Daily Short Blog #16
Based on my last ultrasound scan at third trimester, my Estimate Delivery Date (EDD) will be today 27th of May 2022, while considering my Last Menstrual Period (LMP), my due date shall be on 4th of June 2022.
While writing this blog today, I don’t feel anything new or irregular aside from the usual false contractions I was having every single day. So, I really don’t think that today is D-DAY. My doctor did a membrane sweep a week ago while figuring out that my cervix is 1 centimeter dilated. After that procedure, I’ve had a slight vaginal spotting which lasted for just a day and after 2 days, my mucus plug came out partially if not all.
Four days after the membrane sweep, I was having strong contractions on my belly as well as back pain for about 2 to 3 hours. It was when I have decided to walk and move around thinking the pain might subside. And, it did! After walking for around 3,000 steps, the pain I was feeling was gone. So I concluded, that it was just the Braxton-Hicks or false contractions I was having.
Now, it has been 5 days after my OB did the sweeping and everything’s still intact, thus, D-DAY shouldn’t come today. But that’s okay, I’m not worried thus, excited and a bit nervous.
As my due date is approaching, I feel more excitement than nervousness. In 2 days, I will be on my 39th week so it’s still normal for my baby to stay inside my womb. As they say, delivery date could happen two weeks before or after your expected date.
A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.
When I think my due date shall be…
Right now, I’m considering my due date on 4th of June considering the first day of my last menstrual period. Although, we really don’t know the exact date when my baby should come, but for sure, it could by anytime now.
Preparing for the D-Day…
In preparation for my upcoming labor and delivery, I and my husband has done few things such as:
- Preparing our hospital bags – there are two actually, one for the baby and one for both me and my husband.
- Performing few exercises as part of my daily routine. [mfn] My First Pregnancy Journey: Preparing for Labor And Delivery [/mfn]
- Preparing the baby’s cute-little-not-so-spacious nursery.
- Because I love crocheting, I handmade some clothes for the baby. [mfn] Crochet Newborn Bonnet, Mittens and Shoes: Free Pattern [/mfn] [mfn] Crochet Baby Dress ‘Minnie Mouse’: Free Pattern [/mfn] [mfn] Crochet Baby Frock Free Pattern: Using Shell Stitch [/mfn]
- And of course, crocheting a bunny rabbit for her too! [mfn] Crochet Giant Bunny Rabbit Free Pattern [/mfn]
- Preparing important documents we shall need since we are expatriates living in a foreign country.
- Purchasing some baby essentials.
Other than abovementioned, I always try to prepare myself emotionally and mentally. I fully understand that life will not be the same as our life before and it will be very difficult for us to cope since it’s going to be our first time as parents. I also know that having a Post-Partum Depression is quite normal, even now as I approach my due date, I feel teary eyed and anxious at times.
In addition, our families, especially our parents who could help us on these upcoming changes, are all in the Philippines away from us. Though we totally understand why they couldn’t come for us since they also have important things to take care of in our home country.
At the moment, I’m still working full-time in the office; I’m just thankful that my job doesn’t require much physical effort otherwise, it will be difficult for me and my baby. I don’t have any plans of going on leave soon unless I deliver my baby. Apparently, maternity leave in the UAE consists of 45 days of paid leave and 15 days of half paid leave. Considering this, I want to make use of all my leave after giving birth for my own recovery as well as to spend all of my time to take care of our baby.
Birth takes a woman’s deepest fears about herself and show her that she is stronger than them.
The Takeaway
As my due date approaches, everything is still unknown. We don’t know when exactly the baby is coming, what will happen during and after delivery, and if we will be able to take care of the baby whenever she comes.
I and my husband are both nervous yet very excited to meet our princess. Nevertheless, I know we can do it despite of all the unforeseen challenges as long as we are together. Even though we don’t have the physical presence of our parents to guide us with this upcoming parenthood, we can still do our best to do it on our own way. And by the way, now that we can do everything virtually, then they’re just one call away even though they’re miles and miles away.
I’m just hoping that whatever happens as I approach my due date, and the baby will come in God’s right time, our baby will be delivered naturally on a very healthy condition.
Being pregnant means every day is another day closer to meeting the other love of my life.
My First Pregnancy Journey
Natural Ways To Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
My First Pregnancy Journey: Feeling My Baby Move And Kick
My First Pregnancy Journey: Having A Full-time Job
My First Pregnancy Journey: My First Birthday as a Pregnant Mom
My First Pregnancy Journey: Preparing for Labor And Delivery
