(written June 21st)
Baby’s size: Supposedly over 6 pounds and about 19 inches long- the size of a honeydew melon or a striped skunk! My fundal height was 34 cm this week, so I’m growing, just still small. Her heart rate was in the 130s.
Maternity clothes?: Yes. And I almost feel like she’s dropped, at least a bit! It seems like I look down and the largest part of my belly is further away than it used to be.
Gender: Girl! And I think we’re back to one of our original name choices. Watch us completely change our minds again when we see her for the first time!
Symptoms: I sometimes think I start to feel the sciatica coming down my legs, but then it never actually does. I’m definitely not complaining.
Labor signs: For about 24 hours (late Sunday night into Monday night), I had the constant “pre-labor” symptoms that I had with my other girls (extreme nausea, spending a lot of time in the bathroom, and even body shakes), so I honestly thought something was starting to happen. We called in and they told me that since I was technically still preterm (36 weeks and 5 days), I needed to come in if I felt six contractions in an hour. I felt what I thought were a few weak ones (in hindsight, probably Braxton Hicks), so we ended up going in to get checked around 11:30 pm (mostly because the shaking episodes were scaring me).
Thankfully, my cervix was hard and closed (apparently my 1 cm dilation from last week was/is no longer accurate), and the baby looked great. She was kicking the monitors the entire time! Even though we were super tired by the time we got home, I’m really glad we went so I could gain some peace of mind and finally sleep. The nurses attributed all of those symptoms to a potential stomach bug, but I’m the only one who has been sick at our house, so I can’t be sure.
Sleep: Once I pass out, I am oblivious to the world. I still really really need a nap every afternoon.
Movement: She’s still completely crazy in there, and I’m thankful that she is so strong and healthy. It brings me a lot of comfort to feel her movements and know she’s doing okay. She still reaches waaaay up into my ribs, so I’m wondering if she’s taller than I thought she might be, or she’s just really great at stretching!
Cravings: None, just trying to eat what I can.
What I miss: I miss feeling like a functional human being. I keep thinking of all the fun things I want to do with all four of my girls once pregnancy is over.
Anything making you queasy or sick?: After all that false “early labor” stuff on Monday, I’ve still just felt incredibly nauseous. It’s kind of unreal how hard it’s been. I’ve been lying in bed for most of the day all week long, which is so unlike my normal self. I’m actually writing this from my phone because it’s at least something I can do without sitting up.
Belly Button in or out?: Super weird…
Exercising?: I count my miles from the previous Monday to Saturday (and my pregnancy weeks change over on Wednesday, so these were all before the sickness hit)- Ran 20.8 miles (longest run was 4.3 miles); walked 1.9 miles. Best average pace this week was 11:07 min/mile. Fitbit total steps: 72,502.
Mood: I’m anxious for labor to start. Knowing it could be any day (or still 3 weeks out) is keeping me a little (ok, a lot) on edge.
Best moment this week: The midwife I saw for my appointment (Rebecca) has always been one of my favorites, and she made me feel a lot better about my growth. She can see that I’m struggling to eat, but at least recognizes that I’m trying hard. I also found out that I tested negative for Group B strep this time, so at least that’s one thing I don’t have to think about!
Looking forward to: Kaelyn’s birthday! I think seeing her very happy smile is going to be such a relief after such a challenging week.
Big sisters: Kaelyn keeps telling me that she wants a birthday buddy. I guess we’ll know by next Tuesday if that’s the case! Kaya has also been asking if we’re going to get a baby for her birthday, too (in September). Sorry kiddo, nope!
Comparison: 37 weeks with Kaya; 37 weeks with Kaelyn; 37 weeks with Nella.