Saturday, June 18, 2011

Moving Right Along

I had my 36 week check up this past Wednesday, and it was a long one.  There is a lot to cover now that the due date is so close.  I think I'm still partially in denial about it, though. Because there is a part of me that isn't ready to prepare for the birth.  I have packed my hospital bag, but I still don't feel ready.

Anyway, at the visit, I found out some very good things about the baby! First of all, his heartbeat was in the 130 range.  That was very good! Secondly, I did tell my doctor that I was unsure of his position.  So, she got out the ultrasound machine in order to figure out exactly how he was lying in there.  My anterior placenta makes it hard to figure out the baby's position by just feeling my abdomen.

Well, the ultrasound revealed that he is head down! He is actually in a position called the left occiput anterior.  This means his head is down, and his body is going up along my left side with his bottom on top and his feet on my right side.  It looks like this.
This is a great position for birth.  So, I hope he stays this way or close to it.  I think he's big enough now that it would be pretty difficult for him to move in a drastically different position.  He is so big now that it is hard to tell what is what anymore on the ultrasound. But there are a few things that you can see clearly such as his feet and hands.  From what I could see on the ultrasound, his head is actually facing my back.  No features such as ears, eyes, a nose, or mouth were visible at all.  His head just looked like a melon.

Speaking of melons, he is now the size of a honeydew melon! He has been a honeydew for 3 weeks now, I think.  But I figured I'd bring it up now as there is only 1 more fruit to go after this one!
I did compare melons in the produce section.  So, technically a honeydew is about the same size as a cantaloupe or a baby watermelon.  So, take your pick between the other two in case you don't like the honeydew melon.

I've been experiencing some intense braxton hicks contractions recently.  My doctor said that this could be a sign that labor actually isn't so far away.  My braxton hicks have had me actually feeling like I can't even talk sometimes.  She said that even though these aren't real labor contractions, the uterus is still a muscle and the contractions do happen for a reason.  So, sometimes, at this stage, they can actually push the baby downwards; thus, they are preparing me for labor.  However, this could still go on until my due date or later.   There is really no way of knowing until the day arrives! 

After seeing him in there on the ultrasound, I can't imagine it is comfortable to be that cramped in there! I'm not a baby and do not remember being in the womb ;), so it could be extremely comfortable for him! 

Aside from going to the bathroom about 4 times in 1 hour, I actually feel okay.  As excited as I am that my due date is so close, it's hard to believe that I could actually have my own baby in my arms in just 1 month from now!