Pregnancy: Week 41
Last week at this time, I thought there was a very good chance that I'd be holding my baby and doing the one-handed typing thing by THIS week at this time.
No such luck. On the labor/birth front, I have absolutely nothing to report.
This boy, he sure is getting strong! Even though his activity is becoming somewhat constrained in there, sometimes his movements are so strong that I'm startled by his painful wallops.
Scott's mama gets in today for her extended visit. (It's also her birthday today and everyone here was kind of wondering if Jake would be born today, too. Not looking good.) After my groceries are delivered (have I ever mentioned that Safeway delivers here? Life saver!!), I'm going to make some black bottom cupcakes to celebrate and we have birthday dinner plans early this evening, before settling down and calling it an early night with school starting tomorrow.
I don't think at ALL that I've subconsciously been holding Jake in or anything – in fact, his birth anytime in the past two weeks would have been LOADS more convenient on various levels. However, now that we're about to get back into the school swing, it's a big relief to me that Karen will be here to help with the kids during labor/birth and those earliest newborn days.
So in terms of readiness? I'm ready. R E A D Y. However, I will be MOST ready after the girls have their first successful day of school behind them. To that end, I anticipate labor will probably start late Monday, at the earliest. If it gets much later than that, it gets a little rougher. I have a midwife appointment scheduled for Wednesday and I will probably instigate some mild, home-induction techniques (sweeping membranes, homeopathics, maybe cohoshes) to try and jumpstart this thing if I'm still pregnant at that time. Otherwise I fear I'm facing a lot more pressure from my doctor as I approach 42 weeks. By the way, have I mentioned that my doctor is 36 weeks pregnant? Eek.
Mom to 4 kids and 2 stepkids, I work at home in the heart of the chaos. Founder and executive editor of SheKnows.com and various other sites. Homeschooling. Knitter. Family chef. Gadget geek. Wordphreak. LAZY BLOGGER. 
You're still looking great! He honestly looks like he's dropped pretty low. Keep us posted.
Janette
29 Jul 07 at 8:40 pm
have you heard about drinking raspberry leaf tea? a friend recommended it to me for a shorter labour, but it can also speed things up apparently.
Bushra
30 Jul 07 at 1:49 am
Hello there,I've been looking all over the net for some specific info and seems like you could perhaps help.(I found your blog via babyblogorama) Im worrying myself sick. Im 37wks along with apparently all things normal. Except I dont feel my son kick/turn like he used to a week ago. I can no longer SEE the movements..they are quite mild and sporadic.Lying down after meals/cold water….all that gets me nothing. And just like in your case, the hiccups have totally stopped-as opposed to 2/3 times a day. He seems to have turned posterior (ofcourse going back sometimes) You've mentioned that you found Jake's activities a little constrained.Had they become lesser towards the due date? Were you not worried?….please please mail me.Im in Bangalore India and wish we'd homebirth options here.
Becky
12 Sep 07 at 1:07 pm
Hi Becky, Even though Jake didn't have as much room to move around by the end, I still noticed his movement very frequently and I could always still see his movements – they were still very strong, just in a different way. Because he was so active, I wasn't ever worried.If you are at all worried, you should call your health care provider. At the very least they can do a quick check on heart tones or a non-stress test (where they monitor the baby's heartrate for 30 minutes to see how reactive it is) and possibly even an ultrasound. You sound worried and I don't think I say anything to ease that worry. I think you should call and get your baby checked out – for peace of mind if nothing else. (((Hugs))) Thinking of you, mama.
beba
12 Sep 07 at 1:34 pm
THANKS for replying!Yep, Im going to my hosp first thing in the morning.(I ate half a bar of chocolate and got some confirmatory response..no kicks, though!) I will mostly insist on a scan…Im very worried about a cord accident/or some such thing happening. Will keep you posted. Thanks again for replying. So quickly!Btw, am 29y old and 'primi gravida' as they say!
Becky
12 Sep 07 at 2:14 pm