I figured I'd kick off the next week's chat thread! We are going to be officially in February by the end of this week, inching toward the finish line. How is everyone?
How many weeks are you now?
Having new symptoms or annoyances?
What's making you smile this week?
Are you getting some early labour signs?
How ready do you feel for your birth on a scale of 1-10?
I'm 39 weeks and am very ready to be done. I went to 41+ with my daughter and am so much more anxious and ready to be done, it's unbelievable. I totally understand maternal request inductions now and I don't even have that much pain or a social situation or anything---I'm just so antsy. My 3 year old is having a major sleep regression and so we are all tired over here and while I know that a newborn will not help, I just want the transition to be over with---so we can reset up some patterns and routines again. I feel like it's silly to do it now when I know the craziness that is coming.
Early labor signs--hard to say---lots of cramping, no bloody show, but lots of mucus. And the braxton hicks are so much stronger than with my first. Very surprising.
It was sunny and "warm" (35 degrees) here so our walk outside made me smile.
I'm 39 weeks tomorrow. Oddly enough I feel better now then I have been and, other then a huge belly that makes it hard to roll over, am still enjoying being pregnant.
I have contractions on and off every day, I'm 4 cm dialated for over week and lost my mucous plug weeks ago. I keep thinking it will be any day now but I could still go for a few more weeks, it's possible. The contractions that I do get feel more real and less like BH. At night they are more intense.
My 4 kids are getting along really well and playing together and hardly ever fighting and that makes me smile. Yay!
Ready, Yes. I am very ready, I'm at a 9!
I was just thinking that our old thread was 'out dated' based on the title!
I am 38 weeks today (based on my best guess latest possible EDD)
i'm overall feeling better than i was a week ago, still huge, and way more ctx, but less pelvic pain so its all easier to deal with..
the weather today made me very happy! it was a total break from winter, 74 degrees and we had a little early valentines party with our homeschool buddies (planned early so my kids wouldn't miss it due to baby)
I'm having a lot of ctx - i've been drinking a lot more RRLT and that causes ctx for me but today i drank it all day and didn't have them all day, still just in the evening, so i guess its not just the tea.. no mucus plug loss or anything like that.. (usually happens within days of labor for me)
i feel like i'm at an 8 or 9 on the readiness scale .... i am just a little nervous about doing this again, and i have a big grocery list and several things have crept onto my to-do list that i would like to accomplish pre-baby (mostly food prep related, not like my family will starve, but nesting is making me want a very full freezer!) i could have a couple productive days and be back at a 9.5 or 10 ;)
I'm 36 weeks + 2 days now. I actually feel really good these days. The reflux is pretty much gone, I don't have swelling or pain anywhere at the moment though I do get some ligament aches at bedtime and lightening crotch (nothing compared to the 2nd trimester ligament agony though so I'm happy about that). The baby seems to have completely run out of space to move. We've been head down in a good position and engaged for a few weeks now. I seem to need very little sleep. This is not great as I want to be stock-piling those sleep reserves while I still live in a childless home... oh well.
I get lots of Braxton Hicks all day long but I have done for the past 11 weeks. Pretty much anytime I'm sitting or standing I'm probably in the middle of a BH or about to have one. It's just my normal state to be contracted. Last week I had occasional BHs that were painful enough to have me completely winded and grabbing onto tables for support. They weren't actually doing too much but I'm supposed to keep up my schedule of resting about half the day until 37 weeks and then I figure bring it on!
My husband has been making me smile. He's so excited about fatherhood and I find his enthusiasm can pull me up from my darkest places.
Ready or not? I think come this weekend when I am term I'll feel more like a 9/10. Right now I'm more of a 7 just because we don't have the birth kit or pool here yet.
How many weeks are you now?
35 + almost 4 days
Having new symptoms or annoyances?
My pubic symphysis pain is getting worse, bit by bit. I strongly suspect I have at least a "mild" but real case of SPD. Yoga helps tremendously, but only for 8-12 hours, and I have only been doing it 3x/week. I should step that up. Otherwise, just BH (I THINK) starting last week. Painless tightness-- no big deal.
What's making you smile this week?
Oh, DH is always doing or being something that makes me smile. We just had our extremely laid-back, not-super-baby co-ed baby shower this weekend, which inspired us to do more critical baby stuff (we had been putting it off a bit because of even more urgent business demands). So getting our bedroom mostly reorganized made me feel soooo much better yesterday, and doing the baby clothing laundry made me smile today. I am not super-enamored of baby clothes-- even though I am pretty into clothes/fashion generally, tiny baby clothes don't usually make me "awwwwww"-- but I can't wait to put a boy in the pink stuff or a girl in all this blue stuff I have. 
Are you getting some early labour signs?
Definitely not, unless you count the BH, but I'm a bit behind y'all.
How ready do you feel for your birth on a scale of 1-10?
For the birth itself, I feel okay...ish. Maybe as high as a 7. Especially since we got the tub and did a dry run with it Saturday (all looks good, but our lessons learned were A) turn up the water heater and B) buy a sump pump for draining). We have done 4 of our 5 BlissBorn classes, so I feel like there's something there, though it was accelerated (2x/week), so we definitely need more practice. But I probably started at a 4 or 5 in readiness before I was even pregnant, since I've been reading up on birth for about 1000 years.
For the baby? Um.... well, emotionally, I don't know! Pretty sure I can never be really "ready!" In terms of "getting (critical) things done," I am getting closer-- maybe a 6, probably an 8 by the end of next week.
Given where I am in the pregnancy, though, I NEED baby to wait a bare minimum of 3 days to have an outside shot at him/her needing no extra help and being okayed for the HB, but preferably a solid 13 days. Emotionally/planning-wise, I really, really don't want baby here before 39 weeks (unless I become horrifically uncomfortable, then I suppose it could be a blessing), and I would be just as happy if baby waited until 41 weeks or so. Again, as long as I'm not being totally tortured by physical pain/extreme discomfort. I'm pretty good at delaying gratification. 
And it would be good in terms of tying up loose business ends for baby to come as late as possible (okay, within 42 weeks) after my EDD.
How many weeks are you now?
In three minutes, 39!
Having new symptoms or annoyances?
Continuing to feel achy and tired.
What's making you smile this week?
Thinking about the babe being here, of course! We also had a nice family day yesterday. We went to the botanic gardens, got ice cream, then watched a movie together.
Are you getting some early labour signs?
Yes! Had flu like symptoms today with some contractions. Luckily I was able to sleep/rest as DH was home for a bit and then my mom came over. And now I'm wide awake and feeling nesty.
How ready do you feel for your birth on a scale of 1-10?
I'll go with 8. I feel ready but I'm not yet at the point where I feel "desperately" ready ;)
How many weeks are you now?
36 + 1
Having new symptoms or annoyances?
Just getting harder to bend over and still not much of an appetite. Baby really likes to kick my ribs. I seem to sleep more soundly during the day than at night. Naps are much more restful.
What's making you smile this week?
Not much, we had a very good friend of ours die suddenly last week. It has been really hard and sad, emotionally draining. Seeing good friends and sharing stories has helped. And everyone is excited about the baby.
Thinking about snuggling my sweet baby has brought me smiles though. And the snow today, it's only a couple inches, but so pretty!
Are you getting some early labour signs?
Not yet. Hopeflly they hold off awhile.
How ready do you feel for your birth on a scale of 1-10?
Like Buko, I've been reading about birth for years and I feel like I have a good understanding of the natural childbirth process and experience. But realistically, for my own birth a 5 because we are only half way through our childbirth class! And my to-do list is still so long. I feel like there is so much more for me to prepare before the baby comes. We have most of the essentials, so I am trying to keep that in perspective and prioritize the rest.
How many weeks are you now?
37+2
Having new symptoms or annoyances?
If I'm not having several BMs a day, then I feel like I have to and can't go. I know it must be pressure from the baby's head, but it sure is annoying. Trying to fall asleep through prodromal labor at night is annoying too!
What's making you smile this week?
The baby's movement. :)
Are you getting some early labour signs?
Yup! Cramping, contractions, pressure.. I often get regular contractions at night but they are long gone by the morning.
How ready do you feel for your birth on a scale of 1-10?
6. I'm ready but I still feel ok enough that I'm not going crazy.
How many weeks are you now?
38 weeks +1
Having new symptoms or annoyances?
My belly is sooooo itchy, very annoying. Lots of swelling in my feet, which is nothing new, but getting worse. BP a little high at my appt yesterday (146/88), no protein in urine.
What's making you smile this week?
my DH who is so excited, and nervous at the same time, he is amazing. After 10 years of marriage I didn't think I could love him more, but he's been such a rock for me, it's just wonderful.
Are you getting some early labour signs?
Had a couple days of practice contractions, woke up with a crampy backache today. Which combined with swollen feet that don't fit in shoes, icy weather outside, and rising BP made me decide to call out sick and stay in bed today.
How ready do you feel for your birth on a scale of 1-10?
about an 8..... Getting more uncomfortable, tired of being sowllen and the pelvic pain that I've had forever. I still feel like baby can come when it"s ready, but I hope it's ready sooner rather than later, lol
What's making you smile this week?
Not much, we had a very good friend of ours die suddenly last week. It has been really hard and sad, emotionally draining. Seeing good friends and sharing stories has helped. And everyone is excited about the baby.
Thinking about snuggling my sweet baby has brought me smiles though. And the snow today, it's only a couple inches, but so pretty!
So sorry Katie. 
How many weeks are you now?
38 today, by latest EDD.
Having new symptoms or annoyances?
Ooooh the leg cramps and lightening crotch can be really annoying. Thankfully those usually just happen in the evening.
What's making you smile this week?
It's 60 degrees in Chicago today and I have the windows open!
Are you getting some early labour signs?
Nope. Nada. Except for Braxton Hicks, but I've been having those for close to 20 weeks now so nothing exciting.
How ready do you feel for your birth on a scale of 1-10?
About a 6 or 7. Emotionally, I wouldn't mind if it happened now, but I'm not desperate yet. Practically, next week would be perfect as my MIL comes to stay with us on Saturday.
Also, last week I was sad that my hospital had a restriction on all visitors under 18 for flu season. Yesterday I found out that they've lifted that for siblings in the postpartum rooms. So that is making me happy too...Judah will be able to meet his little sister a bit sooner!
How many weeks are you now?
39+1 !!!!!
Having new symptoms or annoyances?
new? hmm.. just feeling my body get more and more "prepped" for labor everyday
What's making you smile this week?
my boys have been getting along really well. :) and today it is going to be 66 and SUNNY!!!! I can't wait to spend the day OUTSIDE!
Are you getting some early labour signs?
lots of BH, crampiness, discharge/mucous.. no mucous plug or bloody show yet, my MW said yesterday at my appt that I am about a week out :)
How ready do you feel for your birth on a scale of 1-10?
9-10!!! I am more peaceful about these last few days/week but I am soo excited to meet this little boy!! and hold a squishy newborn!!! We have everything READY, just waiting on baby. :)
How many weeks are you now?
39 weeks in 2 days.
Having new symptoms or annoyances?
actually, no! things have stabilized and are slightly better than they've been since 37 weeks (pelvic pain less intense). only annoyance is lack of appetite and currently seems like my body is trying to fight a cold. snotty last night, and woke up this morning w/ a sore throat and slightly achy as well as nauseous.
What's making you smile this week?
my DH who is AMAZING! He's stepped up on the homeschooling our almost 7 year old front, and in being just wonderfully supportive. also, my 22 month old is a sweet little snarky angel right now and makes me giggle and laugh out loud many times a day (she gave me this cold and i loved every second of snuggling her when she was down a bit). and my belly. my belly is making me very happy!
Are you getting some early labour signs?
yes, mostly on the weekends and some evenings. definitely in the final stretch and doing warm-ups.
How ready do you feel for your birth on a scale of 1-10?
9- bring it on.
38 weeks +1 day.
symptoms and annoyances, not much. just uncomfortable at times. cannot bend over. i mean, it's just not physically possible-there is nowhere to bend from! and i have a few stretch marks on each side of my hips that i'm sad about. i'll get over it. but i'm just not used to them. and not being able to eat, that's annoying. food does not appeal to me. that and i'm a super weepy/emotional lunatic and i feel bad for my husband, but he understands.
what makes me smile. it snowed for the first time in well over a month yesterday. i love waking up to snow. walking into our baby's nursery is so cool for me, too. it's so beautiful. little things like seeing her moses basket ready beside our bed, diaper bag ready to go, car seat installed. it's just so neat for us both to be so close to meeting our little girl. 
no real early labor signs, i'm curious as to how much i'm effaced/dilated though and will find out tomorrow. i was 2cm dilated, 50% effaced last week. i had my first contractions that were in my lower back and in my pelvis on saturday night. i was totally ready to have her if it came to that.
it looks like most of us are around an 8 on the readiness scale. i'm right there, too. i'm okay with being pregnant still, not annoyed with it, just uncomfortable at times. i really want to meet her. i keep having baby dreams of sleeping beside her, changing diapers, holding her. i am so excited to be a mama. as far as the birth process, bring it.
How many weeks are you now?
37+3
Having new symptoms or annoyances?
SPD pain kicked into high gear again last night. Constipation is being increasingly annoying, but it's not 'new' per say. I still go but it's not an easy process! Bit of heartburn in the evenings again.
Other than that, I'm feeling ok for the most part, just tired! I'm with you on the bending over KellyBeth lol! And my entire lower abdomen is covered in stretch marks, so don't fret about a few!
What's making you smile this week?
Baby sticking her bum out more and more, it's uncomfortable but funny at the same time. DH got to have a poking match with her finally the other night and that made us both smile! (usually she's pretty reserved and will not respond to being poked and prodded lol) When the midwife tried to check her position last week she curled up into a ball!
Are you getting some early labour signs?
Nothing that I can identify. I only get the occasional BH usually at night or in bed when I roll over/get up.
How ready do you feel for your birth on a scale of 1-10?
7-8. I'd like to finish work and have a week off before she comes, so I am ok with her staying in until my due date! But, we are pretty much set up and prepared now either way, if she decides to come sooner.
Given where I am in the pregnancy, though, I NEED baby to wait a bare minimum of 3 days to have an outside shot at him/her needing no extra help and being okayed for the HB, but preferably a solid 13 days. Emotionally/planning-wise, I really, really don't want baby here before 39 weeks (unless I become horrifically uncomfortable, then I suppose it could be a blessing), and I would be just as happy if baby waited until 41 weeks or so. Again, as long as I'm not being totally tortured by physical pain/extreme discomfort. I'm pretty good at delaying gratification. And it would be good in terms of tying up loose business ends for baby to come as late as possible (okay, within 42 weeks) after my EDD.
Same! Baby has to stay put for one more week to get to 37wks and get my HB go-ahead. I'm anxious to get labour going but I've got two clients to finish projects for and one is dragging his heels making decisions. Hoping he hurries up so I can just tie up that loose end and fully get into labour welcoming mode.
How many weeks are you now?
37+6.
Having new symptoms or annoyances?
My face is noticeably fuller this week, and my skin is clearer! I have a couple of reddish bits near my belly button that I'm pretty sure will turn into stretch marks.
What's making you smile this week?
Just getting that much closer to meeting baby! Nourishing meals in the freezer, hospital bag (halfway) packed, putting some finishing touches on the "nursery" (corner of our bedroom, haha. I'm prepping a large painting to go over baby's dresser area), postpartum mama essentials purchased. Things are getting done!
Are you getting some early labour signs?
Yes. I've been crampy in general and have had short, irregular contractions every night for the past few days. I'm declining "progress" checks and internal exams, but I really do feel like my body is already preparing itself for labor.
How ready do you feel for your birth on a scale of 1-10?
Let's go with 7 or 8. Like most ladies, I am SUPER excited to meet baby and feel reasonably prepared as far as having the essentials ready for her. If I were to go into labor tonight, I would welcome it! But I really would like to see her stay in as long as she likes/needs. So I'm not at the "omg I am DONE" point yet. Also- I have one more birth class to go to on Sunday and my mom doesn't get here until next Wednesday, so ideally baby won't decide to come until next Thursday or Friday! haha.
How many weeks are you now?
38+6 (Girls came at 39+6 and 40+1)
Having new symptoms or annoyances?
No new symptoms, but my SPD is killing me most nights. I have never had it before and it is driving me crazy. I can barely turn over in bed and even with a giant pillow between my legs, my pubic bone feels like it is going to break. I had 4 BM yesterday, I think my body might be clearing out now, but that is not annoying, more exciting!!!
What's making you smile this week?
I am trying to slow down and remember to enjoy my little girls this week as I wait for this baby. DD2 has been so darn cute at meal time, just cheesing it up! DD1 has been pretty difficult lately, but I am enjoying her cuddle time and when she talks about how much she loves the baby.
Are you getting some early labour signs?
lots of BH. They are becoming a little bit uncomfortable, which only happened once my water broke with DD2... so I don't know. Been having lots of mucus, but nothing that really looks like a plug. No bloody show or anything. I am expecting to have this baby between Feb. 5-9, so I still have some time.
How ready do you feel for your birth on a scale of 1-10?
This morning when I am not having much pain..... ah.... a 5 or 6.... at night when I can't move without crying.... a 10. I am super excited about meeting the baby, but part of me understands things are going to get much harder for a while, then a little easier (it is almost 6 months before I really feel I get a handle on things). My mom and dad will be out of the country for 6 weeks in March and April, so once they leave, I have way less help.
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