37 weeks!

I am officially considered full term but going into labor is the last thing I want right now. I saw my midwives this past Wednesday July 18th, and they estimated her weight was around 4 lbs and I was measuring 29 cm!!! This was the last thing I wanted to hear! I never imagined she would be so small at 37 weeks. My husband and I decided that day to have an ultrasound and see a Dr. to get his opinion on still having a home birth as long as I dont go into labor before shes about 5 lbs. So we dropped off the kids with Erica and drove to downtown atl to check on our baby girl. The midwives amaze me with their ability to just palpate and estimate her fetal weight within ounces!! The ultrasound said she was 4 lbs 3 oz! It has been an emotional few days dealing with this news and praying I don't go into labor and praying that baby girl hits a growth spurt so I can still have my home birth. I have been extremely proactive about taking in 100 grams of protein or more per day per my midwives recommendations. I don't know why but I just keep doubting that this will make her gain weight. Maybe its a lack of trusting my body after having 2 other small babies, but nonetheless I am gulping protein shakes and choking down protein bars. I will do everything I can to make her grow from this point on.

The dr said a home birth was still okay, but recommended close monitoring until labor came. He wants me to come back weekly for nonstress tests and maybe another ultrasound in a few weeks. I'm not sure we will be going back. He said that it was up to us and if we decided not to be monitored by him to make sure and constantly do kick counts and keep my appts with the midwives to monitor her growth. Not only have I dreamed about a home birth for 9 months now but the midwives are finally paid off and we have everything gathered for a home birth and our birth pool arrived a few days ago. I will be devastated to not get the birth i've been planning for so long.

I have to say my husband has been a HUGE support through this all. I was certain after hearing her weight had slowed that he would say absolutely not to still having a home birth but he has so much faith and hope that she will gain weight and we can still have her at home. He has been extremely helpful and encouraging with me counting my grams of protein everyday.

not only has this been emotional to learn that my body is having a hard time growing a baby for the 3rd time but I worry about our little girl. I want more than anything for her to arrive into this world safely whatever that takes. I couldn't be more thankful that she's such an active little girl so I know that she's doing okay.

It may be too much to ask or pray for but I see the MW again this next Wednesday and I would love for her to be 5 lbs! that would be fast growth but then at least I wouldn't have to worry so much about being sent to the hospital if I went into labor.

If she still seems to be around 4 lbs I think I may just lose it right there. that would be awful :( I guess I'll update again wednesday!

35 weeks!!

Not much new to report, thankfully this pregnancy has gone pretty smoothly the past few weeks! I am 35 weeks now and had my home visit today with the midwives! It went really well. It was so strange discussing my birth plans in detail, I still feel like I have a long way to go, but hopefully these last 5 weeks or so will fly by! Im so ready to meet this baby girl! Justin and I have yet to name her! We are so indecisive! I really want her to have a name before she gets here though. The midwifes today predicted her to be around 4-4.5 lbs, which is a little small still but not bad for 35 weeks! I am measuring very small though. I was measuring 28 cm today! So strange. Erica and I will be ordering the birth tub very soon and I can't wait for that to arrive! I have felt great though and have had very little complaints. Heart burn has been pretty bad but other than that I feel pretty good! Justin and I have been trying to take walks in the morning before it gets too hot. We take our short walk and then the kids play on the play ground. I have gained the most weight I have gained in any of my other pregnancies and It will not be fun to try and shed! I have gained around 25 lbs. By the time she arrives I will be huge!

I cant be more excited that we are planning a home birth though. I know natural labor will be difficult but It is the best thing for baby girl and I.

My favorite things these days is relaxing in the evening and crocheting, watching tv with my big glass of water full of ice. I have also gotten in the habit of taking a long warm bath every night and I think that helps to keep my muscles from being too sore.