Trimester: Third.
Baby: Size of a large cantalope [19-22 inches, 6 lbs.]. Baby will gain approximately one half of a pound per week from now until birth. The protective fat layer will make up about 15% of baby's weight at birth. His cheeks are developing fat. The cheek muscles are also developing, creating that lovely chubby appearance. Baby is sleeping about 90% of the time. His bones are soft to allow a safer journey through delivery. Most of his systems [from circulatory to musculoskeletal] are ready for prime time, though his digestive system -- which has only done practice runs so far -- will kick into gear as he takes his first suckle at the breast or bottle.
Movement: Lots of frequent and strong movement. Either this baby is more active than Evelyn was, or I've simply forgotten how crazy the sensation is.
Symptoms: Horrible heartburn, gassy, constipated, emotional, very frequent urination, braxton hicks contractions, and strong appetite.
Cravings: Nothing in particular.
Sleep: Not so great. I often wake up in the middle of the night with horrible heartburn which keeps me up for awhile until medicine kicks in. I can't always predict which foods triggers the heartburn, but if I've eaten something that I'm confident will not settle well I'm sure to take medicine before bed.
Exercise: Not so much. Although tending to a toddler literally keeps me on my feet all day.
Stretch marks: None.
Total weight gain: 26 pounds.
Swelling: My wedding ring is a bit snug, but I can still take it off if needed. So I don't know how much of that is really swelling or due to weight gain.
Maternity Clothes: Yes. I'm pretty fortunate that I can still fit into a few of my non-maternity pants (with the help of some extra elastic) but my wardrobe is becoming more limited by the day.
Belly Button: Out.
Doctor's Visit: During my doctor's visit at 35 weeks, the doctor ordered a growth ultrasound for the following visit at 36 weeks. Baby boy was measuring a little small, but that was only based off of measuring the outside of my belly. The doctor wasn't too concerned and commented it could just be that I make small babies and also with how low I'm carrying it can be hard to get an accurate measurement. Jay and I didn't stress the ultrasound at all, in fact I was looking forward to getting a little peek at my baby boy so far along in the pregnancy. It was a total deju vu... While pregnant with Evelyn my doctor ordered an ultrasound because she was measuring small and the doctor wanted to make sure all was well. With Evelyn that was at 39 weeks where we learned she was breech and a c-section was our only option. Having this same ultrasound with baby boy a whole month earlier was a relief. If we did find that he was breech at least we would have some time to do something about it.
Jay, Evelyn, and I were all set to go to the appointment for the ultrasound. Then Evelyn came down with a fever and Jay stayed home with her. I'm always bummed when Jay has to miss out on a doctor's visit but I was just grateful that he could be around to take care of Evelyn so I wouldn't have to reschedule. The ultrasound and exam went great! Baby's head is down, estimated weight is approximately 6 pounds give or take, and supposedly he's got a good amount of hair already. After the ultrasound the doctor did a physical exam where he determined my body was progressing, but obviously wasn't near labor just yet. We then discussed moving forward with a VBAC where he basically reminded me of the risks- a ruptured uterus being the big scary one. He confessed he's seen it before in his patients, but it had been a long time. I still felt he supports my decision to move forward with a VBAC assuming my body progresses, but he warned that when delivery comes around if anything was looking fishy he would be quick to throw in the towel and preform a c-section.
Understanding where the doctor was coming from and appreciating his sense of caution, I left the appointment feeling a little nervous about having a VBAC. There were things about a scheduled c-section that sounded really appealing in that moment... First of all, the fact that it's scheduled. What a treat to actually know when you're going to meet your baby! Secondly, skipping out on experiencing the physical pain of labor. And because I've had a c-section before there wouldn't be too many surprises. But a VBAC... Waiting around for labor to start, and then having to endure pain until I can get an epidural? There are a lot of unknowns and serious risks. BUT there have also been a lot of women who have experienced really successful VBACS. And the shorter recovery time alone made it all sound worth it.
I concluded that despite my fears, as of right now I want to plan for a VBAC. However, my main focus is getting my little guy here safely. I'm not going to stress how we get him here, just that we get him here.
What I'm Looking Forward to: Next doctor's visit. Being able to go in every week during the last month of pregnancy for frequent updates is very exciting.
Best Moment of the Month: Getting spoiled with gifts for baby boy at my shower. I'm finally feeling a little better prepared for his arrival.
Worst Moment of the Month: None.
Other:
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