November 17th.
Well, it's here. The day I've been keeping a secret (maybe not so successfully?) for 9 months. There were two reasons for our secrecy:
#1. Due dates are misnomers- babies gestate for anywhere from 38-42 weeks on average (with babies coming earlier and even much later). So really, baby is not so much "due" today as he is due this month. Most people don't see it this way though....
#2. I really don't like the pressure people put on pregnant mamas to pop the baby out by a certain time. Everyone gets antsy, people start fear-mongering as if your body doesn't know what it's doing (::eye roll::), and they even start throwing around the dreaded "I" word (induction). Like I have said before- asking me when he is coming isn't helping him come faster.
Since people are already bothering me (really- you're all lovely and I know you're excited, but seriously....) I figure I failed in one of my original objectives.
But!
Not focusing on the due date did wonders for us emotionally. We don't put much, if any, stock in it and that has given us great perspective throughout our pregnancy. Despite intellectually knowing that the EDD doesn't mean much during our first pregnancy, it was still difficult knowing the date had passed- especially with hospital induction policies hanging over our heads, which thankfully we DO NOT have this time. Nobody is going to force my baby out, and I feel really, really, really great about that. Whenever we were asked when we were due throughout this pregnancy we replied "November" or "mid-November". That's really what we think- we weren't just being obstinate. Also, please note that it is still November. Baby isn't "late"- he's going to come right on time. ;-)
I feel much, much more at peace this time and a lot of it has to do with my perspective. Babies really do come when they are ready (don't listen to the fear-mongering). My body really does know how and when to go into labor. And though I really don't want a Thanksgiving baby, I'll be happy with whenever he decides to come.
....Not that we're not trying to encourage that to happen- I got a massage and hiked up a small volcano (seriously) today. Am I hopeful that any of those things will get labor started? Meh. Not really. But we had fun celebrating the day anyway.
My midwife appointment yesterday was great. We did an non-stress test (I "need" more monitoring now because I'm at term and have gestational diabetes). Baby was napping but he did wake up a few times in order to pass the test. We talked about how I'm feeling, and then did a cervical check. I won't share the details (you're welcome) but I was encouraged by my progress, and baby is at -1 station (very low but not technically "engaged" which is normal). I might have a fast labor after all (fingers crossed!)
If still pregnant, we have a BPP (biophysical profile) Friday, and another NST on Monday. We'll have another on Wednesday if I make it to my next prenatal appointment. So we're monitoring baby's health every 2-3 days. I'm glad to be checking in with him, but frankly I know he is doing well. Whatever. We'll get a peek at his sweet little face tomorrow, so I can't complain.
SO, yep I'm still pregnant. Baby is doing great. And today was our due date, which really means absolutely nothing at all ;-P
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