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May 20, 2005
Baby watch, day 10
We're past our due date 10 days. There have been some contractions, but they have only come in spurts. We have been told to not wait more than 2 weeks to induce labor if the process does not start on its own. At this stage of the pregnancy, every week in the womb is 1 additional pound added to the baby's weight. Not the best thing for poor Jenn, who has to pass the baby out of her.
We've gone to 3 checkups since the due date has passed. Two have been sets of tests at Alta Bates. The amniotic fluid level checks out, and the ultrasounds show that everything is alright. One has been with our backup OB/GYN, as our primary had a vacation scheduled starting on our due date (great timing). So when we saw her on Tuesday, she pronounced us alright, and scheduled us for induction tomorrow. Well, actually today.
As soon as we wake up later this morning, we will be calling in to get a timeslot from the hospital. It seems a little strange, to wait 10 months for the process to happen naturally, and to finally, at the very end, give it a kickstart. I wonder if we were to let this go on naturally, when baby would decide to make an appearance. I hope this doesn't hurt the baby somehow, although I have been assured multiple times that this is not the case. They are just going to break the water first, to see if that starts the labor contractions. If not, then they'll start giving some pitocin.
So either sometime tomorrow, or on Saturday, we will be new parents. I guess we already are, but we'll be coming home with a child, a new presence to welcome to our house. The baby's bed is ready, the bassinet/playpen right next to our bed. We have boxes upon boxes of diapers. The baby's room is in a state of near-livableness (if you don't count the fact that the crib mattress is supposed to arrive tomorrow)
Everyone tends to ask if we're ready. My normal response is, "Do we have a choice?" At this point, I think we're as ready as we can be. I can't wait to meet my child.
Posted by spoof747 at May 20, 2005 12:27 AM