38 weeks pregnant

I am very pregnant and very hormonal. Tuesday night I was up in the middle of the night with contractions in addition to my normal breaks in sleep due to frequent peeing. Then, while sleep-deprived at yesterday's midwife appointment, we had a bit of a scare. Up until now, everything has been very normal with this pregnancy. So, when the midwife told me the fundal height measurement was lower than expected I was very surprised. I was sent in for an ultrasound to help determine the cause. They concluded I have low amniotic fluid due to dehydration. (I've had a bad cold for a couple of days now.)

After receiving some IV fluids and fetal monitoring (the baby sounds great), my midwives released me to home bedrest with an oral hydration regiment. I have to drink 6 liters of water! I broke out my good old Boulder Community Hospital water bottle that we got when Audrey was born so I know how much I am drinking. So far I have only been able to pack away 3 liters, but I'm working on it.

I have also learned about the benefits of coconut water for hydrating. Naturally fat-free and low calorie, it contains many electrolytes and is an especially good source of potassium. It is much tastier than Gatorade and doesn't contain high-fructose corn syrup like many sports drinks. Unfortunately, we don't grow coconuts anywhere nearby, so coconut water will have to be a luxury that I allow myself only occasionally.

Adam took the day off to help with Audrey. He braved the mommy playgroup scene with Audrey this morning.

On Friday I am getting another ultrasound to recheck my amniotic fluid levels. We think all will be well, but I was very freaked out yesterday.

Prior to yesterdays scare, I thought I would go into labor sooner rather than later. Now, I'm not so sure that the contractions I was experiencing weren't being brought on by my low fluid levels. Perhaps we will have to wait 2 more weeks to meet this little one after all.