01-1-2009 - 34 week checkup

My mood while writing this blog: Happy

At my 32 weeks checkup my GP booked my 34 week appointment at the hospital and said that they would probably want to do an internal exam and take a swab for Strep B and take some blood. So today i was totally freaking out at the thought of an internal exam but when i got there the Dr just did all of the usual pokes and prods and didnt even mention an exam or blood. I was so releived. She didnt weigh me either but my weight has been spot on the whole time and i guess its not that importnant at this stage.

She gave me a couple of forms to take home and read, one was the epidural consent form. She gave me that one so that i can have all of the imformation before i go into labour because she doesnt want me making any decisions while im mentally and physically exhausted. Very smart i thought. The other one is the information and consent form for the Vitamin K treatment. Its is either an injection before you leave the hospital or it can be given as a 3 dose oral treatment over a few weeks.She explained that all babies are born deficient and that it is needed for the blood to be able to clot efficiently and that babies who dont have the treatments are at higher risk of bleeding into the bowel, intestines or stomach. I had already decided that he would get the injection but its good to have the options and information.

She took my blood pressure, and at 138/60 its still a bit off but not too bad. I told her that i get a lot of sudden swelling in my hands and feet and she said that if it is accompanied by a headache that doesnt go away with panadol or i get spots in front of my eyes that i should go straight to the hospital because it could mean my blood pressure has skyrocketed. We had a listen to babys heart beat and its 144 which is perfect (of course). He is still head down but not as low as she would have expected but shes not worried because he still has plenty of time to wriggle down. He is still laying on his right side but he has moved his little butt further to the right and his legs are quite high. which i totally could have told her because hes constantly kicking me in the ribs! My fundal measurement is 34cm which is spot on yet again.

As for the Strep B test, she explained what strep b is and why it is tested and gave me these 2 sealed sterile swab thingys and i was like wtf? My GP had told me that they would do a swab at the hospital so i was expecting that, not to be given swabs to do at home. So in the morning before i go to the appointment i have to do a vaginal and an anal swab :( I know its the right thing to do for baby but its so yuck!! Ill just have to psych myself up and get on with it. at least i have 2 weeks to whinge about it haha.

So that was it. a very uneventful check up, couldnt hope for anything else really. the more boring the better :)