Oooh, its so exciting!!! I have to watch out for dehydration, too. I try to drink 3-4 liters a day and on days I only get 2 in, I seem to have more bh/aching/crampiness, etc. SInce I've had 2 other babies, I've heard mine likely won't drop until labor begins. While I'd like the extra room to breath, I'm not sure I'd want the constant pressure down there! lol I don't even remember my past babies dropping very much...I was induced with both of them.

Erindolly, I'm well over 35+lbs gained too. I always gain about 45lbs and I'm at 48lbs right now. I've cut out all sweets at this point b/c i was spilling some glucose in my urine at my prenatal last week, so I'm hoping I'm done gaining. (Despite eating healthy for the majority of my pregnancy, I went on a 3 week junk food binge a couple of weeks ago. Whoops!) I'm actually pleased with how well my pregnancy has gone, though. Do either of you guys see a chiro? I started going to one around 32 weeks and she has been amazing!!! My hips/lower back don't hurt at all anymore! (As long as I see her regularly) My one complaint is that I'm just now starting to get some carpal tunnel sensations in my left hand, but pretty soon I won't have to worry about it!!! I'm SO excited for labor!!! (But I also have quite a few more things to finish, so I'd like to make it to my due date...which I'm sure I will have no problem doing!)

Do you guys have birth plans? How are you hoping things go?

I had wanted things to be all natural for my first two births, but it didn't work out. With my first, I was induced at 41 weeks for high blood pressure. The combination of pitocin, breaking my water, and having to lay in bed was way too much for me and I got an epidural, which I don't regret at all! She was born less than 4 hours after the epidural with only a few pushes!

With my second, it was through a military hospital and they pretty much forced me into an induction at 38 1/2 weeks b/c I had ONE elevated blood pressure reading. (And it was only 140/90 b/c I was running late for the appt, and it came right down. all the rest of my readings were normal, but they did their fear mongering). It sucked. I was on Magnesium, which actually stops contractions, and pitocin, to create contractions. I was confined to bed and they made me get a catheter. After 24 hours, I wasn't really in active labor yet, so they insisted on breaking my water, which I knew would bring on the super intense stuff when combined with pitocin, so I got an epidural beforehand. Once they broke my water, she was out within 3 hours, minimal pushing again. So, I don't have anything against epidurals! lol But supposedly, when your body naturally goes into labor, your body creates endorphins to handle the pain and its not as hard and intense as the pitocin/water breaking combo.

This time around, I'm having a home birth, which is why I'm SO excited!!! I get major anxiety with the hospital and doctors pushing me around, etc. I know being relaxed is the key to a smooth birth, so I'm looking forward to being in my bedroom, no constant fetal monitoring, listening to music, being able to move and use a birth tub! I have a doula, too. I should have gotten one for my hospital births, but I didn't know any better. I will say, the civilian hospital was way more natural-minded/patient-friendly than the military hospital, so I'm sure your experience will be a great one! I agree with them inducing me with the first baby since I was past due and really had high blood pressure. The second time, though...well, I just get angry thinking about it! LOL

Each pregnancy, my joints loosen up more, so this was my first time having real hip pain. I had twinges of it with my second pregnancy, but it didn't prevent me from being active. This time around, it really messed me up. But I'm grateful its all better!

What do you have left to do?

Wow, you have a lot on your plate! I think its smart to hire people in that situation, though I know how you feel. My husband and I like to do everything ourselves, too!

Also, I hope I didn't come across badly about hospital births or anything! I know many people have wonderful experiences. Mine just weren't that great and I wanted to try something different. I have major anxiety, too, so that was another draw to have privacy at home, etc. I think its great that you are open to going with the flow! I bet you will have an easy birth! Can't wait to hear about it!

I am feeling SO huge now. I don't know how much bigger this baby can get! lol

Still pregnant here! lol 40 weeks as of yesterday. I'm going to have my husband get my pump out of the attic this weekend and maybe try that. I'm doing Evening primrose oil. I need to do more walking, too, but I've been too busy sewing. I've gotten a bunch of stuff made this week though! 2 crib sheets, like, 5 hats, a gown, a boppy cover, and 7 fitted diapers. I need to make more diapers and a few more gowns and nursing pads still.

I started taking an iron supplement about a week and a half ago and it did wonders for my energy and overall feeling well, so I've had energy to work on things. Its been great! And my hips were acting up again bc my chiro was having me sit instead of lay down on the table. Well, I laid down for my 2 visits this week and she got my sacrum back in line, so I'm actually feeling really good! I just want the baby to come soon so I can stop dreading my prenatal appts! lol I'm so afraid my blood pressure is going to creep up again!

Hey there--checking in. I am still pregnant and now five days overdue. I have had cramping/contractions on and off the last couple of days--especially at night and lost my mucus plug (or at least part of it) in the middle of the night last night. During the day I've been getting occasional cramping, but nothing close to regular intervals. It is getting really though to go into work each day and be asked by everyone and their mom about why I am still here. Physically I feel okay, but emotionally this is starting to take a toll on me. I am getting constant emails/ text messages and phone calls asking about my status. I can say that the last five days have been some of the longest days of my life so far! Hurry up baby girl--you are making things tough for your mommy!!!

Oooh, sounds like you are really close!!! I have only had the BH still...no real contractions. My midwife is going to strip my membranes Thursday morning, so I'm hoping that will help things start up. If not, I expect to still be pregnant next week! lol I can't wait to hear your update that your little one is here! I really do think it will be soon!

So, I'm in early labor! Yay! Things started last night and its going slow today, but I know I'm making progress! Its so nice to not have to go anywhere. Ctx aren't regular, but they are there! I've been losing my plug throughout the past 24 hours, too. This is so neat to me b/c I've always been induced before. I love seeing my body slowly start up this process! Anyway, I'll check back in later. 41 weeks today! How is everyone else?

Hey Meggwyn - I'm not a September date but just popped into say 'congratulations and hope all goes well for you'. Look forward to hearing your exciting updates :flowerforyou:

Thanks! Unfortunately, things petered out. Hoping they pick back up today or tomorrow! At least my cervix will be ready and it ought to go quickly when it does start up! lol