on monday i will be 37 weeks pregnant. that is considered FULL TERM, which means that i could technically have a baby a week from now. it still blows my mind, even though i've had 9 months to prepare.
the pregnancy has been ok for me. the first 17 weeks were rough because i was SO sick all the time. then when i hit the 2nd trimester, i started to feel better but had to contend with nasty seasonal allergies and sinus infections. july and august were actually pretty good - i had energy and no adverse symptoms. but ever since then i have just been more and more uncomfortable. i'm have a LOT of swelling in my hands, feet, and calves. the swelling in my hands, combined with carpal tunnel, has made 4 fingers on each hand completely numb. it gets worse at night and in the morning i can't even make a fist. then they loosen up a bit during the day, but i still have no feeling. add that to the fact that my belly is now huge, and the simplest things have become crazy hard to do. like putting on socks and shoes. getting off the couch. picking things up from the floor.
j and i took a 6 week natural childbirth class that has really helped prepare us, and has lessened my anxiety about birth quite a bit. i'm actually looking forward to it - because i know that once i get through it i will finally be able to hold my baby! i've started to not tell people i'm planning a natural, unmedicated birth because they look at me like i have 3 heads and start asking me why i don't believe in modern medicine. it is too much to ask for people to respect your decision? I don't get all over their case for being induced or getting an epidural, because i believe that each woman has to do what is right for them. it would be nice if others would extend that same courtesy..
about me
- kt
- Denver, Colorado, United States
- i'm 33. i live with my husband, baby daughter 2 dogs and 1 kitty. i'm a chemical engineer with an MBA and work in technical sales. i tend to bite off more than i *think* i can chew and end up with a full bulging mouth for awhile before i can finally swallow. i thrive in chaos, but strive for order.
Good for you planning to go natural and unmedicated! So exciting! My mother/baby class in nursing school was taught by a CNM (certified nurse midwife), so I learned a lot of respect for what a woman's body can do when technology is not allowed to interfere. I will send wishes for an easy labor your way!
ReplyDeleteWow. I totally get it. Maybe I'll take your path from the beginning (someday) and never tell most my intentions from the beginning. It sounds easier to pretend like you're up in the air instead of hearing horror stories or other's opinions (unless asked for). You know I support your natural birth fully and completely so rock it ROCKMAN! I am seriously still thinking of a home birth (someday). It's easy to think about when it's not reality. But you are! Holy Cow. Any day.. I cannot wait to meet the wee one. This is too exciting!
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