It was another 3-appointment week.
The word from our nurse practitioner, OB/GYN, and perinatalogist...he's a plump baby (Thursday he was estimated to be 7lb 8oz, Friday's estimation was 8lb 3oz-obviously it's not an exact science) who seems quite content to hang out in his little cocoon.
The calls from the medical experts that he might make an early appearance (based on some contractions I had) have faded. Now we are having conversations that go something like this: "Everything looks fine - he'll let you know when he's ready - we won't start thinking about induction until a week after his due date."
So, am I nervous about labor and delivery? Yep, especially if the predictions of his size hold true. However, here is some advice from some wise women (or at least my interpretation of their advice) that has helped keep me in the right frame of mind.
- Many, many women across many continents and many generations have gone through this process. My own mother gave birth in an underprivileged nation 3 1/2 decades ago. My grandma gave birth to six children ranging from 8 1/2 - 10 1/2 pounds over a 22 year period. They both survived, and I will too.
- There are so many things one can worry about while pregnant, so why worry until you have to? I'm trying to take this approach with labor and delivery.
- Everyone has their own ways of coping, so be free to utilize whatever is needed to get through the process. Screaming, silence, hanging on to my husband's hand for dear life? All fine.
So, to our plump little baby, take your time. We're excited to meet you, but in reality, there's no rush. In fact, if you would like pictures on your walls to look at or perhaps some curtains on your nursery window, one more week before you make your grand entrance in this world would be fabulous.
