33 Weeks

33 Weeks: 6.26.12

How your baby's growing:

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark.

She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

How your life's changing:

As your baby fills out even more of your belly, lots of things might start to change: Whereas before you were sashaying, you may find yourself waddling. Finding an easy position to sit in — let alone sleep — is becoming more of a challenge. And bumping into chairs and counters is par for the course.

You may be feeling some achiness and even numbness in your fingers, wrists, and hands. Like many other tissues in your body, those in your wrist can retain fluid, which can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in your wrist.

Nerves that run through this "tunnel" may end up pinched, creating numbness; tingling, shooting or burning pain; or a dull ache. Try wearing a splint to stabilize your wrist or propping your arm up with a pillow when you sleep. If your work requires repetitive hand movements (at a keyboard or on an assembly line, for instance), remember to stretch your hands when you take breaks — which should be frequently.

Many women are still feeling sexy at this stage — and their partners often agree. You may need to make some adjustments, but for most women, sex during pregnancy is fine right up until their water breaks or their labor starts.

Update:

-  This week has been exhausting for me.  After traveling the last 2 weekends in a row for weddings and baby showers, I needed a break.  I went back to work Thursday and by Monday I was burnt out and needed a nap. 

- Little M has now set up shop high in my ribs and has started kicking me.  Even my coworkers were asking if I was okay on Monday because I kept making faces and grabbing at my belly. I was actually grimacing from your jabs! I don't think you like me sitting for long periods of time, because I must be squishing "your space" but too bad little lady... I work 4 10's so get used to it.

- Sunday 6.24.12 Dad and I assembled your swing, exersaucer and pack and play. All those boxes were taking up room in the dining room and we decided to tackle it and get it ready for you.

-  I finally got adjusted yesterday and was long overdue. I even got put in the room that has the drop down table with the cutout for my belly. I guess that means I am getting big enough now, with 7 weeks to go! :) I feel so much better, and slept great last night. And even talked to my chiropractor about his newest arrival who is just a little over 2 weeks old!

- Today I'm finishing up the last few thank you notes for all the good stuff I received at my baby shower. It was a big task, but I am so grateful for wonderful friends and family members.

- I definitely feel like I am starting to waddle. (Especially after sitting for long periods of time) Even laying on my side on the couch has proven interesting. And I am having troubles sleeping through the night in the last week.

- I don't feel like I have full blown carpal tunnel, but after having a week off and then going back to work and repeatedly doing my job over and over my hands do get a little sore. 

- I'm thinking a prenatal massage may be in order. I received a gift card for my birthday, and as a reward to myself for getting things accomplished in a timely matter I feel I owe myself!  (and to relieve my aches and pains and just relax!!)

- The heat is taking a toll on me! Thank god for a/c!! The last week since we got home it has been consistently in the mid to upper 90's! Today's high is 101 and tomorrow it is supposed to be 104!! We might go to the pool and take a dip for awhile but otherwise I will be inside.

32 Weeks/ 8 Months

8 Months/32 Weeks: 6.19.12

How your baby's growing:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus.

You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

How your life's changing:

To accommodate you and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn. To help relieve your discomfort, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller meals more often.

You may have lower-back pain as your pregnancy advances.

Vacuum and forceps during birth

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If you do, let your caregiver know right away, particularly if you haven't had back pain before, since it can be a sign of preterm labor.  Assuming it's not preterm labor that's ailing you, you can probably blame your growing uterus and hormonal changes for your aching back. Your expanding uterus shifts your center of gravity and stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, changing your posture and putting a strain on your back. Hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen your joints and the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This can make you feel less stable and cause pain when you walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things.

Update:

- I had my 8 month appointment yesterday 6.19.12 Everything is still on track and measuring within normal range.  You were head down already when the doctor felt my belly. We heard the heartbeat again, and it sounded strong and healthy. I have one more appointment in 2 weeks and then I will start going in once a week until delivery.

- I have noticed a big growth spurt and kicks are stronger then ever.  Your dad finally got to feel you really move around..he was pretty excited.

- We went home to MN this past weekend for a couple of baby showers and had a wonderful time.  We got a lot of baby basics that we are going to need for your arrival (and a ton of cute outfits!) We are very thankful for great family and friends! Baby Shower blog to come!!

-  Grammy Tammy got to feel you move one night and she was very excited.  We also were able to feel your head or butt the way you were laying (i'm saying butt cause I could also feel your feet for the first time!)

- We ate really well this week all kinds of yummy food. You are definitely your mothers daughter..you got really excited and moved a bunch after eating cake.

- My back has been bothering me quite a bit more this week. It has often even been difficult to sit upright at my desk.  I was really worried how I was going to do in the car on the way to MN for 6.5 hrs..but we stopped to get gas at the halfway point and stopped at the MN rest stop to stretch (and go to the bathroom) Otherwise I think having a week off from work has done me well.

- I started writing Thank You notes today for all the wonderful gifts we received, and am ready to do some shopping to fill in the holes for things we still need.

- We purchased some Dreft baby soap yesterday and can finally start washing up all of your new outfits.

32 Weeks

31 Weeks

31 Weeks: 6.12.12

 How your baby's growing:

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt.

 He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy. 
   

Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don't hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor: an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it's pink or just tinged with blood); abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping; an increase in pressure in the pelvic area; or low back pain, especially if you didn't have it before.

Live birth: Twins

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You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or "premilk," from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (And if not, it's certainly nothing to worry about; your breasts are making colostrum all the same, even if you don't see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in you'll be grateful for that extra room!

Update:
- I have really noticed a significant growth in the size of my belly in the last week. More out ward then wide. Some days my belly button feels like it is going to "pop" (hopefully not though!)

-Kicks are no longer just little flutters, there is some serious belly flops and rolls going on in there. Sometimes it looks and feels like my belly is just going to flip inside out. It is still so bizarre to me!

-I am now almost fully in maternity shirts. I do occasionally layer tanks with some of my normal shirts for some length, but the maternity shirts are just so comfy.

-  I got to wear one of my new maternity dresses this past weekend for a wedding, everyone loved it (and the bump!) It's the first time I have really had friends touch my belly.

- We finally picked up your rocker today 6.12.12 and are going to assemble the rocking part to the actual chair hopefully tonight.

- I have still been sleeping through the night pretty well. Although snoring still keeps dad up!

- On Monday I noticed some tightening in my lower abdomen. I'm not sure if it was Braxton Hicks, or Round ligament pain..but it was slightly uncomfortable. I'm going to ask the doc about it next week at my 8 month check.

- I am so excited to go home this weekend and see friends and family at the Baby Shower Aunt Jeanne and Kristin and Leah are hosting for you!

30 Weeks

30 Weeks: 6.5.12

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage).

A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

How your life's changing:

You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off.

C-section recovery: The first two months

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Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size.

Remember those mood swings you had earlier in pregnancy? The combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes can result in a return of those emotional ups and downs. It's normal to worry about what your labor will be like or whether you'll be a good parent. But if you can't shake the blues or feel increasingly irritable or agitated, talk to your doctor or midwife. You may be among the 1 in 10 expectant women who battle depression during pregnancy. Also let your caregiver know if you're frequently nervous or anxious.

Update:

- Last Tuesday 5.29.12 We finally locked down an in home day care provider for you. I am so thrilled! She is super nice, is licensed and she is a neighbor.  We only have to pay for days you go, and we don't worry about days you are not there.  She also has an hourly rate (if I need to get things done!) She provides wipes and food and all we need to do is supply diapers! I'm so excited!!

- I am extra tired lately.  Most nights I come home from work, and have dinner and crash on the couch.  8:30 seems to be the magic time I make it till. I haven't had many nights where I can't sleep, though dad says he's not sleeping great because I keep him up snoring some nights.

- I haven't noticed any difference in needing new shoes..although with it being warmer I am already wearing a lot of open toed shoes and sandals that give me a little more room and let my feet breathe.  

- I do seem moodier lately.  Just the combination of knowing that there is 10 weeks (or hopefully less) left. Changes in my routine, coworkers, the stress of an out of town wedding this weekend, a trip home next weekend for my baby shower, etc.... I just seem frazzled.  Lately there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done. But I am slowly checking things off my list.

- I started going to the doctor every 2 weeks now. She listened to your heartbeat and it was around 130 (normal) my fundal height was 29 at 30 weeks (as long as it is within 3 it's normal) and I asked about my Glucose test score.  My doctor uses 135 and under as their guideline. Most use either 130 or 140 I came in at 108! So I passed with flying colors.

- Today I signed up online for childbirth class through the hospital. We elected to take the 1 day class instead of the 5 week class due to scheduling and long hours at work.  And then we have a Newborn Care class scheduled as well 2 days later. I am looking forward to both of these, and from everyone I have talked to they say it's very helpful.