A Poll, a Baby Gymnast, & a 38 Week Update!
Right off the bat, I realized I’ve never actually polled you guys on this before. As you know, we haven’t found out the gender of our baby… we’re letting it be a surprise. So, I’d love to poll you guys and see what YOU think Baby Stillman is:
[poll id=”2″]
I can’t believe I’m writing my 38 week update. If I look tired in this photo, it’s because I am. I’m exhausted.
Sure, I know these posts aren’t the most interesting for everyone, but I’m so glad that I’ve been committed to doing these updates every Friday since we announced we were pregnant. It’s been great for me to be able to look back at earlier weeks and see how I was feeling, what I was praying for, and what things we did that week. I actually plan on getting each of these “updates” printed out for Baby Stillman’s baby book!
So, I appreciate each of you that read my little personal “bumpdates” and comment each week. I also don’t even know how to tell y’all how much I appreciate your encouraging emails, comments, and messages.
On Monday, I briefly mentioned in my post that we were going into the hospital for a procedure… some of you seemed to know what I was talking about. I’ll update you on what happened.
Well, basically, my mother’s intuition is strong already and I had a feeling the baby was breech for a while. But, I kept being told, “Oh no, that sure feels like a head… pretty sure head is down!” But something just didn’t feel right. I was REALLY uncomfortable in ways other people had said they hadn’t experienced… so at my midwife appointment last Friday afternoon, I mentioned something to my midwife.
She was like, “Sure, I’ll check.” And as she tried to feel for the baby, she couldn’t tell what was where and that had her concerned. So, she immediately sent me to the ultrasound tech to get an ultrasound on me… and sure enough, they put that thing on me, and there was the baby’s head… right underneath my ribs and two feet lodged in my pelvis.
I cried.
She said my options were to have a “version” or “ECV” done (basically where a doctor manually moves the baby into position), schedule a c-section, or try and flip the baby naturally. A c-section is exactly what I have been praying against this whole pregnancy.
I went ahead and scheduled the version for Monday morning, but spoke with my midwife about all the “natural” ways to try and flip the baby. So, I, quite literally, spent Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday doing EVERYTHING I could think of to try and flip the baby. And, we prayed. Oh did we pray. And I called on a few of my prayer warrior friends to have them pray. Because flipping the baby at this point this late in the game is tough.
So, I tried all of the things that I could find on Google that said could naturally flip a breech baby:
- Hung off the side of the couch upside down (inversion, I think it’s called?)
- Pelvic tilts
- Swimming (I spent about two hours in my friend’s pool doing forward flips, floating, and doing handstands)
- Walking
- Playing music for the baby (I put headphones RIGHT on my lower pelvis (where I wanted the baby’s head to be) and played music for Baby ALL NIGHT LONG all three nights
Some of the more hilarious and admittedly awkward techniques:
- Shining a “light” towards my lower pelvis. Yes, this is as weird as it sounds. I basically took a flashlight and slept with it in between my legs for three nights. I’m told that the baby wants to go towards the light, if you will, so I was willing to try anything.
- Having my husband read to the baby. Except, he had to read basically to my pelvis. Yes, again, hilarious and awkward. But I read it worked. So, during our nightly bible reading, my husband just chose to read at the other end of the bed… like the light, the baby wants to follow sound.
- My husband also talked to the baby and said, “Alright baby, this is your daddy, first order of business, we need you to go head down.” He said a few more hilarious things, but I’ll spare you.
So, yes, I know these methods sounded crazy, but I was willing to try anything. And of course we continued to pray. I was so scared of getting the ECV because I’ve heard it is NOT a pleasant procedure.
Well, anyway… as of Sunday night, baby was still head up. So, I went to bed with a flashlight and headphones between my legs and prayed that something would work. (How often in your life do you get to say you did that? Not very often, I suspect).
Woke up Monday morning, went to my chiropractor appointment, and then headed to the hospital with my husband and my mother-in-law. I was so nervous.
I got into our room, got hooked up to all these monitors, and all of a sudden on the screen my midwife says, “Molly, I think we’ve got a miracle. This baby is head down.”
I cried! Our prayers were answered! Seriously. It was a miracle.
But, my blood pressure was high and both baby’s and my heart rates were high so they did some stress tests and kept us monitored for a while to make sure everything was okay.
Needless to say, I was so thankful… it was really scary. I go back today (Friday) for my 38 week appointment and I am PRAYING that this baby has stayed head down and hasn’t done anymore gymnast moves.
So, yeah, long lengthy update there, but I want to make sure I remember all the details.
Now, onto the ACTUAL 38 week update…
How far along: 38 weeks, 2 days.
How big is baby: About 7 pounds and about 20 long. Fruit and veggie scale says “watermelon.”
Weight gain: Still at about 50 pounds… though I feel like at least 15-20 of that is swelling and water weight. I am still exercising though! It’s not much, just about 30-45 minutes of cardio a few times a week – it’s tough, but I feel SO MUCH better on days I work out than on days when I don’t.
Sleeping: I need more naps.
Food cravings: Nothing this week.
Food aversions: Japanese food still.
Symptoms: All of them. All of the symptoms! The big two are:
- Headaches are back, which is no fun.
- Back / hip pain – middle and upper back are much better now… it’s my lower back that’s a real doozy. The worst thing right now is this hip pain and pelvic pain. Every step feels like I’m being stabbed. And the hip pain really makes it impossible to get out of bed or even roll over. My husband has to help me out of bed.
That’s embarrassing… - VERY swollen feet and ankles – I took my flip-flops off at work the other day and couldn’t even get them back on when I went to leave my feet had swollen so much.
Miss Anything?: My body. Feeling like a normal human. Sleep.
Doctor’s appointment: I have my 38 week midwife appointment today… praying everything is still okay! (see big long explanation above)
Wedding Rings: Nope. Still wearing my loaner ring.
Clothes: My wardrobe has shrunk even MORE than before, which I didn’t know to be possible. I’m totally rocking the crop top trend… unintentionally. Haha!
Movement: This kid moves a lot! I just hope it’s moving, you know, in place.
Best moment of the week: Finding out the baby was head down! And getting to hang out with Brooke to take her photos for her blog. 🙂 PLUS, she gave Baby Stillman the sweetest gift basket ever!
What I’m looking forward to: I just can’t wait to meet this baby. I am so excited!
What I did / Got for baby: Packed baby’s going home from the hospital bag this week. So fun!
What I learned this week: All the different ways to “naturally” flip a breech baby. Yes, some were weird, but hey, between the “weird” ways and prayer – we got this baby flipped!
Prayer requests: That the baby is still head down! I am also praying a lot now for labor and our wishes for labor. But, in addition, I’m just praying that this baby, no matter HOW he/she decides to enter the world, will enter the world healthy and strong. That is what is most important. I have to remember that while we have our wishes and desires for this birth, God has already written the birth story and it’s going to be beautiful no matter what.
I am also praying for after the baby is born that I don’t have any trouble with breastfeeding or latching. It is so important for me to breastfeed our baby and I am just praying that I am able to do it well and without any issues!
Okay. Phew. I know today’s update was a long one, so thanks for hanging in there with me!
Happy Friday, y’all!
Linked up with Jeannett.
What great news that your baby flipped on his/her own! The same thing happened to my 3rd at about 37 weeks. I cried at the news too. I went to my chiropractor 3 times before the version (she did the webster technique – is that what you had done at your chiro?). I had also heard about the music “down there,” but not the other things. I did have to go through with the version since the baby was still head down. BUT, it was the easiest thing ever. So slick and only took 5-10 minutes. And it worked till delivery! I’m thinking the prayer and webster technique were key. I can’t wait to hear your news and see photos! Prayers for a smooth and quick delivery and healthy baby and mommy 🙂
thank you so much, jessica!! my chiro doesn’t actually do the webster technique, sadly… i see him weekly for just general back help 🙂 but i’m so glad to hear you were able to have your baby flip, too!!
I am so thankful for your pregnancy posts and your good news! My husband and I are hoping to start trying for our first baby after the new year and reading your posts makes me feel a lot less scared about everything! God bless you, your husband, and baby Stillman!
aw thank you so much, khristian!! 🙂
I am so glad baby flipped on his own! I seriously feel like you’re having a boy. I guessed the royal baby’s gender right, so maybe I’m right with you, too! You’ll lose so much water weight after you give birth.
haha my husband will hope you’re right! he totally wants a boy 🙂
Omg! That baby bag! Ps congrats in advance… So close.
thank you so much!! <3
picturing you doing some of those things is quite funny. 🙂 I’m sure i would’ve tried them all too! praise God that they worked!! I’ll continue to pray that baby stays in the right position! I know the idea of having a c-section is not what you want. I almost had to have one after 3 plus hours of pushing and was so upset! Thankfully I didn’t. But also am reminded that we are so not in control of what, when or how labor happens and continue to need to trust that God will keep our babies safe and healthy! 🙂
hahah yeah it was definitely quite comical… but desperate times call for desperate measures.
and oh girl, you are a trooper! are you going to share your birth story?? i would LOVE to hear / read it! xooxxo
What a miracle. Prayer is so powerful! Hope your appointment went well and the baby is still in good position. I always love learning things, even if it’s weird. I’d never heard that stuff before so it was interesting. 🙂
– Toria
it really is! there’s nothing like the power of prayer!! thanks, toria!
You’re welcome!
So glad to hear you and the baby are okay. When you mentioned needing a procedure, I hoped and prayed all would be well. Glad to hear the baby has turned itself around! Hope she or he continues to be in the best position. Sending you, your husband, and the baby prayers and goods wishes for a continued safe pregnancy and labor. I have enjoyed reading your updates and getting glimpses of your happiness and excitement (and your husbands/friends/family members as well).
Best of luck and God Bless.
I forgot to add that I think it is really awesome that you reply to so many of readers’ comments. As a reader, I find it awesome and makes me respect you more beyond how and what you share about your faith!
thank you so much!! i try to do the best i can to reply to everyone – i know how much it means to me when people i read comment and reply to me! 🙂 🙂
jamie that is so sweet and thoughtful of you… thank you so much! that really made my day. <3
So glad you shared what you’re praying for, so I can pray too! That’s awesome the baby flipped on its own and I’m hopeful she or he will stay in position 🙂 the swelling in the feet was the worst for me and they stayed swollen for about two weeks after the baby arrived! I brought a pair of flip flops to the hospital I hadn’t worn since last summer and needless to say they wouldn’t get on my feet at the hospital!
thank you so much, beth!! yeah nothing fits right now – not even my largest flip flops! LOL!! have you been able to get your wedding rings back on yet?
You look amazing! I can’t wait to find out what you’ve having. My vote is GIRL!
http://www.shannonheartsblog.com
oooo i like your guess!! everyone tells me they guess boy 🙂 thanks, shannon!!
Praying so hard for you my friend. You are gorgeous.
Thanks lins!
A true miracle!!! I can’t even believe the baby turned like that!! Power of Prayer, Sister….and flashlight!! LOL! And I am sooooooo calling this baby a BOY!!! It was been such a fun ride watching you go through this pregnancy!
Hahaha the flashlight is totally what did it. I’m convinced. 🙂 haha JK. God is good, isn’t He?
Loving the crop top trend on you! 🙂
http://www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
http://www.daisyraeboutique.com
Hahaha yep! Unintentional crop tops are super in 🙂 🙂
Oh Molly! You look amazing – and I’m SO SO SO glad that baby is a listener 😉 Always thinking of you!
Love you friend!
Girl you are rocking this hole baby thing 😉 I can’t believe how happy and beautiful you look. I just imagine myself that preggo being miserable and grouchy
Aw thank you girl.
I am so happy that all your natural techniques worked and that you didn’t have to have the procedure!! Praying and keeping my fingers crossed he stays head down!! Imagining your husband reading and talking to your pelvis made me giggle by the way 🙂 Hope all went well today!! xoxo
Haha yeah it was hilarious! Thanks, girl!
My vote is definitely for a girl!
I can’t wait to see if that comes to pass 🙂
Also, I hope everything stays the way it’s supposed to!
I don’t know much about pregnancies but I’m praying for a healthy, happy little one 🙂
xx,
tiana of l’esthetique
Thank you so much, Tiana!
Hoping & praying that sweet baby of yours stays head down! Not gonna lie, I have to giggle at a few of your “tricks” to get the baby to move, haha!
Lindsay
LindsayJEveryday.blogspot.com
Hahaha yeah we tried everything!
I’m so happy for you Molly. I enjoy your weekly updates. It is very courageous of you to keep up with it as I know when I was pregnant I couldn’t keep my head straight. Love you Molly and I know boy or girl, you and John will be great parent because you had the best mom in the world. She is looking down on you and is so proud of you! I miss her too. hope to see you sometime and meet baby Stillman (Embry). I’m pulling for that name!!!!
thank you so much, raven! your encouraging words have meant the world. <3
Wow, what a testimony! Thanks for the updates, Molly! These are actually my favorite posts.
aw thank you, crystal!! it’s so nice knowing when people read them 🙂
So glad the baby turned!!! Phew!
Will be praying he/she stays there!
Carly
http://www.lipglossandcrayons.com
phew is right!! thank you, carly!
i am soooo glad that little nugget turned around!!!!!!!!!! fingers crossed for labor and im sooo happy i got to see you and even happier about getting to see you way more often in the future!!!!!!!
brooke @ what2wear
LOVEYOU!!!!!!
That is amazing Molly!! I can’t believe that baby Stillman moved to head down! God is so awesome and it just goes to show that He takes care of us and gives us gifts like these to remind us that He’s doing so. You are so close to the finish line!!! 🙂
thank you, laura!!! He is so good!!
What an accomplishment blogging every week with your progress. You will be so happy that you have this record. Just hopping over from instafriday. I think I’ve prayer more fervently for my children, especially in the womb, than I have for anything else in my life. Both of my children are miracles. God is good and he will see you through this. Thanks for sharing about your answered prayer. It is an encouragement.
thank you so much, holly!! God is so good.
I’m so glad baby turned on his/her own! I will continue to pray for you and baby. Hang in there, pregnancy is almost over.
thank you so much, lacey!! on the home stretch!
Molly, a piece of advice! Let baby latch the first time you hold him. I did that and then had to spend a few days in the icu and was still able to sucessfully breastfeed with some help fron the lactation consultant. If you have problems at first GO SEE THE LACTATION CONSULTANT. It was so worth it and thoughhard at first, im convinced we had success because of that first short little latch. I know you will be a great mom and am so excited for you!
excellent advice, erica! thank you so much!!
May God just cover you all over with his peace, Molly! He is for you and not against you! x
thank you so much, katie! <3
Your going-home bag is so cute! I love that it’s all packed and ready to go 🙂 Also, I’m totally thinking you’re going to have a boy, and it looks like that’s the popular opinion!
aw thank you so much, megan!
SO glad to hear the baby changed position and they didn’t have to do the procedure. Hoping it stays that way! I think you’re having a boy and based on the poll, looks like most people think so too. 🙂
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Forever 21 Giveaway!
haha yeah it seems like everyone thinks boy!! 🙂 thanks, sharon!! happy friday!
I had plans for how I wanted my births to go also; some of them worked out, some didn’t. But I just kept remembering that any birth is successful as long as the baby joins you and is healthy. So try not to stress about the birth plan too much and just know that no matter how it goes, it will all be worth it in the end!
amen! the reward totally outweighs it all 🙂
God is awesome. He loves your faithfulness, and its awesome to read as well. Blessings for your family and you will LOVE labor and delivery. It’s what we were made for 😉
thank you so much, amber! God is SO good..
Happy 38 weeks! That is so scary about the baby’s position but I am SO happy that it worked out. Yay for natural remedies!!
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
yay is right!! thanks, yi-chia!
Molly, I am so glad that Baby Stillman behaved and flipped around. I have enjoyed reading your posts and sharing your pregnancy journey. I cannot believe we are both almost there. Good luck with labor.
I read a quote the other day that I have just kept repeating these last weeks of being pregnant that has helped me get through. Romans 8:18 – the pain you have been feeling cannot compare to the joy that’s coming.
i think about y’all ALL the time! how are you feeling, girl?! we are on the home stretch now!! your maternity pics are gorgeous!!! and Romans 8:18 is the perfect verse!
So that first picture of you, I love the green top poking out the bottom of your patterned top. A super cute look that I never would have thought of. And those baby toms from your friend, so cute!
thank you, jessica!! <3
fingers crossed the baby stays the direction he/she is supposed to. i was breech when my mom was pregnant with me, and they actually did the thing where they flipped me in my mom’s stomach. she said it was awful and the next day i flipped myself to breech again. BUT about 2 weeks before i finally got myself together and in the right direction, so i’m sure maybe baby stillman just wanted to see how much they could get away with already. just think of it as having a little rulebreaker 😉
hahaha i love thinking about it that way – such the rulebreaker 🙂 thanks, lauren!