Update

I've had some more progress but nothing too exciting. I am at a zero station, meaning the baby's head is in my pelvis (see previous post, I could have told you that!). I have effaced a little more and my cervix has moved down more (tilting to be parrallel with the vaginal opening). I have not dilated anymore though. I commented that it seemed like it would be a while then and she said the baby could come tonight, no one could tell. She said this is the classical first baby progress.

I'm continuing to walk and I'll try the pineapple juice too. My husband doesn't really want to have sex anymore I don't think. He is afraid of hurting me or the baby (he's probably just afraid of my ever growing massive body but is too nice to say anything). Is it bad to force him to do it? After all, that's what got me here = )

I hope the baby comes before Saturday. Wish me luck on delivering tomorrow or Friday! My next appointment is Monday. I hope to not make that one.

Cranky

Yesterday was a good day. I had lots of energy and I was walking a lot. Today, I am tired and cranky. I experienced some sharp pains last night. It felt like some stabbed my vagina from the inside with a sharp stick. It happened quickly and didn't last. I've heard it could be contractions and I've heard it could be me dilating. I have another appointment tomorrow so I'll know if I've made more progress. If that is not a contraction, then I'm still not sure that I've had one. It would be nice to at least know if they have occurred.

I also feel like I have to constantly use the bathroom. As soon as I pee, I feel like I have to go again. Usually, nothing comes out when I try again, sometimes its just a drop. You'd be cranky too if you had constant pressure on your bladder. Last night, I must have went or tried to use the restroom 10 times in an hour. I ended up just sleeping on the couch since I'm more comfortable there and otherwise I just keep up my husband all night.

Baby, I'm ready for you. When are you coming??????? I'm trying to walk, have sex, massage pressure points, anything to naturally get the labor moving. Any advice??? I think tonight I'll eat the spiciest thing I can find for dinner.

How's It Been?

I thought this would be a good time to run down a list of common pregnancy symptoms and see if I had them. Here we go...

Morning sickness - Not at all
Swelling - Last two months, feet, ankles and legs swollen; also can't wear my rings
Skin - my skin looks awesome
Hair growth - my hair is thicker
Fatigue - comes and goes
Weight gain - I'm at a little less than 40 pounds gained right now
Braxton Hicks - not that I'm aware of
Cravings - not for specific foods, just general things like Mexican and carbs
Heartburn - past few weeks I've gotten this a lot
Breast changes - they got a little bigger, but no huge change and weren't sore at all
Leg cramps - yes, could have been worse though
Restless legs - more noticeable in months 6-8
Forgetfulness - what were we talking about? = ) Yes, I've had the pregnancy brain
Emotions - I've only cried a few times due to hormones but I'm definitely more calm and nice now (early on though, I was pretty aggressive)
Sex drive - decrease then return to normal

I'm sure I'm forgetting a lot of things but that's a good start.

Progress

I am 70% effaced and a fingertip dilated. I am so happy that there is progress from last week! I know that it could still take weeks but I am have hope that it will be before next week.

I haven't had any Braxton Hicks or real contractions and the baby still hasn't dropped. My cervix is also still tilted back but that's okay. At least we have progress!

10 Days and Counting

It is 10 days until my official due date, 9 if you are being accurate (the doctor missed it by a day). I am hoping the baby comes this week, mainly so he will be an Aries instead of a Taurus.
Assuming you somewhat believe astrology, people born under the Taurus sign are very stubborn and have tempers. I'm trying to avoid that.

At my weekly appointment last week I was dilated at all and the baby hasn't dropped (-2 Station). I know for sure that the baby still hasn't dropped any. I'm hoping for some progress at my next appointment this Thursday.

I am uncomfortable but its manageable. I have heartburn and I can't eat very much at once. I still pee every two hours during the night and its getting more difficult to get find a decent position to sit or sleep. On one hand, I want the baby to go ahead and get here. On the other, I'm terrified.

I will miss my belly once the baby comes. I think its so neat to have a living being in my belly that I can feel kick and hiccup.

I'll update after my next appointment. Sorry for the choppy thoughts.

Full Term

As of today, I am officially full term, or 37 weeks. This pregnancy has passed by so quickly. I have a feeling that the last few weeks will go by more slowly though. I don't sleep and I'm uncomfortable most of the time. So now that I finally want the baby to go ahead and get here, I have to wait a little longer.

I had to go to the hospital on Monday. I thought I was leaking fluid. It was scary to have to go there. It was a false alarm and my cervix isn't open at all. I've never been in the hospital overnight except when I was born. I never knew how uncomfortable the beds were. It's terrible.

People keep asking me if I'm ready. How do you answer that question? Technically, I have everything I need. Mentally, I am in denial. Emotionally, well that depends on when you ask me. Some minutes I'm so excited and other I'm terrified. I guess its normal. I can't believe that I am going to have a child. Someone if going to give me a baby to take home and I'm responsible for them.

So many changes are going to happen after the baby comes. Right now, I'm pretty self centered. My husband and I do things when we want and don't have to consider others. Now, though, even small things like going to the rest room when I want are gone. I have to take more breaks and go easier on myself. This is a good thing and I have to just relax and go with the flow.

This may just make me a better person or either drive me insane. We'll have to wait and see.