How big is baby: I don't know exactly how big Ryder is since I haven't had an ultrasound in a while, but the books estimate that he should be closing in on 5 pounds. Somewhere between 4.5 and 5 is probably a safe guesss. He is most likely 17+ inches long. The Bump compares him to a honeydew this week- YIKES!
Belly button; Stretch Marks: Belly button is still making its move. I'm still a partial innie and partial outtie. I try not to complain about the ugly belly button since I've still been spared (thus far) from any stretchies.
Last Dr's Appt: After all of the excitement at (and following) my 33 week appointment, I'm excited to report that my 34 week follow-up appointment was totally normal and uneventful. Ordinarily my doctor does not start pelvic exams until 36 weeks, but because of my prior episode with the contractions, she checked me at both 33 and 34 weeks. I'm "closed up tight as a drum," which is great. No dilation and no thinning of the cervix. Apparently, Ryder was only toying with me with those crazy contractions a week ago. I personally think he plans to stay put for the long haul. I'd be shocked if I don't make it to my due date.
My blood pressure, weight gain, etc. still look good (per the doctor). Once she did the pelvic exam and determined that I am sealed tight, she didn't even put me on the contraction monitor. She lifted my restrictions (yay for resuming pilates and neighborhood walks!). The best part of the appointment came at the end when Dr. Bradford said that I don't need to come back for 2 weeks. The whole business of 3 OB visits in the course of 2 weeks was NOT fun. I think this will probably be my last 2 week break though.... I'm pretty sure that weekly appointments start after 36 weeks.
How am I feeling: I feel better than last week (when I felt abnormally sluggish due to the mysterious contractions). I'm still tired, but it feels more like normal 3rd trimester exhaustion rather than unnatural lethargy. My newest symptom: severe swelling around my ankles. This came out of no where. I've had mild swelling in my hands and feet for several weeks, but this is a whole new ball-game. The other night as I was getting ready for bed, I looked down and there they were.... CANKLES! They were hugely swollen all day the following day as well. I don't know if this new development is here to stay, but it's pretty crazy looking. Luckily, it's not painful (yet). Otherwise, I pretty much have the same stuff going on: intermittent acid reflux, difficulty moving around and pelvic pain (which has been pretty awful for a good 2 weeks now). On a positive note, I've slept fairly well for the past 3 nights in a row. I thought that my decent sleep was gone for good but maybe not. I know that sleep becomes a rarity towards the end of the 3rd trimester, so I'm grateful for it while it lasts!
Mood Swings and Food Cravings: Still craving sweets.
Milestones: Hmmm... I can't think of any milestones other than the fact that every day feels like a milestone after my scare with the contractions. I just want to keep this kid baking. I'll breath a huge sigh of relief once I hit 36 weeks, as I feel like almost any doctor would agree that a baby born at that point is pretty much "out of the woods."
What I'm looking forward to: My birthday is next week and Thanksgiving is the following week. Good times ahead!
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| A special appearance by Gaudi: one look at his wide-eyed stare and it's clear what he is thinking- "damn, my momma's belly is huge" |
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