Thursday, June 17, 2010

13th OB Appointment (39w3d)

We're getting closer! Today's appointment with Dr. Edwards went well. At first my blood pressure was super high and they were going to send me to the hospital, but since the nurses and I were chatting during it, they re-tested it and it was fine. My uterus went back up to 36 cm (from 32 last week) and I gained about 1/2 pound. I was not dilated, but my cervix was soft, which is one sign that my body could be preparing for labor. Dr. Edwards did say that she will have to schedule me for an induction if nothing is happening by my next appointment. If I could get her to deliver, I will feel better about the whole process, but I would rather not be induced. Once my due date comes around, I will be trying whatever I can to get Murtle to come naturally before that induction date! Oh, and Murtle's heart beat seems to be decreasing (now it's in the 130 range), which I believe is normal prior to delivery. So, we'll see if I make it to next Tuesday's appointment, which will be one day after Murtle's due date!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Third BPP and NST (39w2d)

Whoops - I forgot to report on last week's BPP, NST and OB appointments - No news is good news, so all was well!

Today's update is that Murtle didn't pass the NST portion of the BPP. I was on that monitor for 40 minutes. Everything else looked fine, though. They really shouldn't do these NSTs first thing in the morning b/c Murtle is never really active then...AND they did that part first this time - usually it takes the ultrasound to get her going. Plus, she tired herself out over the weekend! So, I'm not too worried about it b/c she did start to move during the ultrasound and I know she'll be moving later today. My next OB appointment is tomorrow - they better not raise the topic of induction!! However, one of my FT friends just brought everything back into perspective for me again by telling me, "[i]nducement, schimducement...ain't nothin' but a thing! Eyes on the Prize, baby! She's about her make her DEBUT!!!" She's absolutely right!

Some other tidbits from last week:

My husband and I met with two of the doulas / doulas-in-training from JHU last Thursday. They were AWESOME and made me (and my husband, too, I believe) feel better about what's ahead. I think they will be a tremendous support, yet without getting in the way or not respecting our wishes if things change during the laboring.

Also, during last week's 38 week check-up, my OB (Dr. Edwards - my favorite one in the practice)said I was her favorite patient because I am always so chipper and happy. What in the world do I have to not be happy about? I had a smooth PG, I feel great, and I realize how incredibly blessed and fortunate I am that I got PG in the first place! Murtle dropped (went from 36 cms to 32 cms last week), yet I wasn't dilated (I didn't think I was, anyway - she's going to listen to her momma and come late, ha ha).

Finally, my husband and I attended an infant care class on Saturday (a 4-hour class, mind you). I'm glad we went because I felt pretty clueless about what to do once the baby is actually here, but now at least have a better sense as to how to take care of a brand new little person!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

First Bio-Physical Profile (BPP) / Non-Stress Test (NST) (37w2)

I had the first of once weekly bio-physical profiles done today. Since my husband and I agree that Murtle will come when she's ready, we want to let nature run it's course and not let anyone induce me unless it's medically necessary. Therefore, my OB wants me to have these weekly tests done to make sure she continues to thrive. The nurse measured the fluid level and checked on the health of the placenta (which she said was "not old" - hooray!). She also watched Murtle do some breathing exercises (which she passed with flying colors). The nurse then hooked me up to a doppler machine that tested Murtle's heartbeat and reactivity (and contractions on my part, which I don't think I had any) and she did fine with that. Therefore, Murtle got her first 10/10 - A+! She's off to a good start!

As a side note, I loved and was so glad I had the nurse who ran my test today. Since she taught herself how to do the 3D / 4D ultrasounds (the techs are the ones who do the full-fledged ultrasounds and take the pictures), she throws some of those pictures in as a bonus at the end of the BPP. We had not been able to get any more pictures of Murtle during the last two growth ultrasounds because of her positioning. However, I found it interesting that this nurse was able to get some of the best shots I have ever seen (especially considering Murtle was in the same position today as she has was during the last growth ultrasound). Granted, it took a while to get Murtle into the right position, but she eventually obliged by moving her arm after I had switched my position, as well. And boy does she look like a chunky monkey now! My husband and I think she has my nose (although my husband's family is convinced that she has his nose) and I think she has his lips and eyes. She's also got some really chubby cheeks (which she's doomed to have because both my husband and I have chubby ones - a guy had actually nicknamed "Chippy" in high school because of my "chipmunk cheeks"). Who would have thought that she was in the 15th percentile for growth not too very long ago...I may have to switch back to drinking skim milk now - Now I'm afraid she's going to be too big!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Follow-Up Growth Ultrasound (36w2d) and 11th OB Appointment (37w1d)

I had my follow-up growth ultrasound last Wednesday (at 36 weeks 2 days) and my 11th OB appointment today (at 37 weeks 1 day). Both appointments went just fine. Murtle measured about 6 pounds last week and was sprouting a full head of hair. :) I've gained about 13 total pounds as of today. Things are on track - I have my first NST and BPP tomorrow back at the MFM's office tomorrow - hopefully that will show that everything is progressing fine and that Murtle is continuing to thrive and grow.

My husband and I finished a lot of our baby preparation items this past weekend, too! The nursery is basically finished, too - yay! While I still hope that she makes it until her due date, if she were to come any earlier, I would feel ok with what we've accomplished so far. I'm getting excited to meet our new baby girl!