So we now have ~ 28 days until Graglo is predicted to enter into the world. I can’t say that we have a lot of faith in the idea that the baby will come popping out in 28 days, but at least it’s something to mentally look towards as I get larger and more awkward.
I am still doing well, but I do have to agree with all of those who have stated that the last month is the hardest. I’ve tried all along to “positrate” about this whole thing- to have a positive view in my mind and tell myself that every thing’s going to be great, so you’re making another person, no worries. And I think it works somewhat, but then there’s also the fact that when you’ve gained 24 lbs and your belly protrudes and moves around thanks to a fidgety Graglo who frequently has hiccups, and you’re tired and you stupidly live in DC and it’s the end of July and hot and humid, well even if you’ve positrated your very best, chances are you’re not feeling so perky. Mostly you feel a tad wilted, like a hot and sweaty lump with a jiggling middle. So the thought of this ending in 4 weeks and not being a new permanent thing is very much helping me get through every day.
Fortunately- everything looks good in terms of me and the baby. My blood pressure has remained very low, my weight gain is within range, the baby is head down facing back still, ready for delivery and growing at the standard rate and my OB everything looks thumbs up.
How do we know you ask? Well since I do go to the ‘test everything’ OB, I’ve been getting a weekly non-stress test. What does that mean? It means that I get to go in to the OB for extra time every week -a true joy to be sure- and they put me on a big chair that leans back and they put 2 bands around my belly. One measures when I have contractions – which I’ve never felt although they claim I’m having- and the other measures the baby’s heart beat. When I feel the baby move, I push this little button, and they can track if the heart beat speeds up when the baby moves- which is what happens if all is going as it should- and that’s what’s happened each time I’ve gone in. They also do a fast utrasound of your amniotic fluid to make sure you have the right amount- which I do. Am I too good or what?
Anyway, the only problem with the test is if the baby doesn’t feel like moving when you’re all strapped in. And let’s just say that after a vigorous nite of bopping around and having hiccups and fidgeting fingers, Graglo frequently likes to nap on Tuesday morning when I’m supposed to be doing the test. Gee thanks kid. Mike came with me last time and actually got the movement started by sneezing -which startled Graglo- and got us enough movement that I didn’t have to sit in the chair for what seems like forever. Kudos to Mike!
Mike also took some photos of what the non-stress test looks like. Of course he took them in the *most unflattering* angle possible so I look like a giant weeble – removing Kudos to Mike- so I’m also including some photos from our baby shower so you can see that I don’t actually look like a pale Jabba the Hut most of the time.
Comments 2