Getting closer

I had my 29-week prenatal check-up today. Everything looks great--the baby is positioned upside down with a strong heartbeat at 140 bpm (and also a very strong right hook by the feel of it), my blood pressure was low and consistent with previous readings, and I passed the urine analysis this time so my blood sugar seems to be under control. I did lose a couple of pounds during the last month, but my doctor wasn't concerned--my overall weight gain is still normal and the fundal height is right on the mark, so it is probably just the result of eating more protein (not so ravenously hungry) and coming down with an uber-awful cold (hard to feel much like eating when I can't taste anything).

We are over halfway done with our childbirth preparation class, after which, as John says, "we'll know everything." Next week is the hospital tour, so I will be interested in seeing the birthing suites complete with jacuzzi hot tub, birthing balls, birthing chairs, and a specialized water birthing tub (if we decide to go that route). Given all these amenities aimed at helping women use gravity-assisted labor positions, I am a little surprised that every other couple in our childbirth class is planning to have an epidural. In comparison, I feel like an odd duck for not wanting an epidural, but for me it comes down to the option of having full mobility during labor. Well, that and also the placement of an epidural sorta freaks me out. I guess it is a trade-off--I'm sure laboring without medication is painful, but generally it also seems to be the most efficient and safest way to get the baby out. Of course, those of you who have actually gone through childbirth might have a different (and more accurate) perception of the whole experience.