Counting the days!

I'm now 38 +1 weeks pregnant and counting the days until i deliver this baby. I'm feeling very uncomfortable now and not getting much sleep at night (i thought sleepless nights came after the baby was born?!) I dont think i can physically grow any bigger than i am now without bursting.

The last couple of days have been busy, i had to take my little girl to see the health visitor yesterday for her 2 year check and she passed with flying colours. She said that there are some areas that she is more advanced than many 3 year olds. As you can imagine i was very proud. I cant have done to bad a job up until now then. Its always a relief to know your child is developing normally.

Today i was back at the doctors but this time for the Ricicle. Her head isnt fully engaged yet (although this is normal for subsequent babies) but it has moved down further into my pelvis since my last appointment, so its a positive sign. All my tests were fine and the heart beat is still strong so she seems quite happy at the moment. The midwife recommended raspberry leaf tea/tablets and lots of sex to encourage labour. I had to make another appointment for 2 weeks time in case i havent delivered by then (God No!!!!) she says she will perform a membrane sweep if i do have to go back to her in the hope that it will encourage the baby some more. Lets just hope it doesnt come to that. Some positive news, well for me anyway was that she doesnt think it will be a huge baby, she is measuring approx 7lbs at the moment, but then i'm not convinced these things are all that accurate at this stage but at least she didnt say the baby is a big 10 pounder, i really would cry then. Maybe she is just being kind to me, i didnt think of that at the time, lets hope not!

take care x

Officially full term!!!!!

I'm 37 weeks pregnant today and officially classed as full term, so no prem baby this time. My midwife has told me that as long as there are no complications and the birthing pool is free i can have my water birth and come home the same day, which i'm really happy about. She also told me that even if the birthing pool isnt free i can still use water as my form of pain relief by lying in a bath which they have several of next to the labour rooms, I cant deliver the baby in the bath but can at least use the water for some of the labour. I'm hoping to avoid any medicinal pain relief again but i'm probably more open to the idea this time if i need it. I tried gas and air last time near the end but didnt like it, because my little girl was early i didnt want to use any other form of pain relief so went without.

We have gone over my birth plan, my bags are packed, the car seat is ready. All i need now is for the ricicle to make her appearance. I'm still really nervous about the birth but at least this time (hopefully) i'll have more control over what happens. I just hate not knowing when it is going to happen, i'm a planner and very impatient which doesnt go well with a natural birth. I've been so caught up in avoiding a premature birth that i didnt give much thought to going over due. Oh the thought of it! I cant go over due!

Nesting syndrome seems to have kicked in again today. I did the usual housework and then spent the rest of the day cleaning my little girls room, moving her furniture, sorting through her things etc, then i hovered the stairs, a job i usually avoid like the plague. I think it is partly down to feeling so restless i've been going out for a walk everyday and seem to find it difficult just sitting still. I know i'll probably regret not resting once the ricicle is here but i'm making the most of the little energy that i do have. I am starting to pay for todays burst of energy now though, i really ache i think a soak in a bubble bath will be called for later.

x