So Over It and So Close

I am 38 weeks pregnant today.  It's been a roller coaster of a week.  At my appointment last week we learned I had not gained weight, my blood pressure was up, the baby had not grown, and his heart rate was a little low.  An ultrasound confirmed the baby's lack of progress.  After the ultrasound on Thursday, there was a flurry of phone calls between the doctor, myself, the radiologist, and an obstetrician.  In the end it was decided that I was not going to be induced just yet.  This left me in a puddle of tears, not so much because I really wanted my baby induced that day but because of what it meant---my baby wasn't doing well and my doctor was leaving for another country in a couple of days right when everything got scary again.  Did I mention that at my doctor's appointment I also learned I would not be getting the back up doctor I wanted, but rather my last choice instead?

Fast forward many tears and a few days later, I met the new doctor.  She's alright.  She's nice, seems competent, looks/dresses like a nun, and has a crazy looking nurse.  After gorging myself on food all weekend (I was told to eat to my heart's content.  I took this to mean eat until you're uncomfortable), I gained some weight for the first time in a month or so and my blood pressure was back down to where it normally sits.  Even better news was that the baby grew and his heart rate improved.  He is still measuring behind, but at least he didn't fall further.  I had a nonstress test.  The baby is not a big mover and shaker and takes quite a bit to be woken up.  It took some convincing, but he finally cooperated.  I had my first biophysical profile ultrasound which was really reassuring because it showed that the cord is functioning properly and my fluid levels are still high.  It immediately reduced some of my fears and stress.

Unfortunately, some time in the last 24 hours the baby decided that after many months he no longer liked being head down and is now breech. Ugh.  I plan to do lots of downward facing dog in the next week. I may also give my acupuncturist a ring. I'd like to avoid doing an external version to flip him if possible.  If it's not one thing it's another. Geesh.

I am soooo close to being done and soooo tired of this pregnancy, or rather the stress this pregnancy has brought.  Despite this newest development I am focused on growing this baby and keeping him inside until my due date.  Fingers crossed.