There is nothing like an unexpected cervical swab to jumpstart one's morning, really. I had my Group B strep test today, as well as some bloodwork- the nurse told me this was probably the last time they'd have to draw blood, which was good, since I got totally dizzy and nearly fainted, an experience I have not had since a SigEp blood drive my freshman year of college. And this time I had no empty stomach to blame.
My weight is back up to where it was 6 weeks ago, keeping my overall weight gain at 20 pounds. Which is good, because my doctor pointed out that "Boy, it seems like it is going to be any day now- March is just around the corner" and then said the best thing I could do was to not have too heavy of a baby. I thought about asking if she thought I should take up smoking and then figured best not to joke.
I also asked her about whether or not I needed a birth plan, and she said it was totally up to me, but that as a rule she didn't do episiotomies and thought that if the pain was severe, it was 2007, and it was worth going for the epidural. And that since that was in line with what I had been thinking anyway, I am thinking no birth plan will be necessary. She suggested rather than stress out too much about labor, I should to take what I'd learned in the class and file it away but mainly I should remember the following key points:
-drink at least a liter of water once labor begins, and have the house stocked with clear beverages, including apple juice and cranberry juice or popsicles in preparation
-call her as soon as the contractions were 5 minutes apart for an hour or so and then head to the hospital
and then spend the rest of my time reading up on infant care. (I didn't tell her I was way ahead of the game on that.)
I am still not sure I am ready to raise a baby, but I do feel like I am as prepared to give birth to one as I'll ever be.
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