Anyone had Baby #1 show up after Week-34?

[Anonymous]

I am in my 35th week and have been on a crazy cleaning spree the past couple of days. I tend to do things like that, pregnant or not, but I suddenly had the horrifying thought that I might officially be "nesting." I am not prepared for the baby's arrival yet and need the next few weeks to get my act together. Just looking for some reassurance/experiences. Has anyone had their first baby early? Not in a real preemie sense but 5 odd weeks early?

[Anonymous]

It certainly could happen - when do you see the doctor again next? Your doctor can check to see if you are dialated at all. Personally I wouldn't read too much into your nesting. I have known woman who go through this at all stages of pregnancy. Personally as I just begin my 35th week I wish I did have that nesting instinct....my home could use a good cleaning right about now, but I lack all motivation to do so!

I would take a deep breath and just know that baby could come, but baby could also stay put and end up late. Your doctor will be able to tell you at weekly appts you are getting ready to start whether things look like they are progressing for you on the early side.

[Anonymous]

OP here...PP thanks for writing. Looks like you and I might share our due dates. I just started week-35. I don't really *feel* like I am nesting, but we have house guests coming in and everything was really getting on my nerves. I did some maniacal laundry and cooking and cleaning; but my husband says it's my usual self and I shouldn't worry about it. Still, I think I'll start packing the bags anyway.

I wouldn't worry if you're not getting the nesting instinct. I don't think I am either. I just get fed up with clutter every now and then and want to clean. Plus, the baby gifts have started to arrive and I am constantly tripping over them!

I got alarmed when I realized that several people have shared their cleaning, followed by water breaking stories with me and I wondered if I my cleaning meant nesting.

Ah, we'll see. Meanwhile, good luck to you. I look forward to hearing more experiences.

[Anonymous]

I had my first at 36.5 weeks -- a big surprise. Fortunately, we had gotten the car seat installed, done our baby shopping, etc., in the week before he came. It happens, it's a shock, but you quickly adjust. Don't spend too much time stressing about this.

And as for OB predictions, know this -- once you've started to dilate and, more importantly, efface, your body is ready, so at that point you really should get comfortable with the fact that you could go at any time. I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced at my 36 week appointment, and my water broke two days later.

Good luck! (BTW, I'm 29 weeks with #2 and despite everything I just wrote, I am also anxious about the possibility of an early baby....)

[Anonymous]

OP again. Wow! Surprise is right! I guess I should pack my bag soon. I'd just like to be prepared. Keep the experiences coming, guys...

[Anonymous]

from the other side - I was 2 cm dilated and partially effaced at 36 weeks, and walked around like that for 6 MORE WEEKS! DS was 2 weeks late - so you really can't predict.

[Anonymous]

I was a zombie of super weight- back pain before giving birth- and had some spurts before that- but overall- that is old wives tale- just be prepared no matter what but take advantage of any energy spurts no matter what happens- you'll need to be organized before the baby comes- congrats!

[Anonymous]

i just had my second baby and both came at 35 weeks (and did pretty well). i can't say nesting was a clue, b/c i was pretty intense about cleaning in general during pregnancy. however, my braxton hicks definitely became much more frequent and i experienced a very loose bm (i guess diarrhea) several hrs b/f my water broke.

[Anonymous]

PP, you said both of your kids came at 35 weeks -- did your water break with both? Did you have spontaneous contractions, or did you need pitocin? I'm the 36.5 week poster above, and I'm worried about a second early delivery (even though the first was fine). Can you share any more information?

[Anonymous]

i'm the pp - water broke both times, and contractions started shortly after. i was given pitocin w/ the first delivery, didn't need it with the second. ob said that women generally carry each subsequent pregnancy a little longer. that was true for me (although it was by just a few days). i'd recommend being prepared for an early delivery - ob said history is the best predictor (for instance, perinatologist didn't see any reason to anticipate another early delivery). however, if you're at 36.5 wks, i don't know that it would even be considered early, really.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP -- I'm only 29 weeks now. My OB said the same thing about previous early delivery. She's watching me closely, sending me for regular ultrasounds, etc. My son was totally fine at 36.5 weeks (although he was fussy and had reflux, which likely had to do with his system being not quite ready for life on the outside), so I'm not so worried about another baby coming at the same gestation. I'm more worried about earlier, so it's good/interesting to hear what your OB said about each pregnancy lasting a little longer. I'd love to get to 37 weeks!