I had another appointment this morning with another NST. Matthew's heart rate kept appearing to crash. They suspected it was just because he doesn't like being on the monitor (he doesn't! He hates it! He always moves when they try to get it on and he'll actually kick the little doppler part!) but the doctor did a detailed ultrasound just in case. As they suspected, he was just being squirrely with the monitor--everything looked great in terms of fluid, heart rate, breathing pattern, and size. U/S puts him at 7lbs 6 oz today-right smack dab in the middle of average :D The bummer is that he's still face up. We've tried a lot of things and he just seems to be content to be sitting sunny-side up.
I did let the doctor check me again (I know, I'm already a Bradley class failure!). I was 5 cm dilated and 80% effaced today but that still could mean hours or days. I know Bradley teaches against checks, but in my case, I'm glad to know WHAT is happening with my body, and I know it doesn't tell me WHEN. Knowing what's going on reassures me that yes, something is happening, I'm not imagining things, etc. I don't plan to do checks once admitted to the hospital.
The doctor did say that there's really no where else to go from here but active labor and he also said that if my water breaks, I basically need to go STRAIGHT to the hospital because things could go very quickly! We're specifically praying that Matthew comes by Friday, January 28 (and truthfully, much sooner!) because my own doctor is on every day til then, but then he's off for either the weekend or the week (can't recall which). I'd really really love to deliver with my own doctor--he's a sole practitioner so his relief is someone from another practice and I've never even met him-not a huge deal, but I'm so nervous already that I'd really just love my own doc if possible.
He did say that because I'm so dilated already, he feels pretty confident that I'll go into labor spontaneously and won't need an induction or anything-so we're grateful for that.
I had some more back labor today so tonight we climbed a bunch of stairs and did some walking. I'll basically do anything to get/keep him off my tailbone. Floating face-down in the pool with a snorkel is the best part of my day! Seriously mamas, you need to try it.
Anyway--off to bed! Night!
Wow! You're already half way there! I didn't know Bradley teaches against cervical checks. Why is that? Is it more of a listen to your body kind of thing? Interesting. Praying things go quickly (but not TOO quickly... giving birth on the side of the road probably isn't in your birthing plan!) and perfectly. So excited to see his little face!!! :)
ReplyDeleteIt must be so hard to wait out these last few days. I hope he cooperates with your doctor's schedule and turns himself around so you can have as smooth an experience as possible. You deserve an easy birth after how hard your pregnancy has been!
ReplyDeleteHope he comes soon!
ReplyDeleteBrenda-Bradley teaches against it for a few main reasons:
ReplyDelete1. It doesn't actually tell you anything about when labor will progress. As we've seen in my case, you can be dilated several centimeters for weeks. But it often tends to get the woman excited and impatient, which can be counter productive.
2. In active labor, the hospitals typically have a "1 cm per hour" rule. If you don't progress that quickly, they can be quick to diagnose you with "failure to progress" and then try to insist on interventions, even if everything else looks great. If you don't allow checks, they don't know where you're at and they can't rush you!
3. Bradley also says there are risks for infection and rupturing the membranes but admittedly, I think those risks are very small and they don't really affect my decision.
Congrats on 5cm - halfway there already! I have a feeling it will go very fast once active labor begins. Woo hoo!
ReplyDelete5cm really is great. That much less for you to do during active labor. :)
ReplyDeletepraying that things keep moving along!
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting. I've never heard that. But it is very true that hospitals want to put you in this box, so I can see how keeping them ignorant in that area would be of benefit.
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you! You are halfway there! I always go into labor at 4-5 cm and it's a great way to speed things along!
ReplyDeleteChrys
WOW! HOW EXCITING! ANYTIME NOW!
ReplyDeleteHey Jen, have you tried spending some time resting on your hands and knees to help encourage him to turn and give your back a break? If you have a exercise ball you can let out some of the air to make it not so hard and rest comfortably on it while watching TV or reading a book. ...just remember to put a towel or blanket under your knees to coushin them as well. Very excited for you and can't wait to hear more :)
ReplyDeletechecking in to let you know that I am praying for you!
ReplyDeleteRumor has it mr matthew is here :) Congrats sweety, take your time and update when you can!
ReplyDeleteMatthew - come out and play! I keep checking your mom's blog, hoping to hear of your arrival and see pictures.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Chelie!!!!!
ReplyDelete