I am officially 38 weeks today and I must say that I am ready for our baby to be born! The swelling, difficulty moving, getting up constantly every hour of the night, the fact that it takes 10 minutes to get repositioned in bed...all signs that I think I'm over pregnancy. Also, at Walmart yesterday this four year-old boy was telling his mom about my big belly and she was like, "Of course it's big, she has a baby in there!"
I went to my midwife appointment today and everything checks out healthy with our little Appleseed. Heart rate good, head down, beginning to engage. I was disappointed that she wasn't able to strip my membranes though. She said I was barely dilated. My cervix is about 75% effaced though. Then she started talking about how first time moms can be a week late (which I know, but I don't want to hear that about me!!!).
In the meantime, I am attempting, (very carefully Mom!), to naturally induce labor. I am going to try all sorts of things that can bring labor on, but won't hurt me or the baby if my body isn't ready. Bryon picked up some evening primrose oil (recommended by the midwife) to start trying tonight. If it works, it should help soften my cervix more. Then there is nipple stimulation...we are using the breast pump, which holy hell, freaking hurts my nipples! On the bright side, it does appear to make contractions occur a little more frequently. I am getting another massage tonight at the massage place (the last one on my contract, so I am springing for a 90 minute session). Of course, Bryon and I are trying acupressure on my feet. If you are doing it right, it hurts, but my feet are more relaxed after and it does cause some contractions to occur. Then there is everyone's favorite suggestion...have lots of sex. Um, hello?! I'm definitely not opposed to the idea, but I am nine months pregnant and I don't think I have the energy anymore for those crazy, constant, teenage-hormone-induced sessions constantly. I am going to attempt to start walking everyday and see if that helps (walking around Walmart yesterday definitely wore me out though!)
Speaking of contractions, I had a few Sunday night that reduced me to tears! I've been having them off and on, but none like this!!! Thankfully I had Bryon there reminding me to breath because I totally forgot to. It's hard to do some self-hypnosis for pain control when the contraction just comes out of nowhere!!!! Then there is the round ligament pain in my inner thighs that strikes whenever it wants to, usually when I am walking. I double over and everyone kinda freaks (except Bryon and Asher because they are used to it). I just have to say, "It's okay, I'm not in labor, I swear!"
So who knows when our little man will make his appearance but one thing is for certain...Bryon and I can't wait for him to come out and play!!!!!!
