Famous last words. Let’s just leave it at that.
The baby is still the size of a pumpkin.
Total Weight Gain: I have dropped a couple of pounds, which isn’t uncommon this late in the game. Sitting at a 25 pound gain.
Weekly Workouts: Easily averaging over 20 miles per week walking.
Maternity Clothes: I can’t wait to wear normal clothes again…I know it will still be awhile.
Sleep: Very difficult with a pumpkin inside me.
Best Moment of the Week: Well…hmm. I haven’t been the cheeriest this week. I had to have an ultrasound today to make sure she isn’t a giant and has enough fluid, etc. So it was fun seeing her again, even if I would prefer it to be on the outside of my belly. Here’s her little alien face (oh, and it was confirmed – DEFINITELY a girl!).
Food cravings: Sweets I guess. I NEVER drink soda but I have had 2 Dr. Peppers this week…weird, huh?
Food aversions: Nothing really.
Symptoms: Sciatica, carpal tunnel, trouble sleeping, really swollen feet.
Movement: She is a wiggle worm. The ultrasound tech asked, “Is she always this active?”
“Looks like baby is staying put for a while? That’s okay — there’s still work to be done at 41 weeks pregnant.
Gearing up for the big day is your baby’s endocrine system — responsible for hormone production. Researchers theorize that baby actually sends some chemical signals (aka hormones) to the placenta to trigger labor to begin (as in: “Get me out of here, Mom!”). Other hormones are standing by, too. During childbirth, your baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in his or her life (and you thought you were stressed out now!). But those hormones will actually help your baby adjust rapidly to life outside the womb and help all those survival instincts to kick in as he or she becomes untethered from the placenta that has provided life support for the past nine months.
Another big job ahead for your baby will be taking that first breath of air. In fact, the first breath at birth requires considerably more effort than any breath your baby will ever take again. That’s because the tiny air sacs in the lungs need to be inflated for the first time so that they expand to fully do their job — of breathing for a lifetime.” What to Expect (www.whattoexpect.com)
Gender: GIRL
What I’m Looking Forward To: HAVING A BABY.
What I Miss: Everything. Let’s get me unpregnant.
Next Appointment: November 19th
Estimated due date WAS November 11th?!?! People keep asking if I have an induction date. My doctor originally wanted to set it up for tomorrow, but I would prefer to NOT be medically induced if at all possible. I am scared of a c-section, point blank. And a lot of us have read/know about the pitocin-epidural-c-section trifecta. I would really really like to not need pitocin. But I’m staring at it now as a very real possibility. And of course I know it might happen and I won’t freak out if it does – I’ll take it in stride, the only thing that matters is that she gets here safely.
I asked for some labor-inducing suggestions (I was hoping for some really weird ones) on Facebook , and got all the oldies: walking, spicy food, pineapple, sex, red raspberry tea, evening primrose oil, pumping. Yes, of course I have tried all of these! I’ve also tried acupuncture, reflexology, magic eggplant parmigiana, and other things. Nada. Two suggestions I got – cut down a Christmas tree and drag it down the road myself, and then yell at a friend’s ex (a la Sex and the City). Also, ask my doctor to go out of town, drive out into the middle of nowhere without my phone, or book an expensive trip that is non-refundable. All great suggestions! 
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I was going to comment “pitocin” on Facebook for your labor inducing ideas but I didn’t know if the sarcasm would come through. I was induced with pitocin and an epidural and it turned out ok without a c-section. Good luck, at least you know it is soon!
Hahah – nice. It might come down to that so we shall see. I have def heard about good experiences too!
Sending lots of good thoughts your way.
Whatever happens, you’ll do great.
Thank you Anne! I appreciate it.
I know my birth story couldn’t have helped the pitocin and c-section concerns, but I’m really happy that you have such a good mindset on the birth. She’ll get here one way or another, and as long as you’re both healthy, it’s all good. At least you have an end in sight- no more than a week and she’ll be here!
Your birth story really helped me in that yknow, it doesn’t really matter HOW she gets here. Make sense? It’ll all work out in the end. I ain’t scurred.
Hey, if it worked for Charlotte it could work for you! Still thinking of you, lady.
So true, and my friends definitely have some exes I could yell at…
Come see me today. I won’t be able to start labor, but you might get some relief from a massage. My schedule is wide open!!!!
Oh, and I have a friend who had to be induced with all 3 of her babies and other than the pitocin, she had completely natural labors with all 3. You can do it!
I will – I’m gonna need you to induce me though. Kthanks!
That is good to hear. My MiL said the same. Maybe if I won’t need a large dose it won’t be so bad???
Oh my goodness! I feel like I can really see her little face there. That is tooo cute.
I know, it was good to see her again since the 20 week ultrasound. Just wish she would come out and show her face!!
As annoying as it is to be 41 weeks pregnant, your womb is the taj mahal right now– so look at it as a job well done! Sometimes if you book the induction date– your body relaxes cos you know there is an actual end day in site and you very well might kick into labor on your own. But go with whatever your instinct says. I had contractions with labor #2 on my own but still did pitocin to get the party going. You are in good hands no matter what you decide! And this will all be an afterthought when you have that pretty baby girl in your arms
Thanks Julie. I am hoping the scheduled induction date will kickstart me subconsciously but we shall see. You’re right – it doesn’t really matter in the long run. I am just so anxious to meet her!