Induction for Over-Due Pregnant Woman Potentially Canceled

No comments could be obtained. Both reporter and photographer were injured.

40 Weeks and a False Alarm

Monday (3.23.09) was our 40 week appointment. It was somewhat disappointing leaving the hospital no closer to labor and with blood in my urine, this time indicating a bladder infection. We celebrated by having lunch at the Pickle Barrel and I ate what had to be The Largest Brownie in the World to make up for my melancholy mood. Then, I did what any over-due woman would do--I went shopping.

Later that evening, around 6 o'clock, I was surprised with what I can only describe as a "leak," and a pretty noticeable leak at that. After a call to the on-call midwife, I was told I could stay at home (even if the "leak" turned to a "gush"? I had to ask) and wait for contractions to begin and even out. So, expecting SOMETHING to happen, we double checked our already packed bags, and I immediately started tidying up the house. I was feeling great--full of energy, and not a pain in the world. But still, I had a feeling that it possibly wasn't my bag of waters, as that would just make things too easy. Sure enough, no contractions followed, and by morning, I was calling in for yet another appointment to check on the fluid. If it was amniotic, there runs a risk of infection when the bag is torn or exposed to too many hours.

After today's exam, it turned out it was certainly not amniotic fluid, I was now effaced to 90%, but still only between a 1-2 cm dilated. However, Mary did change her mind in waiting to schedule an induction from NEXT Tuesday (3.31.09) to THIS Friday (3.27.09), should the baby chose to hang out in there that much longer. She remained optimistic (not thinking we'd need to induce) and after I was on the monitor for around 30 minutes with light contractions, she said, "Well, maybe we'll see you tonight." To which I instantly responded, "Shut up, Mary!" Not in an angry way, just in a "For real? It's never gonna happen and I know it!" kind of way. Too much wishful thinking gets you nowhere. Trust me. I know.

So, we were off the the Pickle Barrel once again for lunch, this time: The Biggest Scotch-a-roo Bar in the World.

39 Weeks

Our 39 week appointment has come and gone (3.16.09). After all the previous contractions, I honestly didn't think I'd make it to 39 weeks...nor did Mary. But here I am, measuring over 40 weeks, with a predicted 8+ pound baby still growing and comfortably hanging out inside of me. (Clarification: SHE'S comfortable. Me, not so much).

At our last ultra-sound (I think it was at 38 weeks) the tech was taking measurements, and when she got to the baby's belly, said, "Oh my, that's a big belly!" Better a big belly than I HEAD, I suppose....

My next appointment will be on Monday, 3.23.09. My midwife and I were talking how it'd be nice to have her before then, and when she mentioned having her on the day of the appointment, I told her it was my brother-in-law's birthday. Her face got a little serious/concerned, and she said, "Well, do you like him at least?" Which I found to be a hilarious questions. I wasn't telling her because I DIDN'T want the baby born on that day....just telling her as an aside. (No worries, I still like you, Adam).

37 Weeks

Another appointment. After politely declining the cervical exam last week (Mary likes to give me the option, unless necessary) we decided that I should be "checked" this week. After a long day of feeling miserable and many contractions throughout the evening yesterday, I thought it'd be a good idea. I was told I am around 85 % effaced, and 1 1/2 to 2 cm dilated. In first time moms, effacement occurs before dilation, whereas in 2nd time moms, dilation occurs first. So, in other words, it's possible that we are fairly close. But at this point, it's all a waiting game. Bring on the Baby, I say!