A Test of Patience

I (along with Z Baby!) have been totally restless the last two nights. It reminds me of growing up on the farm and how mama cows, sheep, dogs, etc. would get really antsy and we knew they were going to give birth soon. And last night I was just certain I would go into labor. But so much for my motherly instincts!

We had an ultrasound on Tuesday and an appointment with our doctor yesterday. The ultrasound estimated Z Baby to be just 3.073 kg (6 lbs 11 oz) +/- 10%, so if that is anywhere close to accurate she's smaller than we thought. Everything looked great though. Amniotic fluid levels are high, baby's heart rate is perfect, and the placenta is functioning normally. And my child is still active - plenty, plenty active. In fact, last night as she kicked, punched, wiggled, spun around from side to side, and basically just refused to be still for more than 3 seconds at a time, I started to have this fear that maybe I was carrying an octopus in there. Seriously, there have to be more than just four limbs. I've got sharp pointy parts poking me in at least seven different places right this moment.

As of 6:30 yesterday evening, my doctor reported that I was 1-2 cm dilated and 60% effaced. We talked options since I am 40 weeks and 4 days now. He said that as long as baby and I both remain healthy, he has no reason to induce labor. He recognizes that a normal gestational period is 38-42 weeks. So, unless I request it, he won't recommend inducing until after that period except if something changes health-wise. Tempting? Oh yes. But the increased risk of complications and harder labor isn't worth it to me when everyone is healthy as is. So if nothing happens between now and then, on Saturday we will begin having twice per week ultrasounds to keep a close eye on everything.

But for now, the waiting game continues. (And all the many things you can eat/drink/do that are supposed to start labor - lies I tell ya, just lies!)