Week 36-The Stork is on its Way!

8/2/2013

Dear Brookelynn, 

We have made it to 36 weeks, you are the size of a Crenshaw melon about 18.75 inches long, weighing about 5.75 pounds.  On Monday we will get a more accurate measurement via ultrasound. You are all developed and Daddy and I got to see your lungs.  The specialist was very happy when he looked at you and said, "Thank you, Baby!" because your lungs were our last concern for development but they are perfect! By the end of this week you will be considered full term...and you may make your grand entrance into the world since Mommy has begun to develop another high risk condition, we will also find this out on Monday as well. 

Your due to arrive on August 30th, but the specialist scheduled for us to be induced on August 23rd because he doesn't feel going to term is necessary given Mommy's placenta issues.  However, Mommy has what's called pre-preeclampsia.  My blood pressure goes from high to low, I'm extremely dizzy, my nausea is increasing again (I even threw up), I have persistent headaches (and since I'm allergic to Tylenol, it's pretty miserable), my hands and feet are becoming more swollen each day, as well as my face now, and I have shortness of breath every night. These are all signs preeclampsia but to confirm my diagnosis Mommy had to collect her urine for a full 24 hours to be tested for protein.  The test results show that I'm developing preeclampsia. Unfortunately the only cure for this is to deliver the placenta or in my case the placentas. This means you are getting evicted!  The specialist believes we should move the induction up before things get worse and we will finalize our game plan on Monday when we see him! I'm all for delivering next week before things get any worse, I hate to say this but I need my body back so it can repair itself.  

Speaking of repairing my body, Daddy bought me a very fancy Pilates Machine.  I can't wait to use it and get back into shape. It's my pre-push present, since Mommy's fingers are like little sausages I have to wait for a little while before I can get my real push present! 

Oh, the good news is I at least don't have to have a round of penicillin while delivering since the Strep B tests came back negative.  Mommy officially doesn't have two pregnancy issues now.  

In addition to the development of preeclampsia this week, I have officially lost two chunks of my mucus plug, it's not as gross as everyone says, but the good news about that is my body is already preparing for labor on its own which will make induction a little bit easier. I have started to have contractions as well, nothing too horrible but I can feel things changing which is also great news. And you have significantly dropped which means you are ready to meet us too! 

So, in preparation of your birthday Daddy also set up an appointment for Mommy to be hypnotized!  I truly hope it helps me to relax and keep my muscles from tensing up so the process of bringing you to your birthday is as easy as cutting your birthday cake, which Glammy is in charge of bringing to the hospital!  The hypnotist specializes in fear and anxiety so I believe it's worth a try! I go tomorrow in the early afternoon...it's also your Unkie's birthday tomorrow and he can't wait to meet you...but I'm ok waiting till next Friday! So don't try to surprise us! 

Here's to Monday and finding out are new game plan!  Hopefully, the next time I write to you, you will be in my arms staring up at me with your bright big eyes! I can't wait! -XOX!