Dear Bump,
Today we had your 38-week appointment and it went relatively well. The itchiness in my feet, hands and all over my body continued and intensified over the past two weeks. Originally, I thought it was a result of dry stretching skin, but it has been getting worse. Daddy said I was itching my body throughout the nights so Dr. G had me come in early in to have some blood work drawn and sent out for a very rare but potential liver complication. If I do have the liver complication, I’ll be induced immediately.
The regular Dr. appointment went well. I lost a pound, my belly is measuring right on track and I’m dilated to a tight 2 cm. Not as much progress as I was hoping, but better then none. Dr. G noticed you have dropped and are sitting much lower, which is also a good sign. I’ve noticed too as you frequently push on some nerves that cause a numbness in my legs for a brief moment.
I had my membranes stripped (I think) to potentially help progress labor. You had been inactive all morning, so we did a non-stress test. I sat in a chair and had two little bands around my belly, one to monitor contractions and one to monitor your movement. It looked like you were sleeping since you weren’t moving around a ton, but still enough to “pass” the test. Once we got home, I took advantage of my free afternoon and decorated the Christmas tree and put up some of the other decorations. As I was putting the decorations up, my contractions were much more frequent, but they still didn’t hurt and would dissipate when I relaxed.
This past week was also Thanksgiving. We spent the morning relaxing and taking some photos of the bump. Then we headed over to Great-Grandma and Grandpa S’s for dinner. On Friday, I did a little shopping with Grandma B while Daddy spent some time with Grandpa S and Great-Grandpa S and then we went to go see the movie Lincoln. We figured it might be the last time we get to see a movie for a while. Saturday was a very relaxing day. We watched several movies and hung out at home most of the day. On Sunday we went over to Grandma and Grandpa B’s for a second Thanksgiving. So crazy to think that next year, you’ll be able to enjoy some of it!
And the weekend prior, we went to child-birthing classes. Originally, Daddy and I were dreading them since they was so long, but both of us were pleasantly surprised with how nice the class was. They really focused on different pain management techniques such as different positions to get through a contraction, how Daddy can help me manage the pain and how to address each of our fears. And it really didn’t feel as long as it was. Overall, I feel much more prepared and a lot less anxious for labor.
Overall, I feel pretty ready for your arrival. Car seat is in the car, bag is packed, shower items are returned—now we just need you to jump start the labor process so we can meet you and find out if you’re a boy or a girl! I still feel pretty strongly that you’re a boy—I even had a dream about it, but I have had a couple of pings that you could be a girl. Daddy still thinks you’re a girl.
Come soon!
Love, Mom
Peanut Smiles 