Prenatal checkup
I’m just back from my prenatal checkup, and I have NO NEWS. I’m measuring just one centimeter larger than last time, which is why I feel remarkably un-awkward. The baby is growing and responsive, with a good strong heartbeat, but my belly just isn’t any more ungainly than it was 3 weeks ago.
My midwife agreed that a day in the hot sun was a good cause for contractions. She also thought that it would be problematic if I don’t deliver until late July. Since she could entirely understand why my body might be reluctant to start labor with a houseful of company and a packed schedule (which starts less than 2 weeks after my estimated duedate), she gave me several tips and herbal suggestions to encourage labor ASAP. Not that I’m in a hurry, mind you, but I’m a busy woman. 
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Filed under: Huh? Category?
What are you measuring? Sense you are thin, I would go with that as a pretty good gauge as to how far along you are.
Audrey,
I was afraid somebody would say that. I had the same thought. I’m only measuring 35 cm. today, which could mean that I have several weeks to go, since measurements typically correspond to the number of weeks. That would *not* be a good thing.
But my measurements tend to go up and down a couple of centimeters depending upon how the baby is lying, so it could mean nothing at all.
I wonder if God is amused when He keeps us guessing like this?
I am getting really excited for you!
I read above that you are measuring at 35 weeks. I don’t know about you, but I tend to measure a little less toward the end. I think it is because the baby’s head is getting low. I am not trying to get too personal, but did she check you? If so, did she find anything to report to you? Also, herbs are GREAT! My midwife also uses a drug (placed in the cervix) to encourage labor/dilation. It has worked for me the two times she has used it. Labor has begun within a few hours when we’ve used it. I believe it is pretty controversial to use for induction. My midwife is very careful to not use too much. Anyway, keep us updated! How exciting!
Angela
Angela,
She didn’t check me, in part because she and I both know that:
1) I don’t go early, and
2) I’m just way too relaxed and comfortable (read: not desperate) to be anywhere near delivery.
We’re just hoping I don’t go much than a week past June 28th; neither of us dares hope that I’ll actually go early.
As far as herbal stuff, we’re not at the point of actually inducing. She just told me to start taking Evening Primrose Oil to help prep my body for labor along with small doses of Blue Cohosh. She said that the EPO in particular contains an amino acid that the body needs to start labor, so that when the baby is ready, I’ll be ready too.
I did EPO this time around and while my girls are normally at least a week late, this one was only two days late. However, what I think really did the trick was going shopping for three hours then hoisting a cooler filled with four gallons of milk and 25 pounds of frozen chicken all the way up into the back of our van. No guarantee of course, but 12 hours after I did that she was born. I think I’ll try that again next time
I read a really great article from my midwife last time I was pregnant and it really helped me with the waiting process. It is called “God’s view of Childbirth.” If you get on line and google it I am sure you will be able to find it. I really encourage you to read it because it talks about how every baby comes in God’s time and he has that time already figured out. This helped me to just be patient and not push anything until GOd was ready for the baby to come. It sounds like to me you are already pretty patient though.
I was waiting around with you last time you were “overdue,” my Timothy (#5) was officially 10 days past his due date, and only a week before Perry arrived.
Beat ya this time though, we found we were expecting Miriam (#6) a couple months before God blessed you with this baby, and then she was born 6wks early, so she’s already approaching 4months old…maybe we’ll catch up to y’all eventually…lol
Looking forward to rejoicing with you when your little one makes his or her appearance, whenever that perfect time is.
My Bethany (#4) is a 4th of July baby, but you could go for summer solstice, too, Timothy’s bd, that would be just 2 more days!
Evening primrose oil capsules are great - Naomi was born on her due date after I took them for about 2 weeks prior. Also raspberry leaf tea has been recommended to me. Not to mention a good hot curry!