The Final Countdown

Since my last post my itching got worse but seems to be improving now. It got scary for a while because although itching can be normal in late pregnancy, it also can be related to something called cholestasis which can be very dangerous for the baby. I went for a blood test yesterday and found out today that I do not have cholestasis - phew!!! The itching seems to get worse at night and when I get hot, which is almost always now that I am in the last part of my pregnancy.

Today was my weekly appointment with Dr. Powar and most likely my last as a pregnant woman. He confirmed that there have been some changes to my cervix and I am now 1.5 cm dilated, 75% effaced, and the baby's head is "very low" which means that I am progressing but does not necessarily tell us how soon labor will begin. He said he would be surprised if I went past this weekend, but to call him on Monday if I haven't had the baby yet so we can talk about moving things along. Dr. Powar said the baby doesn't like it when I lay flat on my back so to be sure to sleep on one side or the other during these last few days - apparently his heart rate decreases slightly when I lay on my back.

As for me I have definitely been feeling like labor is closer and closer. I've been experiencing a lot of tightness, cramps and lower back aches, not to mention that I lost my "plug" last Friday. Chad and I are still walking every night although we try to stay a bit closer to home just in case of an emergency.

Today I went to a breastfeeding support group at El Camino Hospital, which is a free class open to the public every Tuesday at noon. There were three other moms there, two with young babies and another expecting mom. I learned a lot about how to wake up a sleepy baby to feed, the various nipple creams available, that I shouldn't freak out if my milk doesn't come in by day five, and how each baby is unique in their breastfeeding abilities. They also have a terrific store where they sell all sorts of nursing gear (bras, herbs, covers, etc.) and a library where you can check out books and DVD's on breastfeeding, childcare, delivery, etc. I checked out a few things, including the 'Happiest Baby on the Block' DVD. Chad and I just finished watching it so hopefully we're pros on the 5 S's - swaddle, side or stomach, swing, suck and shush. Then we watched the 'Baby Care' video and learned all about how to change a diaper, burp, bathe, feed and take care of the umbilical cord, among other useful techniques for taking care of a newborn. Chad is freaking out about how unprepared we are, but I think we're way more prepared than most. We will be fine!

Hopefully our next post will be photos of our little guy. Wish us luck!!!