Like most first time moms-to-be, I have a few fears and worries. When I was seven weeks, I thought I had miscarried. When an ultrasound found the Baby's heartbeat, I relaxed, but was still a bit anxious at getting to the 13-week mark. Then when I hit 13-weeks I worried when I felt some pressure and heaviness when I ran.
At 33.7 weeks along, I am literally anxious about getting to the 37-week mark. That's when I'll have a full-term baby. Until then, I've been on heightened alert for any slight pain, twinge or bodily discharge(!) I know babies born after 34 weeks (which I will be tomorrow) turn out just fine, but for my peace of mind, I'd like to get to 40 weeks if possible.
Part of my fretting has to do with my recent episodes of Braxton Hicks contractions. I've been feeling them since around seven months, but early Monday morning I was actually awakened by the intensity of one contraction. I felt a bit of pressure and tension in my abdominal area - almost like menstrual cramping. I've felt these before and my midwife knows about this, but this time was a bit more intense. The pressure went away soon enough, but my mind was still uneasy.
I decided to take the day off and rest. At least my bed would be close by if I needed to lie down quickly. That same night The B and I had prenatal class. I spoke to Nurse Melissa about my recent episodes and she reassured me that I have nothing to worry about.
"Just get to 35 weeks," she said. "Yes, technically he will be premature, but in the years that I've delivered babies, most born at 35 weeks tend to go home a day later."
"But what about the lungs and breathing," I asked.
"Typically, by 34 weeks the baby has developed the surfactant it needs in its lungs to be able to breath on its own outside the womb," said Melissa. "After 35 weeks, the baby just puts on weight."
I like these prenatal classes. Despite the fact that I'm a bit more frightened about labour and the possible medical interventions, I feel a lot more informed and prepared....though we still haven't packed our bags.
more proof ...
5 hours ago
2 Comments:
Pack those bags girl! Everyone told me I was going to be late, so I foolishly thought time was on my side. Ryder arrived at 35.7 weeks (and yes, we went home the next day). I had just packed two nights before!
I know you're going to have a beautiful, healthy baby and a marvelous child birth experience. So rest up, enjoy your last few weeks alone with the B, and above all, be SELFISH - you'll never be able to put yourself first again.
All the best!
i found your blog through runbuggy's...it's fun to read, i had my first baby last december and it bring backs memories reading about pregnant running! good luck!
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