Down to the single digits with only 7 days to go until Baby D's due date, and the anxiety has finally hit me like a mack truck. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to meet our baby boy and to finally hold him in my arms...but there's also a level of anxiety about the unknown and how our world will be turned upside down and will never be the same again (and I mean that in the best way possible!).
For example, one of my weekly pregnancy email alerts discusses the changes I will face following delivery this week. The email warns of the 'baby blues' and how my emotions will be flux. Within the first week or two of delivery, I am warned I may be moody (which I've already been the last few weeks anyway!), weepy, exhausted, unable to sleep, or have feelings of being trapped or anxious. Luckily, this emotional upheaval should pass within two to three weeks, but I'm not looking forward to it nonetheless! Talk about worrying a new mom-to-be. I will remain upbeat though, and I know my attitude may be a large part of how I handle these hormonal fluctuations. At least I've done my nine months of research - I'm fully convinced that I have prepared myself as much as I possibly can and have more knowledge than most in their journey to first time motherhood. I truly believe (especially in this instance) that knowledge = power!
At 39 weeks pregnant, I look back on these last nine months very fondly. I feel immensely grateful and lucky to have had such a smooth and utterly complication free pregnancy, when I know there are so many people out that are not as fortunate. Let's just hope labor and delivery follow the same path!
I read an article this week that I found interesting as I enter my 40th week of pregnancy. It discussed how more hospitals are beginning to ban 'elective' c-sections and inductions. More and more women are scheduling inductions or c-sections because they have family scheduled to be in town, because they want the baby to be born on an anniversary or someone's birthday, because they want the baby born prior to January 1 for tax purposes, or simply because they're tired of being pregnant - and not for medical reasons. Hospitals across the country are finally catching on and trying to reverse this and have simply banned any such requests prior to 39 weeks pregnant. As one doctor states, we've become "good at delivering babies prior to 39 weeks". According to the National Institutes of Health, a "normal" pregnancy can last from 38 to 42 weeks, but recent studies confirm that babies born before 39 weeks gestation have an increased risk for a host of medical problems, including breathing issues, hypoglycemia, infection, developmental delays, feeding complications, and jaundice. 39 to 40 weeks is considered the gold standard. The brain is much larger at 39 weeks than 36 weeks. The lungs, gastric system, all of those things are maturing right before a baby would be due to be born.
For this reason, I also feel fortunate that I have remained patient and calm while waiting for baby to arrive. It becomes quite annoying when people ask me "Why isn't he here yet?". Well, the answer is simple: "He's not due yet". Even though 37 weeks is considered full term, I'm grateful he has made it this far in the 'baking' process. Every day he spends in the womb is more precious time for him to develop into a healthier baby boy! And now I can finally say I'm truly ready for him, and know he is physically ready for life outside the womb.
On that note (as I step down off my soapbox), I might try some of the old wives tales of natural labor inducing techniques this weekend. I think I'll pick up some red raspberry leaf tea, maybe some evening primrose oil, and indulge in some spicy foods (although this would be nothing new to me)! I would say I'll take some long walks, but I'm still going to the gym regularly....so I'm not sure I believe this actually helps unless your body isn't used to exercise or walking on a regular basis. However, maybe I'll walk up and down the steps of my 6 story office building a few times today! I certainly don't do that on a regular basis. I asked my doctor if she recommended any of these tricks and she basically said that while I'm welcome to try them - none of them are going to send me into labor if my body isn't ready. But, I might still give them a whirl for fun....and as a distraction.
Yesterday Rob's work gave us a baby shower, which was unexpected and so very much appreciated. I was able to leave work early to attend and everyone was so nice, congratulatory, and generous. Plus - they ordered a huge cookie cake and I had not 1, not 2, but 3 pieces - so I was one happy lady! Most of his coworkers were shocked that I'm due in just a week and I was told by Rob's cousin that he "can't believe how skinny I am", which also makes an enormous feeling pregnant woman feel pretty great! Tonight we have big plans for grilled cheese, soup and a movie at home. Tomorrow we are going to visit our friends new baby and then we're out with some friends for dinner.
In the meantime, we will wait patiently for Baby D and I will soak up these last few days of pregnancy. I already know I'm going to miss this time I've had with him, and I know I sound like a broken record but I have LOVED being pregnant. Having a baby and to experience pregnancy has held the #1 spot on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Now I will look forward to life with our outside baby!
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