39 weeks +1 today and baby boy is very happy hanging out in my belly. I had my 39 week prenatal appointment this morning and I did get checked. I’m up to about 90% effaced but still no dilation.
I’m really not stressed about this for a few reasons…
- It’s not even my due date yet! I still have 6 more days.
- Many first time babies are late.
- I’ve heard SO many stories about women walking around 2-3 centimeters dilated for weeks before going into labor. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I’ve heard stories of women being not dilated at all and going into labor the same day they were checked and told there was no progress!
So, he’ll come when he’s ready! 🙂 My doctor did tell me that when I go into labor that he’s comfortable with me staying at home until my contractions are about 3 minutes apart.
39 WEEKS PREGNANCY UPDATE
A pumpkin seems a little excessive but sometimes it sure does feel like I have a pumpkin for a belly!
- Baby’s brain is still rapidly developing.
- His nails might be extended past his fingertips.
- He’s still growing, despite the cramped environment he’s in!
- He’s 100% full-term and ready for life in the outside world. (Although Dorie and I were joking this morning about how smart he is to stay in there…life is complicated out here!)
HOW I’M FEELING AT 39 WEEKS PREGNANT
Weight gain/body changes: 25-27 pounds, depending on the day. Breasts are growing again. Dark line down my belly but no stretch marks. No swelling.
I saw this chart in my Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy today and thought it was super interesting!
Symptoms:
- A lot of cramping (period-like and low back) and nausea last weekend but didn’t turn into anything!
- ALL the peeing. All day, all night.
- Baby is moving like a crazy little man!
- Pelvic pain on occasion, especially upon standing but it’s been better this last week than it was the week before that.
- Fatigue.
- Insomnia. (which is probably why I feel so fatigued during the day)
- Heartburn.
Emotional well-being check-in: what a roller coaster of emotions these last few weeks of pregnancy are! It’s the wildest thing to be at a point where he could literally come any day. It’s so weird to just not know if it’s going to be tonight, this weekend or two weeks from now. Someone said it perfectly, it’s like you’re gearing up for a race but you have no idea if it’s a 5K or a marathon!
It’s also so crazy to think that no matter what, he’ll be here in less than three weeks. (My doctor will not let me go past 42.) On the one hand, I’m anxiously awaiting the experience of labor, childbirth, holding him for the first time and bringing him home. On the other, a few days ago I found myself in tears saying, “I don’t think I still want to do this.”
I think the biggest thing is just having ZERO frame of reference for all the ways my life is about to change. Even though I’ve seen so many friends go through the experience and this baby was very planned, it’s still a massive life change that you just can’t wrap your head around until it happens to YOU.
Food cravings: cake/cupcakes (I just picked up another piece of Laurel Market carrot cake after my appointment this morning!), Wheat Thins, sparkly drinks like La Croix, kombucha and ginger ale, bagels.
Indulgences: thought this would be a fun one to add in this week. I think that making plans with friends and treating yourself to little indulgences is a great way to help pass the time as you wait for baby. I’ve had plans with friends for things like walking, coffee and lunch almost every single day for the last two weeks. I got my nails done on Monday, I’m going to get a prenatal massage this week and I’m even considering a blowout this weekend if he’s still hanging on!
I also have to admit that I’m having a VERY strong urge to skip out on work this afternoon and veg on the couch and watch a movie. But we’ll see if my overactive brain will allow me to do that. I’ll probably end up washing and folding more baby clothes, walking the dogs and working. Haha.
Workouts: since I last updated, I have taught one strength class, practiced yoga a couple of times and walked almost every day anywhere from 2-5 miles. My doctor told me again today to keep moving and keep walking….as much as possible! Yesterday I met a friend for a 3 mile walk in the morning and then took the girls out that evening for another 2. No labor! 😉 A couple of days ago I had a guy stop me while I was walking the girls and ask, “are you trying to put yourself into labor?” Haha. Yes.
I look forward to my daily walks so much. I usually listen to an episode of The Birth Hour and also sometimes chat with my grandmother. I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned from listening to SO many different birth stories. It’s been awesome!
And y’all, I have to tell you that Sullie is in the best shape of her life right now. I have been walking that sweet girl like crazy and she is so fit and trim. She’s looking good for two months shy of 12!
Fun Shares:
- I packed my hospital snack bag, which is clearly a very important priority! 😉
- We completed a visual birth plan. My doula recommended this one from Mama Natural.
- I need to put together a labor playlist. Maybe that would be a fun activity for this afternoon that doesn’t use too much brainpower.
- Every time I walk into the studio I’m greeted with, “you’re still pregnant!?” I’m like…I’m not due for another week people!
- Babe still doesn’t have a name. As I mentioned in my weekend recap, the plan now is to go into the hospital with a few options and make a game-time decision!
- I received a big bag of hand-me-down clothes this week and they are SO CUTE! I’ve had so much fun going through it all, washing, folding and organizing.
QUESTIONS
Did you take snacks to the hospital? (for after delivery…I know most won’t let you eat during but I am taking energy gels and coconut water!)
Did you walk a lot at the end of your pregnancy?
Was your baby early, on time or late? How much did your baby weigh? How did that compare to what you were told to expect?
How long did you labor at home before heading to the hospital? How did you stay comfortable at home?
What was the hardest moment of labor and delivery? What surprised you about labor and delivery?
