12-18-20
In all of my pregnancies – but more so with the last couple – it seems that the first trimester lasts like a year because of feeling sick. Then the second trimester is about 5 days long, then the third trimester flies by as well until the last 2-3 weeks which are about a year each. Currently I’m still in the “flying by” phase of pregnancy but the ache in my back and the weight of my belly are starting to clue me in that the next few weeks are probably going to slow way down.
Thankfully, sleep is still happening with enough quality that I feel relatively rested most days. Not that I would pass up an afternoon nap if the opportunity presented itself. (it’s happened like maybe 3 times this entire pregnancy) The incredibly horrible restless leg syndrome eased off a ton after the chiropractor adjusted the right side of my pelvis last week. He explained that the reason the magnesium spray wasn’t working this time was because it was more of a nerve issue from my si joint being out of alignment. I went back this week for a follow-up and he said everything was much better and I don’t need to come back for a few weeks unless something changes in how I feel. Everything is lined up for baby to turn head down. Now we wait…
I also had a prenatal appointment and growth ultrasound this week. Both went well. Baby was approximately 3lbs 12oz in the 49th percentile. All limbs and structures measuring +/- within a few days and overall I think he was measuring a couple days ahead. AFI was 14cm. I also got to watch Destin drinking fluid, blinking his eyes, practice breathing and sticking his tongue in and out. He was fairly calm during the ultrasound but was obviously awake, just chilling. He was footling breech with both feet presenting but I’m fairly certain it was for that day only because that’s the only day I felt kicks that felt like those. I could also feel his head at the top of my belly but now I just feel smaller parts, mostly. I don’t know if he’s turned or if he’s frank breech now.
The ob I saw this time was the one who delivered Quayd (my absolute favorite) and she was very reassuring that I need to stop worrying about the breech situation as she is nearly certain he will turn and if not, she said she is perfectly comfortable going ahead with an ecv (attempting to turn him from the outside) at 37 weeks if I want her to. She said it’s very common for moms on their 5+kid to have the baby stay breech longer since everything is so loose in there. I asked her about breech delivery since I’ve had 3 successful vaginal births now and she said unfortunately it’s not really an option because the younger drs have no experience and it’s not like I can plan to go into labor when one of the older drs are on call. There’s no way I would want to attempt a breech delivery with a dr who isn’t experienced and comfortable with the process, so here’s hoping he turns because I still can’t wrap my mind around c section recovery with 5 kids.
** Mini Rant** So that’s the good news from the appointment. The disappointing news was that DH took the day off to go with me to the ultrasound (and afterwards go out for lunch and Christmas shopping) because last month they specifically told me that I could start bringing him or a support person to my ultrasound appointments. There were bulletins posted around the ultrasound clinic that the restrictions were eased and a support person was now allowed at all ultrasounds. Unfortunately, just a few days before this appointment they buckled the rules down again and I wasn’t aware. So DH had to wait in the car for almost 2 hours (with it running off and on because it was like 30°) while I had my appointments. And since he forgot his phone at home, I left mine for him and then I couldn’t communicate with him throughout. It wasn’t that it was so rough as it was just really disappointing. It’s been sad that he can’t be present for much. I keep worrying that something will change between now and the birth and he won’t be allowed. I brought my concerns up with the dr and she said she really hopes that things will be less strict after the holidays and doesn’t foresee them restricting a support person for births. But the scary thing is, you just never know. It’s happened at some of the big city hospitals although it hasn’t happened at this one so far. I can deal with going to appointments alone. I can deal with not having my mom at the birth but if I can’t have DH with me because of restrictions… I just don’t want to go there in my mind. And the dr also lamented that there isn’t a more reliable antibody blood test yet so they can do that in the last month of pregnancy and stop swabbing everyone when they’re in labor. I didn’t ask her about masks during birth since last time I asked it was still a thing, even if most of the staff wasn’t interested in enforcing it. I just don’t see how it’s supposed to be ok to make someone give birth with a mask on anyway but I know there are a ton of people willing to argue the case so, simmer down y’all. You go right ahead and do the most intense exercise of your life with a hot, stifling mask on if you wish. **Rant over**
That aside, everything else is dandy. I have been guzzling my raspberry leaf tea in the hopes that I’ll get to have a nice, productive labor. I’ve noticed throughout all 4 of my pregnancies when I used rrl tea that I have less Braxton Hicks contractions on the days when I drink my tea. It’s like it calms my uterus somehow. I will say that when I do have BH contractions with this pregnancy, they are way intense. I’m not sure if it’s his position or what but I generally don’t want to move or talk during them because they are very uncomfortable. I’m using them as practice for remembering to relax during labor contractions instead of tensing up and fighting them.
Ah, lovely swollen face. I look so incredibly tired.
Dear God, thank You for your blessings on us during this time of transition. Please bless us with joy and happiness during this season of life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
