(I accidentally just replaced my 29th week with my 30th week. So sad! If anyone has access to it somewhere- in an email maybe- I would love for you to send it to me so I can get it reposted. Last week was an eventful week and I don’t want to miss it in the blog book.)
Growth: I love googling whatever week I’m at and seeing how different everyone’s baby bumps look. I am just amazed at how God makes us all so unique and every single pregnancy different and special.
This week, Kade has about a pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounding him, but that volume will shrink as he gets bigger and takes up more room in my uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen. His brain is growing, his bone marrow is making red blood cells, and his lanugo is disappearing. Little man is growing and getting ready to come meet the rest of the fam!
My Symptoms: I have definitely had more Braxton Hicks this pregnancy than I ever did with Jase. I’ll have to look back to see if I even had them at all? A few of them have been pretty intense. The round ligament pain from a few weeks ago has completely subsided though.
I know you can’t tell with that awesome basement lighting, but I am breaking out something serious. I think it’s because I fell asleep on the couch like 6 nights in a row without washing my face. Oops.
Overall, I really feel great & am so thankful to be feeling so good at this point!!
Weight/Baby Bump: Up 18 lbs at my appointment on Tuesday. I am carrying ALL in front (he is sticking straight out) and lower this time. You can’t tell much from the front, but when I turn to the side- well hellllllo, torpedo belly! I can’t wait to see how big that thing is going to get over the next 9-10 weeks! It feels pretty heavy so I’m probably going to get one of those support bands soon. Anyone have a brand they recommend?
Gender: BOY.
Maternity Clothes: Definitely.
Movement: Whooooooa, baby! I can feel him really well because of the way he is positioned and the way I am carrying him. He is a strong little guy for sure, and he gets especially wild at night. Love watching him move all over the place and it is such a neat feeling too- even when it almost takes my breath away and feels like he might punch straight through my belly button.
Sleep: Sleeping well. Enjoying naps while Jase naps.
Cravings/Aversions: Banana pudding. Jase helped me make it and helped me eat it.
Appointment: My appointment was on 3/31 & I saw one of the awesome midwives. My blood pressure was 101/65 and I was up 18 lbs from pre-preg weight. She measured and felt my belly to see how we’re looking and Kade is measuring between 30-31 weeks, probably around 3.3-3.4 lbs, and on track to weigh about the same as his brother (Jase was 8 lbs, 5 oz). He is head down, booty pressing out right at my belly button. (Turkey timer in full action!) I asked if she’d ever seen a belly button rupture and she said no. Ha! (Seriously though, my skin is so thin and the way he’s positioned it feels like it might rip.)
I also asked several other questions & she was so nice & patient with all of them.
*My sugar was 137 during my glucose test, so I asked if I needed to be more cautious about carbs and sugar. She said since I passed and am so healthy, she thinks I’ll be fine continuing to eat like I am (which is pretty healthy for the most part).
*I have a weird skin tag I just noticed under my left breast. It is weird and kinda gross. I know your skin can do strange things when you’re pregnant, but she said it’s nothing to worry about and may or may not go away after the baby comes. I can’t see it unless I’m looking for it, but she said I can get it cut off down the road if I need to for some reason. (I can’t really think of a reason?)
*I asked when I’ll get my test to see if I’m GBS + or negative and she said that comes at the 36 week appointment. I am praying I am negative this time so I can avoid the antibiotic. (You want to have it in your system for at least 4 hours before the baby is born.) One of the doctors told me that some OBs treat you every time once you have tested positive, but that pediatricians are now asking expecting moms to be retested with each subsequent pregnancy to avoid the antibiotic if it’s not necessary. Some pediatricians believe it’s leading to antibiotic resistance in children.
*Juicing. SO, I’ve read that it’s totally fine and a great way to get nutrients, but also read it can be too much of some nutrients and can lead to vitamin deficiencies in the baby. I juice every 2-3 days, so I wanted to hear her thoughts. She said it was fine. I’ve cut back some just in case, but Jase and Jon both LOVE when I juice and it’s a great way to get in lots of veggies so I’ve continued. Still taking the highest quality prenatals and Omegas out there too, so I know Mr. Kade is getting the good stuff.
*I wanted to know when I should try to come in when I start labor and how I will know to come in. I know, I’ve done this before….but, it’s different because I’m going to attempt a VBAC. Last time I was able to labor at home as long as possible and was dilated at a 7 (I had no clue I was so far along!) before I even went in to the doctor’s office to get checked. Of course they sent me right to the hospital and I was about an 8 by the time I got there. I know I need to get to the hospital sooner this time so they can monitor me and the baby, so I’m just praying God will give us wisdom and let us know exactly when we need to go to the hospital. Also starting to pray specifically for the doctors and nurses God wants us to have. They make such a HUGE difference in your labor experience!
*I also asked her opinion about an epidural. One doctor said I should really get one in case of the need for an emergency c-section (so I won’t have to be put all the way under and will be able to be awake when Kade is born), but she felt like I could definitely give it a shot without one. I’m going to talk to a few more doctors at my next appointments and pray about it, but I am going to start getting more serious about Bradley exercises and coaching practice with Jonathan just in case.
Accomplishments: We ordered nursery furniture (it has already arrived) & Jonathan is working like a mad man to get the basement finished. When he’s done, we can move guest bedroom furniture down there & really get rolling on the nursery. We also locked in a shower date- SO thankful for sweet friends willing to love on us. I am super awkward about showers/parties and invitation lists give me anxiety (because I don’t want anyone to feel obligated and I also don’t want anyone to feel left out). But, I am so thankful for friends who love me through my awkwardness and want to help us welcome our new little guy.
Best Pregnancy Moment of the Week: Loved hearing our choir at our church’s night of worship, and also enjoyed lunch and catching up with my sweet friend Chelsea. I always love doctor’s appointments too and getting to hear that sweet heartbeat. What a precious reminder of the Lord’s gift!
Work Outs: Body pump 2x and chasing Jase around for cardio. I don’t do any planks or pushups, and I lift super light weight. I always, always listen to my body and stop/slow down if I need to. And if I’m too tired, I don’t work out. I am trying to stay as active as possible though. Jase is a busy bee so he doesn’t give me much choice.
Goals for next week: Register. (I mostly need some breastfeeding supplies & diapers. Maybe a few other off & end things, but for the most part we have everything we need. Definitely don’t need any clothes!) Review Bradley books/workbooks.
Thoughts: HOME STRETCH!! 30 weeks feels so REAL to me. Jonathan is getting super excited too and we just can’t wait to meet this sweet baby. I don’t feel any sadness about our last time with just Jase (maybe that will come? I hear moms talking about that sometimes)…mostly just pure excitement for him to be a big brother and so THANKFUL to be growing our family. Children are such a blessing, and I cannot wait to see my love multiply as we grow by one more. I am so excited to love and kiss on another sweet baby. Cannot wait to see what he looks like, his temperament, and his little personality shine through!! Seriously, being a mom is the BEST. I feel like my heart could burst and he’s not even hear yet.
We have started going every 2 weeks, and after 36 weeks we’ll be going weekly. It’s almost here, y’all. Woooo!!!
I am not one to typically be anxious, but I have struggled with fear throughout this pregnancy. I am about to order Supernatural Childbirth after about the 5th person recommending it to me. I trust the Lord, and I know any fearful thoughts are not from Him. Memorizing and meditating on Scripture is helping, and it also helps knowing Jonathan has started praying more specifically this time.
Comparison: 30 Weeks Pregnant with Jase