Preparing for birth

[Ombeline]

I actually reconsidered and signed up for a few group prep classes with a friend this week because she said the midwife giving them was great, but I can't go anymore. Even without classes, I feel much better about giving birth now that both twins are head down, ready for takeoff. We would still probably have tried a vaginal birth even if little man had stayed transverse but this means an even better chance of avoiding a c-s. They just seem to be in a hurry to get out and it's not time yet, so the mothership (that's what my husband calls me now) has to lie around on the couch from now on. I really want to get to 36 weeks. But 6 weeks of bedrest? Ugh. My body has already created a groove on the couch cushions and it's only been 2 days.

[g0dd3ss13]

well, I am sorry to hear about the banishment to the couch. Although, the news about your little bundles turning head down is great. I am happy for you.

My little one has 2 more days to go before I get to see him again. I am hopeful to get a clear view of fingers and toes. Time to get breakfast on the table before my husband shoos off to work.

[Ombeline]

2 days, cool! Let us know how it goes. Don't you love those ultrasound dates? My husband and I are always so excited. He's especially eager, in fact, I guess because I get a lot more contact with them on a daily basis and this gives him a peek into the kicks and squirms I feel. He's usually uptight about his work schedule but he somehow always makes time to come with me for those. We get to see our "twinlets" on Friday morning for a 1-hour growth u/s. I'm doubly happy about going because it'll be my next authorized outing. I miss going outside. It's so sunny and spring-like all of a sudden.

I know the babies are doing well so because the OB had a quick look at them the other day, so no real anxiety about their growth, just pure fun! The radiologist is really nice and always prints us out an amazing 4D portrait of each baby to take home. However, she'll also measure my cervix afterwards and if it's changed again I'm supposed to go straight to the hospital from her office.

[g0dd3ss13]

Thanks I will, and hopefully I will have a picture to post to share as well.

*fingers crossed
Here's hoping you get to go home and lay up comfortably.

Yes, I love the Ultrasound dates. It is awesome when you get to see your little guy, girl or in your case 'twinlets' , squirming around. I have only done the basic u/s but it is still amazing.

1 Hour huh? I am very jealous. I would love to be able to stare at him for an hour. Like the rest of the ladies here, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my bundle. I can't wait to look into those beautiful eyes. Although, I am relishing the extra hours of sleep in the morning right now. *smirk
My husband and I went to the gardening store yesterday to get a few flowers for me and a Barbeque pit for him to welcome Spring. I think he is really looking forward to grilling for the relatives that are planning to visit after the birth.
I am grateful for the gardening oportunity. Things grow well in California.

Wow, I have been ranting for awhile. I think I will call my sister.

[Ombeline]

It's getting closer and closer, everyone. Soon our babies will be here.

Since I might get stuck in the hospital with no internet any day now, I'm making up a list of email addresses for my husband. He'll add them to the list of family and friends to notify when the babies are born, for example, or to explain what's up if I just disappear for 3 or 4 weeks. Cass, I tried to send you a PM but you can't receive them.

What you do think, gals? I changed my user preferences so I can receive private messages, so any of you who would like to exchange email addresses with me can contact me (don't forget to change your own settings to be able to send & receive messages).

[Cassagc]

Wierd, I thought I had enabled messages. I'll have to go back in and see what I can do...

[anikalucy]

Hi. I am expecting my 4th (possibly last) baby on May 23, 2010. Until yesterday I felt great, calm, pain-free. My baby is moving constantly, but up until yesterday it did not bother me, just the opposite - I am thrilled to feel her kicks and know that she is alive and growing. Well, yesterday (a day after my regular OB checkup) I started having contractions. 30 minutes apart, but very intense. I got scared. So I called the OB and he suggested some bed rest and a glass of wine to calm down the contractions. Luckily, they went away on its own a little after I went to bed. I would have loved to carry my baby girl to term and am very scared of pre-term delivery. Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to avoid a pre-term?

[Ombeline]

Anikalucy, if you're worried about preterm labor you should take it easy, really rest for a few days--I mean spend as much time lying on your side as possible, not doing any of the stuff that provokes contractions, like sitting up a lot (puts the same pressure on the cervix as standing), standing or lifting things. And drink lots and lots of water. It's a good sign that it went away after you went to bed. I'm still having contractions every 10-15 minutes while on bedrest and meds and it's definitely scary. If it comes back and you are having strong and regular contractions despite resting like this, then I'd call the doctor again, at least to keep him aware. It's too early to have your baby right now!

[anikalucy]

It'll be my fourth, but the thought of labor still makes me anxious. I feel huge, now at 212 lbs (normally around 160). That's a lot of gain just for one baby. With prior labors lasting less than 2 hours (longer if epidural), I fear there may not be time to get to the hospital (30 min. from home). Plus, I don't drive anymore, so have to wait for hubby to come from work or a cab. Plus, if this happens at night, would have to worry about the 2 older kids going to a sitter. No extended family in town. My mom says, God never sends us a gift of life without the means to sustain it. I pray that I see these "means" when the need comes. You'd think by now I would recognize the diff between baby moves and contractions. Often time I don't. Seems like my baby girl is moving and stretching all the time. I get maybe couple braxton hicks during the day and maybe 1 at night. Keeping my fingers crossed that I'll recognize the real deal early enough to get to the hospital.

[g0dd3ss13]

My prayers are with you Anikalucy.
You look very happy in the picture.
I still don't know if I am experiencing Braxton Hicks or if Samuel is just stretching really hard. I have been told that women like myself who experience very painful menstral cramps often don't recognize labor pains until well into active labor. Do you have any advice on the first few minutes with my new bundle?