Wednesday, September 8, 2010

38 week discouragement

Describe myself right now?

Sour Puss!

Just had my 38 week appt and I had several "fanasties" doing into this appointment. Aside from being terrified about having my membranes stripped - I had envisioned my doctor accidentally breaking my water while stripping and sending me right upstairs to L and D. I had everything all packed at home, secretly hoping I would have to call my husband and have him bring everything up to the hospital.

What a let down!

I have dialated from 2/3 cms last week to now a full 3 cm. But she is still at a station of -2! How can a baby who has been head down since 30 weeks not be engaged yet?? Because she wasn't engaged, the stripping wasn't as successful. When the head is snuggly fitting in the cervix, my dr is able to "run" her finger along the inside of the cervix to separate it from the waterbag and baby's head. If the head isn't engaged, then it begins to float away from the cervix as she presses her fingers there - leaving very little for counter pressure to be a successful stripping. Her fingers came out mucousy, but not bloody like I had expected them to. What a bummer! It still hurt like the devil - and all for nothing!

She basically told me in so many nicer words that this probably wouldn't be enough for my body to respond to. She said that once Jaelyn's head is engaged, it wouldn't take long. She explained Jaelyn's head most likely hasn't engaged yet because I have experience many real- labor inducing contractions yet. Honestly - the first I felt of those was just last night.  I have had my fair share of the useless, waste of time braxton hick contractions - but those do nothing for me. Of course my water bag is really thick (like it was with Jax) so I can't really count on that breaking on its own either.

So, from here - I have my 39 week on Monday. If her head is engaged - I will choose to have her strip me again. I would like my body to naturally start labor on its own. If she's not engaged by then,  forget the stripping. It's too painful if it just isn't going to be effective. Either way - if all else fails, I have an induction scheduled for Friday Sept. 17th at 7am. I would really really like to believe I won't be pregnant for another 10 days... it's just too long!! I need to grab on to the hope that my body can do it on its own - sometime before then!



37 weeks pregnant with Jaelyn
taken after Jackson's 2nd birthday party.

If I were to post an updated photo - you would see the sour puss on my face :P
40

12 comments:

Stephanie said...

Aw - hang in their April. I remember (all too well) how hard those last few weeks are. Hoping and praying baby girl comes on her own...and soon! In the mean time, maybe you should convince hubby to watch Jackson so you can go get a manicure/pedicure or massage. It might help put you in labor...but it's definitely worth it either way ;)

Caroline said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping it won't be long !!!

{{HUGS}}
Caroline

Veronica said...

I know how hard it is waiting those last few days! Hang in there! She will be here before you know it! I went in for my 38 week appt with contractions and my dr said I wasn't even a centimeter dilated and I ended up deliving Alivia that same night!

I'll be praying for you and hope that you have someone updating your blog (or maybe even your FB)so we can all hear your good news when Jaelyn arrives!

P.S. My hubby turns 30 on the 17th! Crossing my fingers you won't be pregnant anymore by then! :)

Crystal said...

BEAUTIFUL picture April :) Fingers crossed for a soon-to-begin (& speedy) L&D! Love you guys!

{:miss v:} said...

You're almost there! 10 days does seem like forever though! I'll be praying that you find some comfort until little miss arrives!

Such a beautiful picture of you!

Brooke said...

I just started following you but I had to comment and say that you look wonderful! I was feeling the same way you are at 38 weeks having contractions and feeling like I needed to get things going. I tried acupuncture. I had some pretty good contractions that day and had him about 4 days later. Good luck and I hope you get to meet your little girl soon!

Holly said...

I understand your disappointment!! :( It sucks that you haven't made much progress since your last appt. You always hope to be further along in the whole process. Hopefully next appt Jaelyn will be engaged and she can do a successful stripping. Or you could just go on your own before then! That would be nice!!

I'm on my own til 39 wks.

Melinda said...

You are SO close!! And at this stage of the game, anything can happen...at any time! I know its hard, but try to enjoy these last few days of your pregnancy. Very soon they'll be a fading memory. I'll say a prayer for you tonight that sweet baby Jaelyn will make her appearance soon!

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Praying for you, April...as you wait. You are just beautiful in your picture!

Linda said...

I know you are ready to go...but just try to hang in there a little longer sweetie. The Lord will be with you every step of the way...keep trusting in Him.

Blessings on you and your soon to be born little girl!

Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

Unknown said...

Sorry! At least you are 3cm dilated! I never was 3 until I got my epidural with Molly! Then I went from 1 to 9 in 2 hours! She'll come, when she is ready, which is unfortunately not now it seems :)

PotterMama said...

Awww your almost done!