We've made it to within three days of JohnTyler's due date, but as of Monday, he seemed to be thrilled to stay inside a while longer. If I've had a contraction, it's been mild and sporadic, and I don't feel any different than I did a few weeks ago. I expected to be miserable at this point, but I actually feel really really good. I've wrapped up most everything I'd hoped to do pre-baby to celebrate this fun tight belly and the last few days of pregnancy: had some pictures taken Friday, made a belly cast Sunday morning, had a family shower Sunday afternoon, and had a pedicure last night. I also took my measurements yesterday: my belly has grown to 42 inches (although it's probably expanded since I measured it-- feels like it's expanding by the hour!), and I've gained about 35 pounds.
For those of you who don't know about the details of birth #1, a consistent rise in my blood pressure made the doctors deliver LaurenClay a month early, so they've really been watching those readings this time around. Readings have been great most of the pregnancy, and have been okay for the most part when I go to the doctor, but they have been a bit elevated at times and are creeping up by the day. I don't ever feel bad when the readings are high, though. I often wonder what's going on to make it jump around as it does without affecting how I feel. We're kind of in a race between my body going into labor and blood pressure staying in a healthy range. I had hoped to have a VBAC (a natural birth after a cesarean one), but all along I've said that if there were any complications, I'd be okay with a repeat c-section. When we were at the doctor Monday, we asked how labor affects blood pressure (it pushes it up), and what would happen in labor if my blood pressure were to go up above the current readings. The doctor said I'd most likely be given magnesium. I would prefer not to have that stuff again; it just slows everything down and wouldn't make for a drug free birth.
The doctor said she'd check to see how I was progressing, to see if some light interventions could jumpstart labor (breaking the water, a touch of pitocin, etc.) She found that I am not dilated at all, so she said it would take major intervention at this poing to induce labor, and she won't do that with a VBAC because of the risks. So... we scheduled a c-section for Thursday with the hopes that maybe my body will kick into gear between now and then, and that blood pressure will stay in check. BP has stayed in check; in fact, last night it was as good as its been for weeks. Part of me would still like to push through to at least the due date, but I'm okay with the c-section. At least I know that Mel will get to meet baby before she heads out for a 10-day vacation on Saturday (the due date) and I think John is thrilled to know when he finally gets to get his hands on his son! We'll trick-or-treat tonight and I'll eat my last meal before baby this evening. Late tomorrow morning, we'll head to the doctor to have this baby (unless he comes sometime today!)
I have some pictures to post, but I'm writing this at 4AM so I'm going to wait on those. I have "post pictures" on my to-do list, but may not get to it before baby arrives. I also have "paint two watercolors." I don't think that's going to happen either...
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