Pregnancy Update

Last week was our 32 week appointment with our midwives. That's when I started thinking about how there are around 8 weeks left... and now this week - 7 weeks left before we hold our little one in our arms. The appointments with our midwives are now closer together - our next one is at 34 weeks (just a few days away on Tuesday!) and then again at 36 weeks. After 36 weeks, we start going weekly (we are soooo close!)

Although I am excited, I'm not quite wishing away the next two months because we have A LOT TO DO! Jac has offered up boxes of baby clothes and cloth diapers that I need to go through to see what we can use for little one and get organized before the birth. The closet of things we do have for the little one is just a pile of stuff stacked (need to get shelves and start organizing that!) AND we need to figure out what else we need and get it ordered online/bought (which I feel a little overwhelmed thinking about!)

We've been reading books about birthing as we start prepping for the labor. We are birthing at a birthing center and planning a natural birth (drugs and medications for pain are not an option there so we won't be harassed by people asking if we are sure we don't want medication). For me, a natural, drug-free birth is important because, from the research I've done, it will keep my body on track to being able to deliver a baby. While it blocks pain, it also blocks my body from sending natural signals that will help me to deliver the babe, and I really want to do as much as I can to prevent any unnecessary interventions. Of course, if the midwives do see an issue and an intervention needs to be done, I trust them and their judgement and will do as they advise to keep the baby and myself safe. (And for those of you who worry about an emergency - often midwives monitor enough to know if there is a need to go to a hospital, and although you see it on TV a LOT, we most likely wouldn't be in a situation where are making a mad-dash to the ER... Most often problems are spotted and monitored, but more often than not, a low-risk pregnancy equals a healthy normal birth when done naturally. BUT we live in a culture that believes a hospital is necessary for birth (as if birth is something that is wrong with you), so I can see where the concern comes from. We are about a 7 minute drive from the hospital either from our house or from the birthing center.)

We'll have 3 midwives during our birth, and I think each one of them is GREAT! They are all at the appointments (barring a laboring mother or birth in progress) and all are knowledgeable and very comforting to be around. Other than that, it'll just be Seth and of course baby & me. There really isn't much room for anyone else in the space, nor do I think I can manage anyone else during the labor. Seth is pretty much all I need (& my midwives, of course ;).

I have been reading about various techniques to try to manage and get through the pain and will be practicing these until the baby comes. Yoga is also helping me practice breathing and gain strength in the squatting position (a position that may come in VERY handy during the labor). I am also mentally preparing myself for the most intense pain of my life... Hopefully the endorphins really do cloud over that part of your memory like I read in a book this morning ;)

As far as how I feel, I've been feeling fairly well. I am starting to have some back pain - usually towards the end of the day. It's more in the middle of my back rather than the lower part. I also continue to have heartburn. A lot. I can't wait for the day the baby is born and it goes away!! I have forgotten what it feels like to NOT have heartburn! And I have really started having a more difficult time sitting comfortably. Mostly I move around often and try new spots. Oh. And I've been peeing more. Some nights 4 times in 8 hours, but last night - I slept 6 hours without waking up!!! I couldn't believe it this morning!! I have to celebrate all the extended sleep I can, because we all know that will 100% be disappearing come the middle of October! (& who knows when I'll have it back!)

I haven't had any swelling since the heat of Kansas, and my weight gain is sticking around 25 pounds so far. I'm imagining that we'll have about 5-10 more pounds here at the end, but the smaller the babe the better for me ;)

I think I have one more test to do - the strep test. I debated on even doing it, but have decided to go ahead and do it (it's pretty easy - not like the 6 vials of blood one). If it does come back positive, I'll have to decided what the next step will be then (IV, alternative method, or nothing)... but I'm assuming I'd be leaning towards alternative methods because I'd prefer NOT to have an IV... Of course, this decision would be made IF the test came back positive and AFTER more extensive research and discussion with my midwives on what they advise.

Anyway, can't wait to hear the baby's heartbeat on Tuesday at our next appointment!