doctor/40 weeks

We saw the doctor again this morning and still nothing has changed. Either this baby is very stubborn, or her temporary home is so nice and cozy that she doesn't want to leave. We also had a nonstress test, which went very well. Basically, they strapped a heart rate monitor to my belly, and every time she moved I pressed a button. Then a machine measured her heart rate in relation to her movement. Her heart rate was strong and went up every time she moved, which is what it's supposed to do. We're scheduled for another exam and nonstress test Thursday morning. If the baby shows any signs of distress, we'll go straight to the hospital for an induction. If the baby is fine, we'll check into the hospital for an induction at 4 p.m. I'm feeling a bit discouraged about attempting an induction when I'm not dilated or effaced at all (assuming nothing changes in the next 3 days), but the doctor said he still thought I had an 80% to 85% chance of delivering vaginally although my risk for c-section is higher. He figures we might as well give the induction a shot, though, and Kevin and I agree. Assuming the cervadil they give me on Thursday doesn't kick me into hardcore labor, he'll break my water and start a pitocin drip early Friday morning. I asked if they would do another ultrasound before they started the induction so we could see how big she is, but he said ultrasound measurements are too inaccurate at this late stage to influence our plans. So, if you don't hear from us between now and then, assume we're getting this party started late Thursday afternoon. In the meantime, I'm going to try to rest, eat good food and keep the house tidy. Gilmore and I just got back from a walk. We thought a little exercise might do some good, and the temperature is nice here today. The walk—our typical short route—was challenging, though! Here's what's going on with the baby this week (not much!).

week 40
It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary.