Thursday, July 16, 2015

40 weeks.

I didn't think I'd still be pregnant on my due date. I really 100% thought I would have given birth by now. But nope, it's Reuben's due date and he seems content to keep poking me from inside my uterus and sitting on my bladder and waking me up with hiccups at all hours of the night. And yes, I am annoyed. He was supposed to be out by now.


But I know that many first babies are late, and that my body can still go into natural labor. It's not too late. I just worry that something is wrong. I have had a lot of braxton hicks and a few other signs of labor but no contractions yet and no sign of my mucus plug or of my water breaking. My doctor says my baby's head is down, but not engaged yet. I have been doing these funny exercises that are supposed to help. But all I can tell is that they make me feel rather silly. And fat. Hah.

I hate waiting. Did I ever tell you that? I am not a patient person. My husband says so too, and he knows me really well. Being a "get 'er done" person can be a blessing and a curse, but in this situation it is definitely a curse. I can't do anything but wait and keep drinking a lot of water and monitoring the swelling on my feet and wondering when my doctor will announce it is time for me to be induced (10 days from now is what she said if everything is still well) and feeling terrified of said inducement because needles and a increased risk of c-section.

All I really can do is cling to to the knowledge that God knows what he is doing, he knows when my son will be born and how. I don't know, and yes that is frustrating but I have to trust him. I would really appreciate some prayers, for patience, and for trust and for peace. And perhaps that Reuben would get the memo. You know, if he's ready and all.

5 comments:

Michelle said...

Nothing at all is wrong. My last appointment was 2 days before my due date, and I had zero signs of labor. Absolutely zero. The Braxton Hicks had even stopped. But 3 days after my due date I woke up in labor. It's totally normal to have zero signs of labor around your due date. Especially when it's your first baby. However, I felt the opposite. I wasn't ready for her to come at all :)

Jane Eyre said...

Hugs, and mangoes! (Or maybe pineapple, because maybe it will induce labor ;) ) Praying for you, and love you, friend! :)

katie terry said...

I know you know this, but just to re-emphasize -- a due date is *not* a deadline (except in certain high-risk medical conditions). Average first-time mama in the USA who successfully delivers vaginally does so at 5-6 days after due date. Kiddo is getting what he needs, and this is the only time in your life that you'll be able to 100% control his environment. I know it's frustrating, but better for mama and baby that it's this way than if your placenta previa hadn't resolved and you'd have met your kid a week and a half ago but would be recovering from major abdominal surgery. It's worth the wait! And if you're truly desperate, you can always try castor oil. Just make sure you have a toilet handy.

Rachel P. said...

BH is a good sign- it prepares your body. But what Katie said is all true. You're giving him the final touches he needs right now (little extra fat, and his brain is developing). I told you this a few days ago, but I was induced with both my kids. Even if it does come down to that, it's not the worst thing in the world. And if you did eventually need a c-section, at least you know that you tried, and he'll be here, safe and healthy. Look into Primrose Oil capsules, Raspberry Leaf tea, and pumping. I pumped and did the tea with my daughter, and came in at 2cms (I had her at 41 weeks), and with my son did all of those things and he was 4cms when I was admitted- and all they had to do was break my water. Sometimes women just need a little boost to get them going.

Rachel G said...

I've been sneaking onto Angel's instagram to keep up with your little updates and I wanted to tell you congratulations!!! Such a big, healthy baby you've made! :) Enjoy getting used to that little guy.