37 Week Update – Almost there
I want to say it’s time to start the clocks, but I don’t know where to start them at. Either way, it’s getting closer to the time when Jesse and I will no longer be on our own. It really hit me this past week. It’s only been the two of us for so long, that it’s hard to imagine that there’ll be someone else with us at all times. That wherever we go, it won’t be just the two of us. I don’t know why, but the thought scared me.
Anyway, enough of that. Doc Z said the baby dropped. I have heard that once Ian drops, it’ll be two weeks until delivery; well, I asked the doc about this and he said not necessarily. It’s a good sign, but it doesn’t give a time line. Especially since my cervix is still closed. However, at 37 weeks, Ian’s lungs are fully developed so even if he was to be born this week, he should be perfectly healthy.
We were told that we have to start watching for contractions and for my water to break. That I should be experiencing the Branson-Hicks contractions any time now. Granted, that doesn’t mean I’ll be in labor, just that my body is starting to get ready for actual labor. Of course, we were also told that I may not have any at all. It all depends on the person.
I did lose a half a pound from last week, which is good for me. Doc Z says that a lot of mothers will begin losing weight the last few weeks of pregnancy, so this isn’t a bad thing. Ian is growing about an ounce a day and we heard he was 5.5 lbs about a week or so ago. That’ll put him about 6 lbs now. He still has three weeks left, so hopefully, he’ll be in the 8-9 lb range. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. He is still only measuring about 35 inches and his heart rate was at 138 this week. He’s been bouncing on the scale but they say that is normal. So for now, everything is going perfect fine.
We have moved our cell phone charger to the bedroom and brought in the 2nd phone from the barn so we’re anxiously awating the call! That’s one call we don’t want to miss!!! :-) Jackie, you won’t necessarily want to wait until your water breaks, it may not happen. The staff at the hospital had to break my water for both you and your sister. A better indication would be timing how long between contractions and how long each one lasts.
Slight clarification – I’m not scared about having Ian or the responsibility, just of the change. It’s just been Jesse and I for so long that it’s a scary thought that it will never be just the two of us again.
I know I have to go in when the contractions are close together; but if my water breaks, regardless of my contractions, then I have to go in.
Glad things are going along real well for Jackie.