End of February Due date'rs

[Snapdragon]

Who here is due at the end of February? Let's have a thread here. We with 2 or 3 weeks left are going through different things than those due right now so lets have a place to talk about those things!

Who else is due end of Feb? And how are you feeling?

[CountryMommy]

Well I am due Feb 20th so I guess I am closer to mid Feb but don't feel anywhere near ready really. I had some mild cramping around 36 weeks. Didn't have any of that with my first pregnancy so I thought I might go into labour early but it went away and hasen't really came back. I am 38+ weeks now and feel pretty good, not much of an appetite these days though. I'm now guessing that I will go close to my due date (went into labour last time on my due date )

How are you feeling Katie?

[Nicole730]

I am 37 weeks and feeling pretty good. Even got out and did some shoveling today. I do get tired a lot easier than I used to. I've had a few BH (some with a little bit of pain), some minor cramping - but no mucous plug yet. I had my last Dr appointment on Monday and she never asked me if I wanted to be checked. I probably would have said yes, even though I know it doesn't really indicate anything.

I'm still going in spurts on the "nesting". Today I made a triple batch of pancakes and froze quite a bit of them for after the baby is born. I also froze some homemade soup for later. Oh and mac'n'cheese.

My midwife keeps asking me if I am still hungry and eating enough and the answer is a big yes. I've been so hungry lately, plus really craving sweets - chocolate chip cookies especially. Last time I had absolutely no appetite the first few weeks after birth. I drank a lot, but I really had to force myself to eat. I wonder if that will happen again and my body is just stocking up for later

I hope the rest of you are all doing well and not too uncomfortable!

[HappiLeigh]

I'm another end of February. I was doing okay by and large, but all of the sudden have gotten very impatient. All my little projects are done, and I'm just rotten uncomfortable. Heartburn is wicked just all of the sudden, and I feel hungry all the time but like eating isn't even worth the pain. Can't sleep due to hip and back pain (and heartburn) plus the incessant peeing, so I'm really tired too. And we're covered in snow so I'm feeling a little cabin-feverish. My friends had a blessingway for me this past weekend, and now that that is over, I feel like I'm really just sitting and watching the clock. The sooner the better, little guy! I went to 40 weeks with my DD, and although I had a bunch of contractions and lost some mucous plug last week, I don't really have any reason to think I'm going to go early, so I guess I better make peace with the next 2.75 weeks...

[busymama77]

I'm right there with HappiLeigh. We share the same EDD. My mornings and afternoons are great. That is really when I feel my best despite the fact that I was tossing and turning and up three times the night before to go pee. Right around 3 or 4 in the afternoon is when the achiness, the mild swelling and just the overall uncomfortableness sinks in and I just want to take a nap. I feel huge. I look huge.

I'm beyond anxious to have this little guy. Moreso than I was the first time. I think it's because I know what to expect this time and I'm just wondering if it's going to be anywhere close to the same as the first. It's also our last child and I'm really trying to enjoy these last few weeks, but I'm also ready for our family to get back to normal and to be complete.
Everything is packed (for me, baby and DS). Everything has been put up or away in the baby's room. It's seriously a waiting game and it's driving me fruit!!

[judybean]

My EDD is February 27th... so yeah, I still have a while to go (especially if history repeats itself and I go 'late' on top of things).

I was fine with things for a long time -- I even WELCOMED having more weeks to prepare and get things done! But now? I'm ready. Well, there are still things I could do, but I have everything that's NECESSARY (aka, diapers, car seat, clothes, nursing bras, nursing pads) and... I'm. just. ready!

I don't think I've ever actually been this pre-prepared before.. and I think I jinxed myself!

We do have some plumbing issues to remedy with our laundry drainage (which is HUGE, especially since we need the ability to wash cloth diapers!), so .. maybe as soon as that's done things can happen?

I've been taking my Gentle Birth Formula...

I hold very firm beliefs that you cannot ever force a baby out if he/she is not ready. That said, I've been induced three times before in a hospital situation. I'm seeing a midwife for this pregnancy and would love to birth with her, so I'm doing everything I can to 'encourage' favorable conditions hoping this baby will see that and work with me to make this happen. I've been working with strong mantras for this, spending time talking with this baby while rubbing my belly. At this point, I think things are going just as they're supposed to. And it's funny, but dh even mentioned to me that he thinks things will happen sooner with this #4 than with previous pregnancies (his official 'birth guess' is for March 3rd ... mine, which may be more on the optimistic side, is for February 28th).

I've been re-reading "Birthing From Within" (gosh, I love this book a million times over and would give it to every. pregnant. woman. if I had the money to do so) and I'm feeling rather empowered right now.. and while I admit to thinking "birth art" seemed a bit 'hokey' the first time I read about it (years and years ago), I know the power that comes from such thoughts and processes. I'm actually pondering putting together a quilt that would be my own, personal form of birth art (since I am absolutely HOPELESS at drawing with crayons/markers/pencils/etc.. my art medium is fabric).

Physically I'm feeling amazing. Pregnancy really is so good to my body. Waking up in the morning and middle of the night can be tricky because my hips easily get kind of wonky, so walking is tricky... but really, I feel amazing. If it wasn't so dark... and wasn't so darn cold, I'd absolutely go for a walk right now.

My three daughters are so very excited about metting their newest sibling! It's amazing for me to see the difference in their understanding this time around (whereas, when dd3 was born, dd1 was 3.75 years old... and now dd1 is *justabout* 8, dd2 is *justabout* 6 and dd3 is 4!). Their involvement in the process and comprehension of things is awe-inspiring and always makes me smile. They're forever asking how big the baby has grown, what features/tricks/etc the baby is working on perfecting (whether it's swallowing, hiccuping, blinking, etc)... I'm so happy to be able to connect them to this baby even before he/she is on the outside.

As for me.. I'm ready to find out the gender of this baby! I know that can sound funny or superficial, but for some reason I'm fixated on this! I really have no strong feelings either way and I'm just in a state of wonder and anxious anticipation to find out! ... And with knowing the gender comes finding out the name of this baby!! There are no names set in stone and I really think we'll have to meet this baby to KNOW the name!

So.. that's where I stand with things

[Ninetales]

Physically I'm not feeling so great. I'm uncomfortable pretty much 24/7 and it's so hard to catch my breath. My mucus membranes in my nose and chest are also swollen so I mouth breathe, which really sucks at night because my mouth gets so dry that it wakes me up and I have to chug water to feel right. I can polish off a 32 oz bottle of water easily each night. My appetite has also been low the last few days.

My pelvic/pubic pain makes getting up out of bed excruciating, as well as pretty much any other position change. If the water tub doesn't help, I can very easily see myself birthing this baby on the toilet, since that's really the only place I don't hurt.

I'm sure it doesn't help that last night I developed neck pain that got so intense I could barely sleep last night because every movement was agony. I can't get to my chiropractor until tomorrow morning so I spent most of today lying in bed with a rice sock on my neck. It didn't help much. Hopefully it's an alignment issue she can fix quickly. I so do not want to labor with this going on.

Even with all this I'm not feeling like it's going to be at all soon. Emotionally I think I may be starting to feel ready, though. Or at least ready for something different. I still wouldn't say I am in a hurry, but I'm just putting it out there that after I get my neck adjusted, this baby can come anytime it wants.

[theretohere]

ME! I'm due the 28. I feel really good- just wish that the end was closer.

[folkgirl]

My EDD is Feb 20. I would say that I'm not doing as well as I expected to be doing. Physically I feel like my butt is getting kicked on a daily basis; the baby has been very low for weeks now and it is just so much harder on my body. I was induced with my daughter at 40 weeks last time and I remember feeling like I could just keep going forever. Right now I'm 38w4d and I keep thinking, "Can I be done now? PLEASE? Is today the day?" Every day it's a big effort to get out of bed. I've been having contractions on and off since prodromal labor on Sat and while that is in some ways encouraging, I know that it doesn't guarantee anything will happen soon so I'm not putting too much faith in them. Also, my patience has been pretty much shot for a week or two now and I feel like I'm not being a very nice mommy to my 3.5 year old. I love her so much and she doesn't deserve the way I've been treating her, even though she seems mostly oblivious to my crappy attitude. I know that with a newborn things will be harder in a lot of ways with regards to dealing with an older child, but I feel like I just want to go ahead and give birth so we can start the new chapter!

On the birthing front, I'm starting to get a little nervous. I'm a VBAC and of course I want a smooth and easy birth as much as anyone else. The thought of having another cesarean, even if I have one that is much-needed, freaks me out. I feel like I have confronted the possibility of another c/s as much as I can, but I know I can't control fate so part of it just a waiting game. I also have certain other hang-ups that I feel like I have confronted throughout the pregnancy, but are bubbling to the surface (along with some newish ones!) as I approach the end, whenever the real end happens.

One more thing, I also feel kind of frustrated with myself for feeling this way. I really believe in babies picking their own birthdays, etc., so every time I wish in vain that this baby would just hurry up and get here, I feel like I'm trying to cheat her or something. I expected to be this patient, zen end of pregnancy mom and instead I'm this barely holding it together, waddling, whining lady whom I don't really like.

[HappiLeigh]

Originally Posted by folkgirl

One more thing, I also feel kind of frustrated with myself for feeling this way. I really believe in babies picking their own birthdays, etc., so every time I wish in vain that this baby would just hurry up and get here, I feel like I'm trying to cheat her or something. I expected to be this patient, zen end of pregnancy mom and instead I'm this barely holding it together, waddling, whining lady whom I don't really like.

Oh Folkgirl, that's exactly how I feel. I want to hide when I see people I know, because they are going to expect me to be my normal cheery self, and instead I just want to complain! And my 3.5 year old DD is driving my crazy, and I know it's partly her (she's picking up my anxiety and impatience and is acting out) and part of it is just me and my tiredeness and lack of creativity in dealing with her. It helps to feel like other people are in the same place.

[SunRise]

I am due Feb 21. I had an appointment yesterday and declined being checked as I didnt want to get my hopes up or be told that the cervix was closed. Baby is face down but has not dropped.

My son was born a week past due date and my sisters kids also went a week or two past their due dates and my mom's births as well. ... So I am trying to embrace the last few weeks and go about the days as normal. Although, I tire easily and my fingers are constantly swollen.

I have some distractions such as work to finish up and a bathroom reno - have decided to return the sink I bought but I cant find another one that I want / fits (this drains me!). I want to spend the next week without any distractions!

[biennourri]

Wow, Nicole730, shoveling?? How?? I can't imagine it right now. Normally it tires my back and esp now...

I'm scheduled for a c-section on Monday. I'm half freaking out and half ignoring it. My bag has been packed for a while, just in case, but I don't think anything will happen before then. I saw a documentary last night on BBC 3 (?) called "One Born Every Minute". There was a woman who was given a c-section b/c her baby was in distress, but she wasn't in labor (it was heartbreaking to see her little one after- he had developmental problems) and she was very scared and seemed traumatized. The second woman they followed was in normal labor and had a normal birth. I found the second traumatizing to watch only because at the end the nurse was bullying her, in a similar way to how I was bullied in hospital last time. Seeing the babies in the end was so gratifying, though. I'm really psyched, but also processing a lot.

I'm now really impatient to get on with everything. I'm just exhausted, well and truly. I'm able to get DD down into town and back (1 1/2 total?) but I'm cranky and spent by the time I come home. I'm trying to keep doing it every other day because I need the exercise and variety and so does DD. If variety is walking down the same two streets over and over again. At least I can always run into someone in town and have a grown-up interaction.

I called my sister to be reassured that I will be able to handle two kids and that the second baby is easier in that you already know more or less what to do. She was reassuring. I was nervous about everything last time and was a total wreck. Even diaper changes made me feel inadequete. I'm looking forward to being a more chilled Mommmy this round.

[Snapdragon]

Is anyone else having breast changes? Mine feel warm and a little sore sometimes. It feels similar to how they felt in the first tri, but with the added element of the end of pregnancy changes and preparations.

[busymama77]

Originally Posted by HappiLeigh

Oh Folkgirl, that's exactly how I feel. I want to hide when I see people I know, because they are going to expect me to be my normal cheery self, and instead I just want to complain! And my 3.5 year old DD is driving my crazy, and I know it's partly her (she's picking up my anxiety and impatience and is acting out) and part of it is just me and my tiredeness and lack of creativity in dealing with her. It helps to feel like other people are in the same place.

I'm there, too. I really think I blew the fact that DS wouldn't get out of bed this morning when I asked him completely out of proportion! We weren't in a hurry, we weren't running late for school or work or anything, I just simply wanted him to get up and get ready - when I asked him to - and he fought me MUCH more than usual and I about lost it. When DH travels (he's been gone since yesterday and won't be back until late Friday and then on Saturday he's gotta go out 'for work'), I just feel like so much more is unloaded on me and that I have to take care of more and right now, I really don't want to. Ugh, it just SUCKS. My attitude sucks and it's SO not me!!!

[HappiLeigh]

Originally Posted by Katie34

Is anyone else having breast changes? Mine feel warm and a little sore sometimes. It feels similar to how they felt in the first tri, but with the added element of the end of pregnancy changes and preparations.

Mine go in stages--they'll get sore and tender, then go back. They definitely look different, though, as my DD helpfully pointed out, "Mom, your hanging-down nipples are really brown now, and the brown part is BIG!" Oy! Out of the mouths of babes...

Busymama, I can't imagine DH traveling right now. Just when he works late I get all irrational. We need breaks at this stage!

As I posted on our chat thread, I'm actually feeling better today. After several days of feeling super-rotten and worrying about baby's position (because he had shifted), he's clearly back in the relatively comfy spot today (with butt in front and slightly to the left) and I'm not half so physically miserable. It's amazing how much more evenly I can look at the possibility of two or three more weeks when I'm not in such terrible discomfort!

[kanga1622]

I'm "due" on the 28th so still have a ways to go. Feeling pretty good most of the time but can only get about 4-5 hours of sleep each night in bed, then I end up sitting up on the couch so my back has better support. This morning the dog decided to get up with me as well and thankfully DH took him out as I wasn't willing to at 2 am!

I still think this baby is going to be born in March but it could be wishful thinking on my part. March would be better for me and my work timing as well as for DH's work timing. DH thinks this baby is going to come at any moment so if I make a face, he assumes I'm in labor. He just doesn't get that sometimes it's just the baby moving or gas pain.

I'm getting a bit more tired than usual but expected that. I just wish I only had to work until 2pm as that's when I could really use a nap!

Anyone else having animal problems? The dog decided over the weekend that the nursery door would be a great new bathroom and he hasn't had an accident in the house in over 3 years. We scolded him while he was doing it and he hasn't done it since but I'm afraid this is a sign from him that he's not going to be so easy-going when the baby gets here.

[Snapdragon]

busymama oh I can totally see how you would feel overwhelmed with your dh out of town! It is hard to hold it all together.

Happileigh I am so glad your baby shifted into a more comfortable position for you. That must be much better!

AFM- I am feeling spacey and weird today. And like- intense emotions- ugh! I really feel like this big event is coming soon as I just feel so different and almost other worldly. Like I cannot handle much right now. I break down emotionally easily. fragile I guess. Fine though, today just feels intense somehow and I can't find peace of mind right now.

[Plarka]

I'm due on the 21st and every few days I feel different. A few days ago I was so fed up and wanted her to just come out!!!! Now I think I've come to terms with the fact that there are about 1.5 or 2 weeks left and that's that. Plus I went swimming with dd and a friend and her ds today, and we had so much fun. I'm going to try and keep doing fun things and have friends over to keep my mind occupied, and enjoy my last days of being mom to just one!

I was just singing a 'come out baby' song to the baby though. And who knows how I'll feel tomorrow or the next day. I have an induction booked for 5 days over, so at least I know when the end is.

[judybean]

Originally Posted by Katie34

Is anyone else having breast changes? Mine feel warm and a little sore sometimes. It feels similar to how they felt in the first tri, but with the added element of the end of pregnancy changes and preparations.

I've noticed the same in just the last few days or so! And it does feel quite similar to the first trimester in their sensitivity!

[lulu_n2]

Originally Posted by biennourri

I was nervous about everything last time and was a total wreck. Even diaper changes made me feel inadequete. I'm looking forward to being a more chilled Mommmy this round.

My BF had the most reassuring thing to say when I started to freak out last time "Crackheads do it all the time." As in, if those kids can make, surely I'll do fine.

I have 2-3 wks to go, and time is mostly flying by. I now have all my essentials taken care of, but I'll appreciate another week or 2 to organize the house some more.

I'm feeling very good. I was anemic until about 32 wks, and felt so drained and weak. Compared to that, the last month aches and pains are hardly fazing me (my Chiro helps a lot, too.)