38 Weeks

I’m getting sick of myself.

I feel tired and sore, and impatient. And embarrassed at myself for feeling impatient. And praying a lot for patience.

At this point I feel very tired and it’s hard to move around. I’m still taking my daily walk, but I can’t get comfortable standing, sitting or even lying down. Baby must have dropped a little lower yesterday because I started having low back pain right at the bottom of my spine that doesn’t abate even when I lie down.

I feel bored. Mostly because I am not being as active and productive as I usually am. It’s a conundrum. I have nothing left to do to get ready.  Everything is done. I have been telling the baby it’s ok to come now, that there is a lot of love here and everything is ready. And that mommy really, really wants you to come on out now.

I’m tired by 6 pm and it’s an effort to stay awake until 8:30 or so. I fall asleep but then wake up and can’t get back to sleep for a couple of hours, so I get up and putter around, read or do something until I feel sleepy.

Week 38:

• Go shopping with hubby (and no kids!) for a pretty outfit to wear postpartum. Maybe a couple of those nursing dresses from Target? Also, pick up some supportive and stretchy undies for those first couple of months, and splurge on a pretty nursing bra. Go out to a nice lunch or dinner, something spicy like Indian. Or maybe Scalini’s, their Eggplant Parmesan has a reputation among local moms for triggering labor. (Who cares if it works, the food there is amazing.) Done. I ended up getting 2 of those dresses, which are super comfy now but will also fit me postpartum without looking dumpy, and have nursing openings.
• Get a pedicure. Must have pretty toes for birth!
• Prenatal appointment.   Done. Baby’s all good, all systems go.
• Wash newborn clothes and diapers. Fold everything, get it neatly arranged in dresser. Get all nesty.     Done. I have girl newborn clothes, boy newborn clothes, and neutral clothes. All washed, folded and ready to go. Just waiting for a baby to dress!
• Put my immediate postpartum clothing in my dresser. (Frequently make mental note: I will someday fit into my skinny clothes!)    Done.
• At this point I’m usually experiencing hot and heavy pre-labor “warmup” pains that deprive me of sleep. Take lots of hot baths with lavender, maybe 1/4 glass of red wine occasionally.     Actually, this is the first baby that I haven’t experienced lots of warmup contractions and cramps. I’m convinced it’s because of the magnesium/calcium supplement I’m taking. Magnesium and calcium both exert an effect on muscle tissue and regulate its contraction, so it makes sense. It’s a little disheartening because I feel like “nothing’s happening”, but then again it’s exhausting having lots of prewarmup labor. When labor does start, I’ll know it!

Previous updates:

• 30 Weeks
• 32 Weeks
• 34 Weeks
• 35 Weeks
• 36 Weeks
• 37 Weeks
• 37 Weeks with my last pregnancy
• 38 Weeks with my last pregnancy

As a side note, I’ve been reading birth stories when I find them online. Right now Mommypotamus is posting them on her site and is hosting a link up. I also publish birth stories here so if you’ve written yours, please email me and send it (along with any pics you want to include).