NOTE: I wrote this last week (Thursday, April 8 ) just two days before Callie’s arrival! I forgot to publish it…oops! But I wanted to publish it before I wrote about her delivery.
I went to my 38 week Ob/Gyn visit on Monday to discover that I am now officially 4 cm dilated and 90% effaced. The baby is head down, heart rate was a healthy 141 bpm, she is practicing breathing, and the amnionic fluid levels were good. My stats were fine as well. The doctor “stretched my cervix” in hopes of stimulating labor…we’ll see.
A quick recap:
36 weeks – 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced
37 weeks – 3 to 4 cm dilated, 80-90% effaced
38 weeks – 4 cm dilated, 90% effaced
I hit the 39 week mark today, which is crazy to think my due date, April.15.2010, is only a week away. Starting at 36 weeks the doctor guessed I would have the baby in a week or two. Normally, he doesn’t check cervical status until 38 weeks, but because I have been having hard, strong contractions since around 34 weeks he decided to see my progress. Also, my oldest daughter was born at 38 weeks on the dot, so I thought it would be good to have a “heads up” if Callie might arrive early as well. BIG mistake!
It has been 2.5 weeks since I heard “You could go into labor at anytime!” Since that time I’ve had two nights of around 3 hours of sleep with hard contractions, back pain and extreme pressure… Stupid false labor. Last night I had cramping, contractions, and extreme pressure from around 4-12 pm…and still not baby or true labor.
Somedays most days my hormones take over my brain and I’ll convince myself she’s not coming out. EVER. Which is absolutely ridiculous as I haven’t even passed my due date.
I’ve started to have pitting edema (swelling) in my ankles. We learned about it in vet school and I’ve seen it patients but never experienced it. It’s quite itchy, a little painful, and feels like my skin might pop when I move my ankles…but I actually always wondered what edema felt like, so I suppose I’m getting my chance! Ha! ;D
My days since the “Any-Day-Now” visit have consisted of an emotional cycle…
Morning: First thought is “Man! Callie’s not here.” Then I convince myself that she really is never coming out. Ever. Ever. Pity party with a side of frustration. Any patience that I have left fizzles.
Mid-morning: Realize what a hormonal freak I’m being and thank God for a healthy pregnancy and my wonderful family. Apologize to God for being stupid and un-grateful.
Afternoon: Feeling pretty good. Come to the realization that Callie will come when she’s ready and that is okay. And hey maybe today is “The Day!”
Evening: Usually pressure and contractions start to pick up. Think “Tonight could be the night!” Go to bed hoping to be awakend by true labor (and not fake, painful contractions.)
REPEAT….for 17 days!!!! No wonder I feel like a crazy person.
Did I mention I’m still working?
I’m scheduled for an induction next Friday, April 16, the day AFTER my due date. I really, really, really don’t want to be induced. But I know the risks involved in going past term…meconium aspiration, fetal size disproportion, stillbirth… Incredibly it can take up to two weeks to be scheduled for an induction because the appointments at the hospital get booked so quickly. Really?!? I would be curious to see the rate of induction and reasons behind them. But I digress….
Again I cannot wait to meet Callie! I think God might be trying to teach me some patience, and honestly I’m being a miserable student. I know I am so blessed to have a healthy daughter, a healthy pregnancy, and an awesomely supportive husband and family–Thank you God! But I just feel crazy and out of control…
Thank goodness God loves me bunches for who I am now as I work out the kinks. Like the pastor said this weekend…”If we wait to ask Jesus into our hearts, until we’re “good enough,” we’ll be waiting forever.”
“Callie…come out, come out, wherever you are!” 
