2 weeks to go...

Chris and I went to the midwife on Tuesday for my 37 week appointment which was focused on reviewing our birth plan as well as learning the Midwife Groups protocol when we go into labor. The appointment was about an hour long and it was wonderful to have two guests with us: Lisars and Rachel Grace. Lisa is a good friend of mine, our bradley coach, and will be present during labor and delivery.

We met with Julie this last (one of the four midwives) and we had not met with her yet since she has been out on maternity leave. She was very funny and I like her a lot. So, we reviewed my birth plan, discussed the routine procedures/acts during labor and delivery, as well as the things that I specifically preferred. As I expected, many of the things in my birth plan are part of the routine care from the midwives.

The baby's heartbeat continues to be strong and everything looks good. We talked about the concerns from my ultrasound at 36 weeks regarding my "supposed low-normal amniotic fluid." Julie was willing to let Chris and I make the decision to not have another ultrasound, but she encouraged me to continue pushing the fluids so that I have ample amniotic fluid. However, Julie did not seem to be concerned. I asked Julie if she would check me for dilation and effacement and she wouldn't. Julie said, "If I check you and you're 1cm dilated, you will just be frustrated. Besides, the amount of your dilation will not necessarily predict when you will deliver. You can be 1cm now and go into labor tonight, or be 3-4cm for the next few weeks." So, I go back on March 30...

In the mean time, I am ready to be done working. It's getting more and more difficult to get moving each morning as I am approaching my last week of work before my leave. There is a part of me that just wants to go into labor, but the other part that feels I need to "wrap things up" at work. It would be very hard for me to anticipate going into work the next day and go into labor that night with things unfinished and my desk a mess.

In the mean time, I am having "pregnancy" contractions as well as Braxton Hicks. I am experiencing a lot of lower abdominal cramping (similar to menstrual cramps) and tightening across my belly at times. However, the contractions are not of any type of pattern, strength, or frequency. However, last night, Chris and I attempted to go for a walk and after a few blocks, I started to feel a lot of cramping in my lower back. I thought I was having real contractions and hoping labor would come soon, but it stopped when I got home. :( But, my goal is to just do a lot of walking to help gravitate the baby into my pelvis (Oh, Julie did say that his head is engaged into my pelvis).

Tonight, Chris and I were out for about 45 minutes running errands and I really felt that I needed to come home. My lower back started to hurt and I was feeling quite a bit of pressure in the pelvis...so, things must be happening.

BTW, if I could have it my way, I would like to have this baby sometime between April 4 and April 10...However, we all know how that works and he will come on his own time. :D In the meantime, I will just have to wait.