Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Doctor's appointment update

This morning I spent 2 hours at the doctor's office for my 38 week visit (although I'm only 37 weeks 5 days right now).

First they took my blood pressure which was 134/90. The nurse didn't mention any concerns about that at the time. After that she hooked me up for a nonstress test. The baby did a good job moving when we wanted him to and his heartrate was in the 130s to 150s which was perfect.

I then sat and waited for the doctor for quite a while. When he came in, he measured, pushed on my belly, and did an exam. He was pleased that my measurements were on target and his guess was that the baby will be in the 8-9lb range when he is born. Again, it was good to hear that Baby Kerbs isn't going to arrive looking like a toddler!

The doctor said that I am at 2 cm and 70% effaced. He said that is a great place to be especially since he does not want to see me go past my due date at all. He seemed to think that I will probably go into labor before my due date. I guess that remains to be seen!

After all that the doctor asked me to lay on my side for a few minutes because he wanted to re-evaluate my blood pressure. Fifteen minutes later they came back and my blood pressure was 122/79. They felt that was better but still expressed worry about the possibility of me developing preeclampsia. The doctor asked me a bunch of questions about my job and said he would like me to quit today. I argued with him a little bit because I think I will do LESS physical activity at work than I would at home. He said I don't have to go on "bedrest" but to take it easy as much as possible. The compromise was that I would finish out this week of work but start maternity leave next week. I'm a little disappointed about that, but I agree that we need to do whatever we can to prevent my blood pressure from getting up into the dangerous range.

By Friday I have to get some blood work and another ultrasound then I go back to see the doctor next Tuesday morning. So, that's the update for right now.

8 comments:

Cat said...

He's on his way! I'm so excited! I hope your boss is cool about you quitting early... I'm just thrilled he's almost here!

Kimmy said...

i was wondering when you start maternity leave. please take it easy. i can't believe your newborn is gonna be bigger than my 1 month old! i bet you'll have the baby this weekend.

Helena said...

Getting close--that's so exciting! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

You know, Tala's Birthday is this Saturday. I do believe it's a good day to have a baby. wink wink.

jinxi~ aka angi said...

oooo sounds like things are getting down to the wire. Do as he says.. take it easy sweets. And big hugs!

Have you gotten your bag packed? ;)

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

Yay! He's on his way (or maybe even here by now) Good luck with everything! :)

UnseasonablyWarm said...

You may not want to hear this, but I had my son at 37 weeks and 6 days! He was an 8 pounder too! I had him 3/17/04. I thought I was going to be induced on the 19th. I was so glad he came on his own. Those little piggy babies! lol

UnseasonablyWarm said...

I also meant to say, if the doctor is so worried about you taking it easy or quittin gyour job, he should break your water and induce you the DAY you hit 38 weeks (which is in 2 days!) Then problem solved! I was due to be induced at 38 weeks on.the.dot with my second pregnancy (there were a lot of problems in that pregnancy so I wasn't going to go a day passed 38 weeks. Thankfully, he came on his own 1-2 days before that). Some docs are pretty much like they say in Juno - Satists who enjoy watching others suffer.