Yes - I have grown that much since last month! I was just reviewing the pictures from each month and I cannot believe how different I look. 6 mos prego - 4 to go (yes, you are really pregnant more than 9 months - more like 9.5, but with the way you count from your missed period, it ends up being 40 weeks/10 mos). I cannot imagine where I am going to continue growing!
Things are moving along quite nicely - except, wow, I sleep more than I ever have before! Last night (a Friday night mind you), I feel asleep by about 9pm and crawled into bed at 9:30pm - what a fun date I am for PJ. Of course, I am up early with the dogs everyday......we are about to go on our daily walk.
Wednesday I went to the doctor for my monthly checkup. Things are progressing just fine - we are now seeing my family pracitioner (one of two that I regularly see in the practice), since my maternity doctor is on maternity leave herself! He specializes in maternity care as well, so it works out perfect. We heard the heartbeat, which was about 150 - it slows down throughout pregnancy, but when BBM is born, will still be much quicker than average and then continues to slow down the first few years of his life. Anyway, my uterus measured 24 centimeters - perfect! Each week it will continue to grow and usually you measure the amount of centimeters that you are weeks along.
Of course, I had a million questions for the doctor - I really started worrying that despite all my preparation and classes and research, that come time to delivery BBM, the hospital would force things upon me that I did not want, or that they would do things to my baby without my permission. So....Doctor K assured me that all of my requests were just fine and would be respected. His experience with the hospital is that they are very open to natural birthing methods/options and respect them. His wife delivered there, and supposedly is a lot like me, and had a great experience. Some of the things I was/am worried about include:
- How long I have to stay (most likely 24 hours, but no longer if all goes well - thank goodness!)
- What if someone tried to give BBM a nipple of some kind w/o my permission - I don't want any interference with breastfeeding - again, I shouldn't have to worry I don't think, at least I was told not too (thank goodness for rooming in!)
- I really don't want the cord cut until it is at least not pulsating, but most likely not until I birth the placenta
- No drugs offered - I really really really hope I can use my relaxation techniques and everything else I have learned in the Bradley classes to do this naturally. I have told PJ, when it gets to the point that I am begging for drugs and saying I cannot do it, I must be almost to second stage! And therefore almost through the worst of it. I don't want any undue pressure from the staff about it.
- Active birthing - I want to be able to move around, use a birthing ball, walk, whatever works for me - I think that this request is very common with most women.
- Inducing labor - I really don't want to be induced if possible - and want it all to be natural - like the bag of waters breaking (I would prefer that the staff not break it for me should it not break naturally).
Obviously I am worrying as usual about things that I have no control over, and worrying way in advance - I just can't help it - and yes, I know that come time for all of this, I need to be flexible (and I will be - I know this is about what is best for BBM and that is my main priority, which is probably why I worry!). Dr K assured me that my concerns were just fine and normal and that it was good to have them and ask questions. He appreciated my desire to be an active participant in the birth (as he is not an OB-GYN, his philosophy is somewhere between that of a OB and midwife - needless to say, that fits into my philosophy perfectly - though I came to the conclusion that I would really prefer to be doing this birth at home or at a birthing center, but I also want to respect PJ's fears/desires, and so the hospital will be just fine!).
The other thing I was worried about was if my doctor would FOR SURE be at the birth. Dr K told me that Dr G (my usual doc) told him she intended to be there. But he assured me that if something were to come up and she could not make it, he would be there for sure. So basically, one of them will be there - that makes me feel so much better. I appreciate both of them and their honesty and willingness to let me be so involved.
Oh - in about two weeks, I go in for my glucose test. Yay.
When I was there, it was neat b/c my regular family pracitioner heard my voice (shocking!!!!) and stopped in to say hi to PJ and me. That is why I love my doctor's office! They are going to become our child's doctors as well - which I am excited about. I know a lot of people choose to go to a pediatrician, but I love the philosophy of a family practice and what it means for the entire family - just a personal preference.
Besides doctor stuff, everything else is going well. We closed on our house on Wednesday, which was an exciting process (well, I thought so! - PJ might have been slightly overwhelmed). This weekend we are going to spend a lot of time over there cleaning. Then next weekend, while I am in St Louis for my shower, PJ and his parents are going to start painting. In June, my dad and step mom are coming up to help redo the hardwoods in the house. I just can't wait to get it all started. I think we are going to change the locks on the house today as well. Just as a safety precaution.
This week and next week, we have a walking challenge going on at work - so everyday I have been walking the dogs lots - to the point that the prong collar actually caused welts on Tucker's neck and we have now switched to a body halter for him - no amount of pain will stop him from pulling obviously (anything to lunge at a squirrel!). My goal is 10,000 steps a day, which really is not that hard - just requires at least a 1/2 hour walk each day in addition to my normal walking. Most days, with a longer walk, I am able to get somewhere between 11-14,000. Works for me!
Work is good for both of us - PJ still loves his job and mine is going along fine. Orientation season is around the corner, so I am prepping for that. I got a letter from the Chancellor this week congratulating me on my advising award, which was so nice! Trying to plan out how going to Baltimore for the conference will work out - the conference is in October - BBM will have to come with and then one of my many mothers will also join me! :)
Feeling BBM move a lot; mostly at night or when I am not moving around. My back is also starting to ache a bit, but I am trying to do my back exercises to help, though I need to be better about them. Hope all is well with all of you - looking forward to seeing many of you soon and hearing from the rest of you!
