The Final Five (weeks) and then some...
I think some of the most common questions I've seen on this forum involve how it feels to go into labor and what happens in the weeks leading up to labor and delivery. So...I thought I would document my last few weeks with a nightly entry so that those of us waiting can compare notes and those who have recently delivered can provide their own insight. 
Quick background: I'm 26 years old and married to a wonderful man in the Air Force. This is my second baby (4th pregnancy); my son is almost 6 years old and my due date is Jan. 13th. This pregnancy has been entirely different than my first pregnancy and I am definitely looking forward to delivering this baby.
5w0d: The baby was very active at the beginning of the week, but has drastically slowed down by today. I had a non stress test yesterday and the baby had a good strip, but wasn't really moving around much. They also did a fluid check and I had 16.8cm. I've noticed cervical pressure and pain, but no major change in discharge, but my hands, feet, and ankles are quite swollen and uncomfortable.
4w6d: My hands, feet, and ankles are still swollen, but the swelling went down a little bit by the afternoon. I'm slightly crampy and nauseous today. The baby still isn't as active and I'm uncomfortable.
4w5d: Still swollen
. I'm very uncomfortable today, nauseous, and a little dizzy. I've been having some cramps and braxton hicks contractions. My lower back is also sore today, but I'm sure that's from the uncomfortable sleep I had last night. Tomorrow I have another NST scheduled and I will be sure to mention how quiet the baby has been and the swelling.
Quick background: I'm 26 years old and married to a wonderful man in the Air Force. This is my second baby (4th pregnancy); my son is almost 6 years old and my due date is Jan. 13th. This pregnancy has been entirely different than my first pregnancy and I am definitely looking forward to delivering this baby.
5w0d: The baby was very active at the beginning of the week, but has drastically slowed down by today. I had a non stress test yesterday and the baby had a good strip, but wasn't really moving around much. They also did a fluid check and I had 16.8cm. I've noticed cervical pressure and pain, but no major change in discharge, but my hands, feet, and ankles are quite swollen and uncomfortable.
4w6d: My hands, feet, and ankles are still swollen, but the swelling went down a little bit by the afternoon. I'm slightly crampy and nauseous today. The baby still isn't as active and I'm uncomfortable.
4w5d: Still swollen
. I'm very uncomfortable today, nauseous, and a little dizzy. I've been having some cramps and braxton hicks contractions. My lower back is also sore today, but I'm sure that's from the uncomfortable sleep I had last night. Tomorrow I have another NST scheduled and I will be sure to mention how quiet the baby has been and the swelling.
Comments
How are you feeling? I know you are a few weeks ahead of me and have been in early labor for quite some time.
Im ok. Yes still in early labor and in so much pain. I had my membranes stripped yesterday and just trying to walk to get her out. She is definitely my trouble maker and i will be having a chat with her when she arrives. Lol.
@angel26 Sorry your baby girl is so stubborn! I told my hubby that if this one is anything like my first and decides to be sunny side up...I'm gonna spank the baby's bottom. lol
Congrats to @angel26 on the birth of her daughter!!!
*update* I feel asleep while trying to count kicks, lol, but the baby is moving and...I seem to be having some contractions...perhaps this bean has a plan that we are not aware of. Still, my poor hands and feet...thank goodness I have a doc appt at 9am.
*fingers crossed* I hope this baby is here by the end of the year.
3w5d: Ugh! These cramps are getting ridiculous. I keep feeling like I have to go to the bathroom, but I don't or can't. When I woke up this morning, my thighs were killing me, like I'd been running all night or something and my cervix feels like it's being ripped apart. To top it off, the heartburn is out of control, I've been dizzy/weak, and nauseas.
@homebirthadvocate What do you think about the bp? Is it too low? Thanks!
3w2d-2w5d: Still haven't been feeling amazing, but I do have an NST tomorrow, so I will be bringing it up. Had some contractions yesterday, but couldn't keep em going. Still cramping with pressure and my lower back/hips are beyond painful when changing position. I've also noticed that I don't really feel it when I pee anymore, lol. I will feel the need to pee, but the actual feeling of peeing...nothing. It's so weird! I am so ready at this point and I feel confident that this baby is too.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Today, I am very uncomfortable. My upper thighs are so sore right now and I'm feeling a lot of pressure. I can barely walk.
I am 5 days from my DD now and rather cranky. I can't walk around, which would help, and it's very irritating. My thighs, lower back, & tail bone are so sore.
Awkward....I blew my nose and my nipple leaked. lol