My last doctor appointment

I was 39 weeks and 1 day at my last doctor appointment.

I had only gained 1 pound in over a week (166)... yay for only 1 pound... not the 166.

My blood pressure was 100/64.  It's been so low this entire pregnancy.

And baby's heart rate was 134... low for this baby.  But we can never get a really good reading because Baby refuses to stay still long enough to let someone listen.


This appointment happened after my "false alarm" I had a few days prior.

When the doctor checked me, (okay, I know some people think it's un-necessary... but if I'm walking around dilated, I want to know) she said I was a "good" 4 and 50% effaced.  (No nurse can deny me now.)

There was a student doctor in there with my doctor this time.  He actually gasped when she said that.

I asked her if this baby was just going to fall out... and they laughed.  But seriously.  I mean, if that happens, I'll be okay having a "pain free" labor.  But I want it to happen at a hospital.  I don't want to randomly catch my baby that fell out while walking.  :)


So, while she was checking me, she asked if I wanted my membranes stripped.

Now, I'm not one to "rush" labor.  I think MOST babies will come when ready (some need some coaxing).  And you all know I want as little intervention as possible.

I've heard of women getting their membranes stripped.  A lot of them said it hurts.  And it wasn't something I was interested in.

However, when she asked me, the words, "sure, why not..." just came out.

And so my doctor stripped my membranes.


I googled exactly what that meant when I went home.  And even though I linked to it above, in layman's terms... it's where the doctor "strips" the amniotic sac away from the cervix.  And it didn't hurt... AT ALL.  It wasn't even really uncomfortable.


I sort of felt guilty after I had it done.  As, like I said, I really wanted to go as natural as possible.  BUT, that is supposed to help get contractions going.  And it is a whole lot more natural than pitocin.  So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

She also told me that usually when she strips someone's membranes, she goes into labor within 24-48 hours.  It's been about 48 so let's see if that's true for me.

(Okay, I didn't want to tell anyone ... and haven't because I knew once today came, everyone would be like, "what's going on?  Are you in labor?  Are you having contractions?  Where is baby?  Is today the day?  [Even more than they already are.]  And I really don't know what to say.)

...You'll know when I know.


Also, some not so great news.


She made me set an "admittance" appointment for the hospital once I passed 40 weeks (next week).

She said she didn't want me to go any longer, and if I haven't went in labor on my own by then, they would induce me.

I really don't want to be induced... (one intervention seems to lead to more) but when I asked if we could start with just breaking the water and walking, (if it lead to that) she seemed to be okay with that.

And I'm hoping I don't last that much longer... but it gives me SOME hope that if I do go over my due date, I won't necessarily have to be induced.

I'm not going to tell you the day I picked because I'm hoping I don't make it that far.  But I'll let you know, for sure, if I last that long.



...But seriously... where are these contractions to start my labor?

(I mean, I'll take painless dilation...)

But how much more do I have to dilate to be in labor?

I'm getting really impatient... and it doesn't help that everyone else is being impatient too.  ;)

So, this is really a "no-update" update.

I really don't know what else to say though.

You'll know as soon as I do when Baby Norris gets here.

...Now just when will that be?