#babybutlernumerodos is 37 Weeks!!

Apparently I typed over my week 37 update too. Boo!

Growth: Whattoexpect.com says “At 37 weeks pregnant, you've got what is officially considered a full-term baby, even with three weeks to go. That means if your baby was to leave the wet nest this week, he or she would likely thrive. But it doesn't mean he's finished growing — in fact, he's still packing on about a half an ounce per day or half a pound a week. At this age, the average fetus weighs about 6.5 pounds — boys, though, are likely to be heavier at birth than girls. And here's a bit of boy baby trivia to back that one up: Moms carrying boys tend to eat more than moms carrying girls (a foreshadowing of teenage refrigerator raids to come). That makes it a little crowded in your uterus, so he’s probably not kicking as much, though he’s probably stretching, rolling a bit and wiggling (all of which you’ll be able to feel!).” Kade is in the final developing stages and practicing for life outside of mama’s belly!

My Symptoms: Other than an itchy belly, the only “pregnancy symptom” I can think of is heartburn. I’m not sure if it’s actually heartburn, but it’s a burning sensation right below my boobs. It only bothers me while I am sleeping. Super weird. I remember having it with Jase & asking the midwife about it, but she said it’s nothing to worry about and probably heartburn. It reminds me of when I used to chafe from my sports bra while training for a marathon. It’s not miserable or super uncomfortable or anything, so I just try to ignore it.

These Braxton Hicks are serious business!!

 

Weight/Baby Bump: Up about 23 lbs. Stretch marks are really starting to come on stronger around the center of my MASSIVE torpedo belly. I wear the support band every chance I get because this belly is heavy! Several people have commented that I have dropped, but I can’t tell other than the fact that my belly sits all the way on my legs when I am sitting down.

Gender: Can’t wait to meet out little man!

Maternity Clothes: Mom hooked me up with a 30% off coupon for Kohl’s and some maternity clothes were already 40% off, so I got a pair of shorts and 2 tops for $22. Y’all know that is a STEAL for maternity clothes- they are ridiculously expensive. A few people commented how nice I looked, so it must have been a much needed addition to the wardrobe.

Sleep: Still sleeping okay but waking up WAY early. Not cool. Trust me, I know what’s coming and would love to soak up some good sleep now!

Movement: Definitely a different movement, but still as frequent.  I can see the baby moving from the outside of my belly ALL OVER the place. I’ve been able to see that for a while obviously, but since he’s really running out of room, I can actually feel him with my hand from the outside & see body parts (although I don’t know what’s what) poking out. It is so neat and still blows me away! I haven’t found anyone who is quite as impressed with that as I am, but a lady checking me out the other day said “Oh my goodness!! I can really see your baby- even from the outside.”

Appointment: I had an appointment on Wednesday (36 weeks & 6 days) with one of the doctors I haven’t seen yet. I’m trying to hit them all before Kade comes. He was SUPER nice! Jonathan and I have been praying that the Lord will give us exactly the doctor he wants on call, but I feel confident all the way around. It’s such a great practice. My blood pressure was 109/65. Doctor said I was measuring right on (I always measured ahead with Jase) & his heartbeat sounds really good and strong. He is in the right position so far & his head is pretty low. No dilation or effacement yet. (At first I was a little bummed, and more surprised than anything- I thought some of these BH might be doing something- but honestly, I have a feeling it’s going to happen really quickly this go round. Plus, I’m pretty hard core about full 40, so he can keep on cooking.) They tested me for GBS and he said if I’m negative I won’t have to have antibiotics again. Appointment went great & I head back in next week.

Accomplishments: Washed some newborn clothes. Annnnnnd that’s pretty much it. Ha! Jonathan has been consumed so I have had a pretty unproductive week (as far as baby stuff goes) other than taking care of Jase, washing dishes, cleaning, & making meals.

Work Outs: Jon was really busy in the basement this week so I didn’t get to go to classes. Actually, I did go to one yoga class, but I left halfway through it. It was a new-to-me routine & I couldn’t do half of it because it was on your back stuff. Normally I just take time to do pelvic rocks and get in some deep breathing during moves I can’t modify, but the music was loud, upbeat, and NOT relaxing. Hated to be rude, but I just wanted to go home, so I did.

Goals: Put the car seat in the car. Wash the rest of the newborn clothes. Pack hospital bags. Make goody bags for nurses. Nursery if we can get to it? Sounds familiar….ha!

Thoughts: I talked to a few OBGYN friends who all said it sounded like Jase’s head was turned just enough to make the anterior lip swell and prevent him from coming vaginally. They all agreed I’m an excellent candidate for VBAC (which was reassuring), but I feel fully confident in the Lord’s plan for this sweet baby’s arrival anyhow.

I also asked about drinking raspberry leaf tea or taking evening primrose oil, and all agreed there is not enough evidence to support it. People swear by it, but I read a few things that made me decide it’s better to err on the side of caution and just wait.

Seeing a 2 in front of the # of weeks left in the countdown…I mean, we are getting seriously close!

Comparison: No comparison because I typed of my post. Boo!