The weird thing about being a first time mom going into
labor is that you’re unsure. At least I am. Even though I’ve read up on all the
signs online, we’ve talked about them in our centering classes, I’ve read about
them in the books, my mom has lectured me, doctors have quizzed me…for me, it’s
still: is THIS it?
Yesterday I had my 38 week (and 2 day) appointment. Seth and
I were taking bets on if I was dilated at all; we both bet I wasn’t. Well well
well, what do we know! I’m 3 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Seriously?!?! I was
SHOCKED to hear that. We both were. Prior to getting my cervix checked, the
doctor had asked if I wanted my membranes swept…I said heck no, because I’ve
been told it’s painful and it’s not a guarantee that it’ll get labor started. Once
the doctor said I was 3 cm/50% effaced, she asked again if I wanted them swept.
Heck no again! I’m not ready to have him! I am, but I’m not. Now I’m having a
mini panic attack. (Plus, I have a long list of things I need to accomplish
this weekend!) I feel so unprepared for labor. I feel like I don’t know enough
of what to expect. I’m sure part of it is that it’s the first time I’ve ever
done this so I’m anxious for the unknown. Right now, as I type this, baby is moving
around like crazy and it feels like he’s trying to bust loose, straight out of
my belly button. I went pee less than an hour ago and there was a pink tinge to
it and it was more mucousy (I’m sincerely sorry for the TMI!!!). What’s that a sign
of? Yep, labor. Even though it may still be a few days away, I’m wondering if this
is stage one. I’m not having any more contractions than I normally have…at
least I don’t think I am. Right now, my brain is cloudy on all the stuff we’ve
learned and read about and I’m just unsure.
Seth is ready for him now. Last night we were talking about me being 3 cm/50% effaced already and he said he was ready to meet his son now. I asked him if he was nervous and he said no, he is ready. I'm most nervous about the birth. Ok, and I'm nervous about bringing him home and how the dogs are going to react.
So I’m continuing to work…and blog…because I’m not quite ready (mentally, emotionally, physically…) to push a baby out. Jimney Crickets.
I'm jealous! 39 and 2 today, and I was barely half a centimeter. Apparently my cervix is not ready (firm and not thinned at all), even though the baby has dropped and I'm having strong (non-painful) contractions.
ReplyDeleteShe offered to try to stretch me a little. And I was like, "DO IT!" I can't bear the thought of being a week late, as she suggested I'll be today. My husband has so much time off between this weekend and next for the holiday (which he won't get if she comes late, since we're at the career course) and I'm just tired of being pregnant. So I didn't mind trying this "natural" way of induction. It was weirdly uncomfortable, quite violating, but not really painful. I'd do it again if it will help get this show on the road! I want to meet our baby so bad! But, for now, I'll hope for the best and pray my body changes it's mind.
Try not to be scared. Just imagine if you had been 0cm (like me). You'd be wishing to be further along. So try to be excited! The birth is the hardest thing we have left, and then we get an adorable baby to love!