Still Pregnant!

Well, tomorrow we will be 1 week 'overdue'. This baby is comfortable and does NOT want to come out! Despite the awful heat, I'm still feeling really good though, so that is good!

Tomorrow we have an ultrasound and a Non-Stress Test. If all goes well, we can wait a little longer for him to come. I am trying to avoid all interventions possible. Almost 50% of Pitocin inductions end in c-section. While my end goal is to have a healthy baby, I am fully aware of how much harder pitocin is on a baby. Contractions are too close together and intense and cause the baby's heartrate to decrease, causing more and more interventions and eventually leading to a C-section for fear of the baby's health. Eventually, if he doesn't come on his own, I will have no choice but to accept a pitocin induction. I have come to terms with that because I know that going over 42 weeks pregnant can also be harmful to the baby and create more complications. I'm 100% sure our due date was between 7/6 and 7/8, so I know we have a limit.

I have had timetable contractions twice since Sunday. On Sunday they lasted at least 6 hours (that is when I went to bed) at around 8-9 minutes apart. I was able to fully function through them and actually did! We went to the pool, grocery shopping, I cooked dinner, talked to my mom, played with AJ, put AJ to bed, and hung out with my awesome and patient husband in those 6 hours. When I woke up int he middle of the night, they already passed. Then Monday morning something happened that I won't discuss on here because it's really TMI. Last night, I woke up in the middle of the night with timetable contractions, but this time they only lasted 1 hour or so--at least from what I can tell since I was sleeping through them. So that brings me to today. Nothing yet and I'm at work. The false labor is not fun!

In the meantime, I'm trying to relax, stay calm, and enjoy my last few days being pregnant. I'm enjoying time with AJ as well. We have been going to the pool and hanging out a lot together. I'm trying to soak in the one-on-one time with him right now. I've been keeping myself busy still working in the office two days a week, cooking a lot, keeping up with laundry, and playing as much as possible with AJ. It's helped to keep my mind off of being SO pregnant :). Yes, it is frustrating, especially with the false labor, but I know you can't rush this. My body knows what to do and I just have to be patient and think positive. I'm so thankful for the support I have surrounding me.

John has been my rock throughout everything these last 9 (10) months. He is so supportive of my choices, has been patient through my hormones, and just been there for me. I love how he talks to the baby and gets so excited for our life as a family of 4. Recently, he has reminded me to relax. He gives me a hug and tells me everything will be fine.

My mom has been an amazing support system. She herself had two natural births--me being overdue and David being pitocin induced. I talk to her every day and she is so encouraging and supportive for me. I'm excited to have her a part of this birth.

Finally, my inspiration for my choices this pregnancy--my best friend Lauren. Lauren is such an amazing mom and has inspired me to study hypnobirthing. I love hearing her very encouraging and inspiring birth story. I am so thankful I have her to discuss my practice and everything else. She reminds me to stay positive and happy!