Thirty-six Weeks

Well, as I blogged earlier this week, Michaela is still measuring about a week ahead in size. That's a good thing. My OB doesn't expect her to be more than the eight pound range if we go to full term. That's also good. However, in two weeks my OB will check my cervix and depending on if I'm dialating and/or effaced, she may sweep my membranes at that point. I'm all for that, but I know that it's not always a sure-fire way to start labor. So, we'll see what happens, but I'm hopeful and excited that it will work. We shall see... And, for those who are opposed to induction, I get it. Everyone has an opinion. But, this is between my doctor and me, and I have my reasons. I share very openly here, but I'm not always seeking to hear other opinions. What will be will be. Things are just different with me being a widow and not having Michael here to help me.

At Friday's appointment my OB did the GBS (Group B Strep) test. I suppose the results of that will be available next week. If I am a carrier of that, then I will have to be on an antibiotic in my IV during labor and delivery to protect the baby. It's nothing to worry about, but I hope the test will come back negative.

At our NST on Thursday, I had to stay on the monitor for about and hour and a half because Michaela's heart rate was so high. Most of that time she was clocking in at 170 beats per minute or higher. She had the hiccups for the longest time, and I'd had something cold to drink, so that might have been the cause. The nurse wasn't worried, but we had to wait for Michaela to settle down. She finally seemed to fall asleep after all that time, and her heart rate declined to the 130s.

I'm just as uncomfortable as anybody would be at this point. I've gained about forty pounds, and it's hard to carry that extra weight around. I have edema in my ankles and feet on a daily basis. My back continues to be sore, but it has improved since I've been seeing the chiropractor. Reflux is still an issue, and so is some insomnia. The baby seems to be using my bladder as a pillow, and I feel like I have to pee all the time. Nothing too out of the ordinary at this point. My days are spent going to doctors appointments and resting. I am grateful to be at home and able to focus on my physical needs.

The nursery is close to being done. We just need to hang up some wall art, and get a bunch of baby stuff put away. I promise to post pictures when it's presentable. It's going to be so lovely!