7/13/10 - Another Semi-Disappointing Appointment

Well, today I had my 38 weeks appointment. There were some pluses and minuses. First was the weight check…I actually lost a pound this week, so YAY for that! Maybe I really will deliver at or below my goal weight gain! Very excited about that. Next, the blood pressure check…again, it was completely normal. It’s really promising that it’s stayed stable for the last couple of weeks, and Ann was very happy about that. My swelling was also down still, so that was also a great sign. We chatted a little bit after that. Turns out Ann is out of town the week I’m due, and unfortunately, so is the OB I’ve seen on occasion. Perfect, right? So, if I’m still pregnant, at my 40 weeks appointment I’ll be meeting with the OB that will deliver the baby if I end up needing a c-section.

After our chat, I hopped on the table for the usual. I’ve been measuring exactly on point my entire pregnancy, this week I was still measuring 37 weeks, so still basically right there. She again picked up baby’s heartbeat right away, and man I just love that sound. I’m going to miss that. Her heartbeat was much lower though, 128 vs. the usual 145-155. This had me a little concerned, but Ann said the normal range is 120-160, so she’s still in there. Still, it seemed odd to me. I did ask for an exam this week since I refused last week. Unfortunately, still ZERO progress, and I’m really frustrated about it. I am 0 dilated, only 25% effaced and baby has not dropped one bit, she’s still at a -4 station. I feel like this is never going to happen. Ann said it’s different for everybody…some progress for a few weeks, some have a much quicker progression, so we just have to wait and see. Of course I left my appointment in tears though. I’m on a very strict timeline here…I cannot be induced, period, because of my previous c-section, and they will not let me go past 41 weeks, so I have 3 weeks. To some people, 3 weeks sounds like tons of time, but come on, it’s really not. I’ve been thinking about this for SO long, I’ve done everything I could to help my VBAC chances since the day Olivia was born, and I feel like I’m getting the rug pulled from underneath me all over again. But, I just need to think positive….POSITIVE!! I just have to hope that I’ll be one of those women that happen to progress quickly and hope that everything works out. Send me all of the positive thoughts you can!