I ended up getting a checkup, sonogram, biophysical profile and non-stress test on Tuesday.

I was surprised by the sonogram because it was so different from the first one I had. The baby’s so big, I wasn’t able to recognize any of the body parts the technician was pointing out and could never figure out what he was looking for with his measurements. In the end, it didn’t matter. The baby scored 7 out of 8 on the biophysical profile, which the midwife was happy about.

Then it was time for my checkup. I pretty much hadn’t changed at all since my previous visit.

Today I returned to the Birth & Women’s Center for another checkup and non-stress test. Again the baby’s doing well, and I’ve made very little progress. The baby has officially dropped to the right position though, and I had more practice contractions last night, so we’re going in the right direction. It’s just slow right now. Really slow.

Because I’m getting close to 43 weeks, we’ve started talking about induction. Currently, the plan is for me to go back in for the full test work-up again on Monday/Tuesday next week. Assuming the baby’s still doing well, we’ve give him another couple of days. If he’s not out by Thursday, I’ll drink some castor oil (great), and if that doesn’t start anything, they’ll induce on Friday. We’ll start the induction using cytotech (so I can stay at the BWC). If I don’t react to it, I’ll have to check into the hospital and induce with pitocin.

Deep down, I have a feeling we’re not going to need to worry about an induction. If LBS is anything like his mother, he thrives on a deadline and performs best under pressure. Now that the date’s on the calendar, my body’s going to kick into gear and we’re going get this project done on time!

Tomorrow I will officially be at 42 weeks, and still no sign of LBS. And there’s nothing going on that leads me to believe he wants out anytime soon … other than a few sporadic days worth of practice contractions.

Last week when I went to the doctor, they hooked up a couple of monitors to my belly and we did a 20-minute non-stress test to see how the baby was doing. Like a champ, LBS passed with flying colors. The midwife said he had all of the regular heartbeat variations that they’d expect to see.

I’ve got another appointment scheduled for Tuesday, where we’ll do another round of the non-stress test, and potentially schedule an ultrasound for a full biophysical profile later in the week.

I’m not sure when we’ll start talking about inducing labor, but I know it will be a last resort. I can be every bit as stubborn as LBS and wait it out, as long as we’re both in good health.

I went to the doctor Tuesday for my 32-week check-up. All of my (and the babies’) measurements and vitals were right on target, and I actually had lost a pound since last time I was in (even though I have added 2.5″ to my waistline). That always makes for a good day at the doctor’s office. : )

My mom was in town, so she was able to tag along and listen to the heart beat. She also got a chance to talk with Sara, one of the midwives at The Birth and Women’s Center. I could tell it helped her feel a little more comfortable with my choice to have the baby there instead of in a “traditional” hospital setting. She was impressed by how calming Sara was, and she was able to ask questions about how they were monitoring my kidney functioning.

I think mom really enjoyed the experience. It was neat to have her there. : )