41 weeks and 4 days…really?

holy bananas i would never have imagined this precious baby would still be in my tummy. i cannot believe i am still pregnant! here is a recap on the week.

being post dated in your pregnancy is sort of like stepping into celebrity status at the doctor’s office. you can get an appointment at whatever time you like on whatever day you like and they make sure to give you the “full package” when you come in, lol. ever since i hit 40 weeks i have 2 appointments per week instead of just one. i get hooked up to “the belts” for NST testing every time for at least 45 minutes or so during which they monitor my contractions, the baby’s heart rate and the baby’s “reactive movement” to what is going on in there. i also get to see her on the ultrasound screen each time. it isn’t the big nice one like at the imaging center. its the more blue, fuzzy screen….but it is still a live shot of my beautiful baby girl, so what’s to complain about?!

my doctor finally got back in town and i had a ”real” appointment on monday, july 26th. she showed me the baby on u/s – she is perfect and in perfect position for delivery! she looks like quite a chubby little thing and again, we could see all her hair! my fluids were also great, no loss. i do not recall the name of the #s…but your fluids need to remain at at least a 7. i was at 10.5. she “checked me” and said i was still 80% effaced, station zero and at 4cm. my nurse had figured that i was surely at a five with the contractions she witnessed on my NST’s (non stress tests) while the doc was away, but alas…i was still at a 4.

dr. J was really understanding of my desire to continue carrying and avoid induction but advised that she is not supportive of me  carrying past 42 weeks, as risks to the baby begin to set in. i fully expected that news. i really, really want to deliver on my own – so as days pass i have to consider all the possibilities. on monday i allowed the dr. to sweep/strip my membranes. in other words, separate my sack of water from my cervix (this is NOT the same as breaking my water!). i knew that it was a 50/50 shot and if anything were to occur, it would be within 24 hours of her doing so. i went home and had severe cramping (what i understand to be “REAL” contractions, not just Braxton Hicks) all night…but in the end – nothing.

i had appointment #2 for the week today. the baby is still doing great. my fluids are still high, she is still in perfect position and her heart beat is strong and steady. NST went well also. she is a mover for sure! today i asked the doctor to give me an estimate on her size while looking at the u/s. she said she will be at least 8lbs… what a chunky little lovie! i was 8lb 2oz – so i guess this is payback…right mom?! :) and as for momma...well i have gone up some weeks and down others, but my total weight gain for the pregnancy thus far...THIRTY SIX POUNDS...yep 36! whew! the doctor also did another cervical check today….YAY PROGRESS! i am now at FIVE centimeters! that’s right…my body has carried me half way thru labor without ever having to check in at the hospital :) PRAISE GOD! i am so thankful for a MIGHTY GOD, a patient doctor and a high pain tolerance – haha! i let her sweep my membranes again today in hopes that one more push might bring labor about without actually being induced…i am cramping again tonight, so i am hopeful and full of prayers! it helped progress me one centimeter last time…so if i was able to get one more tonight/tomorrow…i am almost certain i would go into active labor at a six!!! please pray with me!

if it does not happen this way…and i am still pregnant on monday, i have to go back again for one final NST test to monitor the baby’s heart rate and movement and make sure she is still a healthy, strong little lovebug. and then…TUESDAY morning – August 3rd – at 42 weeks and 2 days pregnant - i will be induced. it is certainly not my “plan” or what i would have chosen for me and PeA…but i know that ultimately God is in control and he is sovereign. either way, i hold on to the amazing joy that sometime between now and tuesday, i will be holding my most precious gift ever in my arms. and matthew and i will never, ever be the same all thanks to our lord, our savior and our deliverer, JESUS CHRIST! Praise Him for his faithfulness!

i cannot tell you how much all of your prayers, love and support have meant. we are so thankful to have so many wonderful friends and family members on our side. please continue to pray for the health of the baby. pray that she would come at just the time God has chosen and that she will be in perfect form. also, today i began to experience the extreme pain of sciatica. i am grateful to have made it so far into the pregnancy without this struggle but hope that even now it does not last. please pray for healing. pray that i would trust in god alone to give me the grace and patience i need to wait upon His plan and the wisdom and strength i need to bring this baby into the world healthy and safe.  please also pray for matt and i as we prepare to raise up a child in His light and love.

baby PeA – mommy and daddy love you so, so much. you are amazing and surprising us every day already! we cannot wait to see your sweet face and hold you close forever. we are praying for you every day. we pray that you will be healthy and happy and that you will grow to know the love of our lord in a sweet and perfect way!  xoxo