Now that I’m at the tail end of the pregnancy, I wanted to share my experiences in case some of you were curious. On Sunday, I will be 37 weeks along, which is considered full term and means that I could deliver at any moment. It is still unclear how I will deliver. My doctor prefers that I go naturally, but isn’t ruling out a c-section if the baby is too big. As of last Tuesday, she measured 6 lbs and 10 oz., which is considered the 80th percentile. Although this is an approximation, she is measuring a week ahead of schedule and fairly large for her age. They will monitor her weight very closely over the next few weeks to see if she grows anymore. According to my ob, she may grow another 2 lbs by the time she reaches full gestation at 40 weeks. So I just have to sit tight and see what happens. I have to be patient, a trait that does not come easily to me.
As far as how they are monitoring the baby, these last few weeks are critical in maintaining my blood sugar. They want to ensure that my numbers are not too high because the baby will be used to higher blood sugars in the womb and would be in danger of going low once she’s out. Twice a week since last week, I go through a non-stress test where the baby’s heart rate gets monitored. I basically sit still for half an hour while they record the baby’s heart rate. There are also weekly sonograms to make sure the placenta and amniotic fluid are normal and I am also meeting a nutritionist weekly to see if I need to change my basal rates based on how my numbers have been that week. I keep a daily food log which can be a pain but it’s really helpful in seeing what kind of foods are making me spike. I do test more often now than I did even halfway through the pregnancy. This is all in addition to my weekly ob/gyn appointments. With all these appointments, I do feel like I live at the doctor’s now. I have to thank my husband John for going to all the appointments with me. He is going through this crazy rollercoaster ride with me, and hasn’t complained one bit.
I can’t wait to meet her already. Part of me wishes she would make an early arrival but part of me is also enjoying these last few weeks as a couple with John. One thing’s for sure, our lives are about to change real soon.
Genevieve thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. As a type 1 (hoping to have kids in the next 5 years) it’s good to know what’s REALLY involved. My boyfriend would benefit from reading this too! Wishing you all the joy in the world when she arrives.
Best,
Katie
You’re welcome Katie! It’s going to be so worth it in the end once I have her in my arms. I wish you the very best in your future baby journey too!
Wow, Gen, this is so huge! I know it must feel like ages to you, but it feels like yesterday you were telling us about this pregnancy and it was so overwhleming, and it’s so so exciting to hear that you’re in the final stretch to the wonderful outcome. I’m tearing up reading this – i’m just so thrilled for you. I can’t wait for our first ACT1 baby.
And I’m also still impressed that you can still stand up on the subway!!
You are such an amazing Mommy! You seem to be handling the emotional part of this rollercoaster better than I ever could. I can’t wait to visit and meet the little one. The invite for tea is still there, depending on how you feel. Sorry last week my eyes were not cooperating. Miss you!