Woohoo
ladies, for those of you remaining, you are forty weeks
now. Most women give birth by their due date but it
is perfectly normal to go as long as two weeks past
your estimated due date. Actually, as many as ten percent
of pregnancies go past 42 weeks. So if you are still
hanging around reading our newsletter, don’t despair,
you are not alone. We are dedicating this newsletter
to all of you gals that are waiting around for your
content and cosey, or slightly stubborn, little guys
or girls to make their arrivals. We are going to discuss
some of the things you can do to help pass the time
when you are overdue and discuss some of the tests you
may be given to check on your baby’s well-being.
Baby:
Your baby is due this week. The average full
term baby weighs around 7 and a half pounds and is about
20 inches long. Your baby is ready to be born any day
now. Mom: Your baby should be born any day
now. You may be having more contractions, more vaginal
discharge, and more discomfort. If you have contractions
at night try to rest even if you can’t sleep.
Labor sometimes starts overnight and being sleep deprived
can make labor more exhausting. Try to rest as much
as you can even if you are having difficulty sleeping.
This
week’s Pregnancy Checklist
Make
sure your cell phone is charged.
Make
sure you have arrangements for child care and pet
care.
Throw
some scrunchies or ponytail holders in your hospital
bag.
Make
sure your camera battery is charged.
Go
over your birth plans with your partner.
Take
a new belly picture for your scrapbook or journal.
Tests
to Monitor Baby’s Well-being
If
you go past your due date your doctor may want to monitor
your baby’s well-being. Here is some information
on some of the tests your doctor may perform if your pregnancy
goes overdue. Kick count - Your doctor may
have your record how many movements your baby is making.
There are several methods for doing kick counts but one
of the common methods is the the Cardiff Count to Ten
method. With this method you monitor your baby’s
movements and record them on paper. You mark your first
movement and the time and then continue marking movements
until you get to ten. Record the time when you reach ten
kicks. As a general guide, it should take no more than
two hours to feel ten movements. Non-stress Test - During a non-stress
test you will have two belts placed around your abdomen,
one monitors your baby’s heart rate, the other monitor’s
contractions. While the test is running a paper will print
out showing your baby’s heart rate and your contractions.
You will be given a button and instructed to press the
button each time you feel your baby kick. Pressing the
button will create a mark on the paper print out that
your doctor can review. By monitoring your baby’s
heart rate, and his reaction to your contractions and
his own movements, your doctor can gain insight into your
baby’s well-being. Biophysical Profile - This test
is similar to the non-stress test. It combines the electronic
monitoring of the non-stress test with an ultrasound.
Your doctor will monitor your baby’s heart rate,
movements, muscle tone, breathing, and also the amount
of amniotic fluid around your baby. Contraction Stress Test - A
contraction stress test may be given to see how your baby
responds to contractions. The test is similar to the non-stress
test, as you will have two belts placed over your abdomen
for monitoring, but you will also be given pitocin (a
synthetic hormone that brings on contractions) intravenously.
Because there is a chance that your baby will not tolerate
contractions well you will be instructed not to eat before
the procedure in the event that your baby needs to be
delivered by emergency csection.
Tips for Coping with an Overdue Pregnancy
If
you are still reading our newsletter, you may be getting
discouraged, emotional, or depressed waiting for your
baby to arrive. Your due date is just a guide right? But
for some reason that magical date is what you set up as
your mental count down day in your head, when that day
comes and goes, it can make you feel disappointed, moody
or irritable. Knowing that plenty of moms, especially
first time moms, go over their due date, probably isn’t
making you feel any better. Here are some tips for surviving
an overdue pregnancy. Distractions - Try to find something each day to keep
you busy. Rent movies, invite some friends over, or spend some time on one of
your favorite hobbies. Try to keep your mind off of things, even if it only keeps
you occupied for little segments of time. Staying busy will help you to pass the
time and keep you from constantly thinking about your pregnancy. Try natural methods of inducing labor - Sex, walking,
or drinking cinnamon tea may help to bring on labor. There are also some other
natural methods that you can use to bring on labor but it is best to talk to your
doctor before you try anything like herbs or castor oil, even if it is a natural
method. Take naps and rest - You are probably tired and uncomfortable.
Try to rest and take naps if you can. Resting will make you feel better and may
help you to fight off any negative feelings you are having. Talk to your doctor - If you are feeling depressed,
uncomfortable, or just ready to have your baby, talk to your doctor. Some doctors
are more open to labor induction than others but many doctors will induce your
labor if your cervix is favorable. If your doctor or midwife isn’t agreeable
to induction she may be willing to strip your membranes or advise other methods
to help you induce labor. Do some baby shopping - Go do some last minute baby
shopping. Buy something special for your baby or your baby’s room. A little
mini-shopping spree might be just the trick to lift your spirits and help you
pass the time at the end of your pregnancy.
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