32 Weeks-Recommendation: Physical Therapy

T minus 8 weeks and counting.

If we make it that far.  That's what I keep saying.  Isn't that a favorite line for most pregnant women?  You don't look like you could go any further, yet its highly possible you will go to the very end of term?  My reason is different: my son was 5 weeks early.  Supposedly, once you have one early, the rest are early.  We'll just have to see how true this is.

Everything went great at the check up this week with the baby.  For me, still undecided.  My blood pressure was slightly elevated, 118/70 (I'm normally 100/60 or below, even when pregnant) but nothing to be concerned about.  External cervix dilated but not internal, which the doctor told me was normal when you've had more than one child.  Still having Braxton Hicks and the pain in my left left/groin is getting worse and worse.  The doctor loved that I said I was cynical and a smart elic instead of crying.  Much easier to deal with the hormonal crazy talking lady than the one that cries her eyes out.  Even my poor husband would rather me be crazy than cry.  He, nor most men bless, know what to do with a woman that's crying.  And especially not this one.  If I do cry, I get really angry and mad at myself that I let myself cry.  See.  Proof in point: crazy lady.

The OB said their was a secret weapon not utilized as much as it should be in pregnancy: physical therapy.  She wants me to meet with one to help with the pain in my leg, as they are the experts and will know exactly what to do to help ease and release some of the tension.  I haven't called them yet, still debating.  I'm scared mostly at what it's going to cost, even with insurance.  I'm a big girl, hopefully I can ride out the pain.

The pain is similar to that of the sciatic nerve (finally figured out how to spell it!).  I have this searing pain that basically runs the length of my underwear line, but just on the left side.  The OB made sure I didn't have a pelvic separation (OMG-Ouch! Can you imagine??) but thank goodness I don't.  She said with the separation, it's usually painful on both sides.  The other pain is to say that I think I know what a man must feel like to get kicked between the legs.  Feels like I've been kicked repeatedly and swelling.  All this makes trying to sleep look like a skit from SNL. 

Yesterday I was in a town that had a Motherhood Maternity store, so I made a special stop in there.  I bought the $20 maternity belt that became my best friend in my last pregnancy.  I really wish I would have made the trip sooner.  I ordered one online, but it had the hook and look fasteners and I outgrew it too fast.  I love this one because it has Velcro that adjusts in two different places.  It doesn't take away all the pain, but it does help lift the big old belly up a bit, relieving some of that stress and pain.  In all 3 of my pregnancies now, each of the babies have been head down from at least 6 months on.  Perfect for those little baseball swinging, guitar stringing, soccer ball kicking, dancing queen legs and arms to do major havoc on my reflux system.

So for now, I will more than likely continue to sleep on the couch, nap in the glider, and when my husband makes me feel guilty for leaving him alone (ha-my son always ends up in my place) I will try to sleep in the bed.  Elevated.  With more pillows and support cushions than a mattress store sells.  These are the fun times of pregnancy!

Someone asked me at my baby shower if I was miserable yet, with that really sympathetic look like my pet died.   Duh.  I laughed.  It's to be expected when you have had more than one birth and you are this far along.  She couldn't believe that I was smiling and laughing about it and taking it so good.  Look.  This ain't my first rodeo.  I knew what to expect for the most part.  We just all have to find out what works best for us, bitch a little when we need to, and put on our big girl panties (don't get me started-I've changed 2 sizes up now) and deal with it.

Truth: Wouldn't have it any other way.

30 Weeks Pregnant and Braxton Hicks

I  did a really, really dumb thing this weekend.

My daughter had her annual cheer leading performance at the fair Sunday.  So, like I have in years past, we went early so she could ride until her heart was content, perform, and leave.  We arrived at the fair a little before 11am and had to wait an hour for the rides to start.  I thought everything opened at 10am. Ha.  So, both kids rode rides and then her performance was at 2pm.  We then left the fair, ran to the grocery store for some "had to have" items, and got home around 5pm that afternoon.

Dumb, dumb, dumb.

Monday I started having these cramps, similar to menstrual cramps, along with a lot of tightness in my tummy.  Now I had felt this a couple of times last week and didn't think much about it.  Monday was pretty rough so I decided to Google 30 weeks and cramps.  85% said the same thing: Braxton Hicks.

I had no clue.

These never occurred during my first 2 pregnancies.  I always thought Braxton Hicks were supposed to be like the real thing, just false labor.  Completely different feeling.  Several of the forums I read said you may want to go to Labor and Delivery or call your doctor asap.  It's Wednesday and I am still feeling them but honestly I'm not concerned yet.  I think I just over did myself and need time to relax (which I haven't done yet).  I think it's all up to you and whether or not you feel like you need to go.  If I get up and walk around then it gets better.  Some say, lay on your left side.  Let me tell you something.  I haven't been able to fully lay down now in about 2 weeks and I don't see that changing.  I have to lay propped up, tilt the belly to the left, left leg laid to the side, right leg bent and up.  Very lady like.  But it's the only way I can rest and be able to get up the next day and actually be able to walk.  It sucks.

I have my next appointment on the 15th, and I'm hoping I can go until then without having to call the OB.  I am honestly so scared they will put me on bed rest that I don't want to call.  I really think bed rest might physically kill me.

I would love to hear if anyone else has been through the Braxton Hicks and your experience.  I'll update as soon as I can.

Amy