Well...I think both C and I are at the point where we're taking matters into our own hands.
Being the lovely husband that he is, he booked me a prenatal massage at my favourite spa yesterday afternoon. All I can say is that Wendy, the rmt, was brilliant. I explained that I've been in going back and forth between early and active labour for a few weeks now, am due any day now and that I would like to focus on any pressure points that may help things along. I wanted to make sure that she knew that labour is rather imminent and that she wasn't going to freak out or panic.
She was fabulous! Before I went, I asked Godmomma what areas I should have worked on (she's also an rmt) and she suggested my piriformis. I felt so smart saying that to Wendy...hahaha. I also asked for my hips and lower back to be loosened up since everything is stretching so far forward these days, I'm constantly in pain.
She did my back while I was sitting on a stool, sort of hunched over the massage table. I thought the position was a little weird at first, but honestly...with all of that weight out front, it felt so great to let my belly just hang there, and I didn't have to worry about flipping over, trying to get more comfortable. She explained that she preferred that position for her pregnant clients (she's treating 4 momma-to-be's right now!) because she can get at the muscles a little easier and use more pressure etc. It was fantastic.
Then came the piriformis...oh gosh...holy exposure! MommaT also suggested getting this worked on, and actually went into labour the same day...and at this point I am willing to try anything. It felt absolutely amazing! Apparently, my piriformis (I think I just like the word at this point...piriformis, piriformis, piriformis) is pretty loose! She finished off my hamstrings and calves, ankles and feet, then I flipped over onto my back and she did some hip opening mobility stretches and suggested that I spend some time on my yoga ball in the evening.
It's a very strange feeling to have your bum being massaged while you feel a baby inside you wiggle down and the muscles around your hips and belly start to loosen! Strange, but productive!
I convinced C to take me out for dinner last night.
But honey, it could be our last date night!
Spicy spring rolls and fajita's....then we went for a walk once we got home. The contractions started coming about halfway through dinner, and though they were growing in intensity, there was absolutely no pattern to them at all. They continued more regularly throughout our walk, but seemed to shorten in their length and the intensity was more like cramping than a good swift contraction.
Okay...where's the yoga ball? We got home and threw LOST on while I rocked on the yoga ball and had a few more stronger contractions. Perhaps this will work!
Nope...I resigned myself to the fact that it wasn't going to happen last night, and threw in the towel at around 11pm. I figured that if true contractions were to come on, even sleep wouldn't keep them at bay so I might as well try to relax and get some rest.
Bug's movements have definitely slowed down, to the point of panic this morning, and my belly is very tight and sore today. I think we'll try some raspberry leaf tea today, another walk, and maybe some spicy foods....
Fingers crossed!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Plan? What Plan?
I honestly can't even think straight right now...I'm just that upset with how things went at the doctor's.
The lame-o rundown....
Weight - +1lb from last week...so I've gained 1lb in two weeks
Bug's measurement - 39.5cm from crown to rump
Fetal heart rate - 142 bpm
Momma's Blood Pressure - 98/80
The upsetting part was that Dr. Jordan wasn't there today, so Dr. Mok had to fly solo. The internal didn't go too well...it seemed to definitely take a lot longer than it had the past two weeks. She said that she thinks I'm as dilated as I was last week, around 3cm and that the cervix is really soft still.
We asked about the stretch&sweep, told her about the fluid leakage that I had today (a slight gush actually), the contractions and ridiculous pain from yesterday and that mentally and physically, I can't do this anymore.
First and foremost, she didn't know what a stretch&sweep was. I explained that it was the stripping of the membranes, and she looked at my chart, said that I'm only 39wks to the June13th EDD and that it wasn't something to consider yet.
We expressed concern over my blood pressure, and while she agreed that it was "weird", didn't express any concern over it. Hmmm....ok?
We expressed concern over my mental state and the physical toll it's taken on my body. I actually sat there and cried...and not crocodile tears either...real honest-to-goodness tears. Partially due to the fact that lying on the table hurt, my belly is stretched to the max and I was having contractions while I was there. She patted my leg and told me to hang in there.
We expressed concern over the fact that I don't think my body is going to naturally contract in a regular pattern, down to 5 minute intervals like it should to get labour going. She said that if we are concerned with how things are going, or feel that the pain is too much to handle, or if we're concerned about the leakage that we should call Triage and see if they want us to be assessed.
I am really put off by how things went today. You would think that at 40wks pregnant (to how Bug is measuring), that the doctor would discuss induction options. That at 40 wks pregnant, with 3cm dilation and full effacement, that stretching the cervix wouldn't be an issue.
You would think...or at least I would.
So now, I think the only plan that we have is to judge the pain accordingly and when it gets too much to handle...get our butts into Labour&Delivery.
The other plan involves copious amounts of ice cream and season 3 of LOST...
The lame-o rundown....
Weight - +1lb from last week...so I've gained 1lb in two weeks
Bug's measurement - 39.5cm from crown to rump
Fetal heart rate - 142 bpm
Momma's Blood Pressure - 98/80
The upsetting part was that Dr. Jordan wasn't there today, so Dr. Mok had to fly solo. The internal didn't go too well...it seemed to definitely take a lot longer than it had the past two weeks. She said that she thinks I'm as dilated as I was last week, around 3cm and that the cervix is really soft still.
We asked about the stretch&sweep, told her about the fluid leakage that I had today (a slight gush actually), the contractions and ridiculous pain from yesterday and that mentally and physically, I can't do this anymore.
First and foremost, she didn't know what a stretch&sweep was. I explained that it was the stripping of the membranes, and she looked at my chart, said that I'm only 39wks to the June13th EDD and that it wasn't something to consider yet.
We expressed concern over my blood pressure, and while she agreed that it was "weird", didn't express any concern over it. Hmmm....ok?
We expressed concern over my mental state and the physical toll it's taken on my body. I actually sat there and cried...and not crocodile tears either...real honest-to-goodness tears. Partially due to the fact that lying on the table hurt, my belly is stretched to the max and I was having contractions while I was there. She patted my leg and told me to hang in there.
We expressed concern over the fact that I don't think my body is going to naturally contract in a regular pattern, down to 5 minute intervals like it should to get labour going. She said that if we are concerned with how things are going, or feel that the pain is too much to handle, or if we're concerned about the leakage that we should call Triage and see if they want us to be assessed.
I am really put off by how things went today. You would think that at 40wks pregnant (to how Bug is measuring), that the doctor would discuss induction options. That at 40 wks pregnant, with 3cm dilation and full effacement, that stretching the cervix wouldn't be an issue.
You would think...or at least I would.
So now, I think the only plan that we have is to judge the pain accordingly and when it gets too much to handle...get our butts into Labour&Delivery.
The other plan involves copious amounts of ice cream and season 3 of LOST...
A Long Day...and Night
Well...the end is near, friends and family. Perhaps within the next 24 hours even...
Yesterday was a terrible...horrible....no-good day. What started out as an "I'm sore and whiney" day, ended up as an "oh my God! make it stop!" day.
The contractions started around noon, coupled with intense back pain and a severely decreased appetite. By 3pm, the contractions were irregular but my belly was tight...all. of. the. time. It was such a strange feeling, like one big long contraction that wouldn't go away.
It definitely got to the point where it felt Bug was going to make his arrival mid-afternoon, and the thought of doing it all alone was enough to send me into full fledged panic. With tears streaming down my face, and blackberry in hand to text with C, I was crouched over the stairs as the door bell rang. The poor mailman probably thought someone was being murdered inside as I was screaming!
Things seemed to peter off, and C and I decided that there's really no point in timing actual contractions anymore. They're happening at an infrequent rate, and we both have a feeling that until my water breaks...they aren't going to come as fast as our doctor or What To Expect When Expecting say is normal.
From then on in, we decided to pay more attention to the pain...which hasn't let up since I woke up yesterday morning. I had a brief two hours last night where I felt all right...or at least better, and thankfully was able to enjoy So You Think You Can Dance, along with cheese and crackers for dinner. It's so sad to not want to eat at all when your husband is enjoying a steak, corn and spinach salad beside you. *sigh*
C went to play indoor beach volleyball (after a 5km run! Go, C!) last night when I headed to bed...and the pain got worse by about 11pm, thankfully right when he was on his way home. When he got home, I was writhing in pain and wondering "okay...so is this when we're supposed to go to the hospital?!". He had a quick shower, and by the end of it I was sitting up in bed about ready to throw up, crying and screaming. Ya....I think maybe we should get ready to go?
Again...they petered off when he started to rub my back...and I was actually able to fall asleep. I tossed and turned a few times, knowing it would hurt, but was at least able to get some rest.
This morning is no better, and my plan is to stay as comfortable as possible until our appointment at 1:30pm. I read up about induction at our hospital and their policies (thankfully, everything's online!) yesterday, and it appears that the next step in this process for me is membrane stripping. Since I've already dilated and am effaced, we will probably get to skip the first step of cervix ripening, and labour should occur within 24 hours of having the membranes stripped...should.
And there's always the possibility that they do an internal exam today, and send us directly to the hospital to have a baby. I'm not holding my breath for that one, though it would be nice!
Either way, I'm not leaving the doctor's today without a plan set in stone and some assistance to get this going.
We will keep you all posted!
Yesterday was a terrible...horrible....no-good day. What started out as an "I'm sore and whiney" day, ended up as an "oh my God! make it stop!" day.
The contractions started around noon, coupled with intense back pain and a severely decreased appetite. By 3pm, the contractions were irregular but my belly was tight...all. of. the. time. It was such a strange feeling, like one big long contraction that wouldn't go away.
It definitely got to the point where it felt Bug was going to make his arrival mid-afternoon, and the thought of doing it all alone was enough to send me into full fledged panic. With tears streaming down my face, and blackberry in hand to text with C, I was crouched over the stairs as the door bell rang. The poor mailman probably thought someone was being murdered inside as I was screaming!
Things seemed to peter off, and C and I decided that there's really no point in timing actual contractions anymore. They're happening at an infrequent rate, and we both have a feeling that until my water breaks...they aren't going to come as fast as our doctor or What To Expect When Expecting say is normal.
From then on in, we decided to pay more attention to the pain...which hasn't let up since I woke up yesterday morning. I had a brief two hours last night where I felt all right...or at least better, and thankfully was able to enjoy So You Think You Can Dance, along with cheese and crackers for dinner. It's so sad to not want to eat at all when your husband is enjoying a steak, corn and spinach salad beside you. *sigh*
C went to play indoor beach volleyball (after a 5km run! Go, C!) last night when I headed to bed...and the pain got worse by about 11pm, thankfully right when he was on his way home. When he got home, I was writhing in pain and wondering "okay...so is this when we're supposed to go to the hospital?!". He had a quick shower, and by the end of it I was sitting up in bed about ready to throw up, crying and screaming. Ya....I think maybe we should get ready to go?
Again...they petered off when he started to rub my back...and I was actually able to fall asleep. I tossed and turned a few times, knowing it would hurt, but was at least able to get some rest.
This morning is no better, and my plan is to stay as comfortable as possible until our appointment at 1:30pm. I read up about induction at our hospital and their policies (thankfully, everything's online!) yesterday, and it appears that the next step in this process for me is membrane stripping. Since I've already dilated and am effaced, we will probably get to skip the first step of cervix ripening, and labour should occur within 24 hours of having the membranes stripped...should.
And there's always the possibility that they do an internal exam today, and send us directly to the hospital to have a baby. I'm not holding my breath for that one, though it would be nice!
Either way, I'm not leaving the doctor's today without a plan set in stone and some assistance to get this going.
We will keep you all posted!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
To Induce or Not To Induce...
That shall be the question tomorrow at our doctor's appointment.
After a full week of contractions, some severe enough for tears and others more up in the Braxton Hicks range, I woke up this morning with a very odd feeling...one that hasn't been there before. It literally felt like someone had spent the night punching and kicking my belly. Yes, I know that there's a baby in there who likely was doing the damage, however this felt different than baby-kicks.
Everything is tight and sore...his movements are slow and not super strong...I just feel funny overall.
And yet, in the back of my mind all I can think is "why would today be any different than the rest?!"
I feel so defeated at this point.
Tomorrow afternoon we have our weekly appointment with Dr. Leslie and Dr. Jordan, and I will be asking about an induction date as well as a stretch&sweep. In fact, I don't think that I will leave without one or both of those issues being tackled.
Until then....here is my overly tired....overly pregnant...picture for this week. Perhaps our last one, but...since I feel like this is going to go on forever...it's probably just another one for the book.
I never thought I would be one of those girls that asks about induction, or reads up on the process of it to prepare themselves for the inevitable. I guess there's only so much one person can handle.
After a full week of contractions, some severe enough for tears and others more up in the Braxton Hicks range, I woke up this morning with a very odd feeling...one that hasn't been there before. It literally felt like someone had spent the night punching and kicking my belly. Yes, I know that there's a baby in there who likely was doing the damage, however this felt different than baby-kicks.
Everything is tight and sore...his movements are slow and not super strong...I just feel funny overall.
And yet, in the back of my mind all I can think is "why would today be any different than the rest?!"
I feel so defeated at this point.
Tomorrow afternoon we have our weekly appointment with Dr. Leslie and Dr. Jordan, and I will be asking about an induction date as well as a stretch&sweep. In fact, I don't think that I will leave without one or both of those issues being tackled.
Until then....here is my overly tired....overly pregnant...picture for this week. Perhaps our last one, but...since I feel like this is going to go on forever...it's probably just another one for the book.
I never thought I would be one of those girls that asks about induction, or reads up on the process of it to prepare themselves for the inevitable. I guess there's only so much one person can handle.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
An Overactive Imagination
They say that your dreams are crazy insane when you're pregnant. Who "they" are, I will never know, but it certainly doesn't help that I had an overactive imagination prior to getting pregnant.
These dreams are just crazy!
The most frequent involves C...and his lack of want to be a Dad (which as you all know...is completely not the case - something I am incredibly thankful for) or his want to leave me behind. I guess you could tally it all up to my own insecurities becoming a new mom, not knowing what to do (where's that manual that these kids are supposed to come with???), how my body will look after this baby and all that comes with it is removed...
There have been many a morning where I wake up all pouty and needy, or angry as a mad-hatter, and C has to suffer the consequences, and although it hasn't happened in quite some time, this morning was no different.
After being startled awake by his alarm at 7:20am, I realized that I was having the most ridiculous dream wherein C was off gallivanting and drinking at this rather large party and apparently took a liking to some blonde. Ahh! In all of my 9 months pregnant glory in the dream, I tried to call him...only to get his voicemail that stated very matter-of-factly that he was not interested in raising a child.
Shock and panic ran through my veins, especially since I couldn't hear the shower or see a light on in the bathroom. Where was he?!
I must have pressed the snooze button and fell back into the dream, as the voicemail seemed to go on forever. I woke up to C running out of the bathroom, shaving cream all over his lovely face saying "sorry honey!! I thought I turned my alarm off!!!"
Talk about a sigh of relief! He didn't leave! (was I really expecting him to...?)
I told him about my dream, he gave me a hug and he reassured me that he wasn't going anywhere...he doesn't even like blondes! Gee, C...thanks for the support!
These dreams are just crazy!
The most frequent involves C...and his lack of want to be a Dad (which as you all know...is completely not the case - something I am incredibly thankful for) or his want to leave me behind. I guess you could tally it all up to my own insecurities becoming a new mom, not knowing what to do (where's that manual that these kids are supposed to come with???), how my body will look after this baby and all that comes with it is removed...
There have been many a morning where I wake up all pouty and needy, or angry as a mad-hatter, and C has to suffer the consequences, and although it hasn't happened in quite some time, this morning was no different.
After being startled awake by his alarm at 7:20am, I realized that I was having the most ridiculous dream wherein C was off gallivanting and drinking at this rather large party and apparently took a liking to some blonde. Ahh! In all of my 9 months pregnant glory in the dream, I tried to call him...only to get his voicemail that stated very matter-of-factly that he was not interested in raising a child.
Shock and panic ran through my veins, especially since I couldn't hear the shower or see a light on in the bathroom. Where was he?!
I must have pressed the snooze button and fell back into the dream, as the voicemail seemed to go on forever. I woke up to C running out of the bathroom, shaving cream all over his lovely face saying "sorry honey!! I thought I turned my alarm off!!!"
Talk about a sigh of relief! He didn't leave! (was I really expecting him to...?)
I told him about my dream, he gave me a hug and he reassured me that he wasn't going anywhere...he doesn't even like blondes! Gee, C...thanks for the support!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Happy Birthday, Maggie Mae!
In amongst my anger this morning, I completely forgot what the date is...I'm such a bad mom!
Happy 8th birthday to my snuggle bug, Maggie Mae!
All she wanted to do since I've been home shortly after lunch is snuggle...and well...my nerves are shot so everything that she's going is annoying the crap out of me! Sorry, sugar pie but momma is irritated today!
She did manage to sneak in some snuggle time with Bug when I wasn't paying attention...*sigh* gotta love her
I'm Done
Do you hear me? Done. D. O. N. E. DONE!
Finis. Finito. Kaput. DONE!
Last night we had another 3 hour contraction session from 8:00pm until shortly after 11:00pm. What started out as mild cramping, about 20-30minutes apart grew to strong contractions that made me cry every 6-7minutes...some even down to 5...and a few 2-3minutes apart.
We were geared and ready to go...and then they stopped shortly after 11:00ish. Had it not been raining, I would have gone for a walk, and certainly that would have progressed things as it usually does (I get alot of low cramping while walking), but alas....I didn't want to get soaked by the rain and hailstorm that was upon us.
I was able to get some sleep last night and I think C was able to as well. I had a few more between 11:00 and midnight, but nothing severe enough to mosey to the hospital.
Fast forward to this morning, and I have been cramping and in off-and-on tears since about 8:00am. I dropped C off at work, went and ran my errands and took myself for lunch. Well...now I feel like a bag of crap. Between the sharp low pains and the all over tightness....add in the nausea and dizziness....ugh.
As I am so often reminded by everyone around us, the end is near and I can definitely see the horizon. I think I might scream if I hear “hang in there” or “you’re going to miss being pregnant” or even “relax, you’re still a week away from the first due date that you were given.” Yes yes folks, I’m that pregnant lady...the irate one! I can’t take much more of this! I am at the end of my rope...and cry at the thought of this lasting much longer.
Bug – listen to me.... Get out or you’re going to be grounded, for a very long time! This start and stop labour is crap and it is not a place I like to be in! Your Daddy and I would very much like to meet you, and snuggle you, and bring you home...so stop playing around!
Finis. Finito. Kaput. DONE!
Last night we had another 3 hour contraction session from 8:00pm until shortly after 11:00pm. What started out as mild cramping, about 20-30minutes apart grew to strong contractions that made me cry every 6-7minutes...some even down to 5...and a few 2-3minutes apart.
We were geared and ready to go...and then they stopped shortly after 11:00ish. Had it not been raining, I would have gone for a walk, and certainly that would have progressed things as it usually does (I get alot of low cramping while walking), but alas....I didn't want to get soaked by the rain and hailstorm that was upon us.
I was able to get some sleep last night and I think C was able to as well. I had a few more between 11:00 and midnight, but nothing severe enough to mosey to the hospital.
Fast forward to this morning, and I have been cramping and in off-and-on tears since about 8:00am. I dropped C off at work, went and ran my errands and took myself for lunch. Well...now I feel like a bag of crap. Between the sharp low pains and the all over tightness....add in the nausea and dizziness....ugh.
As I am so often reminded by everyone around us, the end is near and I can definitely see the horizon. I think I might scream if I hear “hang in there” or “you’re going to miss being pregnant” or even “relax, you’re still a week away from the first due date that you were given.” Yes yes folks, I’m that pregnant lady...the irate one! I can’t take much more of this! I am at the end of my rope...and cry at the thought of this lasting much longer.
Bug – listen to me.... Get out or you’re going to be grounded, for a very long time! This start and stop labour is crap and it is not a place I like to be in! Your Daddy and I would very much like to meet you, and snuggle you, and bring you home...so stop playing around!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)