39 week check

I had a midwifery appointment this morning. With all the contractions I have been having I could not resist having my cervix checked to see if there has been any progress. I also wanted to know were baby's head is. The news was not that great; I am 3cm, 60% effaced and baby's head is at a -2 station, which means not yet engaged. That was the most disappointing thing because I feel so much low pressure I thought for sure she was lower than that. But since Katya never dropped last time, I have never had the "lightening" experience so I really don't know quite what if feels like. Baby appears to be in a postior position right now which sucks. This does not mean I will have 'back labor' because she can still turn but it is not a good position that would encourage labor to start.

She did strip (or sweep) my membranes which can theoretically induce labor but no guarantees. It has given me terrible cramps and some contractions and she suggested I try and get some rest this afternoon. She even said that they could give me something for "therapeutic rest" if I continue to have days and days of contractions and no labor. I told her I was taking 1/2 a Unisom at night and she said "well we can give you something much stronger if you need it." She said I could get my membranes stripped again later this week if I want but I did not schedule an appointment for that.

I lost a pound since my last check up 2 weeks ago. I am hoping this is another sign that labor is eminent (it is pretty common to loss a little weight right before labor). I have also had some GI "symptoms" let say, that are sometimes indicative of a labor that is about to begin. It is so nice to have Sharon here to take care of Katya so that I can focus on preparing for this baby. I need to balance between staying active and doing things to encourage Reagan to drop and rotate and getting some rest. With any luck I will not have to post about my 40 week check up!