35 Weeks

Friday, 1 November 2013

How far along: 35 weeks

How big baby is: The average for this week is 5 ¼ pounds and over 18 inches

Baby is the size of: honeydew melon

Baby’s development: Most of her basic physical development is complete now. She just needs to put on a little more weight! (Although maybe not as much as some babies.) And of course her lungs and brain will continue to develop until she is born.

Mommy’s weight gain: I have gained 33 pounds total this pregnancy. That’s ahead of where I wanted to be at this point, but it does actually put me on track to have gained about the same with this pregnancy as I did with my first daughter. So I guess it could be worse. Besides, Ariana weighs more than she’s supposed to also. ;-)

Mommy’s belly:

Baby’s movements: There is no more room for her to do somersaults or change positions anymore, but she certainly does wiggle a lot. I imagine she is snug and comfy but won’t mind having room to stretch out a bit more once she is born.

Symptoms: I have diagnosed myself with something called Symphysis Pubis Dysfuction (SPD). This happens when the front of the pelvis bones separate (more than usual) causing pain in the pelvic area, lower back, and inner thighs. The cause is typically too much of the hormone relaxin combined with lots of pressure from the baby on the lower or front part of the pelvis. For me the pain gets worse after walking or standing for more than a few minutes, when rolling over in bed, when climbing stairs, and especially when getting in and out of the car. I have realized that I have had some of this pain for a few weeks but it is getting increasingly worse and at times is almost excruciating. I plan to talk to my doctor about this and see what he thinks at my appointment next week. I am mostly concerned that it might affect my delivery. From what I have read it typically goes away after delivery.

Food cravings: Although they might not be true “pregnancy cravings” I have wanted Mexican food and sweet tea lately. In fact I had sweet tea instead of coffee this morning after breakfast, as weird as that is.

Emotions: Perhaps it’s just safest to say that I’m a little moody. I don’t mean to be, but it’s hard to act like I feel great when I really don’t. I’m not necessarily grouchy or unkind (I don’t think) but I just have the “pregnancy blahs.” I can’t really enjoy things the way I normally would because everything hurts or makes me uncomfortable. I am just anxious for this next month to be behind me so that I can hold this sweet little girl in my arms! I am also still weepy - I am brought to tears by something random almost every day. It’s silly. But in the end, I know all the weird emotional stuff will have been more than worth it!

Sleep: My ability to sleep well wanes each week. It’s simply a matter of discomfort. When I’m asleep the sleep is deep and great. But with my gigantic belly, my legs going numb after half an hour, and the pain the SPD causes when I try to roll over, sleeping is not as good as it once was. Perhaps that’s okay because I will already be prepared to wake in the middle of the night when the baby arrives.

What I am looking forward to: My sweet friends are throwing me a baby shower tomorrow! I almost feel silly for having a shower because I know etiquette says a shower for a second girl is unnecessary. But when I mentioned that, my friends pointed out that Ariana is a miracle that needs to be celebrated. As fun as gifts are, I really don’t care too much about that. I am thankful for a chance to get together with friends and thank God for this special gift He has given me and His answer to all of our prayers. I feel so blessed!