Right on schedule

On Monday at 7:05 pm (swedish time) our son Éomer was born through c-section. Not what we had planned but it was what was best for the baby. He got really stressed in the end and they decided it was the best alternitive.

I will write a longer more detailed note on the labour when I have more energy. I have hardly slept since half past three on Monday morning.

w 39 - Merry Christmas!

It's quite weird to think this is the last week really. I mean, at Christmas last year I was quite depressed and very un-pregnant and we decided to take a break from everything even remotely connected with making babies. When I think about it we only had sex once under those fertile days and that was enough. Especially since we did our best to have as much as possible before we took the break and it didn't work. ;-) It took eight months to create this miracle that is now growing under my heart. Now all that is left is to see when it decides to grace the world with its presence. ;-) I rather hope it will be fashionably late and come after new years. I have promised my mother in law, who is working for the hospital driving ambulances around here not to go into labour while we are here. She has never gone on a labour call before. And seriously, I don't wish her to be there when I go into labour, my darling will be just enough. ;-)

My feet has gone hobbit-size now. It's not a pretty sight I promise you. But I'm ok. I try my best to sit with my feet up to prevent them from getting bigger. My hands are also larger than usual. But I'm ok with that as long as Peanut decides to stay inside until after New years. ;-)

My darling bought the first Christmas gifts for Peanut today. One of them is a bear which will be packed in the bag we're taking to the delivery room, the other I don't know because I had left the store when he bought it. I'm sure it's something cute.

Your pregnancy: 39 weeks Peanut: Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath. See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

Me: At each of your now-weekly visits, your caregiver will do an abdominal exam to check your baby's growth and position. She might also do an internal exam to see whether your cervix has started ripening: softening, effacing (thinning out), and dilating (opening). But even armed with this information, there's still no way for your caregiver to predict exactly when your baby is coming. If you go past your due date, your caregiver will schedule you for fetal testing (usually a sonogram) after 40 weeks to ensure that it's safe to continue the pregnancy. If you don't go into labor on your own, most practitioners will induce labor when you're between one and two weeks overdue — or sooner if there's an indication that the risk of waiting is greater than the risks of delivering your baby without further delay.

While you're waiting, it's important to continue to pay attention to your baby's movements and let your caregiver know right away if they seem to decrease. Your baby should remain active right up to delivery, and a noticeable slowdown in activity could be a sign of a problem. Also call if you think your water may have broken. Membranes rupture before the beginning of labor in about 8 percent of term pregnancies. Sometimes there's a big gush of fluid, but sometimes there's only a small gush or a slow leak. (Don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. Call even if you only suspect you have a leak.) If you rupture your membranes and don't start contractions on your own, you'll be induced.

We have arrived

Or actually, we arrived saftely to my father in law on Saturday. But I've tried to be as social as can be and therefore not had the time to update here. I'm trying to take it easy and just rest and let everybody else do the hard work for once. Luckily enough my brother in law's new girlfriend is activating the children, making candy and stuff.

On the downside my car, which I lended to my brother in law, broke down just as they arrived up here. I'm glad they at least got here. Not that it's my fault really, but I still feel responsible! I really don't have time to worry about that as well. :-(

I'm glad to say that Peanut doens't seem to want to come out early at least. I so hope for the baby to stay in until after New Years... Well, one can dream, can't one? :-)

My midwife cries rest!

Yes, my blood pressure was a bit higher than usual today. We tried taking it three times, but it wouldn't come down to a satisfying rate. But she didn't think it was any problem. Just some need of good rest. So she said to lay down a bit more than I have this week. Easy for her to say! It's Christmas next week! Who has time to take it easy? We leave for the north tomorrow to go and stay with my father in law and visit my darling's relatives. I have said that as soon as I feel it's getting close to starting we're leaving! But I am still pretty sure Peanut won't come until next year. But you never know...

Otherwise everything looked great. Peanut's little heart beat with 151 beats/ minute, the poor thing had the hiccups! The head was still not fixed, but movable, but it's likely to stay that way even if labour should start. I got another time for a meeting on the 7th of January. God that feels like ages away! If peanut's not out yet we have to schedule to induce labour before the 12th. Hopefully it won't come to that.

Ah, well, I'm off to the couch again then... I will keep you posted on what's going on!

w 38 - Maternity leave

"So, how does it feel to be on leave?" The question started coming on Friday even before I went home for the day. Yes well... I haven't been really off yet, have I? Today it still feels like I'm off sick or on vacation. I can't really say. But it's kind of nice just being home, minding my own business, taking it easy. Of course it feels weird not to get up in the morning, getting ready for work as usual. But my schedule is kind of full this week anyway. Yesterday I had dinner with the girls. Lots of baby talk of course, today I'm making sheets for the cradle out of old sheets from grandma's, tomorrow I'm going to take my picture for my new drivers licence and visiting a friend at work, and on Friday I'm off to the antenatal clinic again and checking out the Christmas market at Skansen. So it's not like I'm getting bored just yet. And next week, well it's Christmas!

My mother's bought a coverall for Peanut. One of those fuzzy things with ears and a little tail. Very cute. S/he won't be cold when we drive home from the delivery room anyways. :-) We have also finally ordered the car seat from our insurance company, we decided to rent throughout the first years. Much cheaper really and the last chair we get to keep. Very good indeed!

Your pregnancy 38 weeks:
Peanut: Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

Me: For many women, the next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Use this time to prepare your baby's nursery or to take care of necessary tasks you may not get around to for a while after your baby's born. Take naps, catch up on your reading, and spend uninterrupted time with your partner while you can.

Some swelling in your feet and ankles is normal during these last weeks, but call your practitioner without delay if you notice excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, or have a sudden weight gain. Also let her know immediately if have severe or persistent headaches; visual changes (such as double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, light sensitivity, or a temporary loss of vision), intense upper abdominal pain or tenderness, or nausea and vomiting. These are symptoms of a serious condition called preeclampsia.

Happy Birthday Dear Jane Austen

It's Jane Austen's 233rd birthday today and of course I've made a video for her! Take a look!

w 37 - I am a zebra

Yes I am. The stretch marks is just getting more and more. Ah well, it's good to know that it contains something wonderful! ;) even if the wrapping is getting striped. The belly must have grown quite a bit because today I got the first reaction from somebody I didn't know. "Oh dear, when are you due?!" this comes from a woman I actually met in the corridor like last week. She hasn't said anything before now. ;) That's ok. But according to the midwife the womb is only one centimetre larger than last time.

Everything went well at the midwife's today. Peanut's head is now less movable than before, but not yet fixated. I asked if it was ok to go away for Christmas, and she didn't see any problem with that as long as I brought my journal with me. If it should start all you have to do is to call the nearest clinic. Nemas problemas. But after and around the due date she thought it best if we stayed at home. But hopefully Peanut will not make and entrance into this world until next year. That would be the best really. Of course I'm longing to meet him/her, but still, it's so much easier to be born early in the year than very late.

Peanut's heart beated with 133 beats/minute today, the slowest yet. My bloodpressure was good as always, I've gained one kilo since last time which brings me to a total of 9 kilos so far. That's ok I think.

Your pregnancy: 37 weeks
Peanut: Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away. Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

See what your baby looks like this week. Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

Me: Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some "bloody show" (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.

While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.

Still going strong

Last week of work! Yey! I'm really getting tired of going to work every week day. Most people I've talked to think I'm crazy for still working. ;-) But my work entail sitting on my ass answering the phone all day, nothing more nothing less. Not really hard work. ;-) I could really go on being pregnant a while longer, but that is probably because I've had a really easy pregnancy. And even though I long to meet the little miracle who's hiding in my belly, I hope s/he stays until at least new year's morning.

Apparently my belly has grown quite a bit the last week, at least according to my collegue who has been away for a week. I'm not so sure... We'll have to compare with the new pics tomorrow. It's also time to visit the midwife again tomorrow. It's gonna be fun to see what the scales stops at tomorrow. I think I haven't gained that much since I've been quite on the move the last week. My darling's been working late and I had to walk both to and from the bus, like one extra mile a day.

My mum is really getting anxious to meet her grandchild. She encourage me to take long walks, walk staircases, cleaning and so on anything to make the labour start. I say no! I'm really taking it easy right now... Spends lots of time on the couch. ;-)

w 36 - I think I'm taking in water...

Yes, my feet are really expanding, my hands as well. I'm feeling like a blob. But that's what's suppose to happen the last month of pregnancy right? I mean, I'm lucky who has been spared so far. My dear co-workers was astounded by the size of my belly yesterday. They said it had grown just over night. I believe it was due to the top I was wearing. It's empire cut under the bust. Very cute, and very belly-friendly. And to add to that this was just after munching down a kebab with fries for lunch! ;-)

It's really a blessing to know that I only got this week and next left to work before going on maternity leave. You don't want to mess with me right now. I flare up very easily!

I am now finally Mrs A. There was some mix up with the names before and my middle name was still there, but now I'm just Mrs A. At last!

Week 36:
Peanut: Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

See what your baby looks like this week. (Or see what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week.)

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

Me: Now that your baby is taking up so much room, you may have trouble eating a normal-size meal. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to "drop" down into your pelvis. This process — called lightening — often happens a few weeks before labor if this is your first baby. (If you've given birth before, it probably won't happen before labor starts.) If your baby drops, you may also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, which may make walking increasingly uncomfortable, and you'll probably find that you have to pee even more frequently. If your baby is very low, you may feel lots of vaginal pressure and discomfort as well. Some women say it feels as though they're carrying a bowling ball between their legs!

You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now. Be sure to review the signs of labor with your practitioner and find out when she wants to hear from you. As a general rule, if you're full-term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water hasn't broken, she'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, coming every five minutes for an hour. Of course, you'll want to call right away if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity or think you're leaking amniotic fluid, or if you have any vaginal bleeding, fever, a severe or persistent headache, constant abdominal pain, or vision changes.

Even if you're enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it's best to avoid flying (or any travel far from home) during your final month because you can go into labor at any time. In fact, some airlines won't let women on board who are due to deliver within 30 days of the flight.