So we had another non-stress test yesterday (NST) and a different doctor came in and said "guess what...we are sending you over to L&D and are going to induce today." I shook my head no and Erik said "no we're not". LOL. The doctor gave us his reasons (baby is term (we know), high blood pressure, could cause complications, it's time, blah blah blah). We gave him our reasons that we REALLY want to go naturally, bp is always fine at home, no major protein, we understand the risks and we are NOT going to take a chance should anything change - but baby is fine (which doc agrees), fluid level is fine, everything with baby is great (which doc agreed), so for now, we are going to try everything (even sex! LOL!) and see if I can just go naturally! He finally agreed, gave us some risk factors and we came home. Mind you, we aren't going to be stupid about this. We will be in L&D in 2.5 seconds if anything changes for the worse. We just don't want to be induced. I want my body to do what it is naturally designed to do. I don't want drugs to force my body to do something it's not ready for. I also don't want to induce because it raises the chances of a c-section. If I am going to need one, I want it to be because my body says so, not because the induction says so. Pitocin sucks (from what I hear) and I just don't want that. We understand that my bp can increase at any time (but for a solid 6 months it hasn't gotten dangerously high, even the new doctor agreed yesterday that I am just borderline everything). So for now I am following directions and doing my bedrest and taking it day by day. The way I feel right now, I wouldn't be surprised if I go naturally in the next day or 2.

We have decided that when I have another NST on Monday (it will be over in L&D since it's a holiday) that if another doctor says "it's time to induce" and the baby hasn't made her debut, then we may just go for it. I will be 40 weeks, 1 day. Yesterday we were told I am in a much better condition to induce and it wouldn't be too bad. I would LOVE for her to come on my birthday (Wednesday) and she still can, but I am thinking it will be the 3rd if we go for it on Monday. We'll see though.

I have been having contractions, some really painful, some braxton hicks. NOTHING too regular. I am learning how to breathe through them better though. You learn in class but you aren't in pain when you do it so you really don't "get it" (or at least I didn't) - so I am getting my practice in. Words can't even describe how great Erik has been helping me through them and getting me mentally ready for this!!! I feel like shit - VERY nauseated and I always feel like I am going to either throw up or have it come out the other way. So far neither has happened THANK GOD! (And aren't you so glad I gave you that info! LOL!)

So that's where we stand. Shooting for Monday...may or may not happen - but we'll see. :) My fears are calming now (still a little scared) and I have moved to the "okay...I can do this, it's gonna hurt, but I can do this" phase. I guess it's normal to be scared as a first time mom - or if it's not...it's definitely scary for me!

So that's where we are. Ticking down the time. If no baby by Tuesday, my friend Val and I are making "start your labor cookies". What a sight that would be if we both went into labor at the same time! LOL!

Will keep you updated as things progress! :)

LOVE YOU ALL! :)

Baby Watch 2007

Just wanted to update you all as to what has been going on!

Went to the doctor yesterday for my 37 week appointment (although it was 37 weeks, 4 days or something). I am 2 cm. dilated and 70% effaced. The doctor even looked a little shocked I was dilated - and poor Erik did too - he couldn't believe it! I know that doesn't mean labor will start soon - women can go for weeks at 2 cm dilated - but I don't think Erik realized that! LOL! I sure was shocked though that I was that far along considering 2 weeks ago I was closed up tight (for lack of better words) and just beginning to thin! And let me tell you...to check your cervix HURT LIKE HELL. She said it hurt so much because the baby is really high still. Last time it didn't hurt like that in fact it didn't hurt AT ALL. But MY GOODNESS!!!! Did it hurt because I was thinned and dilated or what???? The scary part is - that doesn't even come close to what labor will feel like! I bow down to anyone that goes natural when giving childbirth. I have a feeling that the epidural and I will be great friends! :)

I had to do an ultrasound (which I always love) to make sure there was enough fluid and the placenta was good size since my blood pressure is STILL high and my feet are just beyond swollen! Pitting edema is rather disgusting and I hate it! Today my wedding ring even got stuck on for a bit - I finally got it off by pulling with all my might because I was scared it would either be permanently stuck or have to be cut off. I won't be wearing it anymore until after I give birth and I HATE THAT!

I also had to do a non-stress test to check the baby's neurological system. I guess they were checking to make sure her heart beat raised 15 points and then back to normal 2 times in 20 minutes. Well baby was sleeping or resting and it wasn't happening as they liked. So they used a little device that causes vibration on my belly (I feel nothing) and it woke her up. It was actually kinda cute. So then everything was fine after that! I had a few contractions as they were monitoring me. Most I didn't feel but 2 I did. I have been feeling them on and off - so they aren't the real thing yet! :)

Woke up today - well actually last night about 39480328 times - with A LOT of pressure in my pubic area. It is rather uncomfortable! I am assuming the baby is dropping or locking into position or something! What do I know - but I am guessing that is what it is! It is SO uncomfortable and I am sure tylenol isn't going to take the pain away! Had a few more contractions that actually woke me up last night - but again...nothing rhythmic!

So that's pretty much where we are now! I have to have the non-stress tests twice a week from here on out. Next one is Monday morning and the one after that is Thursday - my next appointment. I have a weird feeling I won't be coming home after my next appointment. My doctor is REALLY safe and if my blood pressure is still high I have a feeling I will be induced. Everytime I go I am told I may be prior to performing tests and told if my tests don't come back good I will be induced that day! No wonder my blood pressure is high! But each time they have been okay - so we'll see. I would MUCH MUCH rather she come naturally but if it's safer to have her sooner then that is what we'll do! : )

The doctor today also told me that if my water breaks I have to come in ASAP. I already knew that since I tested positive for Group B Strep. She also told me it's an old wives tale that only 15% of women have their water break - she said most women do. She also said if there is a change in barometric (sp?) pressure - it causes a lot of women's water to break! Who knew! There won't be any changes in barometric pressure the next few days but that was an interesting tidbit. Not sure how true it is but I guess she's a doctor and may know a thing or two!

Anyways - that's my update for today. I can tell we are getting closer! Everything is pretty much ready for her to get here! FINALLY got all the millions of clothes washed and put away - along with the millions of blankets and towels! I seriously must have done 9243580258 loads of laundry! I can't believe I am about to be a mom! It's kinda cool - kinda exciting - and kinda scary all wrapped into one! :)

Anyways - I am off to pee for the 358025830 time and go raise my feet since I haven't been doing it much lately and got in trouble they haven't been high enough!

Hope you are all doing well! :)