The OP

June 13, 2013 (week 37.5)

No, I’m not talking about some silly television show about spoiled high schoolers; I am talking about the current position of my baby. She is currently in the left posterior position, also known as OP or occiput posterior. Unfortunately this creates some issues with delivery… BACK LABOR pain and increasing the likelihood of tearing are the two main concerns; of course there is also the longer labor. This totally makes sense to me because of where I feel her little feet pressing into me all the time (mostly my right side obliques and just below my rib cage). This is what she may look like right now:

The doctor told me there’s not much I can do about this, either she will sort herself out or she won’t (hopefully she does) and even if she doesn’t get her body (her head especially) in the right position before I go into labor, she might actually shift to the anterior (the normal) position while I am delivering… Anyhow, any energy I spend worrying about it will surely be wasted since it’s out of my hands. Although, I am still going to try to hang out in a forward leaning position to “help” her shift as much as possible. Either way, it was a great doctor’s visit today. Gus came with me and we were able to see her little squished up face briefly on the ultrasound monitor! Her heart rate was good, I’m all healthy and the group B strep culture was taken (really not that big of a deal considering what I will be doing in another 2.5 weeks).We will find out the results at the next doctor's appointment next week.

The baby is around 6.5 pounds and 19+ inches. She is now full-term according to most sources, although delivery is much “better” for your baby at the end of 38 weeks, she would be ok if she came out today. She has hair and a little layer of fat now. Luckily, my cold has finally kicked it, and I did have some strong Braxton Hick’s contractions this week! My doctor even said that I may even be part of the “lucky” 15% of first-time moms that does deliver early. I sure would be okay with that!!!   

We had the last labor and delivery class last Sunday.  We were able to find out some comfortable positions to deal with contractions and other positions to deliver in. Also we did a simulation of how far apart contractions are and how long they last… during transition it definitely speeds up!!! Gus is all about being there for me and being the best support person he can be. He had his very serious face on while we were learning new material. It made me laugh and also feel very lucky to have such a dedicated partner with me.

Gus’ mom will be in town for a quick visit this weekend and she said she will be bringing the baby quilt and bed skirt she has been working on for Sierra with her! She is such a great quilter and Gus and I are excited to see the finished product. We will also be having a potluck dinner with our "nanny/babysitter" and her family to get to know them better this weekend. I already gave Gus a father’s day card and gift… so typical of me, I just have a hard time waiting… plus the Sacramento locally grown and brewed beer was sitting for him in the fridge when he opened it, how could I say you can’t have it yet!? HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all of the DADS!

I gained .5 pounds this week; the doctor said I am doing very good… How nice to hear! (34.5 pound weight gain):

On the exercise front, I am still at it. I lift 3x/week, swim ~30min ~5x/week, walk or hike ~30min ~5x/week. My lifts consist of: 8x3 Hang Cleans @ 20K-45K, Back Squats 5x5 @ 45K, OH Press 5x5 @ 37K, Pull-ups/Chin-ups 5x5, DB Incline 5x5 @ 80lb, Seated Row 4x6 @ 110lb, and Good Mornings @ 37K. Even though, all of my weights are lighter than what I normally do, I believe it really has helped me stay fit/healthy and feel good. The same holds true of my cardiovascular training, it’s not much nor is it ever “intense” (anaerobic) but it is enough to keep my heart healthy and maintain good blood circulation throughout my body (a.k.a. helping the baby stay healthy too).