37w5d

I don’t even know where to begin this post! Life has been very interesting these days.

I suppose I’ll start with last Friday’s OB appointment – everything was well. I had my first internal exam and got the great news that my cervix is 100% effaced. So ripe in fact that my Doctor asked if I had my hospital bag packed. He said we’d set an induction date if I haven’t gone into labor by next Friday (OMGGGG).

I had been having contractions already but they have gotten bad since Friday. I spent all weekend with the worst pains. I knew they were irregular but that doesn’t mean labor isn’t rapidly approaching. Yesterday I felt bad enough that I called my Doctor and he sent me L&D for a checkup. I went and had a NST done – Nugget is active and well, and my contractions are real but irregular. I had another internal exam (good GOD it was the most painful internal exam I have ever had), but the good news is that I had dilated 1cm since Friday! So the contractions are working! The L&D nurse said my cervix is VERY ripe and thin and short. She says it’s rare for first time moms but that I am lucky because I will likely be in labor within a week assuming I continue dilating and labor should be quick once it begins due to how ripe my cervix is. Yesterday the baby still hadn’t dropped into my pelvis but she said it’ll happen very soon. Obviously none of this is scientific fact; we all know how it goes. Labor is a crap shoot! But it was good to hear nonetheless.

The nurse said to start having sex. I am honestly not in the mood for sex. I know for a fact poor Norman isn’t either. But she said that besides the sperm bringing on natural contractions and speeding up dilation, that sex stretches the perineum and can avoid unnecessary tearing/cutting. So we’ll give it a go today lol

Last night was a heinous night for me. I KNOW Nugget dropped last night. I was in excruciating pain. My pelvis and lower back were on fire, not to mention the RLP I have been having. It's worse than ever. Anyhow, I knew what was happening but couldn’t believe that just about 12 hours earlier the L&D nurse had predicted this. I could feel the difference right away. My belly is a lot lower and I can no longer use it as a shelf (I used to jokingly set my water bottle on it for shits and giggles). I don’t know just how low she is but I am guessing my Doctor will tell me on Friday.

So this is where we stand!

We are ready for Nugget to arrive. We installed the car seat and I am packed and ready to go.

So now we wait…

27w5d

I felt Nugget hiccupping late last night! At first I thought she was poking me with her hands – I can definitely tell when she is kicking me versus punching me…her kicks are so much stronger than her punches. But then I realized that there was a rhythm to the movement; a little thump every 3-4 seconds or so.

I am getting a lot of cramping in my lower back and belly and can definitely feel when she’s laying lower than normal. I get a heavy sensation and feel like I have to walk hunched over to relieve the pressure. RLP is at its worst at night, especially if I try to switch positions too quickly (which is close to impossible these days). I literally feel as though I need a crane to get me out of bed sometimes I am feeling soooo heavy in my abdomen.

My leg cramps thankfully haven’t been an issue since I started wearing support hose. My feet and legs get a little swollen sometimes but nothing terrible.

Norman and I are going to meet with Nugget’s soon to be pediatrician this afternoon. She is so highly recommended and I have a feeling that I am going to love her. I am excited to speak with her and look forward to discussing my concerns, etc.

I found out that the contractor will be coming on Wednesday to finish installing the dry wall, moldings and closet doors and shelves. Norman and I will be buying the (non-toxic) paint very soon. I am excited to finally have a space for all of the baby’s things.

No news regarding the new house – we have a lawyer working for us and as soon as I have a resolution I will let you know. It’s sad because we were supposed to be closing April 30. Such is life.

14w1d

So today is when I start my second trimester. The second trimester proceeds from 14 to 28 weeks and the third trimester extends from 28 to 40 weeks.

I have been doing well overall (save for the heartburn, nausea and frequent urination). My main complaint is the weird abdominal pokes, pinches and tugs I feel in my belly, especially on my left side. It got so annoying yesterday that I called my OB. I spoke to the nurse and she told me that what I have is RLP. She says it can be really, really painful.

Yesterday before I called the Doctor I was concerned about the pain and told Norman I wanted to go to the hospital. He told me I was fine and to be honest in my heart I knew I was fine but I am just so worried that something will go wrong. I can’t help it. I want an ultrasound as often as possible to know everything is OK.

My SIL told me that she won’t be able to stop worrying until the baby reaches a point where it can be taken out if God forbid something does go wrong. I totally agree with her and understand where she’s coming from.

I already worry over my baby and Nugget hasn’t even been born yet. I can’t even imagine how it will be like once Nugget is actually here.

Norman and I are going to do a 3D/4D ultrasound. We are considering opting for a package that will document the baby at 16 weeks, 24 weeks and 32 weeks. It’s a bit pricey but sounds great.

TGIF

12w5d

Happy New Year!

The only resolution I have this year is to be the best mommy I can be. This is going to be an amazing year for me and I am excited to see what I have in store.

I wish you all the very best this new year and always!

So I spent the entire day with intermittent, very mild, period-like cramping. Since it wasn't painful I didn't call the doctor (plus I'm seeing the perinatologist tomorrow and I'll be sure to mention it), but I did do some research: Round Ligament Pain.

I knew about this pain and have already experienced it, but it was more like an intense muscle pulling feeling in my lower abdomen. I was comforted to know that RLP can manifest itself as mild cramping. Before pregnancy, a woman's uterus is about the size of a lemon; at the beginning of the second trimester it's the size of a cantaloupe. Essentially, the uterus has a lot of growing to do and it is supported by 2 thin ligaments that stretch to accommodate the baby. That only means one thing: PAIN.

Morning sickness and breast tenderness are both still bad to the point where I wonder if I'll need my medication for the duration of my pregnancy. I am holding out hope.

I have also been having bad heartburn again. Heartburn was the first indication I had that I may be pregnant and I really haven't had it since my 2WW and a few weeks after that. But I guess it's back for now because I have had to take Tums and they are getting nasty, ewwww.

On that note, poor Norman is having sympathy pains but is in complete and total denial over it and will dent it every time I say it but I swear to you... he has acid reflux. He has never had acid reflux. We actually both reach for the giant Tums bottle at the same time. It's a race for the cherry flavored ones. I think it's cute lol

I should have new pictures of Nugget tomorrow. I can't wait to see him/her!