We went to the doctor today but before I saw her we went to have an ultrasound. (See the amazing 3-D pics to the left) I got very wound up when the ultrasound tech said I was actually measuring at almost 39 weeks and it was possible my doctor might be persuaded to move my date up.
I nearly skipped the one block to my doc’s office and if you have seen me lately you know skipping is not something that is easily accomplished. I was so thrilled about the possibility of being able to breath again and go pee without holding up my belly I was giddy.
When we arrived I went through the pre-visit check in. Everything checked out good – no weight gain – check, good blood pressure – check, no sign of toxemia – check. Then the doctor came in. Before I could get the words out of my mouth, she promptly took out her mean doctor pin and burst my balloon. She said under no circumstances do they EVER, and she reemphasized ever, change the due date. I could literally feel my face falling into my overly swollen lap. Billy touched my shoulder and it actually felt numb. I thought I would literally fall off the table. I couldn’t believe my ears. She was really going to make me wait three and half more weeks – 23 more days. Was she joking? Could it be true? What kind of doctor had I found when my OB of 17 years retired and was snorkeling somewhere off the Barrier Reef. He would have seen the reason in putting me out of my misery now.
But then she said the magic words, “I am going to take the emotion out of it for you”. She asked me the oh so logical question – would you rather have your baby in three weeks and be healthy and good or take him to early and end up in the NICU for two weeks? What kind of question was that anyway? I couldn’t believe she was trying to inject reason into my moment of complete and utter despair. But she was and is right. She calmly and gently explained that ultrasounds are not always perfect and they can often be off a pound or a week or more in their estimation. The baby is measuring at 7 lbs 12 ounces. I am certain she is right because he feels like he weighs about 10lbs but maybe she meant he could really be closer to six pounds.
Whatever the weight, she is ultimately correct. The baby’s health is my first and foremost priority. I have learned through my first child that pregnancy is only the beginning of the pain you feel as a mother. The real joy comes with a healthy, happy baby who says every night, “sweet dreams mommy” followed by a big, wet sloppy, all over your cheek kiss. These moments far outweigh anything I have to endure now. In fact I find myself saying often, I don’t remember being this uncomfortable with my first pregnancy. It’s amazing how all the of the discomfort vanishes in the first moment your hold you new son.
I have found a great doctor and I trust her implicitly. And honestly three weeks is such a short amount of time in the grand scheme of things.
I love reading your blogs! You are an amazing author, mother & wife. These next 3 weeks will infact go by quickly. Soon, you will give birth to my 3rd nephew and our family will again be forever changed and blessed. It is such a joy to sit along the sidelines of your life and watch with amazement as you, Billy, Billy, Harper and soon Will, love one another, challenge each other to grow and stretch beyond your self-imposed barriers. We all, those of us fortunate enough to be on the sidelines of your life, stand in awe and amazement in the changes and blessings that have been made in your lives in a relatively short amount of time. Thanks for being an awesome sister-in-law! Love you!