Update (um, grossly detailed)

So, I saw my "regular" NP today. She looked at my poor swollen ankles, and I briefly discussed my symptoms with her. Then, she said "Are you at the point where you're saying 'just get this baby out of me?' yet?" My response: Yes, do you think stripping membranes is a good idea?" 

"Yes, it doesn't guarantee anything, but it's worth a shot at this point"

OK, good. So, I had my membranes stripped. It wasn't comfortable, especially on my bladder, but hopefully it will get things going. I also told her I've been a bit constipated, and she said that that may be keeping the baby's head off my cervix, preventing it from getting enough pressure to trigger labor. She described labor as a big puzzle, multiple pieces must come together for everything to get started. She told me to help with the constipation, to go get an enema (I was SHOCKED!) 

She also said the most comforting thing I've heard in the last month: "I think this baby knows right when to come out, and she's aiming for her due date." Kaiser has my EDD a few days after I do.... 6/26. One week from today. But just having her state that the baby's still likely a week away really takes some pressure off and doesn't have me on my toes so much. Does that mean that I'll freak if I go into labor now? No, it just means it happens sooner than she thought. I really, really needed to hear that, as my last two encounters with health care professionals left me with anticipation of birth being within a few days... a couple weeks of that will truly drive you crazy! 

So, I'm still pregnant, and I'm OK with that. Bummer is, my parents are in town until Sunday, then they'll be gone until the following weekend, but if I deliver in a week (Thursday) then they'll be here just as we're coming home (though my mom will travel sooner, and my dad might figure out how to do the same). And that wouldn't be to bad. 

39w, 3d