School for students started yesterday and it's been interesting. It's nice to be back to work (and getting a paycheck) but it's also tough when carrying around all this extra weight in the front! My feet were killing me yesterday by the end of the day and my stomach was really tight (probably from standing for so long and my muscles having to work overtime). I know I need to be here for at least another week or two, but it's getting tough!
I had a doctors appointment yesterday and everything looked good. The doctor said I was about 1 cm and 50% effaced, which really isn't much but it's something. We talked about the c-section idea and how me having one may make the recovery longer than if someone else had a c-section (due to them cutting muscles and my low muscle tone). So we discussed the idea of an induction at about 39 weeks. That way I'd have a better chance of getting him out (because from now on all he's doing is putting on weight and getting bigger). So hopefully we'll get this confirmed at my appointment next week :)
Here are my 37 week belly pictures:
And here is what is going on with Landon and I this week:
Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some "bloody show" (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.
It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though his quarters are getting cozy, he should still be as active as before.
While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.
Just think, in a couple of weeks all that belly will be deflated and so much easier to carry around :-) And I will be there to see that baby boy - I can't wait. This week is going to be a long one, for sure.
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