The last pre-baby note to family...

40 weeks down, 0 to go! Can't believe we are finally here. Just
waiting. Here is this week's update. Sort of funny - I usually get 2
updates on my computer each week - this one below and one other and then
I just combine them. This week, the other update was all about the
first few days home with your newborn - I'm off the list there! Anyway,
still feeling fine. Have Doc appts 2x a week now - so I go again on
Tuesday. Tuesday we will discuss induction (see below) and if we do
decide to go with induction and the baby does not arrive, it will be on
Sunday/Monday (Yes, that's right Mark and Dad - your birthdays! A third
generation!). Pros of induction - baby will not get too big to come out
without a C-Section; cons of induction - more complications typically.
We'll keep you posted! Here is the update:



You've made it to your due date. Congratulations!

Oh, no... You've passed your due date! In just one week, you've probably
experienced a host of emotions. It is natural for you to feel let down
if your due date goes by with nary a contraction. But stay optimistic.
Soon you'll be holding your new baby in your arms!

Remember that 95 percent of babies are born either in the two-week
period before or after their due date.

Women frequently ask their care providers to consider induction when
"overdue" by several days to a week. Although it is tempting, this is a
decision that must be carefully considered and discussed with your
partner and your care provider. Induction requires a lengthier time in
the hospital and more opportunity for intervention. The use of monitors
and most often the use of an IV is required. Freedom of movement is
limited in some environments. Research supports the fact that induction
can lead to a higher incidence of Cesarean section and fetal distress.

Each care provider has specific instructions about when to call and when
to come into the birthing center or hospital, as well as what to eat or
drink in early labor. If no instructions have been provided, now is the
time to ask for them. Usually care providers want to see you when your
contractions are regular and less than four to five minutes apart.

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

A full-term baby may weigh as little as five pounds or may be as large
as 10 to 11 pounds! The average size of babies in the U.S. is about six
pounds. Nutrition, maternal health and genetics all play an important
part in determining your baby's weight. Most babies are about 20 to 21
inches long.
Your baby is now ready for the world. Imagine your baby's journey out of
the warm watery cozy womb into the cold dry environment of home or
hospital. He or she leaves a world where every need is instantly
fulfilled. She doesn't even know she has needs! Now she feels the
scratchy blankets, the cold air, the loud noises and probably for the
first time, she feels pain and hunger. For your baby, the comforts she
seeks are the same as experienced in the uterus -- warmth, food and
sucking. The best place for that is wrapped snugly against your belly or
your partner's.


Love
Sara