This is an exciting update for me to write – the last weekly update I wrote with Henry was my 39 week one (the due date is set at 40 weeks).  I went into labor with him at 39 weeks and 5 days and delivered the next day.

first pregnancy v second pregnancy

Last time around, my water broke about five hours after I got an acupuncture treatment.  If you’re naturally close to labor, acupuncture can kick start things. But if you’re not, it won’t work. It’s kind of like, “If the actors are in their places, this will raise the curtain and start the show.” But if the audience isn’t even in their seats, it’s pointless.  I’ll admit – I was very, very impressed at how effective acupuncture was for me. 

 

I’m not sure what we’ll do this time.  We are both curious to see what happens if I don’t try anything to get labor started.  I’m curious if my water will break or if I’ll just start getting contractions.  I’m curious if labor will feel less painful if my water doesn’t break first.  I’m curious if I’ll go this week or next (or next-next week!) if I don’t try acupuncture or lots of walking or having sex or eating pineapples or whatever else you can try at home.

 

Then again – it’s easy to have patience at 39 weeks.  It’s harder at 40 weeks and 6 days… Hah!  I bet I’d be singing a different tune if I got to that point.  But for now, I’m relatively comfortable, minus a few typical aches and pains, and wouldn’t mind going a little while longer with the baby still inside.  After all – it’s a pretty healthy and comfy spot for baby to be (and I can still sleep…).  Plus, I have a few things left that I’d like to do – like take Henry to his first real movie tomorrow! 

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If you’ve tried to jumpstart labor, what techniques did you try? Did it actually work?

This voice. It kills me!

A video posted by caitlinhtp (@caitlinhtp) on

 

Just in case this actually is my last week with a baby inside me, I thought I’d make a list of some facts about this pregnancy:

 

Total Weight Gain: About 43 – 45 pounds.  About 10 pounds more than I gained with Henry.

Most Annoying Symptom: I still can’t brush my trust or take pills without triggering a terrible gag reflex.

Food Cravings:  Anything warm and comforting.  French fries!  Chocolate!  I definitely could’ve eaten better this pregnancy, but ehhh – at least I took my prenatals religiously?

Exercise: Overall, I think I did a decent job at staying active.  I ran until the end of my second trimester.  I also did a variety of yoga, walking, and swimming.  But I really pulled back in the last month and haven’t done much at all in the last week.

Emotional Health:  I did an awesome job of taking care of ME this time around.  I carved out time with friends, went on solo trip to the nail salon, laid on the couch without feeling guilty… I really tried to relax and chill out, especially towards the end of pregnancy, which was great.

Ultrasounds:  Just one.  I can’t wait to see the baby in real life. I look at the ultrasound pic all the time and try to imagine a real kid. I hate going to weekly OBGYN appointments but at least I get to hear the heartbeat every time – that’s fun!

Movement:  This baby is less active than Henry was and seems more relaxed.  Fingers are crossed for one crazy kid and one chill kid, NOT two crazy ones! Hah.

Not Looking Forward To: Newborn sleep. Being a Zombie Mom. Feeling like I got hit by an exhaustion truck.

Looking Forward To…: Getting rid of all my maternity clothes FOREVER. Meeting the baby, introducing Henry to the baby, and newborn snuggles. Introducing baby to my parents and in-laws.  Finding my rhythm as a mom of two.  Applying my knowledge as a second-time mom to the newborn experience and hopefully having less stress and anxiety over normal things.  Also – not having to awkwardly roll off the bed to get up in the morning. Fitting in normal clothes. Being able to exercise hard again and getting back into shape.  Drinking wine.  ALL THE WINE.

Things I’ve Added to My Hospital Bag:  Chocolate bars, a copy of my birth plan, and a bottle of celebratory wine.  Hah.

Excited That…:  We celebrated early Thanksgiving yesterday at my Dad’s house – it was a load of fun.  And we got all our Christmas decorating and shopping done this past weekend!  My house is now ready for the holidays.  This is such a nice season to have a baby.  I pray every day that things go smoothly, and we have a peaceful holiday with our children in our home.

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Can’t wait to meet you, Little One!  Here are other Little One posts:

 

In the Oven {Again} (Announcement Post)

First Trimester Recap

17 weeks

22 weeks

27 weeks

30 weeks

37 Weeks

Things I Learned About Having a Newborn

New Mom Survival Stations

Our Drug-Free Birth Plan

Panic-Free Pregnancy: Round Two

And all my Henry weekly updates.

{ 50 comments }

 

  • Erica { EricaDHouse.com } November 25, 2014, 8:32 am

    How exciting! Hope you make it through the movies tomorrow without any interruptions 🙂

  • Verna November 25, 2014, 8:36 am

    I vote girl! 🙂 My 2nd was born 5 days late. I was PRETTY ornery the day before my due date and on my due date. After that I made my peace with it and was fine. Bigger babies, hold more food and therefore sleep longer. That’s what I tell myself anyway. I’ve tried EVERYTHING (except acupuncture, I don’t have easy access like you do) and nothing worked until they were ready. It happens when it happens, is my theory. It’s hard being patient at the end though! ((HUG)) Enjoy this time! I love all the updates!

  • Jessica November 25, 2014, 8:38 am

    Would love to hear more information about why you only did one sonogram. At what week was this done? Thanks! 🙂

    • Caitlin November 25, 2014, 9:28 am

      18 weeks. Just the anatomy scan. Our doctor doesn’t do others unless you are having problems.

      • Jessica November 25, 2014, 9:32 am

        That’s what we are planning to do too when the time comes but wasn’t sure when it should be done. Dr’s really push for more so it’s good to know that this isn’t unusual. You look great!! Love reading your blog!

        • Jill November 25, 2014, 12:13 pm

          Where I live, the doctors are very much in favour of as few sonograms as possible. I loved seeing the baby the one time we went, and was so tempted to ask for more, but skipped it.

          I didn’t use any techniques – I was six days overdue – he was born on New Year’s Eve, but “due” on Christmas. I feel like due dates are so arbitrary (you know, in my OH-SO-VAST experience of having birthed one single child) that I tried not to count on the date the doctor gave. I do remember quietly wishing that the baby would come and then as soon as contractions started I thought “ohhh, okay. No. I’m good. Nevermind.”

  • Erin November 25, 2014, 8:54 am

    I’m so excited for you! My oldest is almost exactly Henry’s age, and I have a 6 month old. It’s been amazing! It was definitely less anxiety/new mom worries the 2nd time around. My only piece of advice:
    What worked with the 1st one may not work with the 2nd.
    I found myself constantly saying “well when Ginny was little…”. It was an easy trap to fall into and I have to keep reminding myself that every baby is different!
    Can’t wait to “meet” Little One!

  • Katie November 25, 2014, 9:06 am

    Oh my gosh…I wanted to burn my maternity clothes after this last pregnancy! We still want one more so I will keep them (sigh) but man was I tired of them! Enjoy relaxing for the next few days 🙂

  • Lindsay Ingalls November 25, 2014, 9:08 am

    I had Edith at 38w5d and with Alder I went to 40w1d and honestly it was so hard! Especially when you have it in your head that second babies come faster! Enjoy these last moments as a mom of one and congrats on becoming a mom of two! It’s so much fun!

  • Tara November 25, 2014, 9:14 am

    You look great! Wishing you a smooth and quick labor and delivery!

    With my first pregnancy I waited until 39w6d to try a few “tricks” I’d heard about. I went into labor the next day on my due date (it was a loooonnnnggg labor, so he wasn’t born until the day after my DD), so I’m not sure which one (if any) worked or if it was just time to get baby out! My second pregnancy I didn’t have time to try anything, since I went into labor a week before my due date. Both times I went into labor it was almost identical. As soon as I sat down on the couch after a busy day of work and running around I started having contractions. My water didn’t break either time until right before my boys were born, which was funny since I was extremely paranoid about my water breaking at work and devised a detailed action plan with my co-worker in the event it happened!!

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed November 25, 2014, 9:15 am

    Ahhhhhhhh so excited for you! Can’t wait to find out the gender, the name, and see that cute little face. You’re going to do a great job with 2. Good luck <3

  • Katie November 25, 2014, 9:31 am

    Yay!! I hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving, whether or not there is a newborn inside or outside!

  • Jen November 25, 2014, 9:45 am

    Eeek! I’m excited. I’ll admit I’ve started stalking your blog regularly to see if the little one is here yet.

    I had two acupuncture sessions to help move things along. I was due May 2nd this year and my OB was already saying, hey, let’s schedule an induction for the 9th by my 39 week appointment, which I declined, but I did set up an acupuncture appointment for May 1st. I wasn’t ready to have the baby at that point, and truly believed she would come past her due date, and my acupuncturist said she thinks the mom has to be ready (up to a point, of course) before labor beings. That first acupuncture session did seem to get things moving, as the next day I started losing my mucus plug and had some more back pain than usual. I had the second acupuncture session on Tuesday the 6th, and by that point I was ready for the baby to arrive, and I woke up the day after feeling like I was having mild contractions and then my water broke and the little one was born later that day. My OB said “see, if you threaten to schedule an induction it scares them out,” but I think it was the acupuncture. Or a combo of acupuncture and just being ready.

  • Kathleen Ojo @ My Ojos November 25, 2014, 10:10 am

    Hooray for being so near the end of pregnancy! I remember being SO anxious from week 39 on with my daughter, I drove myself crazy wondering when I’d go into labor (my water broke at 40w1d). I’m pretty sure next time around, I’ll be a lot more chill. Especially now that I know from experience the utter EXHAUSTION of having a newborn! You’ll be in my thoughts this week! Wishing you a wonderful birth experience and safe delivery 🙂

  • Catherine November 25, 2014, 10:13 am

    How exciting!! It truly does seem like a great time of year to have a baby. I’m pregnant with my first and due in March so I’ve been, and will continue, to follow your baby posts so I can better prepare for my little one. 🙂

    On a side note, is that a real tree I see? (I’m a real-tree-all-the-way kind of girl.) 🙂

    • Caitlin November 25, 2014, 10:18 am

      It is!!! I think we are going to get a fake one on sale after Christmas. No sense in paying full price 🙂

  • Christina November 25, 2014, 10:13 am

    At 40 weeks & 5 days, I went the the chiropractor because I was done being pregnant and I couldn’t take going into work and hearing “You’re still here?” for the millionth time. She did her labor starting tricks, which were very gentle. I went into labor when I woke up the next morning (and stupidly went to work for the entire day) and had my baby the next afternoon at exactly 41 weeks. I am so grateful that she decided to cook longer instead of coming early. She was a super healthy newborn who took to nursing wonderfully. She’s also my crazy child. I really hope any future babies are more relaxed too 🙂

    Good luck Caitlin! Everything will happen as it is meant to and your sweet baby will be in your arms soon. Can’t wait to see the squishy newborn pictures!

  • Amy @ForDGRedial November 25, 2014, 10:30 am

    I don’t know why but I just can’t imagine you stopping at 2 – I reckon you will have 3 or 4. #placeyourbets

    Amy x

  • Reenie November 25, 2014, 10:34 am

    That video is adorable. Beautiful tree.

    ~ can’t wait to meet your little one ~

  • Erin @ Her Heartland Soul November 25, 2014, 10:52 am

    What an exciting time for you!! And I love your Christmas tree.

  • ginevra November 25, 2014, 10:53 am

    I’ll be honest…your birth story was the reason I did NOT want to do acupuncture to kick start my labor! My midwives believe that PROM without labor spontaneously starting at the same time or shortly after is strongly associated with more difficult labors. They explained it kind of like, without enough amniotic fluid, the baby cannot maneuver around as easily during labor and can get “stuck” in a sub-optimal position. And my (anecdotal) observations certainly speak to the same conclusion!
    FWIW, my water broke about mid-way through my labor and I would describe my (10 hour, drug-free) labor as easy.
    Good luck!

  • Katie@LifesNextBigStep November 25, 2014, 11:18 am

    Ahh you are so, so close! It seems like not that long ago that you announced that you were pregnant- it’s amazing how quickly it goes by!! I am so excited for you and to see what you are having (although my gut says girl all the way)! Lots of people will be thinking about you over the next few weeks!! And oh my goodness…that Henry is the sweetest! “The BABY!” duh, mom. 😉

  • Juliet November 25, 2014, 12:30 pm

    Wow so exciting you are so close! I’m 32 weeks with #2 and we are on the fence about a third baby. The thought of never being pregnant again makes me equally sad and relieved. Hope everything goes smoothly for you 🙂

  • B November 25, 2014, 12:47 pm

    My first time my water broke in my sleep at 36 weeks, my second time my water broke when the baby was on the way out with only a 40 minute labor. She was fast and furious and is still that way to this day 8 months later:) Cannot wait to hear how your second birthing experience goes, prayers for a smooth peaceful delivery. Happy Thanksgiving!

  • Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork November 25, 2014, 1:03 pm

    What a great recap! Can’t believe the time is here! I’m seriously impressed that you’re all set for the holidays. I’m sure you’ll be more than happy once baby is here that you’re all set. Is Henry starting to get more and more excited? Enjoy Thanksgiving week!

  • Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut November 25, 2014, 1:14 pm

    You look great! And you seem so organized and calm.

    What movie are you taking Henry to? I’m sure the experience will blow his mind. So fun!

    • Caitlin November 25, 2014, 1:28 pm

      The new Madagascar!

  • Linda November 25, 2014, 1:19 pm

    That video is great! Henry is so cute. Good luck!

  • Marie November 25, 2014, 1:20 pm

    I delivered my baby girl 3 years ago this week. She came 39 weeks and 4 days and 3 days post-Thanksgiving. You are RIGHT – it’s a VERY special time of year to have a baby. Just reading this last post of yours brought back so many beautiful memories for me. Good luck with the birth and enjoy the holiday season with a newborn. You’re SO blessed.

  • Jess (will run for cheeseburgers) November 25, 2014, 1:29 pm

    I can’t believe it’s almost time to meet Baby 2! There goes finding time to get together beforehand 🙂

    Good luck with everything and I look forward to hopefully hanging out in the future!

  • lori November 25, 2014, 1:52 pm

    From what I’ve read, I guess labor can be more painful if your water breaks first. I never did anything to get labor started and mine didn’t break until I was pushing, both times. It’s impossible to compare it to anyone else’s experience, but with so many well written birth stories where the feelings really come through (including yours!), I would say that my pain was a little more manageable than it seems to have been for some when their water broke early on. However it happens, I’m wishing you the best! It’s such a sweet moment when you get to introduce your first child to their sibling <3

  • Trina November 25, 2014, 2:42 pm

    A chiropractic appointment put me into labor. We were in the waiting room afterward and I just felt different. Three hours later I lost my mucus plug and we were at the hospital shortly after that. Granted I was 4 days past my due date, but I swear the chiropractor got everything going.

  • Autumn November 25, 2014, 2:50 pm

    I was in labor for 103 hours. I had a home birth. My husband and I really thought the 3rd night of labor was going to be the big night. We called the midwife and when she arrived my contractions stopped. The fourth night I wanted to be really sure before I called my midwife since she was driving about an hour away. My contractions were about 7 minutes apart and I wanted to speed things up a little since I was exhausted and didn’t think I could go much longer. (The previous night my contractions were 3 min apart so I was so tired…my husband was beat too.) She told me to have a castor oil milkshake. I mixed 2 Tbs. castor oil with vanilla ice cream and orange juice. It was so yummy. I couldn’t even taste the castor oil thankfully. It was very effective within a couple hours my contractions were about 2 minutes apart. I have birth the following morning to my wonderful baby boy who is 4 months old.

  • Ashley M. [at] (never)homemaker November 25, 2014, 3:18 pm

    Thinking of you <3

  • Amy November 25, 2014, 4:13 pm

    Best of luck Caitlin! I am excited to hear about the arrival of your #2. Also, have you heard Garth Brook’s new song? It is a tear jerker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRduDpZ52UA

  • Danielle November 25, 2014, 4:16 pm

    Aww best wishes to you for a happy and healthy delivery!!

  • Carly November 25, 2014, 6:11 pm

    So exciting Caitlin! Wishing you all the best with the remainder of your pregnancy and delivery 🙂 Can’t wait to “meet” baby #2!

  • Cristina November 25, 2014, 6:33 pm

    I walked as much as I could (it was hot!) And I ate a bunch of pineapple (which I happened to be craving. My water broke at 39 weeks and 6 days.

  • Lauren November 25, 2014, 11:47 pm

    All the very best! I had a drug-free labour all three times but the first was the hardest (my water also broke early with contractions starting later). Labor with amniotic fluid intact does seem to cushion it a bit, my second and third labours were so easy. I know it sounds crazy but I get jealous of anyone about to go through it, it’s such a magnificent experience!

  • melissa b November 26, 2014, 1:20 am

    You look great and that looks like a girl belly to me! Good luck!

  • Annie November 26, 2014, 8:52 am

    Good luck, Caitlin!
    I just bought your book Operation Beautiful for a Christmas gift to give to a 13 year old girl. I LOVE it and the message.
    Personally hoping for you to have another little boy! I have two “boys”… 21 and 23! Couldn’t be happier.
    Here’s to a beautiful birth!
    Annie

  • Katy @ Have You Hurd? November 26, 2014, 9:09 am

    My birthday is the 27th! I was born on Thanksgiving and this year my bday is on Thanksgiving again! Maybe Little One and I will share the same birthday 🙂 Yayy for Turkey Babies!

  • Carrie November 26, 2014, 12:12 pm

    Speaking of acupuncture, do you have any information on if it works with trying to conceive? Any benefits?

  • Sagan November 26, 2014, 12:29 pm

    “…and a celebratory bottle of wine.” Heehee! Nice 🙂

    So exciting – happy soon-to-be-here baby!

  • Lekki Wood November 26, 2014, 1:10 pm

    It’s funny – when I was pregnant I had some high risk conditions where it could be disastrous if my water broke at home due to the risk of a chord prolapse. I spent my last weeks avoiding pineapple / too much walking / steps / curry / any random thing the internet said could speed labor like the plague. All went very well I am pleased to say – doc broke my water in hospital at exactly 40 weeks and 0 days and my son followed 6 hours later :0)

    Anyway – maybe that perspective will help you say patient! Lots of love to you and your family and this exciting and special time.

  • Kendra S. November 26, 2014, 2:44 pm

    Caitlin, I’m so excited for you and your family to meet Little One! I will be sending nothing but positive thoughts your way. 🙂 You’ve handled this pregnancy so beautifully and every pregnancy related post has felt so positive even when you would have minor complaints here and there. I know the zombie-mom sleeplessness is looming but you’ve soldiered through it once before and you’ll do the same again.

    So very happy for you. Lots to be thankful for. 🙂

  • Aja November 26, 2014, 8:31 pm

    Yay! I hope delivery happens smoothly for you. That’s so exciting. What movie are you taking Henry to see?

  • Jolene @ Homespun Heritage November 26, 2014, 8:58 pm

    My first child I went over 42 weeks with…we tried everything to get her out sooner…3 failed medical inductions later I finally had a c/section. My second one I was vbacing and went into labor (YAY for natural labor at 40 wks) but the contractions did nothing (never dilated) and after 15 hours I finally cried uncle and they did another c/s. My third my water broke a week early and, again, the 18 hours of contractions did nothing and I never dilated again so my 3rd c/s….crazy how my cervix will NOT dilate! We might have one more but we’re not sure….I don’t share this to scary anyone…actually I find it funny how every body is so different!

  • Jaclyn November 26, 2014, 9:44 pm

    Oh boy, little Henry’s voice! I have played the video a handful of times already.

    “the baby!”

  • Lindsay J December 2, 2014, 4:14 pm

    I jumpstarted labor with my second pregnancy. My water did not break, but the contractions started. With my water not breaking, the labor pain was worse than with my first pregnancy. However, the nurses said that my water not breaking “streched” me and I did not tear, which made recovery much easier than the first.

    Good luck!! Anxious to see how things go this time around for you!

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