Thoughts on Pregnancy

So, here I am at 2 days past when I delivered last time…slightly more, if you consider that I BARELY made it to 37 weeks last time. So, I thought I’d share what I’m thinking at this time. So, I’ve been wondering how this pregnancy would end for quite a while (uh, the entire pregnancy). Would I deliver at 37 again, or would I go to 42 weeks this time? The final answer to that is yet to be revealed (well, obviously, we’ve passed 37). I have been trying to mentally prepare for the latter, but knew it would be a challenge once we got past 37 weeks.  I have many friends, one who shall not remain nameless, who secretly openly wish me to go to at least 40 weeks, but would be happy thrilled to see me go to 42 weeks. Thanks friend!

With the first pregnancy, I never had that anticipation that many have as they become full term of “when will I deliver?” I was totally caught off guard when my water broke and Abriella raced into the world. Honestly, I felt behind for quite a while after she was born. I just wasn’t really mentally prepared for her yet. Don’t get me wrong. I was thrilled to have her here, but I felt like I was behind for many months after she was born. Some of that was just being a new mom, but I think a lot of it was because she came when she did.  Now, I get to experience that anticipation. It’s kind of exciting, but I’m sure that will wear off before too long, especially as this pregnancy continues further away from that 37 weeks.

I know that he will come when he’s ready, and I truly desire that! I preach that all the time to my patients. Yep, it comes full circle now, as I must remember my own advice to be patient. (I can see Beth shaking her head whole heartedly right now). I want him to be healthy, and I also know that little white boys definitely don’t need to be rushed into the world. They are like the wimpiest if they come before they’re ready. Just because he’s technically full-term at 37 weeks doesn’t mean he thinks he’s ready to be here. And, size doesn’t matter either. Healthy sized babies can have just as much of a hard time breathing as smaller ones if they aren’t ready.

I am guessing (and it’s hard to guess on yourself) that Colby is already about 7 pounds right now. Mind you, Abriella was 6-6 when she was born. I also know that babies grow about 1/2 pound to 1 pound a week in the last month, so that causes me to pause a bit as I pass each day. That is something that makes me a little nervous. But, once again, I do believe that given the right support and environment, rarely is there a baby that is too big to go through a woman’s pelvis. Being at a birth center is definitely a plus for me. I have to trust my body’s ability to birth a baby, no matter the size.

I also know that your cervix can do whatever it pleases during pregnancy. If it wants to be 4/80%/0 for weeks, it certainly can do that. I am reminded of the patient a couple of years ago who dilated a little each week, and was at 8 cm in the clinic, but still not in labor. (FYI, just because your cervix is dilated to something does NOT mean you’re in labor). So, to avoid a chaotic precipitous delivery, the decision was made to go ahead and give this woman a little bit of pitocin to just give her body a little push to go ahead and deliver this baby in a controlled situation. Well, it took a really long time to actually get this lady into labor. I’m talking HOURS people. So, anything is possible when a cervix is involved! (I know that paragraph probably was way TMI for some people out there!).

Honestly, I feel good right now too. Since Colby dropped even lower in the pelvis, my pain in my upper right side is gone to the point that I don’t wear my support belt at all. Yes, it’s a bit uncomfortable in the pelvis, but I can handle it. Ah, and my belly button is just now poking out a little bit. That never happened with Abriella, so that’s kind of funny to see on myself. And, yes, it’s frustrating to not be as mobile right now, and there are many things that I don’t enjoy in pregnancy, but that’s par for the course in pregnancy. I can hear myself in my head telling so many patients this information.

I’m so thankful to be able to get pregnant and to have such an active baby growing inside me. What an amazing miracle! I pray that he and I continue to be healthy and that when the time is right, God will give me and him a very safe and uneventful labor and delivery. I’m looking forward to meeting Colby Nathaniel Joyner!

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5 Responses to Thoughts on Pregnancy

  1. Mom/Grandma says:

    Well spoken! Looking forward to it, whenever Colby decides to make his appearance.

  2. Melissa says:

    Okay, this

    “So, anything is possible when a cervix is involved!” just cracked me up. I remember seeing you at church before you had Abriella, and I told Dee that I thought you had dropped already and would be going into labor soon. I didn’t think THAT soon though.

    Good for you for being patient and for knowing that baby Colby is where he needs to be for now. I hope you stay comfortable while you wait! And coming from one Mommy whose pregnant belly hasn’t seen a due date yet, I hope you don’t have to wait all the way up to or past 40 weeks 😉

  3. Rebecca says:

    I’m glad that you are listening to your own advice and having a sense of humor. He will be here soon…he just has to 🙂

  4. Amanda says:

    Ha! You are so funny! You know, I only want you to go over 40 weeks so you can be a more well-rounded midwife. One baby a little early, one baby a little late! Seriously though, I’m just like you. I want Colby to be born when he’ll be healthy and ready to go home with you right then! The anticipation is killing me, though! Ha!

  5. Kim Hodges says:

    Been thinking of you today! Hope it’s soon!

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