40 Weeks, 2 Days

Ok, ok!  I know I said that I wanted to go late and that I predicted I'd have Whitten on the 25th of October.  But, I'm ready now.  Can we get this show on the road?

(October 21 - 40 weeks, 2 days)

My next appointment with the doctor is Tuesday afternoon.  At that time, I'll be just shy of 41 weeks, and the doctor will discuss inducing me.  I've always been one of those "let the baby come when he's ready!" types of folks, so I'm not exactly excited about the idea of being induced.  However, after talking to my doctor and doing some of my own research, there are some concerns about allowing a baby to go too far past his due date:

1. The placenta can stop providing sufficient nutrients to the baby.

2. There is a higher percentage of stillbirth for babies delivered after 42 weeks.

3. There is an increased risk of meconium aspiration.

Of course, there are negatives to being induced, as well:

1. More medical intervention is required (IVs, monitors, etc.)

2. Contractions are brought on medically, so they can be stronger and more painful than natural contractions.

3. There is the possibility of longer labor, which could result in an emergency c-section.

So, basically, I'm hoping that little Whitten will arrive on his own.  And, I'm hoping he'll do it sooner rather than later.  Jeff is taking his professional engineering exam on Friday the 28th.  As long as baby comes on the 26th or before or the 29th or after, we're in the clear.  But, of course, he'll come when he is good and ready.

Send labor wishes my way!