Thursday, April 9, 2009

Who Wants a Little Baby Update?!?

I am 35 weeks and 2 days today. We had a check-up at the doctor's this morning and the baby is doing really well. Today was the final ultrasound to check the position of the baby (he is still head down), make sure there is still enough amniotic fluid around him, and check his estimated size. My doctor also checked my cervix -- no changes yet! Which as anxious as I am to just be like 1cm dilated, it's good that there isn't any action happening down there yet.

So the exciting news!

1. Even though I am 35 weeks/ 2 days, the size of the baby is 37 weeks! That doesn't mean my due date if off, it means that the baby is big! His estimated size right now is 7 pounds. Holy cow. I know that isn't huge for a newborn but given that Jake was only 5 lbs. 5oz. when he was born, it is going to be a completely different experience to hold a newborn that is already a couple pounds bigger! My doctor said the baby has a nicely sized head too, haha. (Good thing we opted for the c-section.....)

2. He is going to pull the stitches out a week from tomorrow! So next Friday the 17th is the big day I have been waiting for. No more bed rest! Plus it will be exciting to see what happens after the stitches come out. It's really 50/50.... some women end up going past their due dates after the cerclage comes out and some women go into labor within 24 hours. I am still hoping to go into labor on my own but am hoping for the beginning of May. But I promise to try and at least make it until after the baby shower on the 19th :-) Nothing like cutting it extremely close! The doctor said to make sure we have a full tank of gas in the car and the bag for the hospital packed and ready to go!

He decided to pull the stitches a little early because based on what he saw today, the placenta is only about a week away from being mature which is an indication that the baby is mature and can be delivered at any time without concerns about prematurity. He also said that since the baby is a good size that there wouldn't really be any worries if he comes in the next week or two. Plus, he wants me to stop taking the meds to ease the contractions so if I do go into labor on my own, it's much better that the stitches not be there.

My excitement has definitely been reenergized after this morning's appointment. I think Paul and I are both just so thankful that things have gone so well up to this point and have truly passed the "danger zone" of having an extreme preemie. If the baby were born today, he'd probably have to stay in the hospital for a couple extra days to make sure he is okay but anything around 36/37 weeks and we should be golden. And who knows, maybe this little guy will stick it out until the very end and be a May 7th baby!!

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