Pregnancy Update 40 Weeks

Because of my tardiness in posting this weekly update, you may have thought we have gone into labour and possibly will be introducing our gorgeous baby girl to you very soon. Well, unfortunately we are STILL waiting! Bub seems very content in there and possibly could go another round of nine months if she had her way!

On Thursday this week we will start the ‘eviction’ process when we have our 41 week hospital appointment. They will do a membrane sweep and see if that gets the contractions going as well as discuss with us other medical induction methods. We’re keen to go the natural way in the mean time and have been reading about and trying a few natural induction methods (some way more fun than others!) but still not even a hint of her budging.

My somber, frustrated mood has gone and this week there is a sense of calmness over me. I think I have thought about the labour process so much over the last nine months, preparing myself for the big D-Day and the fact that it didn’t happen by our due date really got to me. It’s a hard experience to digest as you really don’t know what to expect. You hear everyone’s stories (whether you want to or not)…so and so didn’t even have time for an epidural…so and so went through a 80+ hour labour…honestly, it can do your head in thinking about it all and wondering what will be your experience, or as my mum says, the story you tell your child every birthday for the rest of their lives. Although I am usually a big sook when it comes to pain, I also tend to keep it to myself so I wonder am I going to be like that during labour, just somber and dealing with it or will I be cursing the world and screaming at the top of my lungs. Will I be one of those women that barely makes it to the hospital in time before the baby slips out or will I be going through a long and intense labour and end up on the emergency cesarean list…all these thoughts go through your mind constantly, even more so as the big day arrives.

We did a reconenance drive last week just to check out the parking situation at the hospital. Being the good Virgo that I am, I had already completely researched every alternative. So basically Clint drops me off at the hospital doors and takes me up to the birthing suite. He is only allowed to leave his car there for 10 mins then he has to move it to one of three parking areas. If it’s a weekend then he can basically park anywhere he likes but if it’s during the working day he has a choice of a secure parking lot (that is only open from 5am to midnight) or a council parking lot that you have to go and top up the metre every 3 hours. On the way there, Clint said I should pretend I am in labour to make it feel more realistic. So I gave it a whirl and said “why are you driving so fast, it’s too bumpy” then I quickly followed up with “why are you driving so slow, drive faster”. He said maybe he should put his iPod in instead!

I’ve still been very active this week. Clint and his dad have been painting the house and I’ve been feeling so helpless that all I can do is keep them fed and watered. So when Clint said I could do a little cutting in along the ground, I jumped at it and threw on my painting gear. Later in the week, Clint had a hard time getting a labourer to help install some glass pool fencing so I went along to lend a hand. Because I can’t do any of the heavy lifting, Clint had to take most of the weight of the glass but I was there to guide him in and hold it in place. I then went along on my hands and knees and helped him level up the glass before I polished all the spigots. The client asked when the baby was due. “Tomorrow” I responded and his eyes almost popped out of his head!

I guess that has been one of the hardest things about the pregnancy, the fact that I do like to remain active, pull my weight and be independent and strong. Now that I am at the pointy end of the business, I’m finding it hard to put my socks and sneakers on so find I have to rely on people to help me.

How big is the baby:  It’s honestly anyone’s guess right now but I am a bit frightened by the fact that every day she is in there she is getting bigger! The books say that newborns weigh on average 3,300 grams (7lb 41/2oz), but this can range from 2,800 grams to 4,500 grams (6lb 3oz to 9lb 15oz). An average length is 50 cms (20 inches), however this can range from 46 to 56 cms (18 to 22 inches). The thing that freaks me out the most is that the baby’s head circumference can range from 33 to 37 cms.

Sickness: Nothing to report other than the occasional swelling of my fingers and feet. I sometimes feel a sense of complete tiredness come over me and I can barely keep my eyes open. I’ve never been one to sleep during the day but I have found myself nanna napping over the weekend. I’ve been going with it too as I want to have all my energy for when labour does start.

Movement: There are days when bub really quietens down and I just feel some pushing but then there are days like yesterday where I feel like she is stretching out and pushing her feet into my lungs. I sometimes get a bit of a pang down very low, especially if I am walking up stairs.

Sleep: Still continuing with my up and down sleeping habits. The other day I went to bed at 9am but woke up at 1am, watched some TV, had some apple puree and a juice and maybe dozed off for an hour but that was it. Maybe that’s why I have been feeling more tired during the day.

Cravings: No cravings to report. Still have rather a sweet tooth and a love of cereal though. Find I have been enjoying snacking rather than sitting down to a big meal.

What did you buy this week: I have been repeating to myself “we don’t need any more clothes” as I am out and about…but they are so cute though that it’s very tempting! The bi-annual baby and kids markets were held this weekend just gone and Clint and I went for a peek. Clint’s cousin Debbie had a stand there so we popped in to say hello. As always, Clint comes home with matchbox cars, super soaker water pistols…you know all the fun toys that girls love to play with (or more to the point, Clint loves to play with!). I managed to pick up the electric breast pump I have been after and for a super price as well which was even better.

Highlight of the Week: The fact that we are ready. Everything is done…the bathroom, the outside of the house is painted, the hospital bag is packed and in the car, bub’s room is ready, i’ve had my waxing done…all is well in the world and we are more than ready for bub to arrive. Clint asks me every day “are we going to have the baby today?” it really is a waiting game at this point.

What we’re looking forward to: The baby arriving…with a bit of luck it will happen this week!

Have fun!