40 Weeks 5 Days Appointment

We thought yesterday was the day.  I woke up at 3:30am with contractions every 10 minutes and lasting 1:30 minutes.  This went on until almost 7am when I took a shower, then slowed down, then returned at 8 minutes apart and a minute or so a piece.  Then I ate breakfast and they became erratic the rest of the day.  It was so frustrating!  Doula M told me to take two Tylenol PM and head to bed.  Needless to say, I'm still pregnant and yesterday was my first true experience of  prodromal labor.

I missed my appointment with Dr. C yesterday due to us all thinking I was in early labor, but he actually called me around 12pm to check in on me since I had been a no show and it helped talking to him.  Yesterday showed me that my body does in fact know how to have consistent contractions and that eventually, this baby WILL come out! 

So I called first thing this morning to get in to see Dr. C before he left town. I'm 2 cm dilated!  Woo hoo!  I only ever got to 5 cm in my induced labor with Baby C, so to hear I'm already 2 cm was awesome.  I asked him what he thought about stripping my membranes, but he said with how much progress I made in the past week and what he knows I want out of this birth, he would rather me wait and let my body do it all on its own. 

My blood pressure is a little raised at 126/90, but Dr. C said my urine is clean and that he actually is surprised my blood pressure isn't higher due to my unique set of circumstances.  He also said my body is just about maxed out in physical capacity, so he'd expect my blood pressure to be up!

For all those who are concerned about the baby because I've passed my due date, the baby is very active and has a very strong heartbeat.  Please remember that in most women, a healthy pregnancy can go to 42 weeks and it's called an "Estimated Due Date" for a reason.

We also talked about my options for while he is out of town.  He has talked with the midwife and that option is all set up, but he also talked with the doctor in his practice who will covering for him.  I know of several women who have had a VBAC with her and am excited that I still feel the hospital is a good option for us!  Daddy B and I feel most comfortable in a hospital and would really appreciate the time we would be able to stay after baby is born to bond without interruptions.  Dr. C told me that he will be calling me while he is out of town and has instructed Dr. D (the on call doctor) that I am free to call him at any time during my labor if I want to talk to him.  This definitely made me feel good because my biggest concern with him being gone is if I end up needing a c-section and not having him there reassuring me that it is truly medically necessary.  Now at least I know I can call and get his counsel before agreeing to anything.

Doula M has been such a great support over the past few days.  I seriously urge any expecting mom out there to hire a doula.  Doula M's experience and kindness has made this time waiting much more bearable and it is so nice to have someone to ask questions to and get solid answers.  I really feel that between her, Daddy B and myself, we have a clear vision of what we want out of this birthing experience.  Now if I could just have the next time I contact her be because I'm in REAL labor, that would be nice. ;)