Week 38

This is a catch-up post since technically I'm in my 39 week.  I'm a pumpkin this week?  Sounds about right!

Well, I'm definitely feeling "done".  The novelty of being pregnant has worn off and I'm very ready to meet Aiden.  (Though I know I'll miss my belly in a couple of months-just like last time) At my weekly appointment, Dr. Daisy offered to do a "stretch and sweep" to hopefully induce labour.  I declined the offer ...as it really sounds less enjoyable than being pregnant for one more week but said I might reconsider at the next appointment.  ;)  We also discussed some other less invasive labour inducing strategies, including Raspberry Leaf Tea.  (Which I'm drinking as I type) It is touted as a uterine tonic and to be used during pregnancy in preparation for childbirth.  From what I've read, it can definitely stimulate contractions and also speed up labour.  Unfortunately no one says it helps lessen the pain!! 

I ran the idea of Placenta Encapsulation by her as well.  She laughed and said I was the 3rd person to mention it this week!  See...it's catching on!! lol  While she said it wasn't something she would consider herself (which is surprising because she seems like an "earth child") she said it would be worthwhile if I could reap the supposed benefits.  In any event, the cooler and large ziploc baggies are packed and ready to go.  Just need to put Tatiana on speed dial.

In my quest to breastfeed this time (lactation cookies, eating my own placenta), I have also purchased Fenugreek supplements.  It is a culinary spice found growing in the Mediterranean, and used for a multitude of health concerns including problems with lactation.  Fenugreek has been known to increase milk production in lactating women by over 500 percent within 24 to 72 hours after consuming this herb. Although it is not known why this happens, researchers speculate that the oil contained in fenugreek seeds plays a role. (Diosgenin which is similar to Estrogen)

No wonder my belly is so big!

What's happening with baby this week? "Your baby is completely ready to be born now, and is at full term. The average weight at 38 weeks is around 7lbs but of course this will vary with each baby. Developmentally and size-wise they are absolutely perfect little newborns, and the only remaining part of their pregnancy journey is meeting mum and dad!  Their organs are now all fully formed and ready for life outside their home for the past 9 months. One remaining change left to happen is the eye colour of your baby which will still be changing due to the lack of pigment. It’s common for babies to be born with blue for grey eyes but for these to turn green or brown after birth   They are most likely very low down in your tummy now, head engaged and just waiting for the release of the hormones which will get the contractions started to push them out! You are no doubt impatiently ticking the days off on the calendar now, and wondering every morning if today will be the day! Try and make the most of your last few days before baby arrives by getting as much rest as you can, ready to meet your newborn. Some mums are convinced that there are natural ways to get labour started when they get to this point in their pregnancy, from eating pineapples to having sex! If you are bored of waiting to meet your new baby son or daughter, you might want to try a few of them to see if there is any truth in the rumours! “