Baby Watch Is Officially On!

37w1d as of today and yesterday marks a full-term baby for us so I guess at any point, we could go into labor! My induction has been set for October 29th in the evening so if this baby doesn't come on his/her own by the 29th, we're going to help the process along!! Scary to think that in 16-17 days we're going to be parents!

How your baby's growing: Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). WHAT THE HELL IS SWISS CHARD? Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. (THE DOCTORS HAVE CONFIRMED THAT BABY H DOES HAVE LOTS OF HAIR, BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S ACTUAL HAIR OR FUZZ THEY'RE SEEING ON THE ULTRASOUND) But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. (SOMEONE PLEASE REMIND JARRETT OF THIS LITTLE FACT WHEN OUR CHILD COMES OUT WITH BLOND HAIR AND HE STARTS BLAMING ME FOR HAVING SEX WITH SOMEONE ELSE, YOU KNOW HE WILL!!) And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

How your life's changing: Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some "bloody show" (THIS HASN'T HAPPENED YET TO MY KNOWLEDGE) (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics. (YUP WILL NEED ANTIBIOTICS UPON ARRIVAL TO THE HOSPITAL) It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — (UMM HOW DOES ONE DO THIS WHEN THEY WORK?) this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before. While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.


Surprising Facts: Signs of labor There's no way to predict when labor is going to start. Your body actually starts "preparing" for labor up to a month before you give birth. You may be blissfully unaware of what's going on or you may begin to notice new symptoms as your due date draws near. Here are some things that may happen in the weeks or days before labor starts:• Your baby drops. (NOT YET) If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel what's known as "lightening" a few weeks before labor starts as your baby descends lower into your pelvis. You might detect a heaviness in your pelvis as this happens and notice less pressure just below your ribcage, making it easier to catch your breath.• (NOT YET) You note an uptick in Braxton Hicks contractions. More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions can signal pre-labor, during which your cervix ripens and the stage is set for true labor. (SOME HERE AND THERE) Some women experience a crampy, menstrual-like feeling during this time. (YES LOTS OF CRAMPING GOING ON)• You pass your mucus plug. The mucus plug is the small amount of thickened mucus that blocks the cervical canal leading to your uterus. The plug may come out all at once in a lump, or as increased vaginal discharge over the course of several days. The mucus may be tinged with blood (which may be brown, pink, or red), in which case it may be referred to as "bloody show." (NOT YET) • Your water breaks. (NOT YET) Most women start having regular contractions sometime before their water breaks, but in some cases, the water breaks first. When this happens, labor usually follows soon. (If contractions don't start promptly on their own, you'll be induced. (SCHEDULED FOR 10.29.09) Whether the amniotic fluid comes out in a large gush or a small trickle, call your doctor or midwife. How can I tell if I'm in false labor or true labor?Sometimes it's very hard to tell false labor from the early stages of true labor. Here are some things that might help you sort it out:• False labor contractions are unpredictable. They come at irregular intervals and vary in length and intensity. Although true labor contractions may be irregular at first, over time they start coming at regular and shorter intervals, become increasingly more intense, and last longer.• With false labor, the pain from the contractions is more likely to be centered in your lower abdomen. With true labor, you may feel the pain start in your lower back and wrap around to your abdomen.• False labor contractions may subside on their own, or when you start or stop an activity or change position. True labor contractions will persist and progress regardless of what you do.

I've got some pictures of the nursery to post, but will have to do that from home if I have the energy when I get there!!

p.s. Happy Birthday Ryan!!