Last week I began to experience some discomfort...I would have pain off and on (that I thought were just ligament pains) that kept getting stronger--the pains felt like someone punched me "down there" a million times and this burning, bruising feeling (TMI, i know). So, at my OB appointment last Tuesday I mentioned these pains to my doctor and she wanted to check my cervix. We both agreed it probably wasn't anything...(the nurse in me shrugging things off)...and so I let her check to make sure everything was okay...just to give me peace. Well, her eyes got big (mind you, I was only 31 1/2 weeks) and said "Susan...you're 1cm dilated and 50% effaced". Soooooo...it was something my OB was a little worried about.
At the stage i'm in, it is very rare to be 1cm and already half of my cervix thinned out. They figured my pains were probably just Braxton-Hicks Contractions (practice contractions, not the real thing), but they wanted to make sure. They hooked me up to a monitor and tested to see if I was having real contractions. After 20 minutes, they said I was in the clear to go home, but my OB wanted me to come back in 2 days to get tested for pre-term labor--using the Fibronectin Test. This test pretty much tells you your chances of going into pre-term labor in the next 2 weeks. Luckily, my test came back negative. This means I am almost guaranteed I won't go into labor in the next 2 weeks (before 34 weeks). My OB wants to keep checking me periodically to see if i've progressed because she said most likely Vivian will come before the 40 week mark because my cervix is already so thin and already 1 cm so early.
I am so glad the test didn't come back positive, because I would have had to go on strict bedrest. I am still supposed to "take it easy" and do only light activity. My doctor tried to ease my worry by saying, "Susan, it may be a good thing because now instead of delivering 2 weeks past your due date like most first-time moms, you could have her at 37 weeks." We just want her to wait at least till then, if she can. :) But...it all is up to my little Vivian. Honestly, I am at peace because I know my OB is very good at what she does and she will be watching me closely. Also, I am trusting God to watch over my baby girl and that He will introduce me to her when the time is right.
I am so glad the test didn't come back positive, because I would have had to go on strict bedrest. I am still supposed to "take it easy" and do only light activity. My doctor tried to ease my worry by saying, "Susan, it may be a good thing because now instead of delivering 2 weeks past your due date like most first-time moms, you could have her at 37 weeks." We just want her to wait at least till then, if she can. :) But...it all is up to my little Vivian. Honestly, I am at peace because I know my OB is very good at what she does and she will be watching me closely. Also, I am trusting God to watch over my baby girl and that He will introduce me to her when the time is right.
I am so excited to meet my baby girl. I have no idea if it will be 34, 37, or 42 weeks...but I DO know that the Lord is watching over us. I am getting more and more excited every day. We will see what happens in the next few weeks :)
Things I've Been Experiencing This Month:
- Still...no cravings. What's up with that?
- Vivian's little feet LOVE to kick/hang out in Mommy's chest/rib area...causing me to feel out of breath and VERY uncomfortable...but this past week she has slowly started to get lower.
- Vivian has most of her newborn necessities here at the house (thanks to my amazing baby shower!)
- We are getting very anxious to meet her...but we definitely want her to grow a little bigger and "hang out" for a few more weeks before coming into the world
- I found out one of my best friends, Kathryn, is having a baby boy :) So very excited for her!
- I realized that I really like to pick out baby socks for Vivian...I'm getting a little obsessed haha...they are just so darn cute!
- I finally splurged on buying maternity clothes--the lady at "Motherhood Maternity" probably remembers me as the lady who spent 3 hours trying on clothes. It was definitely worth it though--I got a lot of cute stuff to wear for the next few weeks, including hospital pj's :)
Facts About Baby at Week 32:
- At 32 weeks pregnant, your baby is up to 3.75 pounds (1702gm) now and is 16.7 inches (42.4cm) long.
- You might notice she's not moving around as much now. Don't worry! She is fine -- just running short on room. She still has plenty of growing to do though, believe it or not!
- All five senses are working at week 32 of pregnancy. Your little one is fascinated and practicing testing these out as much as possible!
- Toenails are completely formed even though she may not be quite ready for a French manicure.
- In week 32 of your pregnancy, hair on your infant's head continues to grow in. Will she have dad's hair or your hair?
- Brain scans have shown that babies have periods of dream sleep (REM) starting around the eight month.
- At 32 weeks, baby’s birth still seems kind of far away, but you and baby are physically ready in a lot of ways, just in case there’s an early arrival.
- Baby may have turned so she’s in the head-down position by now, poised for her trip down the birth canal.
- You may have noticed your nipples looking darker. That’s so a preemie can see them for breastfeeding -- isn't your body so amazing?
- Intensity might be building in the symptoms department, as heartburn and contractions intensify around week 32. But we’re guessing you’re so excited about baby’s impending arrival, they’re not slowing you down much.
