Full Term- What Goes Up Doesn’t Always Come Down

We’ve probably all heard the expression “What goes up, must come down,” right? I’m frustrated to say in my case, this hasn’t been true.

I left my 36 week appointment floating on cloud nine. I was feeling good, well, except being almost 9 months pregnant, because I had another perfect visit. Not only was my blood pressure and baby’s heart rate right on track, I was also 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Yes! I was heading in the right direction for our plans to have this kiddo at 39 weeks.

This euphoria lasted one week. My next visit rolled around (37 weeks, full term, hello 9 months) and my blood pressure was high. Very high.

No! How, why? I’d been doing everything… resting, lots of water, taking it easy, low sodium diet. 

My doctor believes firmly in getting babies to at least 39 weeks when they have the best chance for being perfectly healthy (as is the recommendation of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine). She also believes in keeping her patients (me!!!) as healthy as possible. So, we needed a plan. I was only 37 weeks!

My doctor took me off work and put me onto bedrest from that appointment until after delivery. She also ordered some blood work and a 24 hour urine collection test. Oh fun. Ever had one of those? No? How lucky! Basically, you have to pee in a cup from the time you get up and every time after that for a full 24 hours. It goes in a collection jug that has to either stay in the fridge or a cooler with ice. I always knew I peed a LOT, but I was a little shocked to see exactly how much I go. I’m a big water drinker, though, so that’s to be expected. By the end of my 24 hours, I had collected 4 LITERS of urine.. that’s almost 17 cups… more than 1 gallon. WOW! When I turned in the collection this morning my lab technician was shocked. She laughed and said, “You weren’t joking, you DO go a lot!” She said the average is about 1-2 liters from most people. I guess I’m just an overachiever. 😀

My lovely urine jug (prior to starting test). Try not to be too jealous.

After turning that in and getting blood taken, it was time for the dreaded blood pressure test. I tried to keep my breathing calm and relaxed. Hard to do. My numbers were a little lower but still elevated. Next I was shown to a room and waited for the doctor to come do my exam.

The doctor came in and we chatted while she examined me. The baby had an excellent heart rate and was measuring perfectly. I’m 2 cm dilated, 60% effaced and baby has moved lower into pelvis. These things are really important because studies show that the risk of an induction resulting in a c-section is greatly reduced if certain criteria is met (at least 2 cm dilated, 50% effaced and at a -2 station). I definitely want to avoid a CS if at all possible, so this progress was very reassuring.

Now what? Well, we wait. Boo! I go back to the doctor in three days (July 16) for another check and the results from the urine collection test will be back. My doctor and I discussed what would need to happen based on the results:

1. If results from test are severe- we will schedule an induction for Friday or Saturday (17th-18th)
2. If results from test are moderate- we will schedule an induction for Monday (20th)
3. If results from test are average- we will schedule an induction for Wednesday (23rd)

Regardless, Wednesday July 23rd is the latest we will go before an induction so that this blood pressure nightmare can come to and end once and for all. I will be 39 weeks at that time. The doctor hopes to get me as close as possible to 39 weeks, but we also want to keep me and my belly buddy as safe and healthy as possible, so we will induce prior to that if needed. Basically it’s a risk vs. risk situation.

My IPs had already booked arrangements for arriving late on Monday, July 20th, so depending on the outcome this Thursday, they will reschedule their trip to arrive sooner. Them being here for the birth of their son is extremely important to all of us. This is the moment we’ve been working towards since that first meeting last September. 🙂

That’s what has been going on in my world. It’s crazy to realize that within the next 4-9 days this baby will be here and my role will be finished (except pumping in the hospital for him). I’m completely okay and at peace with that. I’m ready for the dads to be able to take over and their job as parents to begin. I AM anxious for delivery. It’s been almost nine years since my daughter was born, so this really feels like a first time delivery. LOL. I’m still hoping to go it as unmedicated as possible to help my body naturally progress. Given that it will be an induction, which I’ve heard can be a lot more painful, we will just see how my plan goes. I don’t feel any need to be a super warrior woman and birth this baby without an epi if I decide I need one. As long as baby and I are safe and healthy, how he comes into the world doesn’t matter.

I’ll update Thursday and let you lovelies know when Mr. Surro Dude’s planned debut will be!!!