36 Week Dr. Appointment and Ultrasound

Monday we had our 36 week doctor appointment (1 day early). At this appointment, our doctor checked me for Group B Strep, which we will get the results at my next doctor's appointment two weeks from now. He also checked my cervix. Guess what? I am already 2 cm dilated! All of those Braxton Hicks contractions have helped soften my cervix. The doctor seemed very positive about this and told us Todd's prediction of a late March birth is not out of the question, but is actually very possible! Being 2 cm dilated already is also a sign of an easier labor. I really hope I take after my mom with that! As he was checking my cervix, he immediately felt the head, which means he is still head down. I knew he was because of all the pelvic pressure I have, but it was still nice to hear. He doesn't expect me to go into labor in the next week or anything, because the head is still pretty high in the uterus in that regards. I would love for Baby Dep to come early, we are ready for him, and quite frankly, I am tired of being pregnant. But, I know it is still possible that he can be late.

Yesterday, the doctor also measured the size of my uterus from the outside. He only measured me at 32 weeks, but he thinks that my long torso could be hiding the true size. We have known all along that Baby Dep is on the smaller size, so our doctor thought it would be a great idea to schedule one more ultrasound just to check on baby's growth and make sure my fluid is normal. He did not seem nervous or anything, just thought it would be wise. I agree! He said our baby has continued to surprise him in terms of growth, so hopefully this ultrasound is no different.

Top: face looking at us; Next 3: profile

After the ultrasound:

The appointment went very well! The ultrasound tech began by taking measurements of baby's head, abdomen, and femur. He is measuring at 5 pounds and 9 oz, which is good! She said that he is in the 23 percentile. Yes, it has gone down a little, but she didn't seem to worry at all. There were no red flags for her and every time I would mention him being on the small side, she would really steer me from that perception. Every baby is different, and his growth is looking very good.

After the measurements were taking, she checked my amniotic fluid level. That also looks perfect. Then on to the face shot! Of course he is still head down, so I was worried that I wouldn't be able to see his face since last time we had a harder time. No issue this time! I got a very good picture of his profile (three bottom pics above). He had his hand up by his face like always. And I gotta tell you, he is so cute! His lips and little nose...He then turned toward us and I got a good shot of his face! His little cheeks...Todd said he looks like him (lol). We sure can't wait to meet him! The ultrasound tech said he is a wiggly little baby. It seems like everyone comments on his movements. I told you he is active!

It was so nice seeing him again. Its crazy thinking the next time we see him, he will be in my arms.