Pregancy update: 29+2

I am now 29 weeks pregnant (plus 2 days to be really precise) and had another check up with the midwife today; I was accompanied to my appointment by MidwifeS.

It is all good news...
My glucose tolerance test results are fine, so no further testing for gestational diabetes. Hooray! My blood pressure is normal. And, Thumper is measuring at an average size for gestation! So no worries about it being a bit too large. Hooray again!

It must be noted that the first midwife to measure the height of the fundus got a reading consistent with 32 weeks pregnant, which freaked me out just a little bit! Then she tried to listen to Thumper's heartbeat with the doppler, but had trouble getting a reading. So she got another midwife in who got a measurement consistent with 29 weeks - 30 weeks. Phew! The second midwife also found Thumper's heartbeat without too much touble at all. The belly-poking and prodding also determined that Thumper is lying head down, bum up, with its back towards my left side.

Then I did a pre-arranged tour of the regular birthing suites and materity wards (just in case I end up in there rather than in the FBC for whatever reason). The birthing suites are pretty much standard issue - largish rooms, with up-and-down type 'birthing' beds, en suite, resusitation table in a cabinet, etc. They offer a range of equipment for labouring mums (gym balls, floor mats, bean bags, birth stools, etc.).

The maternity wards where mums and bubs have their post-natal stay are also quite nice and modern. A basic clean room with two beds, separated by a curtain. Sink for bathing the baby, TVs (as if you would have time to watch one!), a wardrobe and drawers, bar fridge, telephone and a chair to feed in. Down the hallway are a few little sitting areas. But I also found out that the hospital has 7 single rooms with double beds to allow partners to stay. These are only available to mums who have had a normal, uncomplicated birth and who want their partners to stay with them. So if the need arises, I have to remember to ask for the 'partner package'.

Then MidwifeS and I stopped for a late morning tea and spent some time chatting about all things birth-related. I headed home after making my third toilet-stop for the morning whilst in the hospital and was halfway back to the car (as usual, I had to park miles away because find a parking space anywhere within 1km of the hospital is a nightmare), when I realised I had left my folder of pregnancy notes in the toilet. Stupid pregnancy-brain.

Overall, I am feeling much better about the pregnancy and birth now - I think getting the reassurance that my health is good and my baby is growing at a normal rate has made a big difference. Now if only I can get over this stupid cold and sore throat...
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