38 weeks - Almost There!

Baby is the size of a winter melon. I hadn't really heard of this one but here's what Google says it is!

The Mossling is officially fully cooked and probably weighing in at around 7 lbs.  We have a check up on Monday, which should be our last one before the c-section on 7/21. 

I've been having some period like cramps only in the evenings for the last few days. Nothing I would call a contraction and nothing we're able to time.  Acid reflux continues to be a struggle with his head so close to my stomach, but it will soon be all worth it. 

I put together some progression images for fun.  See how the lump on top starts to really protrude in the last couple? Yup, that's a noggin! 

The swelling in my face, hands and feet seem to have finally gone down.  Now, it's all belly!! Well, and some hips and thighs, but I've had those all along :)

Giving Birth ‘Naturally’ Does Not Make You More Of A Woman

This is a hot button for me.  Nate and I couldn't get pregnant 'naturally' and now we need medical science again in order to deliver our baby safely.  100 years ago not only would I never have gotten pregnant, if by some miracle I did, my child and/or I could have serious complications and possibly not survive delivery.

Because we choose to use medical science to help us does not mean we will be bad parents or that our child will be less amazing or natural.  And, giving birth naturally is not a measure of success for being a woman!   I'm not against natural medicine or herbal remedies, but sometimes they are not the only answer and definitely shouldn't be looked at as superior to other options that result in the same end goal.  The end goal here is to have a happy healthy baby, not to prove anything.

This article says it way better than I can.  I'm so tired of people constantly praising women who are able to give birth 'naturally' and attempting to commiserate with those of us who needed assistance. We don't need your condolences because we need medical assistance.  Your well wishes and support are appreciated, however.

Now for an update:

At 37 weeks the Mossling is the size of a large cantaloupe and weighs about 6.5 pounds.

He's still heads up. I can feel his head pushing into my ribcage when he stretches out.  It hurts.  Sleeping is getting harder. Acid reflux is getting worse. 15 more days. I can do this. 

C-section is scheduled for 7/21. Hope we make it that far without having to rush in for an emergency c-section.   We have a dr appointment on 7/13 for an ultrasound again to make sure he's still in breech position.