Feeling Much Better....And Very Pregnant

I'm feeling very pregnant today and thought I'd post a photo.

33 Weeks!

Aside from being sick this past week, I feel like my body is making some progress towards the eventual goal of delivery. I've noticed lately that I've been having pre-menstrual type cramping. At first I thought it was stomach pains associated with being ill because it has been a while since I've had a period, so I kind of forgot what that felt like. I didn't think much about it assuming that my body is still stretching in all sorts of ways adjusting to Claire's growing size. In talking with my mom on Saturday, she brought to my attention that cramps are what real contractions can feel like at the beginning. Now, some of my Braxton Hicks contractions are coupled with cramping which I find exciting. Since I know it's a sign of labor I'll be looking for in future weeks, I don't mind the preview.

Since the holidays, my weight has maintained around 142 lbs. I've read that I'm supposed to be gaining about a pound a week and that during this time is when the baby gains most of her weight. I'm trying to not be too concerned that I'm not racking up numbers, but it's not easy. I'm still doing my normal routine, but since I've been sick I've been too tired to walk Molly. I continue to eat my requisite 8pm bowl of ice cream (which won't be a luxury once lent starts). At every doctor's appointment there has been a net gain from 0.5 to 2 lbs (over 2 weeks) and they don't seem to be worried. I can tell that Claire is growing because her movements are often off the Richter scale. Isn't this awful though? Months ago I was so worried that I was gaining too much weight and now I'm worried that I'm not gaining enough. I'm sure that when I'm pregnant with Claire's little brother or sister, I'll be much more relaxed about all of these aspects, but right now it's uncharted territory for me, so it's a little unnerving. I only want what is best for Claire.

Today's weight = 142.5 lbs.

The Not-So-Common Cold

I was pleased that I made it through 32 weeks of pregnancy without getting sick, but now my body is giving me payback. It began Thursday night when I wasn't able to get more than 15 minutes consecutive sleep due to constant nasal congestion, sore throat, and cotton mouth. Then, Friday began achy, stuffy, and exhausted. Luckily, I was just giving an exam in my 8am class, so I didn't have to stand for an hour lecturing. This weekend I did lots of resting assisted by some doctor-authorized medicine (Tylenol Cold, Benedryl, and Tylenol PM at different times) thinking I would be in tip-top shape this morning, but no. It turns out that being pregnant turns the common cold into torture. Tomorrow has to be better...or at least that's what I'll tell myself.

32 Week Check-Up

All went well at my check-up this morning. My blood pressure, measurements, and weight gain are all normal. I don't have significant swelling. Claire's heartbeat is nice and strong and she is already in the head-down position, so I'm hoping she'll stay that way. I asked Dr. LaBarre if he was opposed to natural childbirth and he said that he definitely wasn't in terms of medication, but that the hospital is required to do certain monitoring. I don't have any problem with wearing a fetal monitor, so that's fine with me. He said that Andrew might need ear plugs if I go without an epidural. I told him that I can't scream loudly, so he'll probably be okay. Our next appointment is in two weeks.

32 Weeks!

This past week has been a little exciting because I've been experiencing frequent Braxton Hicks contractions. I haven't felt any pain associated with them, but my belly tightens up like cement. I can tell that Claire is getting bigger because I can feel simultaneous movements on opposite sides of my stomach. Her movements are much stronger than they were before. Even though I know to expect them, they surprise me.

My energy level has definitely dropped. Some days of the week I'll sleep later and walk Molly in the afternoon. I know I'm supposed to get as much sleep as I can right now which is a little difficult when I teach a class on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 8am. Mondays are especially tough with a lab in the afternoon from 2-5pm. On days that I don't teach lab, Andrew and I come home early and I try to take a nap before dinner.

I've been reading more about labor and delivery this past week and it actually makes me more excited for Claire's birth. I know it will be painful, but I'm really hoping to have a natural childbirth. I've been reading on stretches that I can do that may (this hasn't scientifically been proven) put Claire in the best position for a natural birth. I've also read that women who experience pain more often, might have an easier time managing the contractions without medication. I've had lower back problems for over 10 years now with almost daily pain, so maybe that burden will actually work in my favor. With all of that being said, I won't feel like any less of a person if I find that I need medication. Every birth is different, every mother's body is different, so I'll do what works best for Claire and me.

Today's weight = 143 lbs.