I cannot believe that I'm in my 39th week of pregnancy. As much as the last week or two have been a bit on the tough side, I can't imagine exchanging pregnancy for anything in the world. It's been such a neat experience!! And I'm so fortunate that it has been as "easy" as it has been. No morning sickness, no heartburn, no high blood pressure...everything stayed pretty normal as my belly grew and grew! Incredible. And the best part? It all will result in the birth of our son. Our SON! He is going to be here any day now!!
As for the last few weeks and the most recent doc appt...
I developed PUPPP rash at around 36 1/2 weeks (PUPPP stands for Pruritic Urticarial Pupules and Plaques of Pregnancy) and it has been what I would consider the worst part of the third trimester. This rash is most common in first time pregnancies and in women expecting little boys. Well, isn't that special? :) It affects somewhere between one in every 300 women. It is incredibly itchy!! It's seriously like nothing I've ever felt before, and it gets incredibly irritated when I sweat...which in August/September, in Dallas, this late in the pregnancy, is just about ALL OF THE TIME. So far, it has managed to remain only on my lower belly, with just a little bit of spreading on my left thigh. I've managed it with the Healing Balm from Honest Company. As soon as I get out of the shower, I let the area dry, then put a thin layer of that stuff on. It doesn't necessarily always help with the itch, but it does soothe the discomfort quite a bit. I also put another layer on before bed. I try to leave my belly uncovered for a while, but then have to pull my shirt down before turning in (who wants healing balm all over their sheets?). Fortunately, I really think it has gotten better in the last few days. That, or I'm just really used to it now. But like I stated above -- I wouldn't exchange the experience! It's still just part of the pain with a purpose!
At my last doc visit, I was told that my belly was measuring a little ahead of schedule. I'm still 3cm dilated and 70% effaced (where as at 37 weeks I was 2cm and 50%, I made progress to 38 weeks, then it halted a bit). The doc did ask the question, "Have you thought about induction?" and I could just tell she was avoiding it until she thought it would be a good time to discuss it (or necessary time to discuss it). The concern is that baby boy may be getting a little on the bigger side, and my pelvis doesn't seem to be helping...Graham hasn't dropped in the slightest. So even though my cervix seems to be progressing, wee man is still at a -2 station. Ultimately, induction at 40 weeks has the potential of relieving the concern of trying to deliver a large baby through a pelvis that may not manage it, thus avoiding possible c-section. Now, I don't love the idea of pitocin-induced birth at all, but I like it a great deal more than I like the idea of having a c-section. BUT, I know that's not out of the cards either! The doc just brought it up because she would advise against allowing me to go much past the 40 week mark and she knows I'd like the time to think it over and discuss with my husband. She said that if he doesn't come this weekend, induction will be on the table. In the meantime, she went ahead and did a membrane sweep (sorry...TMI?) with the hope that maybe that would get contractions going, urging him to lower a bit. So far...not a darned thing.
Let me just say...I TRUST MY DOCTOR. So, when I see her on Monday, if baby isn't here yet, I will likely schedule the induction. The hope still remains that he will make his debut on his own terms, but I know she has my wishes held high. That's why she didn't want to talk about induction -- she knows I want to go the natural route, and that induction often leads to epidural -- like, in 80% or more of cases. Contractions are usually a bit stronger, and they come on much closer to one another, which often keeps moms from being able to relax and gather strength between them. It's not that it can't be done, but it sure makes it more difficult. So, I'm going to continue to roll around on my exercise ball, take extra long walks with the dogs, and hope to goodness he makes his way into the world in the next day or two!!
ALSO, in baby news/excitement: My mom will be arriving in Dallas tomorrow! This will be the first time she's been here (and we've lived here for 5 years). She hasn't flown in about 20 years!! It will be a HUGE day for our family, and I can't wait. It'll be so nice to have some time with her!!! (and as selfish as it sounds, I'm so grateful I don't have to share her with either of my sisters!!! Love you Lynndee and Aurora!!)
Ultimately, I choose to remain positive. As long as we manage to deliver a healthy, happy baby, we will be on top of the world!
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