Week 35 and Maternity Pictures

Week 35

Saturday, I was not feeling well and was having lower back pain and stomach cramping. I decided to take a trip to the hospital just to make sure everything was okay. I had an exam and was hooked up to the monitors. I was not dilated, but was having a few irregular contractions. They sent me home with instructions to come back if the contractions get worse or closer together. 

Sunday was Mother's Day. Darrell's mom and dad stopped by for a nice visit in the morning. During this time, I  had some discharge and I think I may have lost my mucus plug, but I am not certain. I contemplated going back to the hospital but decided to wait it out. My stomach cramps got worse throughout the day but not enough to send me on a 40 minute drive to Melbourne... I spent the rest of the day with my step mom and dad at my aunt's house for a lovely Mother's Day BBQ. It was relaxing and the food was great! 

Monday morning I couldn't get myself out of bed. My stomach and my back were bothering me and I decided to just take it easy for the day. When Darrell got home from work, we called my doctor and they made an appointment for us to come in that afternoon. At my doctors visit, they checked me again and I was 1/2 cm dilated. He said Chloe's head was very low and resting completely against my cervix. He sent us to the hospital to get a few tests done, including a Fetal Firbonectin Test. I had never heard of this test until now. Fetal Fibronectin is a protein that acts as a "glue" that literally holds the baby in place. After 35 weeks, it naturally breaks down until the baby is ready to come out. This test is done before 34 weeks if the doctor suspects preterm labor. It indicates whether or not the patient will likely go into labor within 7-10 days. My test results came back negative, meaning I am not likely to go into labor in the next two weeks (unless my water were to break). I was monitored for the hour or two we were at the hospital, and I had small (but uncomfortable) contractions every 4 minutes that lasted between 30 and 80 seconds. They said that if I was 28 weeks pregnant, these contractions would concern them, but since I am 34-35 weeks, it is okay. I was sent home with instructions to rest and monitor the contractions. 

The test reassured us that we have at least two more weeks to prepare for baby Chloe's arrival. Unfortunately, I just have to be in pain until then. And I am not very good at sitting still and relaxing...especially because I am nesting right now! :)  

Today, we went to the high risk doctor for our monthly ultrasound. Chloe has grown! She now weighs 4lbs 9oz. She is still very small for her gestational age, but she is safe to come out of the oven now! I won't know exactly what her weight percentile or stomach circumference is until my OB appointment on Monday. The ultrasound technician said that she has never seen a baby with so much personality on the 2D/3D ultrasound. Chloe is always moving, sucking her thumb, sticking her tongue out, and opening and closing her eyes! Sounds to me like she has my attention span already!


My mom and Sian (my brother's girlfriend) took maternity pictures of Darrell and me on the beach today. 
Here is a sneak peak: 

You can see the entire album at: 
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101938532127923.3335951.5233165&type=1&l=25196b64a8


This weeks plans:
1. Finish sewing nursery curtains and valance
2. Pick up airbrushed surfboard!
3. Touch up nursery armoire
4. Get a pediatrician
5. Try not to go into labor!