Hellobee Boards

@Mrs. Oatmeal: oh wow, good luck. Let us know how you do!

@Mrs. Oatmeal: alone quiet time sounds excellent!!! I'm working from home today and even though I'm busy I'm enjoying the quiet house!!

Just went to doc - uneventful checkin, they don't really do cervical checks so I just have to wait and be patient! I have zero signs. She said baby's head was very low - definitely feeling him move lower and having more 'sensations' of him moving lower! Soooo curious about when/how/where I'm going to go into labor! I hope I'm not at work!!!!

@ChelseaRose: I have noticed a very slow dropping process!! But glad he's moving

I am working right until the end! I sorta hinted that on my due date and beyond I'll mostly work from home, they seem OK with that. Luckily it's easy for me to work remotely.

I had my 40 week appointment today, with first cervical check. I was 2-3 cm dilated and the midwife did a membrane sweep. She guessed the baby would be born at 7 lbs, 5 oz (more for fun than because she can estimate that precisely!). Hopefully the sweep helped get things started? E was born at 40 +2 and I was all ready to have this one slightly earlier. Although apparently they had 5 babies born at my birth center last night, which, with 4 rooms, I'm not sure how they managed? So thanks for not coming last night, baby! Anytime from here on out would be good, the sooner the better!

@chanzi: Sounds like a good thing baby waited. I hope the sweep helped and baby arrives soon!

I just had an ultrasound today at 37w1d and baby boy is head down and not measuring too big (about 7lbs). Fluid is still good and he didn't have the cord around his neck or any other problems. My OB appointment is tomorrow and I hope this means that I can still try for a vbac if I go into labor naturally. I guess I need to go read @Mrs. Oatmeal: post again about natural ways to induce labor. I'm currently sitting on an exercise ball at my computer desk while I try to get some work done. I've had a few crampy feeling contractions today, which is better than nothing! Lol. Trying to be optimistic.

Hi! My LO arrived on Septmeber 8th at 8:10 am He is really perfect and I am in heaven.

Started laboring on Sunday, kept me up all night long and grew continuously worse throughout Monday. When I got to 5-1-1, I was in a good bit of pain but I was determined for an unmedicated birth so decided to wait longer before going to hospital. I made it at home until contractions were 3 minutes apart. At this point was miserable. I could only make it through each contraction by standing up, leaning and screaming into DH's chest. I didn't even have time to sit down or rest my feet in between each one. We got to hospital around 8 pm. Funny that it was Labor Day and also lucky bc we were almost the only patients there, checking in and all that was a breeze despite the fact I was screaming and crying throughout. They confirmed I was about 4-5 cm which was awesome to me. It was my goal and I had been 1 cm for about 4 weeks so I was pleased.
Once we got in our room, my pain felt like it doubled. The contractions were right on top of each other and I barely had time to breathe. Couldn't really sway or even walk at this point, just stand. They did a check about 2 hours later and I had progressed to a 6.

At this point I was a wreck. I didn't know what to do. I was committed to a natural birth and was terrified of an epidural. But honestly I was overcome with pain, exhaustion and hunger. I was dreading hours more of contractions and pushing. But I knew I was making progress. On top of my pain sobbing, I broke down over the decision and could barely talk to my DH about it. He was amazing and had been on his feet with me through every contraction. Talking me through and encouraging me through each one. He was incredible. I didn't want to let him or myself down. But when i broke down, so did he. He hated seeing me in success pain but also believed I could do it. He reassured me, whatever I needed was best and he was 100% behind me.

I ended up going with the epidural. I was disappointed at the time and blamed myself. It was a terrible feeling. But then I got the epidural. It went off perfectly and after one more contraction, the pain stopped. I could still feel baby and each contractions tightness but no pain. I was immediately a new person. I could breathe and relax. It slowed my progress a bit at the beginning and I was at 6 for about 2 more hours. We went to sleep since it was around midnight. Woke up to get checked every couple of hours. Around 4 I was at 7.5. Then at 530, I was complete, fully effaced and he was at 2+. it was already time to push! My doctor barely made it in time. I pushed through around 9 contractions, for about 10-15 minutes. It was so quick and easy. I was so happy and relieved. He was out and beautiful and I am still in awe of that moment! It was perfect. We have recovered well and my milk is in.

All in all, I feel I had a great experience. I got to try what I wanted and even though it didn't work out, I had the best experience for me. I hope everyone is doing well and your babies are her safe and sound soon!!

Congrats!!

@cfmartin: Congrats! And I'm so glad you listened to your body & got the rest you needed!

@cfmartin: Congratulations! Glad everything turned out very well.

@elljay: Sounds like an excellent way to wait it out! I'm doing the same this week. I'm not due until the 24th, but having my C-section on Monday. Just wrapping things up from home this week for work. It's nice to work from my office at home in my PJs

@cfmartin: congratulations, sounds like overall you had a great birth experience!

Still going strong here. RCS is scheduled for Sept 30th but this is my last week in the office thank goodness. I had a bit of a scare at my apt last week as my blood pressure looks to be creeping up slightly. Still in the normal range but definitely something to watch closely. I'm hoping it was just dehydration and not a sign of preeclampsia.

@ChelseaRose: I am in a similar situation, last time it was 133/82 eek! I am just crossing my fingers and hoping that it doesn't cross the 140/90 mark. So nervous!

Fingers crossed for you that you remain stable!

@plantains: @ChelseaRose: Just got back from L&D for this reason exactly! My BP was 145/98 at my appointment today, so they sent me to get checked out. Of course, once I got there and had blood taken, etc, my BP was back down to like 110/70, so they sent me home. Hope levels stay low for you, too!

@Mrs. Oatmeal: Yikes! That happened a lot in my last pregnancy, but much earlier on and I got sent to LD weekly from about 34 weeks on. At least you're far enough along for baby to be here if needed. I hope you go into labor soon!

@Mrs. Oatmeal: oh I hope it goes fast for you!!! Do you have a good book or anything to help distract?!

I was sent to l&d last night but discharged quickly, thought I might have been lightly leaking fluid, but I wasn't.... Boo, got excited being there and thinking about meeting him soon! Also not even 1cm yet, 30%, and 39 weeks. Boo. Hoping I go into labor this weekend!

@hellobeeboston: Ohhhh disappointing to get your hopes up! But yes- dilation is NO indication of how soon labour is coming. Hopefully there are lots of babies this week/weekend!
@2PeasinaPod: wow! Lots of September babies in your family! Hoping baby comes next week then, for your sake!

And, I'm officially crazy. I just signed up for a half marathon in April. I'm giving birth on Monday...that gives me 6 months!

@kgbee: Good for you! You're a rockstar for doing that at 18 weeks pregnant! That's my plan, giving myself 3 full months of recovery and 3 full months of training. I've never done a half marathon distance before, but I have done a 10 mile race before. Just hoping I can find the time to train with 2. I know you aren't supposed to run with the baby that young, but he's in his padded carseat, and we have a BOB. So I can stay on the road, take it easy and I'm sure he'll be fine!

@ChelseaRose: OMG...so exciting! Tomorrow is mine, and I can't wait. My boss is still acting like I will be here next week and I'm just trying to get through 5pm tomorrow without freaking out.

How's everyone feeling? LO has a nasty cold that he gave to me I think. It could be allergies too...I can't seem to stop sneezing today. Only 4 more days until we meet this little guy unless he wants to arrive sooner!

Yesterday was also my birthday, and DH made it really special. He got me an iPad and said it was essentially for all of the BS I went through over the last 5 years to have these two kids...and was sort of his way of saying thank you for going through it all. Totally made me bawl. And...I'm having fun playing with my new toy!

@ChelseaRose: hooray! Hope you had a great last day!