SWOLLEN

Okay folks- ankles, feet, legs and fingers don't get much bigger than mine right now. I am swollen beyond belief. I realize that most first time mom experience some edema but mine is about over the top right now. I had a doctor's appointment today and my mid-wife told me that she was impressively concerned with my swelling and most recent weight gain. I was pretty upset with the number on the scale because I have been SO GOOD with what I have been eating over the past two weeks (with the exception of wings on Saturday night!). She reassured me that the weight gain has nothing to do with weight but water. My blood pressure has also gone up which is not a good sign. Anyway, she has rewarded this pregnancy woe with half days at work for the coming week. My blood pressure will be checked again on Thursday and if it is still high, she might extend my half days or possibly full days off into next week. She did say that the baby is fine both by measurement and weight. His heart is exactly the way it should be and he is considered full term because I am now 37 weeks. This means that he could arrive tomorrow and be just fine. This turn of events definitely wasn't in the plans but fortunately I have a lot of sick leave I can use and most major projects finished for the semester. I know my replacement at work won't be thrilled with the news- sorry Emilee!- but there's not much I can do. I spent the afternoon reading about pre-eclampsia as well as catching up on some quality day time TV- Baby Story and Oprah. I'll keep you posted as the week progresses.