Yesterday we had our last prenatal appointment with the doctor before baby's arrival, which is making things very real! Baby D is still doing great and mama still has good blood pressure so we're still healthy, which is the main concern at over 40 weeks pregnant. She felt around my belly for quite some time and indicated she still didn't think he was too big - she's guessing around 7-8 pounds which is certainly less than what I thought or expected at this point, so let's hope she's right!
Baby's head is nice and low, and she wasn't able (or didn't feel the need to put me in pain) to reach the cervix to determine if I have progressed further - she said there's really no point. She basically just said everything looks good, she wouldn't be surprised if I go into labor on my own this week and if for some reason I don't, we'll be checking in to labor and delivery on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. to get the induction process started. Cytotec will given every 4 hours once we arrive and is used to 'ripen' the cervix for induction. Sometimes this will get labor started on it's own and we can skip the Pitocin, but if not, we should start the Pitocin sometime Sunday morning. Time to get this show on the road! I'm a bit nervous about induction, because it has the potential to make the labor and delivery process very long and increases the risk of c-section so I asked her if I could push out the induction a few more days, but she said she feels more comfortable with getting the baby out closer to 41 weeks, since the placenta begins to not function as well and the risks of keeping the baby in outweigh the benefits of getting him out. So, I signed the consent forms for the Cytotec and she called Labor and Delivery to confirm and schedule our check-in time. The doctor then nonchalantly said "I'll see you Sunday, if not before then!" and had me schedule an appt for 5 weeks from now - for my postpartum appointment. Hello, reality check! I will not step back in that office as a pregnant lady! Instead I will come back in toting my newborn with me! The receptionist laughed at the times available for the appointment and said "Why don't we make it for 11:30 since you'll have a baby to get ready". Craziness.
After we left the doctor's office I was in quite a bit of pain from the exam, and she did mention that my legs are swelling a bit, so I've decided to work from home today instead of going in to the office. I think this will be best for my stress level, I'll have no traffic to deal with and I won't have to deal with the questions from coworkers as to why I'm still there! I already got enough of that last week, haha! Rob and I figured I may as well take advantage of the fact that they are so generously allowing me to work from home this week. I might just work through Wednesday and then take Thursday and Friday to rest and relax. Only a few more days and we will be parents - if we aren't beforehand. Wish us luck!!!
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