Monday, July 5, 2010

40 Weeks, AND 3 DAYS

I really didn't think I'd be here, waiting for the baby past her due date. But I am here, 40 weeks and three days, and no signs of labor. Actually, there are signs. There are the contractions I've been experiencing for two weeks now, and on Friday afternoon, I lost my mucus plug. According to the American Pregnancy Association, after passing the mucus plug, labor could be hours, days or weeks away. WEEKS? How comforting.

I keep hearing that I should "rest up now" and "stock up on sleep" but, correct me if I'm wrong, sleep isn't something you can bank for later. I have been especially tired, so I've been napping more than I've ever napped in my life, but I am under no illusion that this will make those first sleepless nights any easier. Also, I'm over "enjoy[ing] these final days before the baby comes." John and I are two months shy of our third wedding anniversary, and I have loved our time together as a family of two. We've gone out for countless dinners and plays and movies. We've gone dancing and hiking and traveling in Europe. And now, we want to be parents.

We're going to the doctor this morning, and I wonder what she'll say. I last saw her two weeks ago, and she suggested we induce today. At the time, I wasn't ready to commit to an induction. I wanted to give the baby ample time to come on her own. But now I'm growing impatient. I don't want to rush her, but I'd like to evict this child before she weighs as much as I do.

I've gone back and forth in my mind...should we give her one more week? Or until Friday? Or Wednesday? Or should we go ahead and serve the eviction notice today? I want her to come when she's ready, but there are also risks associated with waiting, just as there are risks with inducing. But I'm not sure I can stand this suspense much longer. I know many women who were induced before they even reached the end of their 40 weeks, and they delivered perfectly healthy babies, vaginally.

I could go on and on. Ultimately, I want to do what's best for my child. And I think I should talk to my doctor to determine what that is.

5 comments:

Mrs. Cline said...

Oh, I have tears in my eyes reading this. I remember "meeting" you and how we both longed to be the mother's we know we were created to be and now you're here! And I am so with you on just wanting to be parents. We've dined and traveled and had our time, *THIS* is what we want to do next!

And if our little miss comes when she is supposed to, she'll be here 2 months before our 3rd anniversary - just something else we have in common. :)

So, so excited for you. Can't wait to hear that she's arrived. I know she's going to be just perfect.

xoxo,
Natalie

Ashley said...

So so excited for you! Can't wait to hear when she's born!

Lindsey said...

I can't wait to hear all about your experience. I delivered 3 weeks early due to pre-eclampsia, and aside from Jaundice (which wasn't a problem and cleared up on it's own) my little girl was a healthy 7 lbs and delivered vaginally.

Sheelah said...

YAY Getting so close! Just read your twitter!

Mommy's Sippy Cup said...

Hey girl! Congrats! I've been following you on Twitter but not your blog...I thought I was. Haha. Hope all is well with you :)

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