WEEK 36
The past few weeks have been quite busy when it comes to
prepping for baby. During week 36 we attended an AMAZING natural birth class by
doula and childbirth educator, Elizabeth Schwartz. The class was both
informative and entertaining; so much so that my husband could not stop saying
on the way home how awesome the class was and how excited he was for our birth.
Yes, the class was THAT good! We learned so much about prenatal care, the
stages of labor, comfort measures to help deal with the discomfort as well as a
few breastfeeding tips. Best of all, my hubby learned how HE could help! We
both walked out excited, with a better understanding on what to expect when
labor day comes and feeling more prepared and ready to go. Best class ever!? I
think so!
Week 36 also marked the start of my weekly prenatal visits.
My wonderful birth team decided to visit me at home for this week, allowing my
husband and I time to get to know them all and how they work together. All I
have to say is, I have a wonderful team by my side. Add in my husband and I
have a feeling I am going to be well taken care of….and also thoroughly
entertained.
During my appointment we did the normal check-up routine
PLUS an iron test. What we discovered from the results of my iron test completely shocked me. My iron was low. REALLY
LOW. As you may have recalled at the beginning of my pregnancy, my iron levels
were great; something I contributed to my beautiful, plant-based diet. However,
I guess the lack of interest in green smoothies and juices throughout this
pregnancy led to a serious iron deficiency. It made sense too. The low iron
explained why I was so tired all the time and why I exhausted so easily.
Naturally, this concerned us all and so we discussed my plan of action: take
desiccated grass-fed beef liver along with Vitamin C and Floradix Iron and
Herbs. Then, in a week or two, we would draw my blood and check my levels
again.
It worried me that my levels were so low, so I was
determined to bring them up. I started consuming daily 3 tablets or 2,000mg of desiccated
liver along with Vitamin C, 20ml of Floradix and my multi-vitamin. The results?
I felt better. WAY better! I had energy again. Too much actually! It was crazy
how quickly I began to feel more lively and energetic and my midwife even
stated my overall look improved. I have to admit, I was in denial that I could be
deficient in iron – especially on a plant based diet – but when your blood
volume doubles and you have to provide iron for you AND another human being,
it’s silly NOT to think that a deficiency is possible. Lesson learned for sure.
As for my other results:
- Urine: Okay. Some proteins, but overall good.
- Weight: 150 lbs
- Baby’s Position: ROA or Rt Occiput Position (YEAH!!! An improved position for sure!)
- Measuring: 36 cm (Perfect since I was 36 wks, 4 days)
We also discussed the multiple procedures that are performed
on babies in the hospital and the options I had for each. My midwife provided
us with a binder filled with information on each procedure, including the risks
and benefits for each option, and encouraged us to read it prior to making our
decisions. While I already knew which option I would choose, I still read each
and every article. I was surprised by how much I DIDN’T know about each
procedure. While my decisions ultimately remained the same, I feel way more informed, able to
back up my decision should anyone question it.
The procedures in question included:
- Vitamin K shot
- Eye Ointment
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
While I opted to NOT have all three done, it’s important that all expecting parents become informed of the benefits and risks of having and not having the procedure done. An informed decision is a confident decision.
Last but not least we received and went over our birthing supply list. While we had most of the items already lying around the house, it was important that we had them all prepped and ready to be used. We purchased any items we didn’t have lying around the house (such as depends, haha!) and put together our birthing supply basket. Now, when the day arrives, everything will be available and easily accessible.
Before my team left, they dropped off one last item, the one thing I would need most for birth day: the birthing pool! The moment my hubby and I saw it, we realized this was it! Baby could be coming any day now! All of sudden, we both were in preparation mode. The nesting stage had finally hit.
WEEK 37
During week 37, my husband and I did some major baby
shopping and continued prepping for birth day and baby’s arrival. That week my
birthing kit had also arrived, full of everything my midwife would need to help
me through labor, delivery and post-partum. Since it was the week before
Christmas and the week before my last day in the office at work, I didn’t focus
too much on baby; which was fine because it made the week fly by pretty fast!
My 37 week appointment was pretty routine and simple. Baby
was still in the right position and my vitals were looking good. My midwife was
pleased to see that instead of looking ghostly and tired I was looking lively
and rosy cheeked; a sign that my iron levels must have significantly improved.
Overall things were looking great and we were all excited that I had finally reached
37 weeks because it meant my midwife was legally allowed to deliver my baby at
home. Any earlier and I would have had to go to a hospital. Whew.
During this appointment we tested for GBS aka Group B
Strep, a bacterial colonization that can be found in a pregnant woman’s vagina
and rectum. Women who test positive for GBS may possibly pass the infection on
to their baby, which can cause a variety of complications if not quickly
treated. Most physicians recommend antibiotics during delivery to prevent baby from contracting an infection however, there
are alternatives to getting rid of GBS prior to delivery. The Wellness Mama wrote a great article
on GBS and the protocol she used to get rid of it and to prevent it in
future pregnancies. Thankfully, a few days after my appointment, my midwife
delivered the good news that my results came back negative. Thank you kombucha, raw garlic and coconut oil!
As for my vitals:
- Urine: Still detecting trace proteins
- Weight: 151 lbs
- Blood Pressure: 119/75
- Heart Rate: 62
- Measured: 37cm
- Baby’s HR: Strong
- Baby’s Position: Head down :D
WEEK 38
During week 38 the need to nest hit me with full force. I spent the entire weekend cleaning the house from top to bottom and getting baby’s room ready. I cleaned every single baby item that I could and put them all away. My husband and I prepared the birthing room aka the upstairs foyer with seating, blankets, my birthing ball, birthing kit, supplies, pool, etc as well as our room with baskets filled with baby essentials waiting to be used once baby arrives. I had such a need to get things done that my husband struggled to get me to sit down and watch a movie. I finally obliged to watching one movie with my family, but as soon as it was done I was back to cleaning and organizing. By the time the weekend was over, I had everything in its perfect place. Now all I had left to do was wait; and play with my new 100% covered by insurance, Medela breast pump. Wohoo! Finally, my insurance is good for something!
My week 38 appointment was again, routine. Nothing new to
discuss or report.
- Urine: Trace proteins....still. I give up.
- Weight: 155lbs (Wowzers! Four pounds in one week!)
- Blood Pressure: 109/74
- Measured: 37cm (I gain 4lbs but still measure 37cm!? Weird)
- Baby’s HR: Strong
- Baby’s Position: ROA
Week 38 also marked the beginning of my pre-maternity leave
leave. Thanks to my fabulous boss and co-workers, I started working from home
full-time, giving me more time to relax, rest and prepare. In my opinion, the weeks
leading up to birthing day are just as important as the 6 weeks post-partum.
During those final weeks mom-to-be should find every way possible to disconnect
with work and the obligations of everyday life and begin to rest, relax and
connect with baby and body as she preps for labor and delivery. I know it’s not
always possible for everyone to work from home or to avoid every duty required
by mom-to-be especially if she has other children, but if she can find any way
to make her day just a little bit less stressful than I have no doubts birthing
day will go a lot smoother.
With the birthing room prepped, baby room organized, and
everything in its place, all I can do now is rest, relax and wait for baby and
body to begin their labor dance. I have a feeling someone is going to be like
her sister and wait til her exact due dated to arrive. We shall see…
As for the other parts of my pregnancy:
DIET
My diet has been all over the place the past few weeks. Some days I have no appetite; others I can’t get enough to eat. I’ve been enjoying lots of fruits, specifically berries, bananas and oranges for breakfast along with coconut yogurt and oatmeal. For lunch, quinoa salads are still a staple. As for dinner, cooked greens, curried veggies with quinoa, and other cooked veggies are always a go to. For snacks, hummus, Mary’s Gone Crackers Pretzels, veggie sticks, fruit, dates and almond butter just to name a few. To drink, lots of water, NORA tea, kombucha and Natural Calm for magnesium. Nom nom!Cravings: Chocolate, greens, lemon, and seafood.
EXERCISE
Walking lot a boss! I walk once or twice a day for at least 30 minutes with my pup. I also chase him around a bit every morning. In the evening, I try and stretch as much as I can to ease some of the pelvic pain and leg cramps.SYMPTOMS
In the past few weeks, my belly has grown quite a lot. The extra weight has caused a lot of pressure on my back, hips and legs leading to more aches and pains. The worst part is, the aches and pain come mostly at night when I’m lying down resulting in a night of tossing, turning and no sleep. Some nights are better than others. It seems to all depend on how active I am during the day. The more active I am, the more nighttime aches and pains. I’ve tried stretching, pillow support, supplements, nothing works. Relief just comes as it pleases. Ugh. The joys of pregnancy! Other symptoms have included constant hunger, stronger Braxton hicks contractions and of course, the urge to nest which usually comes with a nice energy boost. Can’t complain about that! J
38 weeks down 2 more to go! At least I hope I only have 2
weeks left! But hey, can’t rush perfection right ;)
