Efface This
Well I've got some news and maybe those of you who've had babies before can help me interpret it. I had a pelvic exam (NOT fun) at the clinic yesterday and on the way out the door the nurse said, in an "oh by the way" kind of voice,
"you're 50% effaced, so you might want to take it easy for the next two weeks..."
I tried to grab her but she was already out the door.
That night in childbirth class we watched a birth video (AHH!) and the doctor said to the woman in the video- "You're making great progress- you're now 4 cm dilated and 50% effaced." I was getting a little freaked out about my apparent -in labor- status, and asked the teacher. She said in addition to "taking it easy" I should also not exercise at all, and should be on some form of house arrest. I assume that means I shouldn't have moved all the heavy furniture in the house around last night. Oh well.
Well I called the clinic again, and they said I shouldn't be exercising more than 3 times a week. Who am I supposed to believe? And does it really matter? I mean I'm not exactly doing any jumping jacks lately anyway. And from what I've heard- the baby's not likely to fall out when I stand up from this chair.
I'm sure now that I'm expecting her any minute she'll be a month overdue. I have to admit I'm getting pretty excited.
it's all riding on the tenacity of your mucous plug now.
oh yeah...and about that placenta everyone's fighting over... what's a midwife without a good placenta recipe?? chase can look forward to the tasty and traditional delicacy.
It's not unlike a good Menudo stew...
why MUST you tell everyone about the effacement? i mean, this is the FIFTEENTH time i've heard about it. in fact, i was begenning to think it was ME that's 50% effaced. ARSH!