We had our now-weekly check up today. I gained another 2 pounds since last week! How is that possible?

The doctor also did an internal check, since I am still having contractions occasionally. I'm effaced and 2 cm dilated.

The baby has dropped now, and I'm at -2 station. The station of the baby's head is determined by the relationship of the head to bony projections in the pelvis (ischial spines). The station of the baby's head is measured in the number of centimeters it is above or below these ischial spines. When the baby's head is two centimeters above the ischial spines it is at a -2 station. When the head is level with the ischial spines is at 0 station. When it is two centimeters below the ischial spines, the head is at a +2 station. The head is at +4 to +5 station at birth.

I have an appt on the 16th, the day before my doctor goes on vacation. At that appointment, he is going to strip my membranes to see if we can get contractions going. Let's do it!

For those who don't know, we are hoping for a 17th birthdate, since my bday is December 17, Doug's is May 17 and our anniversary is August 17. Also, my OB is going out of town on Oct 18 until Oct 25, and we'd really like him to attend the birth.