Daily Chat: April 11th (Saturday)

[nancy11]

Edit: APRIL 11th!!!!! DUH!!!

Originally Posted by michanders4

So glad to hear that peanut's head is descending!!!! Was this your 37 week appt?

I am 38 weeks today.

Last night, Peanut did that thing, again, where it pinches my bladder. It hurts SO much! It's a stabbing pain when it moves and I can't move or it's worse. The doctor wasn't phased by my story: "That'll happen."

I can't imagine many feelings more terrible than that.

Peanut was so active all day and all night. I get tightening feelings during the night, now, that I usually wake up to, but this was terrible. The only thing I can do is try to use gravity to move Peanut OFF whatever it's pressing on.

I was a real punching bag yesterday and, like, whoa. This kid is very strong.

Anyway, yeah -- the 50 pounds astounds me. I realize it will eventually disappear (because it's my lifelong mission now), but wow. I am completely in awe of that number and hardly believe it. It's way more than a third of my original body weight!!! :-O

So quiet in this chat thread now. I'm going to try to go back to sleep.

[Bexo]

Good morning ladies! Well, TODAY is my official EDD. Guess I'll be going past it like I did with baby #1! Oh, well. A few days ago that would've disappointed me, but yesterday I came down with a rotten head cold and I can't stop sneezing, my nose is running like a faucet, and I'm losing my voice due to this hacking cough! It's actually so darn bad that I'm actually HOPING the baby holds off until next week so I can at least be feeling better before I take on natural childbirth! Here's hoping your babies come soon and that nobody else gets this rotten head cold! I'm so thankful it's the weekend and that my husband can help out with my toddler. Time for me to go back to bed and get some rest :

[FischK]

Today, I'm 38 weeks as well. I didn't expect to make it this long, but I guess this is how things are. LO is active but has some longer periods of sleep in between spurts of activity. Among his favorite things to do these day is moving his butt from one side of me belly to the other, boxing me in the pelvis, and running his hand along the lower parts of my uterus. Most of this is a tad unpleasant. But on the bright side, he was dancing again last night while listening to some Turkish music.

Except for increased BH-ctx, nothing is happening. I know he has moved down because I can feel his weight pressing on my pelvis, and I think my belly has moved too. But everything seems further away from my head these days.

I'm with you on the weight gain, Nancy. I had gained 57 pounds at my last visit, and I am shocked; considering that I gained about 10 pounds during the first month before I saw anyone, I'm at almost 70 pounds. I hope it stops because it is slowly eating at my ego. It will need to go starting with delivery.

Bexo, sorry to hear about your cold. I hope it goes away quickly and without resistance.

Back to my morning coffee.

[BennyPai]

Fischk - I recognize those baby assaults from what's going on in my uterus lately. Sometimes I swear I can feel fingernails scraping along my cervix. I'm really liking the little pokes and waves across the middle of my belly, though. It helps me feel connected to my little one and I'm trying to enjoy it for the most part, because I know from experience that I'll be a little saddened after baby's cord has been cut and we're truly separated - except for the breastfeeding, of course.

My pelvis is feeling better today than it has in weeks. It no longer threatens to snap in-two when I stand up. I hope that means it will stop groaning until baby comes ... I woke up feeling out of breath several times last night during contractions. They weren't painful, though.

I'm 8 days from my EDD. My little ones have historically ignored this, though ... Dd#1 arrived 8 days past her EDD after I was 5cm with no sign of labor and my CNM did the membrane sweep. Dd#2 waited for a full 17 days to pass after my EDD and it took 2 rounds of castor oil to get things started.
*Please send me self-starting labor & healthy baby vibes!*

[ShineliketheSon]

Good morning all! I was soo glad to hear Kate's birth story! Made me sooo ready for this one to come (as if I wasn't before!)

I've decided even if doula is gone, if baby wants to come this weekend, I'm good with it! but not having signs so I think she'll be holding on for a while longer.

It's going to be a beautiful day here in Iowa! We finally get to be outside most of the day! My SIL is coming over to bring freezer meals, I love her! And we have church tonight. I can't wait for our Easter Brunch in the morning with yummy foods that I don't have to prepare or clean up!!! :

Have a GREAT DAY mamas! And I hope we see some EASTER babies tomorrow!!!

[Peony]

It's snowing like crazy here, spring in CO. I've decided that baby isn't emerging until I get a good night's of sleep. My 2.5y is feeling change in the air and my already iffy sleep has decreased even more. I attempted to go to bed early last night but then the baby decided to hold a 3 hour dance party in my belly so needless t say sleep didn't happen for a long time.

[FischK]

Jenny, I can see how I will miss these movements inside me. It is sort of cool even when it hurts. Also, I'm glad your pelvis is feeling better and I hope it stays that way.
Here are some self-starting labor vibes :

Shine, good luck, and I'm sure you'll be fine even if you go into labor this weekend. It sounds like you have another busy weekend planned. Enjoy the day outside and the easter brunch.

Peony, sorry to hear about the snow in CO. I hope you'll get some sleep soon!

We've decided to spend this Saturday by going to the ocean. It's about a 90 minute drive from here, and we have not been to the coast since the fall. We'll get some brunch on the way, and probably stop at some stores to pick up some last minute supplies before the baby comes. I can't just sit around anymore, fix my house, and wait for the baby to come if spring has finally reached central Maine. And who knows, it may be our last chance to do this in quite some time...

[michanders4]

Peony - ugh snow! When does it usually get warm for you?

Nancy and FischK and BennyPai - sorry to hear about the uncomfortable movments. I know I've been feeling my fair share of them. This little one likes to "tease" me and make these movements that give me a piercing pain really low and for a second I'll think it could be a contraction. I'm getting used to them now!

I realized this morning that I'm waking up thinking - really? No real contractions? I'm STILL pregnant, really? I'll go to bed thinking maybe I'm feeling something and then I sleep all night long only getting up to pee and realize nope, I'm definitely not in labor. Ahh these little lessons in patience! I can say I am officially "late" as of today though. I was thinking about how it's going to sound funny when someone asks me when I'm due and I say "yesterday" or "last Friday".

[justice'smom]

Alright ladies, this is my first time posting here on the due date club. I am due next Saturday the 18th, but feel like I am already overdue. I went in for acupuncture on Thursday and he did some inducing stuff and I have been having contractions every since, but nothing that stays any longer than a few hours and none of the contractions last any longer than 40 seconds. I'm supposed to go back on Monday, but I'm thinking I'm going to have him work on my mood and energy and not the inducing stuff. This baby is going to come when it's going to come and unless I go over my due date a few days, no more inducing acupuncture for me. Anyone else ever tryed it? If so what did you think about it?

[BennyPai]

Thanks for the vibes & nice thoughts!
FischK - I just noticed you're in Maine, somehow. I moved to NC from Maine 10 years ago with my DP(also from ME). DP and I will be moving back in June - our little one will be soooo little, but DP has remodeling work lined up and it will need to be done before the cold weather sets in.

Michelle - I think you've really hit on something with "lessons in patience." Patience comes in handy so many times as you are mothering your babe through all the stages ... making time to relax and nurse, handling a tantruming toddler, slowing down to connect with your little one. What a great connection! This truely helps me to put my ultra-long pregnancies in a lighter perspective. I'm sure with 3 little ones at different stages, there will be many times I can remind myself of this and take a deep breath and repeat one of my favorite expressions: "all in good time." *Bet I'll need that during our trek up the coast in June ...

[michanders4]

Originally Posted by justice'smom

Alright ladies, this is my first time posting here on the due date club. I am due next Saturday the 18th, but feel like I am already overdue. I went in for acupuncture on Thursday and he did some inducing stuff and I have been having contractions every since, but nothing that stays any longer than a few hours and none of the contractions last any longer than 40 seconds. I'm supposed to go back on Monday, but I'm thinking I'm going to have him work on my mood and energy and not the inducing stuff. This baby is going to come when it's going to come and unless I go over my due date a few days, no more inducing acupuncture for me. Anyone else ever tryed it? If so what did you think about it?

I tried it... twice . I've come to realize that baby is going to come on his own time and if he is taking too long I'll be induced. I've accepted this. He has been measuring big for awhile and I personally prefer not to go past 41 weeks. I'm 40 weeks 1 day and still have time so we'll see. I tried acupuncture twice so far and I think it might have played a role in getting baby to move on down but that's about all it did for me (which is definitely something though).

[emmaegbert]

No baby action! Today is the exact gestation at which my son was born... actually already this one is later, since he was a 4AM guy. My mom is coming today and we want the baby to be born before she's worn out her welcome! (not that I like to admit it, but it happens. I love my mom but we do live in a 3-room apartment!) I am going over to dye eggs with my acupuncturist friend this afternoon and considering asking her to start doing some gentle "treatments" on me. Maybe I can trade her some dinners or something...

Also, another reason my baby can be born is that this morning fedex delivered the "nightgowns" our 4yo son picked out for him and baby! What a saga, I have been looking for a "nightgown" for him since the summer... one that satisfies us both... comfy, simple, natural fibers, not overtly girlie, no chemical treatments, etc. Finally we decided on a Kate Quinn organic cotton kimono dress. Watch- I'll probably have another boy and be putting them both in dresses! Not that I care but other people will think we are weirdos. Ah well, they probably already do for the HB, cosleeping, NIP, cloth diapers, etc. Why not add gender-bending to the list?

[daisyem]

Jenny- Definantly sending you some self starting LABOR VIBES in the next week!! And, you surely deserve some vibes for going that overdue with your other two! (I was feeling sorry for myself going 1 week overdue with both of mine, and then being induced)

justice'smom--welcome! I believe that nothing will help until you are already ready, and usually past EDD. But, good luck with the accupuncture! Hope it does something!

Peony--Here's to a good night's sleep! It was supposed to snow here too this weekend, but so far, just rain.

Bexo--Get well soon! Happy due date!

Nancy and Fisch--38 weeks! Hooray, you are getting closer. Hang in there!

michanders4--I am RIGHT there with you. One day late and the contx HAVE to be going somewhere right??? RIGHT???

I am now just one day past my EDD. Hoping I don't go too far past, but I was expecting I would (I think I predicted the 15th). I just keep having so many contx during the day and night that I keep getting exciting that this "might be it!!" or not. I do enjoy feeling the rolling movements though, but I'm feeling there is a time and a place and the time is now, and the place is my arms I still feel great though! Especially after I broke down and went to the chiropractor on thursday! My tailbone was killing me, and he fixed it right up--told me it was down WAY too low... I also found out that his wife had all NINE (ages 25-5) of her kids at home with a midwife! How cool is that??

Happy Saturday!

[BennyPai]

Just want to share a great prenatal yoga pose, especially for this uncomfortable stage. It takes pressure off of your back and pelvic area! I read that pillows can be helpful. I actually do this on my bed with pillows - so nice to the knees and easier to maneuver ... Looks hilarious from behind, I'm told, but I. Don't. Care.

Modified Child's Pose - Sit on the floor with knees wide apart and resting on the floor. Bend forward. Join your hands together and put them on the floor and rest your chin on them. Helps to open pelvic area. Also gives you a comfortable resting pose and a gentle forward bend.

http://www.shapeupshop.com/go/index....rticle&view=94

I do this pose with my hands together as described above. The video shows a slightly different version.

Anyway, here is an instructional video for the modified child's pose:
http://www.howcast.com/videos/67631-...ed-Childs-Pose

[daisyem]

Child's Pose has saved my back

[nancy11]

Okay, so now I feel the twinge while walking, randomly. I still associate it with bladder muscle something and it's really, really painful. I literally have to stop walking/moving and just let it relax. I guess there is pressure in just the right place that I will have to deal with.

I can tell that Peanut is a little antsy. It does enjoy when I'm moving around more vigorously, which isn't all that often, and is quieter at those times. As soon as I stop moving, the wiggle sessions begin. I'm hoping it is as impatient as I am (safe bet) and wants OUT soon. I'm hoping to have a turning point in progress this week.

I still have to wonder when this thing sleeps. The moments are few and far between, from what I can tell. Legs and arms all over the place! I'm counting on it's discomfort to move things along.

So, that's me today... nothing all that exciting. I am going to finish painting and tear up the carpet in the master bedroom, then clean up the floor underneath. Finally, we will be able to set up the bassinet and let some more reality sink in. At the very least, I'm happy to have my bedrooms all spruced up after almost six years of living here. Meh.

[Lindsay1234]

Nancy - I know what you mean about active! I thought babies were supposed to slow down a little before birth and Im still getting rib kicks! The doc yesteray asked if Ive been doing kick counts and the baby went CRAZY and she said "Well I see everything is fine"

Ednamarie - normally I like tumeric but paired with boiled eggs and white vinegar made it unbearable! Blueberries would be awesome but are SO expensive here right now. I didnt even think of spinach! Looks like I have to make more eggs!! And as for wine? Ive been hoarding it, waiting for this baby to come so I can have a nice big glass!

Emma - I commend any pregnant woman with GD. How can you indulge in cravings for a twinkie or pie or something without blowing your numbers?! I really think that you and all preg women should be given a medal for all this hard work. GBS + and posterior?! Jeez loiuse, cant someone cut you a break?! and those gowns are CUTE!!!!! Just throw some pants on underneath and you have a "mans" tunic!!

Bexo - Oh man, I hope you have one of those 2 day colds, and that your baby follows quickly after that!

Fischk - Did I ask you this before, is this your first baby? Im 38 weeks too today and for the past few weeks I have felt like I wouldnt make it one more day. Then these past 3 days I literally have felt NOTHING and I think that the baby still has a month or 2 to go.

Bennypai -My pelvis has been feeling better too! I felt like it was stretching open for a couple weeks and it was tender!!! Now, it feels fine but I feel "open". I dont remember the pelvis thing with dd1. did it happen with your previous? : And I hear you on the whole connection thing. After I have this baby, it wont just be "mine" itll be everyones to hold and touch! Ugh. That childs pose looks really...natural!! I was on my hands and knees in labor with my last one and it seems like that pose stretched me all out but kept me grounded and in control.

shine - Are you doing a hospital birth with the doula? Will you have other support there in case she misses it? Have tons of fun tomorrow morning!!!!!

peony - Were all feeling the change here too. I think its literally just weeks (months!) of anxiousness coming out! And sorry about the snow. Do you ski? After the baby is born youll have lots of fresh snow to play on!!

Michelle - you better start doing some jumping jacks!!! What did you decide on the castor oil? and how big are you measuring?

justicesmom - Welcome!!!! I have never tried it but definitely let me know how it goes!!! Seems like lots of the induction methods ARENT working for the ladies here! These darn babies are just coming whenever!!

daisy - Hope it happens VERY soon!! And the 9 kids at home is AWESOME!!!!!

Hope everyone has a great day. Im going to buy a new duffel bag for my hospital bag today, coffee with friends, lunch with parents. a RELAXING day!

[emmaegbert]

I love child's pose. I labored in it a lot last time.

Cravings and GD. It is a pain. Luckily I don't actually like twinkies but there are many other sweets I'd love to have... not to mention some bread, or a bagel, or pizza, or rice, or potatoes, or pancakes, or a big cold glass of milk, and, oh, the list can go on and on. Needless to say, I am already looking forward to my first week post-partum when I plan to have something special every day! (but only for a week lest I blow my chance to reap the ONE benefit of having GD, which is the very modest weight gain!) Actually, I might even bake the "birthday cake" layers today and freeze them so my son is ready to go with the cake he wants to make. He's great in the kitchen but he IS only 4! I'm just afraid it will be too hard to have the whole house smell like yummy cake.

I was actually having dreams about doing my finger sticks last night and then when I got up I said, "the best thing about having this baby is that I won't have to test my blood all the time" and then of course DH and I burst out laughing b/c, well, that is a ridiculous statement to have made, but I do get sick of it.

Nancy, maybe things are starting to happen... having to stop walking to deal with pain, even if it feels like its in your bladder to you... well, just sending good luck your way. And, my son was super-duper active in utero, and it never stopped. He's amazing and wonderful, I wouldn't want him any other way. You sound like a mama who will be delighted to keep up with a very physical kid. (The upside of his hyped-up metabolism is that he's always been a great sleeper and a great eater. Well, okay, he was a cat-napper during the day when he was a baby, but never has had a big deal sleeping at night).

[ShineliketheSon]

Originally Posted by Lindsay1234

shine - Are you doing a hospital birth with the doula? Will you have other support there in case she misses it? Have tons of fun tomorrow morning!!!!!

Yes hospital birth with midwife and doula. Doula just called and they are staying in town today so will only be gone tomorrow for Easter day. She has two backups, I've just never met them...but it'll all work out no matter how it happens! I'm feeling confident in that today!

Originally Posted by FischK

Jenny, I can see how I will miss these movements inside me. It is sort of cool even when it hurts.

Shine, good luck, and I'm sure you'll be fine even if you go into labor this weekend. It sounds like you have another busy weekend planned. Enjoy the day outside and the easter brunch.
..

Yup, not going to worry about it, it's in Gods hands... Can't wait to eat that yummy food tomorrow, though my tummy hasn't been so great today so better be good tomorrow or I better be in the hospital giving birth!l!!!

I too will miss the movements so I'm trying to really enjoy this part of the pregnancy...I don't plan to do this again so want to remember how it feels.

I better get outside with my family, I'm just so tired and my tummy is uncomfortable today, this baby is running out of room.

[lilgreen]

Originally Posted by emmaegbert

No baby action! Today is the exact gestation at which my son was born... actually already this one is later, since he was a 4AM guy. My mom is coming today and we want the baby to be born before she's worn out her welcome! (not that I like to admit it, but it happens. I love my mom but we do live in a 3-room apartment!)

that's me exactly with my mom. She's coming on my due date and I hope baby comes the day after. The last few times she came waaaay too early and she was kind of annoying me when I was finally postpartum - although I was so grateful for everything she did and she was incredibly helpful.

Originally Posted by Lindsay1234

Hope everyone has a great day. Im going to buy a new duffel bag for my hospital bag today, coffee with friends, lunch with parents. a RELAXING day!

Sounds like a great day! Have fun!

I"m in a better space about the IL's being here now. My MIL came straight out last night and told me she doesn't want to be anywhere near the birth - "Birth is disgusting" So, I compassionately explained that we have neighbours on call so she won't have to be there. Also, I didn't have any contractions last night and I'm back to feeling like this baby is definitely going to hold off for a while yet.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning. Our neighbourhood (which is swarming with kids since we live in student family housing and every single unit has kids in it) organizes a giant egg hunt. Me and the boys made some new easter baskets this morning... I love crafts and I'm always so thrilled when they're into it.

As for the rest of the day, I'm going to make bread and I think we're going to go out for dinner for our official easter dinner rather than make a big fuss at home. Yay!