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@lulu22: I think it's cool that your hospital has a c-section class. Ours barely mentioned what to prepare for with a c-section - I had to ask many questions. There's a c-section thread on here with tons of details but if you find for sure that you'll be having one I'm sure @neekierose and I would be happy to fill you in on our experiences or any other questions you might have.
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@Banana330: oh gosh, sorry you're in so much pain! Mine is mainly when I'm walking or standing and at night. I think the weirdest thing is my lower legs ache just horribly in the middle of the night, from my knees down.
@pawprints: I actually went and bought duplicates of some of my toiletries so I could pack them, and am making a last minute list for the rest!
@lulu22: so sorry to hear LO hasn't flipped yet. We'll keep sending positive flip vibes. I think it's great that you're getting more comfortable with the possibility of a c section too. Initially I was so focused on a vaginal birth, but have realized that once this guy starts his journey out, I really will have very little control! Swimming sounds lovely right now. I'd love to be in a low gravity environment like that! My gym doesn't have a pool but there are a couple others in town that do, and I was thinking about just getting a couple guest passes for the next few weeks. Since my contractions started at 28 weeks, I have cut out all activity so am excited to get back into exercise, even walking!
Thanks to all for the links to meals to make! My mom and sis made us lasagna and mac and cheese for the freezer but that's it so far. I love the idea of crock pot meals too!
OMG. My feet and legs are so darn swollen today and tonight, worse than ever. I had a 14 hour day which didn't help, and have them elevated now. Am glad I have an appointment tomorrow to make sure the swelling isn't anything to worry about. Also curious if all this pelvic pressure and pain is leading to any cervix changes, so looking forward to an update there. 36 weeks tomorrow!!!
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Here are a few pics from our shower on Saturday night. It was so fun!!
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@SunshineMcC: I'm so glad you had a great shower. How exciting that it's time for cervical checks! I haven't had one since the hospital a few weeks back but I'm anxious for it. I feel your pain with the swelling. I started wearing flip flops to work though and it has helped a lot! Try to take it easy!
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@SunshineMcC: Compression socks help with the legs while sleeping! they really take the ache away. Cute shower, we had sangria at mine too!
@Boopers: some of those look good... it's been hard since my heartburn has been so bad i've had to steer clear of all tomato based things which is most soups, curries etc. I hope it gets better once the baby is out.
@lulu22: Ya i find veggie freezer meals to be a bit meh... besides curries and soups. Luckily DH can cook, it's more will he have the time or energy.
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@SunshineMcC: out of nowhere yesterday my feet completely swelled up! i can't fit into any shoes. and i can barely bend my fingers. it's awful and now i have even more sympathy for you, @marionberry: my feet are looking prety similar to the pic you posted
luckily it is warming up here a bit so i can try to wear flats. i might go pick up another pair of Toms and they will have to be my work shoes for the next little while. @SunshineMcC: your shower looked so cute!
i have an OB appointment today... 36 weeks on thursday so i'm wondering if they'll do a cervical check on me today. i have my swab so i figure they might as well do a check while i'm half naked! ha. i'll let you guys know how it goes when i'm back later this morning.
tonight i'm going to meet my friend's new babe and i can't wait for newborn snuggles!!! in 4-5 short weeks we'll all have our newborns! ahh!
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@loki: talk to your doc about sudden swelling. my midwives mentioned if it's sudden and noticable to call in. It could be nothing but best toget it checked!
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@Banana330: i'm definitely going to mention it today! it's really horrible and totally came out of nowhere... it looks like i have hooves
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@loki: i think they are less worried with feet than they would be about faces, but any sudden swelling should get checked. My midwife was saying that it's usually husbands who notice that their wifes face looks puffy and that they should say something (but not your face looks fat honey!)
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@lulu22: Glad to hear you are getting comfortable with the idea of a c-section. If you end up with one, they really aren't that bad. I'll be honest, if it wasn't for the whole not being able to pick up DD1, I would probably have just elected for the RCS. For me, the scheduled c-section was such a calm experience and my recovery was really easy. And by really easy, I wasn't taking any pain meds (prescription or over the counter) after about 5 days.
I also wanted to add that with DD1, she was breech the entire pregnancy (I had multiple ultrasounds due to an ovarian cyst and she was breech every single time). Then at one day shy of 39 weeks she flipped. (I still went ahead with the c-section because she wasn't settled and could have flipped back, plus I really wanted them to get that cyst out at the same time). So there is still time for baby to flip!
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@Banana330: a lady at work said to me yesterday "you look pregnant now, your facial features have changed"... i was like
and then she called me a triplex so that was awesome!
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@SunshineMcC: Your shower looks so cute! Love the notes on the drinks, ha!
@loki: I had my GBS swab yesterday, it really wasn't a big deal. I almost asked for a cervical check (same thought, I'm already half naked here!), but the midwife didn't offer so I didn't ask. Although I thought I would have another appointment on Thursday, which they had me cancel. I was supposed to have an appointment last Thursday, but we got a snowstorm and the office was closed, so they moved the appointment to yesterday. I get that it isn't necessary for me to come again in 3 days, but now my next appointment isn't until next Thursday, when I will be 2 days shy of 39 weeks. I know it's not a big deal, but part of me is being a spaz and thinking about how yesterday's appointment was technically by 36 week appointment and now my next one won't be until almost 39 weeks?
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@loki: dude, seriously, what is wrong with people? I know they just don't think before talking. But a coworker last week said "you pregnant women barely look pregnant then all of a sudden you're huge!"...umm, thanks? Then this morning at daycare dropoff DD's teacher says "you're getting so big!"...I thought she was talking to DD, nope. Me. Again, thanks?
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@loki: wow so sweet! seriously people love commenting on anything pregnancy or baby related
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@NeekieRose: it does seem weird you won't have another appointment for so long??? i am on weekly appointments now! and ya people are sooooo rude. another lady at my office calls me big belly ninja. that is the WORST nickname ever!!!! everyone leave me alone! haha.
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@loki: You poor thing! You shouldn't have to deal with crappy names from crappy people. Sounds like it's time to be snarky and mean back. And I'm sorry about your swelling. As long as your bp and proteins are ok they won't be concerned. Praying there are no signs of pre-e. I had high bp last pregnancy which caused the swelling but this time it's all natural.
@neekierose: that's a real bummer about your appt. I'd be annoyed too. -
My doc said we are starting cervical checks at my 35 weeks appointment (in 2 weeks) so I'm guessing regular checks will be soon for everyone!
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36w appointment this morning and I am 2cm dilated! This is insane. The OB also swabbed me for GBS. The swelling and carpal tunnel are getting worse and I am planning on getting a pair of shoes to wear for the next month. Luckily the weather is getting warmer so maybe I'll get by with a pair of Toms.
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@ineebee: What! 2 cm... that's exciting
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Anyone else starving lately? I think this baby must be having a growth spurt... it's lazy and I can't stop eating!
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@SunshineMcC: great pictures from your shower! The labels on the drinks make me laugh.
@loki: I am so sorry about your swelling, that sounds awful!
@ineebee: woohoo! 2 cm closer to meeting your baby
@Banana330: Yes! I feel hungry constantly and then I tend to overeat and feel too full and gross.
I'm on spring break this week and trying to get all sorts of last minute stuff sorted out. I'm 37 weeks tomorrow, officially early full term! It's making me panic a bit that this baby could come at any time and I'm not fully ready either at home or at work! I have given myself a checklist and I am determined to get it done little by little. How is everyone else feeling as we approach April?
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@ineebee: wow 2cm! makes it very real! today was my 36 week appointment and she didn't do a cervical check! i wish she had.
my dr isn't worried about the swelling because my blood pressure is totally normal. gonna have to go buy some new shoes tonight because even my Toms don't fit
the swap was fine so i'll get the results next week. she estimated the baby would probably be between 8-9 lbs which is what i thought it would be... but obviously that isn't necessarily accurate. -
@Boopers: I'm right there with you feeling that panic, too! I need diapers! And wipes! And so many miscellaneous things that I remember in the middle of the night! Ahh!
@loki: Aww, sorry you didn't get a cervical check! I wonder if my OB decided to check mine because of the symptoms I'd been reporting - frequent BH contractions - and I also have a "short cervix." Maybe you've mentioned it already, but have you had any contractions?
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@ineebee: i have occassional braxton hicks but nothing alarming... i've asked her about it before but because it's mostly due to positional changes, she says it's normal. i planned on asking for a cervical check but totally forgot!
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@marionberry: ah, flip flops are a good idea! It's still cold here, unfortunately though we're supposed to get into the 50's this week!
@Banana330: compression socks are a good idea - thanks! I slept with my feet on pillows last night and could actually see my ankle bones this morning, which made me feel better! I feel like I am eating a lot too - am trying hard to eat healthy things as much as I can, but it doesn't always happen!
@loki: glad your doc said the swelling is nothing to worry about, and that the swab was fine - I head to the doctor in about an hour. I am so sorry about the mean comments from people - that is so unnecessary and so thoughtless. My FIL said something crummy again at my shower and I just wanted to knock him over the head. Ugh.
@NeekieRose: That does seem so strange to have such a gap between appointments - do you think you could call your practice and ask them to get you in sooner, for peace of mind?
@ineebee: oh man, that is so exciting!!! being a first-timer, I'm curious about this dilation stuff - does 2 cm today mean you'll be in labor within a certain time, or could you stay that way for a week or so?
@Boopers: that's great you're on Spring Break! I, too have a lot to get done before LO comes - at home and work, so go back and forth between panicking and then feeling OK about it. I was up with DH at 6:30am this morning and spent two hours going through all the stuff from our shower, then by 8:30am was exhausted and went back to bed. Luckily I'm working from home today!
@Boopers: @NeekieRose: @loki: thanks! the shower was super fun - the drink signs made me laugh too. They had quite an impressive bar set-up too, and I looked longingly at the chardonnay when I got my glass of lemonade! Ha!
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@loki: my ob didn't do a cervical check last week at my 36 week appointment, I wouldn't worry too much about it. You can be dilated for weeks before labor starts. I do hope your swelling goes down, I can't imagine how uncomfortable you must feel!
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@ineebee: Eee! 2cm! I give you two weeks until that baby is here.
@loki: Do you have to get new shoes? While it's not technically part of our dress code, my boss just let me wear flip-flops. I'd hate to have you waste money on shoes that will only fit for the next couple of weeks. -
@SunshineMcC: The appointments aren't really *that* far apart (10 days). I still had one this week and will have one next week, so I get that the one on Thursday isn't really needed. The snow cancelling my appointment last Thursday just messed the whole schedule up. The midwife did stress that I can call anytime I need.
As far as your question regarding dilation, it doesn't really tell you much. You can start dilating and it still take weeks for the baby to come, or you could be not dilated at all and then the baby comes that day. Or at least that is what I have been told/read. But having some dilation at least lets you know that your body is on the right track!
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@SunshineMcC: I'm a first-timer, too! Like @Boopers said, apparently early dilation doesn't mean all that much and that I could be dilated for weeks!
@marionberry: Ahh!
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@SunshineMcC: as a reference, my friend was 4 cm dilated for two weeks before she actually went into labor. It usually means very little, other than that you are progressing toward labor.
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@NeekieRose: @ineebee: @marionberry: ah, very helpful - thanks!!! So basically, we just wait!!
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@marionberry: it's currently -4 celsius (24 fahrenheit) so i think flip flops would be pushing it... and i just looked up the 14 day trend and it is probably going to stay around there for at least the next two weeks. we still have a ton of snow on the ground so even Toms are a bit of a stretch!
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@loki: Good point! HAHA.
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@loki: a friend borrowed a pair of running shoes a size or two bigger and left them unlaced... or you could try target sales for ugg like boots..
I find it crazy we're in the phase of talking about dilation and having these babies soon. Part of me is sooo ready to no longer be pregnant, but a bit scared to actually have her here!
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@Banana330: I totally agree about being ready to not be pregnant anymore, but also not totally ready to have her here already. If only we got a training period to ease into parenthood.
Reading this thread today has made me feel for the first time that my midwifery practice/hospital-based birthing center is outside the norm. But I guess I knew that, which is why I picked it. Definitely no weekly appointments here, and no prenatal cervical checks at all either! As everybody said above, your cervical check tells you pretty much zilch about how close you are to having your baby, so that dilation number is really just a cause of unnecessary anxiety. My birthing class instructor said that good advice for prenatal appointments is "keep your panties on."
My appointments have been monthly up until now, and tomorrow (36w 2d) will be my first one that is accelerated to every-two-weeks. Then I'll have another one at 38w 2d, and that's my last one before my due date! Aah!No swelling yet for me. I'm testing out wiggling my toes in my boots right now just to make sure. Seems fine. But I'll be on the lookout for hooves. Sorry to everyone who is dealing with swelling. I have decided my ninth month of pregnancy I get to be as comfortable as possible, so I've been wearing yoga pants and leggings to work every day for the last week and a half. It's working out pretty well I must say.
It feels like we have a lot left to do, but I have a list set out for us for every remaining weekend to make sure it all gets done. I just hope she isn't crazy early!
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@Banana330: @PawPrints: You'll just love parenthood! It seems scary before they get here but much of it just instantly clicks once he/she is in your arms. You'll be great mamas!
@PawPrints: Our hospital midwives are just like yours, in that they don't practice cervical checks and keep visits light. They focus on low risk pregnancies so there's really no reason for all of the extra precautions. I actually feel my ob's office is rather hands off in handling my twins compared to most twin moms I've talked to.
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@PawPrints: @marionberry: my midwives do weekly visits starting 36w but i think thats because it's a government standard. They don't do extra ultrasounds, cervical checks or weight size estimates unless there's a concern.
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@marionberry: Thanks, it's a little scary but also exciting. I'm getting antsy over all this waiting now...
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@PawPrints: @marionberry: I'm seeing midwifes too, which helps explain why they aren't concerned with technically missing a weekly appointment or offering a cervical check. They are an interesting practice that pretty much lets you be as crunchy or not as you want. If you request more intervention, then they are happy to oblige, but if you want more hands off they are good with that too.
It is interesting because I asked about the whole VBAC labor and if I needed to come in earlier in labor since it would be a VBAC and she said that there are two schools of thought on that but that their thought is for us to stay home as long as we can since once we come in we have to be constantly monitored and the more monitoring, the more things they "see" and the more opportunity for something to come up that prevents a successful VBAC.
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@PawPrints: @Banana330: I hear you on not feeling ready!
Good appointment over here! My BP is a bit low but not too low to be concerned about. Cervix is softening but no dilation. All else looks good!
@marionberry: I love your sentiment that things will click once the LO is put in our arms! I've heard that from others too. Thanks for sharing!
luckily it is warming up here a bit so i can try to wear flats. i might go pick up another pair of Toms and they will have to be my work shoes for the next little while. 
My appointments have been monthly up until now, and tomorrow (36w 2d) will be my first one that is accelerated to every-two-weeks. Then I'll have another one at 38w 2d, and that's my last one before my due date! Aah!
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