40 plus 4

We had another appointment today. Again, we hope it was our last! We saw Jennifer, and she told us that we are next in line for the birth center. I just hope the baby was listening...

She checked me and said that I'm a fingertip open (less than one centimeter) and my cervix is soft and still long. I'm partially effaced, though not very much. Some progress, at least.

The baby's heartbeat was strong and responded well to stimulation again this week.

My blood pressure, weight, and urine tests were all the same.

My uterus is still measuring 38ish centimeters, probably due to the baby having moved down some. Keep heading that way, baby!

If I'm still pregnant on Monday morning, we have an appointment at the hospital for a non-stress test and prostaglandin gel. I'm still a bit conflicted about the gel, but our midwives recommend it, and the risks seem to be minimal.

For now, I'm just taking it one moment at a time, trying to think positive thoughts, and relaxing as much as possible. Last night we had our first pattern of contractions, thirteen minutes apart for almost an hour and a half!

Woo hoo! Bring it on!