37ish Weeks

Another baby-making update: Today I had my mid-36/almost 37 week check up.

I got to the appointment RIGHT on time and Jude was asleep in my arms, so it started out mildly hectic. Juggling a sleeping child... and trying to pee in a cup quickly and efficiently (so they don't call my name while I'm in the bathroom) was almost laughable. But we made it happen.

They did the normal stuff - Blood pressure (normal), weight (up another pound or two, for a grand total of 23ish lbs), baby's heart rate was somewhere in the 150's, measured at about 35 cm, but she wasn't concerned as measuring 2 weeks in either direction is 'normal' and different people could get different measurements.

When I got weighed, I took my shoes off. I guess I did it the first time I got weighed for this pregnancy, so I just always do it for consistency (different shoes can get super heavy... I also try to avoid any super heavy or super light clothes... again for consistency... but I'm getting off track). I took my shoes off to get weighed. I went to put them back on and before I did I asked if they'd be checking how things were progressing (there was no way I was going to put my shoes back on just to take them right back off, bending is getting way too difficult for that). With Jude, I never asked, I just followed instructions, so I got checked at every visit from one month before my due date until I was induced.

Well, because I asked, the nurse said that the doctors typically only really 'push' for you to get checked every other week, so this week was pretty much optional. If I felt any intense pressure over the last week, felt any strong contractions, or had any leaking, they really encourage the internal check, but really, it's up to me. Knowing that those checks mean little to nothing in the grand scheme of things... and knowing that with Jude I was told for over a month that I was dilated and going to pop at any minute, I thought I'd avoid the added temptation and just skip it. The minute the doctor walked out of the office, I almost kicked myself for it - not because it would be any sort of tell-tale sign, but just because I'm curious. But oh well.

Today I also met ANOTHER doctor in the practice that I hadn't met before. She was nice, but didn't seem nearly as personable as the others I'd met - that's not saying I dis-liked her, but she is probably at the bottom of the list as far as who I hope is on call when I go into labor. She was pleasant and seemed on top of her game, but she didn't really seem to take much time for the appointment or anything.

All in all, it was a very quick appointment - all they did was confirm what I already surmised: things are moving along splendidly. It's intimidating, but each appointment is ending with the same chatter about timing contractions, when I should get to the hospital, things I need to tell the nurses when I check in, etc. It's sad, but no matter how much they prattle off these instructions, I can't help but be concerned that I have no idea what to look for in terms of signs that I'm in labor. With Jude I was induced... I know what contractions felt like when I was in the hospital, but it's hard for me to look back and know at which point of the whole induction process they would have wanted me to leave the comfort of my house and take the trip to the hospital. Also, I don't know how quickly this labor will go. They keep implying it will be QUICK and I shouldn't wait it out... again, I don't want to show up hours too early... but also don't want to be twisting my legs in a knot to keep the baby inside until I get there. I've expressed these fears, but think that I won't REALLY know until it happens.

Until next week...