It really seemed to work because I started having contractions within a couple of days. Good luck and remember that babies come when they are supposed to even if it isn't our planned time. lol

Kathy said...

This is back from the dark ages, but they used to recommend walking. Ladies would go to the mall, walk all day, go into labour so exhausted from their walking they came out really tired from the whole experience. I myself was told to go home and walk for a while and come back in a few hours, which we did. (Susie, I think???)

Anonymous said...

Okay, once again I feel out of place, and have no advice, but want to say I sympathize in my own male way(have not been there or done that). Rob

Renee said...

Hang in there, Jenn. She'll be here soon. Stripping the membranes? I just don't think I could go through with that pain. Glad you survived it though. My midwfie told me an herbal tea to drink to get things going with #5 if I did not want to wait until the end. Obviously, that never happened, and for the life of me cannot remember what it was. After reading the comments though, I think it was the Primrose tea that she said would get things going. We tried the walking around the mall the day #5 was born but did not change anything until I went home to lie down on the couch. SO, you never know.

Rest while you can though. :)

JM said...

Are you still hanging in there?

K. Humby said...

Jen, I am yet another who feels sorry for you. I can't imagine being late as I am already anticipating having this baby when I have yet 2 months+ to go. :) I will probably be in the same place as you when the time comes as we all seem to run late in my family.
Well, I will keep praying that all goes smoothly!!!