Thoughts at 30 weeks

So we've reached 30 weeks.  In 2 weeks time, I will go off the daily aspirin that I've been taking since our IVF FET transfer in April.

This is a huge milestone for me, given the increased risk of preeclampsia and placental abruption due to my genetic blood clotting disorder.

I simply cannot believe that after 2.5 years of IF struggles, we have actually reached 30 weeks pregnancy. I still look at myself in the mirror and feel surreal seeing myself pregnant. It was something that I longed for so much, for what seemed like endless months on end, and to be here now is just an incredible miracle.

I am feeling amazingly well and have no tiredness or backache at all.  My blood pressure is perfect, baby's heart beat is perfect, I am free of gestational diabetes and our little boy is right on target in terms of his growth.  I am just so unbelievably grateful!

This is not to say that preeclampsia etc may not come lurking in the coming 10 weeks, but I will continue to eat healthily, continue with my daily power walking and yoga to keep my circulation going and keep fit for the labour and, above all, continue to remain positive. 

My doctor said that he will feel comfortable if we reach 32 weeks without complications, as from then on, it would be ok (not ideal) but ok, if baby had to be born if any complications arise.  But he is extremely happy with our progress and says that bubs and I are in exceptionally good health.

In terms of the labour, our doctor will be avoiding a Caesar as far as possible (due to the blood clotting disorder) and therefore, will also avoid induction as far as physically possible.  This is because induction is more likely to result in further intervention being required, such as a Caesar.  However, he will have to induce if I reach 7 days over due date (28 Dec).... but not before.

This suits me perfectly, as I really want a natural birth with as little intervention as possible.

At 40 weeks, the most he will do is slightly enlarge the cervical opening, depending on how dilated I already am, in order to induce labour as naturally as possible.  But he and I are hoping that I will go into labour naturally between 38 and 41 weeks.

I just wanted to say that I am still praying for all of you so much (those that are still undergoing treatments and those that are reaching each milestone of those long awaited pregnancies).  This community has been an amazing support to me, and whilst I have less and less time to blog these days given increasing work commitments in the lead up to my maternity leave, I am still here and still following you all.

Wishing you all the very best in the lead up to Christmas - I hope that all your dreams come true very very soon.

B

ps: I've updated my 'Story of Comet' page with the latest bump pic!