Week 39

So here's the 39th week mark.
Honestly, I do not know how I managed to get this far.
I have mixed feelings.
But not all entirely of labour pains and delivery.
More of how I'll be coping.
And few more life-strains we're having at the moment.
I know they say not to stress yourself out especially this far in pregnancy.
It's not good for both me and the baby, but really, I can't help it anymore.
They say, try to relax and calm down. Ugh! I think I've been doing so a lot! Sure doesn't make the problem go away, huh.

Few people have sms and called to ask if baby's out yet. Though I appreciate the concern, it doesn't help with the pressure. Don't you think I want the baby out already!! How about ringing up and ask if I need help cleaning the house or do the laundry or loan me 10,000 dollars! That would be nice. Of course I smiled and laughed and talked about other things. But really, there are people offering help and those who did, I can't thank you enough. Truly, the friends you are.

Mommy's feeling:
My ligaments are sore.
From neck to knees, muscles ache.
Anxious for my parents' arrival.
Tired.
Will I be able to cope?
Exhilirating.
Am starting to feel the pressure.

Week 39: The waiting game...

Fetal development in pregnancy week 39: Fetus in ninth month Whether you give birth tomorrow or next week, it's pretty much all the same for your baby, who is now truly R-E-A-D-Y to face the big bright world outside of your womb. Speaking of wombs, your body is priming up for the big moment and hopefully, you're as prepared mentally as you can be. Your baby is well stocked up on fat, all their organs have put on the finishing touches. Here's hoping your child is already in the birthing position and basically just "hanging out" waiting for that elusive moment when all sysytems synchronize in your body to trigger the labor process.

And how's mom doing? We know you're antsy for the big moment, but let's step back a minute and talk about what it takes to get to the point where you’re finally holding your sweet little miracle in your arms. Are you mentally ready to embark on the oh-so-fun adventures of labor? Take a moment to review all your preparations for handling the pain (breathing techniques etc.). Don't forget you're going to have some physical signs prior to labor: 1) you'll lose the mucous plug sometime before labor sets in, 2) the good ol' water breaking (doesn't happen to all women), 3) and finally, before the contractions kick in, it's likely you'll see some brownish-red discharge in your underwear-- charmingly called "bloody show."

And how about all those little details? Have you got yourself a back-facing infant seat for the ride home? Is their adorable "first outfit" all packed up? Where's that list of family and friends you're going call with the happy news? Do NOT forget the camera!!! If you're giving birth at the hospital, don't forget socks, they always over air-condition the place. Also, if you're not having a home birth, bring your pillow, you know it's better and comfier than anything they're going to provide for you. Lastly, have you ironed out all the details of your birth plan with your caregiver? It's best to clarify all your preferences prior to serious labor, because once you're puffing like, well, a woman in labor, it's highly unlikely you're going to have the presence of mind to talk it out clearly.

Tweak a little here and voila: Insta-baby!
by The Sarcastic Journalist

Just like there are old wives tales for determining the gender of the baby, there are tales for how to get labor started. If you’ve made it to 39 weeks and haven’t had a baby yet, expect to start hearing them soon.

For some reason, the thought of an impending birth makes women think they have the right to tell you what to do to get things moving. I can’t tell you how many times someone called me, insisting that their aunt drank castor oil before going into labor.

So, let me get this straight…you want me to have the runs?

Then there’s the whole “nipple stimulation” thing. I had a friend that pumped her boobs one night and then went into labor a few hours later. So, when it was time for me to have my first child, out came the breast pump. I put it to the boob and pumped. Nothing happened. I pumped some more. I tweaked. I tweaked the right, then the left, then both. I tweaked up and then pumped down.

Still, nothing happened. I wanted to cry. I probably really did cry. The deal is this: I was scared to have a baby, but I was so tired of being pregnant that I would do anything to get it over with. But, when I actually went through with trying to start having the baby, nothing worked.

A lady I had just met asked me if I had tried sex. When is it acceptable to meet someone and say “So, have you humped your husband recently?”

NO.

I looked at her and rolled my eyes, stating that the carnal act would have to wait until a human being had exited my body. I don’t know about you, but getting it on isn’t very fun when a little person’s head is firmly rammed into your crotch.