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.
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!
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