Back to a "Normal Pregnancy"

I am just back from today's round of appointments. We have nothing but good news to share today! Little BabyJ measured in the 13th percentile this morning, with normal amniotic fluid levels surrounding her and normal blood flows in all the right places. The measurements predict her at 6 pounds, 13 ounces today, with 7 pounds, 12 ounces being average at this gestational age. (The report's 'fine print' noted that 80% of measurements are within 10% of the baby's true size, and 98% of measurements are within 20%.) The doctor forewent the fetal monitoring for today because the US growth measurements were so positive. I didn't gain any more weight since last week, and my fundal height increased only about a 1/2 cm, so I am still way behind on exterior size. But the doctor has evidence of growth from the US, which supersedes any exterior measurement and so she is not concerned with the low fundal height measurement. Today's technician took some extra time to get us a couple of wonderful 3D images of baby's face. I hope you all can make out her features clearly with this photo:

We see chubby cheeks and possibly Jeff's nose. This will likely be our last US photo of any kind, and it's so nice for us to have such a great last in utero photo to tide us over until we meet her!

So, what's the prognosis? Well, a size measurement at or above the 10th percentile is considered "normal," and Dr. F. remarked that we can go back to considering this a "normal pregnancy." Yay! However, she cautions me against going back to "normal activity." She suspects BabyJ is growing above the 2nd percentile expectations from 5 weeks ago due to my decreased activity level. So getting "out" is OK, but door-to-door service is ideal. Driving myself to a yoga class is OK, but I need to lay low on the mat and stretch, meditate, and relax -- I shouldn't do the entire asana practice. I still intend to stay off my feet for much of the day while I am at home, nap when I am tired, and lay in bed for a good 8 or more hours a night. Realistically, I can go into labor at any time now, and the best way for me to help all of us is to be well-rested and mentally-prepared for the event, whenever it begins.

The due date at 40 weeks is officially next Wednesday, the 11th, and Dr. F. wants to have a plan for when to get the ball rolling if I don't go into labor myself by the 18th (=41 weeks). We'll have that discussion at our appointment next Tuesday morning. However, today she did say that while it's medically best for me to go into labor on my own, her feeling is to induce by 41 1/2 weeks rather than wait until 42 weeks to induce. But this discussion is moot if BabyJ chooses to make her entrance in the next week or two, so Jeff and I drove away with the hope that nature takes matters into her own hands sometime soon.

The weather in Seattle was gorgeous yesterday and is so again today, with clear skies and temperatures around 50. The sun is out, and yesterday afternoon I sat outside with my laptop, emailing students on and off, while Jeff and some generous neighbors spent a little time pulling dead plants and sprouting weeds from our front yard. Thanks to our wonderful neighbors for being so supportive! My special treat today is a trip to the East side. A colleague will transport me to campus, where I can attend a meeting (some semblance of normalcy, and yes, I will be seated the entire time), possibly rest in my office for a bit, and then head off to dinner with other colleagues and a beloved Nigerian environmentalist with BCC ties who just so happens to be in town this week. So attending this dinner is very special indeed.

Thankfully, the stress of wondering if BabyJ is big enough is finally over, and I can move around a little bit more without feeling too guilty. We know we will meet our daughter soon, which is simultaneously very exciting and a little scary. But we are ready! We really appreciate everyone's positive thoughts, well wishes, caring gestures, and offers of help. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for everything!