At my 32-week prenatal appointment, I found out the results of the 30-week ultrasound. Unfortunately, the placenta has not moved up much since 20 weeks and I have what they call “posterior marginal placenta previa.” When the placenta is located too low down near the cervical opening, it can be extremely dangerous as it can cause hemorrhaging during the pregnancy and/or delivery. Even though I have had no bleeding since around 20 weeks, I was advised not to do any strenuous activities such as exercise (beyond walking and usual routine activity) to be on the safe side. The midwife ordered a repeat ultrasound in 4 weeks (at 36 weeks). I will be just 4 weeks from my due date at that time. If the placenta has not moved up enough at that time, I will be referred to an OB/GYN and likely scheduled for a cesarean. The midwife says there is a “50/50″ chance of the complication resolving, but it has usually resolved at this point and so I feel I need to mentally prepare for the likely possibility that I will not be able to have the natural birth I had hoped for. After having a good cry and letting myself feel the sadness and disappointment, I realized that I need to focus on the most important thing here - a healthy baby. Thankfully we have modern medicine to detect this type of complication and intervene as both the baby and I could have died from this condition if we lived in another time. So, now all I can do is hope that things go the way I would prefer but mentally prepare for the possibility that I may have to have a cesarean birth, as hard as it may be to accept that many things are just beyond my control. The fact that pregnancy and birth so often take an unexpected course is, I’m sure, only preparation for parenthood and all the surprises that will hold.

Exhausted this week with routine being thrown off by the holidays and not always getting my desperately needed daily nap. Also, not much time for exercise. Difficult to eat healthy too with all the big, heavy meals laden with fat, salt, etc. Noticing that sugar makes me feel really icky lately and so need to cut that out. Otherwise, feeling really great for being 7 months pregnant. Some lower back discomfort and aching low in my belly when I stand and walk excessively, but otherwise pretty comfortable. Sleeping has gotten much better and I find it easy to get back to sleep after the 1-2 nightly trips to the bathroom.

We had our repeat ultrasound this week, but we won’t hear the results until the radiologist reads it and gets it to my midwife. Hoping the placenta moved up and that everything is “normal.” Not really too worried since it’s a rare complication. Anyway, nothing I can do but take things as they come and just deal with whatever comes up at this point. Oh, the ultrasound tech said the baby is about 3 pounds 5 ounces. Wow!!! She also said it is in a head-down (vertex) position and has hair.

Feeling hiccups pretty much daily now and lots and lots of squirming, kicking, punching, and rolling. This baby is active all day long, which I just love. It makes me feel so connected to the life inside of me and reassured that it’s healthy and all is well.

Feeling great, especially considering how busy life has been with the holidays. For some reason, had a burning desire to bake like crazy this year; must be the mommy hormones. Feeling clumsier and actually fell in a parking lot, thankfully landing on hands and knees and not on baby at all. Maybe not a good idea to wear heels at almost 7 months pregnant. Also had a scare where I ate a couple bites of very undercooked chicken at a restaurant and then obsessed about getting listeria or some other devestating food poisoning, so called the midwife and was reassured. The thought of something happening to this child at this point is just unbearable. I’m already so attached and care so deeply for him or her.