So, I had my weekly check up at the doctor's office today, and for the good news, my weight, blood pressure, and Norah's HR were all still good. And the doctor especially praised me on how well I've done in the weight gain department, so that felt good.
In the other news (I don't want to label it "bad" because that implies the wrong thing), nothing much is progressing. Cervix is soft, but Norah's head is still not all the way down in my pelvis and I am not dilated at all yet. Also, the doctor estimates that Norah is somewhere between 7-8 lbs, which is average, but I'm measuring a little on the large side, so she's a bit concerned that if I go to my due date, or past, that I will be delivering GIANT baby. And at this point, it seems inevitable that I will not go early.
So, we'll wait until my appointment next week and have an ultrasound then to help better determine how potentially large (or average) in size the baby is. The doctor said that she may be perfectly average in size, but because I'm so small and have such a condensed torso, the baby could just be measuring large within me; she also said that we have to consider that Jerry is considerably bigger than me and certainly his genetics are playing half the role here in determining how big she might be. Translation of that? Average, or slightly larger than average, sized Norah inside a tiny Jess.
Thus, if the ultrasound shows Norah in the 8-9 lbs range by next Wednesday, we may need to talk induction or, possibly, c-section on or before my due date. But really, to contemplate that stuff is to put the cart before the horse. So, ultimately, we just have to continue to wait and see what happens, and in the best case scenario, I just go into labor sometime between now and next Wednesday!
Anyway, no point in thinking too much about GIANT baby until there's a reason to really think on it, and in the meantime, we just have to continue to be patient. The doctor told me I have a great attitude for someone this far along (and showing little sign of progress), and that helped reinforce that I just have to do my best to remain positive and easy going. I know, logically, that I can't remain pregnant forever, and if Norah is GIANT baby, then she's GIANT baby: she can win the height contest on my side of the family!
26 comments:
Oh man...reading this reminds me of my daughters births...and how little sense any of it made to me ! :))
Great that the visit went well - it will all fall into place, and I wish you guys the best !
I think that Norah weighs do much because she has one of the giant Disney sized medals in there with her. You deserve one after all this work!
That's the down side of being married to a hunky man. They do wonders to make us look small and skinny, but they make giant babies. :o)
You are so tiny, I bet she is just fine! How big were you when born? My little guy was right around the same size that I was - I thought maybe that was how it worked.
Sending labor vibes your way!
Until the doctors get better at predicting baby size in utero, I wouldn't worry about it. I have talked to many mothers who were induced to find out the baby wasn't as "giant" as expected. So, tell Norah to hurry her ass up so you don't have to be induced or have a C-section. She has plenty of friends and relatives eager to meet her.
PS-maybe it's time to resort to old wives tales. Sex, spicy food, and exercise. That order probably works better than spicy food first. ;)
Your doctor is right. You do have an amazing attitude!
Your experience has been giving me flashbacks to almost 14 years ago, when I was pregnant. It was summer, hot and humid and we had no A/C. I was miserable and had no where near as positive an attitude as you have, except that I was POSTIVE that I no longer wanted to be pregnant. So I sit in awe of you. You are awesome!.
BTW DramaGirl was due on Aug 25. She was born Sept 2. 10 lbs, 2oz (you read it right!). Of course I gained about twice as much weight as you have too, so I know that won't happen to you!
Hang in there. You can't be pregnant forever!
I'm sending lots of happy thoughts to you and Norah. Also hoping for a natural birth so that you can get back to running soon!
I wouldn't worry too much about her size. It's a pretty inexact estimate, even with an ultrasound.
And just because she's big (if she really is), doesn't mean you'll have difficulty. Some of my small friends have pushed out some pretty darn big babies.
Hope Norah cooperates and comes before you need to make a decision about intervention.
I have heard lots of times where the baby wound up not being as big as expected. When I had my daughter 5 years ago, an ultrasound at 39 weeks showed her to be over 8 pounds, so my Dr scheduled me for an induction the next week (was trying to avoid a c-section, he felt if she got to 9lbs, the chances of that were greater). As it turned out I never made it to the induction, my water broke on it's own and she was born on her due date.
So, it will all work out, and you'll be holding that lil baby before you know it
hey jess, i have been following your blog for awhile now through all your half-marathons and this exciting (and entertaining) pregnancy. i apologize for not 'coming out' sooner! i've really enjoyed following you along in both journeys. i just wanted to let you know that i was over 9lbs when i was born and my mom is a shorty :) (i am 5'7", she is maybe 5'2"? i dunno) i don't know that she really appreciated my full 9 lbs though! i was a late baby to the docs but of course my parents say i came right on time. i'm sure norah is coming along just fine!
You do have an amazing attitude. I am in awe. Even though everything is perfectly fine, I'd still be spazzing out. That is what I do best, sadly.
If there is one thing I have learned about having a kid, they very much do things on their own terms and their own time frame....even before they are born.
Well, the most important part is that Norah is doing well. Hopefully, you'll have a better picture of things next week! The time is almost here!!!
Best wishes. And as you said, she'll come when she'll come and she'll be whatever size she is.
It's just so hard to tell what will happen and when. I recall going to the doctor a week or so before my due date with Son. Nothing had happened (no dilation or whatever) and hte doc was sure he'd see me at my next appt. I went into labor that night...
It's awesome that you're staying so positive. Norah will come when she's ready and I'm sure no matter how "giant" she is, you'll be fine!
a cousin of mine had normal birth of 3 10 lb + babies. i cannot imagine.
both of ours were c-section, they like to schedule those a week or so before due date. i think c-section is much easier than going through labor. sure the recovery takes an extra day and there's a scar, but you will feel no pain.
Here's some good news for ya -- on Wednesday, I was barely a centimeter dilated and not effaced. They estimated he was already 7.5 lbs. and expressed the same concern about his size and my size (I'm a smurf like you :)
On Saturday at 5 a.m. my water broke, and Liam was born at 6.5 lbs. Shows how much the doctors know!
And the most important thing is that Norah is born healthy, no matter how she comes into the world!
Here's to a giant baby who will not be so huge she can come out natural and fine! (But who can win the contest anyway.)
break out the jump rope, ride a motor cycle, shoot off loud fire works ...
I am the same way, no signs of progress yet and my baby feels huge, the doctors keep telling me he is average right now but it is a wait and see game.
But I remain positive that my body will do what it is supposed to do when it is time. Hopefully between now and next Wed. some progress magically happens for you and can avoid at the very least a c-section!
its getting close!!!! i was almost 10 lbs when i was born :-/
When they told me Rylee was going to be near or over 8 lbs - I felt like I was going to deliver GIANT baby too. But on your little frame - that does seem "GIANT-ER!" :)
yay for a tall one! :)
Hey Jess just checing in on you and the fam! Been thinking about you guys. The waiting game is the name of the game which How I met Your Mother is an awesome time filler of I must say.
i learned one thing with both my babies: you can't trust a doctor! it seems like everyone is focused on the bigger-half but remember that there is a smaller-half to keep in mind too. i say she rings in at around 7 lbs! (when are you taking bets? i don't want to give my exact guestimate away!) the pain is just the same no matter her size anyway.
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