Okay, I don't know where to start... First of all, Colin and ReefGuy, I'll deal with both of you off-line! Yes, flogging will be a good start, and that's all I'm going to put in writing for fear of witnesses and potential legal action down the road. Hmmm... Where to hide the bodies...
Simon, you are definitely an engineer.
As far as the midwifery rules go, a mom can safely deliver in a birth center (or home birth) anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks gestation. The antibiotics thing ReefGuy was referring to refers to antibiotics being administered to mom once her water has been broken for 24 hours to prevent potential infection to the baby.
I forget exactly how often each is done, but now that I'm beyond my due date, I'll be doing non-stress tests and fetal biophysical profiles to make sure Drake is tolerating the wait and that his amniotic fluid levels remain safe. I had a non-stress test last week, and everything was absolutely perfect. I have another NST scheduled for tomorrow morning, and my first BPP is set for Wednesday afternoon.
The BPP, or biophysical profile, basically looks like an ultrasound from a casual observer's viewpoint, but the dr is looking at more specific things. The non-stress test has me lying down with a fetal monitor strapped to my belly and a "thingy" (I hope I haven't gone over anyone's head with THAT technical term!) on top of my belly that monitors any contractions. It tracks Drake's heart rate for 20 minutes or so, it marks off any contractions that happen during the 20 minutes, and I also have a button that I push any time I feel Drake move. Based on the read-out, it's determined if he's doing well or is being stressed.
If I'm still pregnant next Wednesday (5/2), I guess we'll start the induction, my home birth will not be happening, and the Bullas will be missing Cinco de Mayo.
I'm seriously considering getting out the breast pump, but I want to talk to my midwife first. (Nipple stimulation induces labor) Is that TMI???
And while I was typing this whole post, I looked up at our stupid fish tank and realized that our stupid guppies just had 10 stupid baby guppies from the time I got home 'til the time I started typing this whole message. Everyone is having their stupid babies before me!!!!!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!! <breathe> Okay, I'm better now.
reggers: Kris
