Just a general update

It seems past time to just give a general update on this pregnancy journey. That was how I had originally intended to use this blog, after all. I didn't expect things to get so sidetracked by all my angst regarding pregnancy outcomes and medical issues.

So here I am at 36 weeks and 1 day, and feeling reasonably good. My weight gain is reasonable (about 20 pounds). My blood pressure (as always, thankfully) is fine. My general pain and discomfort is remarkably low. (I had some significant shoulder and neck pain last week, but the chiropractor has set me straight, at least for the moment.) I still find any exercise difficult - walking, or even standing, for any length of time, especially at the end of the day, leads to excessive and uncomfortable contractions. But otherwise, I feel like I am in reasonably good shape.

The baby is very active - more than I recall from any previous pregnancy. She kicks and prods and rolls to the point where it is almost unpleasant at times - but it is at least reassuring that she is alright. I would prefer the movement to not having it, especially giving all the other angst I have felt surrounding this particular pregnancy.

I am dilated to 2.5 cm as of a week ago, and Dr. R concludes that "all the preliminary work is done. All you are waiting for now is active labor, which I think will be 2-3 weeks early." So, I now find myself on pins and needles a bit, expecting every new sensation to signal the onset of labor. Two nights ago, I was starting to convince myself it was time. I had had a long afternoon nap, so was up late that evening with Jeremy, and we decided to watch the first of his Dr. Who videos (his Christmas present from me). I was just lying down on the futon the whole time, but felt decidedly "off." I went to bed half-expecting to wake in the night in full labor. Obviously not, though. I guess it doesn't always hold true that an experienced mom will better know true from false labor. ;)

I am actually not feeling larger than previous pregnancies. The main difference I feel this time is that there is a lot more baby down low, in my groin, to either side. Dr. R keeps talking about a "normally more stretched out uterus from a repeat mom" so maybe I just have a looser, saggier pocket for the baby this time around. It can be a bit unpleasant to feel little feet or hands poking me there when I am sitting, as there is not much room or much padding. But bearable. I also feel the baby more up high than I did with John - more lung constriction and more heartburn. So, she is not a very large baby, according to the ultrasounds (maybe 35th percentile) but she sure has managed to spread herself out.

Well, even with a long nap at bedtime tonight, it is getting late. I need to get myself to bed. I have reached the point where I am don't wish to leave myself too short on sleep, knowing that any day just might be the one. Very excting!