I’m now 21 weeks into this pregnancy, which means I’m past halfway. Maybe. Or maybe I’m exactly halfway. Pregnancy by the book is 40 weeks, but with both Sky and Micah I was induced at 41 weeks. And since only God knows the exact moment life begins and the “right” amount of days this child needs to grow inside me, I guess I should just say I’m about halfway and leave it at that.
I’m starting to realize how important it is not to circle my due date on the calendar or start thinking February 13th will be this child’s birthday. With my first two pregnancies I counted down the days and weeks and when each due date came and went like every other day, I was crushed. A little pressure from our doctor was all I needed to schedule each induction.
This time though, I’m hoping things will be different. Obviously, I hope I won’t be overdue at all. But since it seems like that’s my body’s tendency, I’m trying to mentally prepare myself to have this baby closer to the end of February and not the middle. And here is why: I really, really want to go into labor on my own. Without Cervidil. Without Pitocin. And without Cytotec. Definitely without Cytotec. I want to experience an all-natural birth. Not just epidural-free, but without an IV. Just me, with Adam’s encouragement, having this baby, pure and simple.
Our biggest prayer is that our baby will be healthy, however she arrives, and I appreciate knowing there are IV’s and fetal monitors and Pitocin available if I need them. But I’m hoping that this time my body will know what to do on its own. And I’m praying I’ll be strong enough to wait longer, all the way to 42 weeks, to give my body a chance to start labor on its own.
I already know it’ll be hard to wait. For whatever reason, something shifts in my mind once I pass my due date and I turn into an emotional wreck. All it takes is for someone to kindly pat me on the shoulder and say “you’re ready to have this baby now, aren’t you,” and I’m suddenly signing papers to start an induction. We’re working with a different practice this time though, and the midwives are already encouraging me to wait patiently for the natural birth I want.
I love that God doesn’t just care about the end result in any area of life. He cares about how we get there too. And He loves our little girl even more than we do. We are already so thankful for her and can’t wait to meet her.
Wait, what was I just saying? Oh yeah, patience. I’ll keep working on it.
I have to remind myself that it’s as Estimated Due Date, not an Expiration Date 😉 It’s kinda like the return of Jesus. No one (but Him) knows the hour or the day! He created your body for this and your body knows exactly what to do!
Happy half way mark 😉
Happy “about halfway” to you too! Have a great time on your trip. Can’t wait to hear about it next week!
I am just so excited for you two! You’re in the halfway zone! I always (used to) remind clients to try to remember that 40 weeks is not a “due” date – not an expiration date. It’s the conveniently round number that is easier to say than 41-weeks-3-days-for-first-time-moms-or-40-weeks-4 days-for-second-and-beyond-moms. See? What a mouthful! What’s worse is even those dates aren’t expiration dates; they’re the middle of the bell curve representing the time your baby is most likely to arrive +/- a week. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to worry: your Heavenly Father has been has been bringing babies into the world this way for a little while now and knows a bit more about it than poor Mr. Boerhaave or Mr. Naegele ever did (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1047180/the_lie_of_the_edd_why_your_due_date.html).
Great article Aron. I didn’t know all that! Thanks for sharing it and for the constant encouragement. You are going to be the best midwife!
I hear you! I was induced for my “first” three kids ’cause I went 2 weeks late. I so wanted to go on my own! Thankfully for the fourth, I did and didn’t need pain meds. It was a really beautiful experience. I hope for the same for you!
Thanks for telling me that Mary! Very encouraging. =)
I look at your cute little bump and think, “There’s someone who said, ‘Please buy me a minivan.'”
Ha ha! We’re working on it.
look at it this way – from 2/13 – 2/22 you have a possibility of hitting 3 of your friend’s bdays (maybe more – those are just the ones that lived at Ruddle)!
you look lovely and i’m so excited for you!
Clig
I hadn’t thought of that Catherine! =) Hey, when do I get to hear all about your adventure? Have you posted any pictures yet?
I am super excited for you. I am amazed how awesome our CREATOR is. I remember just meeting you and how many months and years you have been praying for a baby. AND NOW you are having little angel number three. God is so good. I will pray that you have the calm and paeceful drug free birth that you want. Blessings to you Linnea!!
Mendy
Thanks Mendy! I’m so glad we’re at a table together this year in MOPS. I will be praying for you and your growing family. =)
Oh wow I am so excited you have a blog
That is so neat! You have been such a blessing to me at helping hands and I am SO excited for you with the birth of your 3rd lil one 
Blessings and see you Thursday! 
Thanks Katy! You are a very sweet person.
See you Thursday!