Something’s Ready In the State of Pregnant

by Alison Friedman in Mommy's Musings

We are down to the wire, people! I mean, like, there’s hardly even any wire left, that’s how down we are.

I haven’t really done many doctor-y type posts because I figure that’s usually boring stuff and no one really cares. I mean, getting into our neurotic heads is much more entertaining, right? Well, this is a combo of head neuroses and obstetrics.

I’m 39 weeks today. For those keeping score, it’s one week exactly from the due date and for the past two weeks, Dr. Fiiiine has mentioned at our weekly appointments that she does not think we’ll make it to our August 5th due date. That means Baby Friedman is coming “any day now.”

We are on pins and needles anticipating every hiccup she makes and stitch of pain I feel. People keep asking me if I’ve had contractions and I shrug to indiciate “I don’t think so,” to which everyone replies with, “OH YOU’LL KNOW.”

I’ve been experiencing a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions which are actually really annoying. I used to like them, but I’m definitely irritated by them now. They’re such a tease! It’s like, c’mon already, if you’re going to contract, at least contract with a purpose! They’re benign and painless, but the tightening is there… and for what reason? Makes no sense to me.

For two weeks in a row, I’ve been 2 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced. I know this doesn’t equate to anything as far as timing goes, but it definitely means that things are revving up. As far as when, who knows? It’s driving me nuts because I can’t plan or calendar my week. Lunch with a girlfriend? Uh, maybe??? Getting a pedicure? Perhaps??? If you know me well, you know this drives me bat shit crazy. I like to plan, plan, plan. But everything has to be up in the air because, as Dr. Fiiiine said, this baby is coming any day now.

When I left her office this week, she said “See you next week or sooner.” I mean, sooner? Really? I guess we’re really on the homestretch now that she uses words like “any day” and “sooner.”

So what’s going on in my head? Everyone seems to want this baby out, especially the men. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not dreading meeting my child, but I’m also in no rush. I know she has to come out (ouch!) and I know it’ll happen when she’s ready. In the meantime, I’ve sort of reached this weird and numbing shutdown. I’m almost kind of catatonic. Going through the motions of the day. Nodding my head; quiet with my words. When I self-analyze, I think this is my way of just breathing through my nerves because, yes, I’m nervous and a little fearful of the unknown, and I also don’t want to put too much mental pressure on the details of this baby’s arrival. I’m just trying to let it… be. It’s not that I’m in denial — there’s no denying Mount Rushmore protruding from my abdomen or the dull pains in my back — but I’m (for once!) just going with the flow. Like everyone else, the anticipation is killing me so I’ve chosen not to anticipate. At least not actively.

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I look at myself in the mirror and I don’t even recognize the reflection! My tummy is so huge! It blows my mind that skin can stretch that much (and leave me with no marks, thankyouverymuch!) 🙂 I look at my self and think, “Gosh, that looks like it hurts!” And it does. Sleeping is lousy, if sleep happens at all, and I’m a little cranky. I know, I know, it’s nothing compared to what’s about to take place! But I can’t wait until I can sleep on my tummy again! Left side-only sleeping is not at all comfortable and my poor body is angry with the extra weight crushing my neck, shoulders, hips and knees. Bryan constantly gives me back rubs, but unfortunately, the pain wins out after the back rub is over.

So, between the regular Braxton Hicks, the thinning-out, and the dilation, I think we’re definitely on our way to seeing a baby very, very soon. Anyone want to take bets on when this little girl is going to make her official debut?

  1. Marilyn Hollander
    8/1/2011 2:57 PM

    BELIEVE ME when I say I know how annoying the Braxton-Hicks are, but try to think of them as your uterus “training” for the big event. Like passive sit-ups almost. I don’t know if this will help, but the only baby I didn’t have them with was Danny, and he was also my only C-section. Maybe that’s what comes of having a lazy uterus beforehand. I don’t know, but it’s something to think about when you think there’s no reason for them. Hang in there, my friend!

  2. Char
    7/30/2011 6:14 AM

    Oh Alison, you are definitely ready! I feel your pain about the planning thing and that just gets worse when the baby actually does make her grand entrance because your whole life will revolve areound her schedule. So my prediction for her arrival is this Wednesday, August 3rd. Why you ask? Because it’s my birthday!! Haha….thinking about you girl and rooting you on!

  3. Mom/ Sharon/Mimi-to-be
    7/29/2011 2:20 PM

    ?”Live from the News Womb!” I love love love how you sub-titled this blog with this facebook status heading. That’s hilarious. LOLing very hard right now. Your journalism degree really paid off with this humorous comment. So clever on so many levels.
    I am just as much on pins and needles as you are. I am trying to be patient, but it’s all I can think about. However, my hair is colored, cut and back in a controllable style so that my granddaugher doesn’t get scared when she meets her Mimi. 😉 I’m ready little girl, why arent’ you!?

  4. Mindy
    7/29/2011 12:13 PM

    You are so beautiful in this picture (and always). I can’t wait to “meet” little Friedman, most likely via FB 😉