Thirty Eight Weeks :)

Today I am Thirty Eight Weeks! Here is what is going on this week courtesy of What To Expect.

Week 38 of Pregnancy

Your baby is producing surfactant, which will help him take those first breaths while you're producing colostrum, the precursor to breast milk.

Your Baby in Week 38 of Pregnancy

Hey, your little one isn't so little anymore, weighing close to seven pounds and measuring 20 inches long. Fetal development is nearly complete as your baby tends to a few last-minute details like shedding the skin-protecting vernix and lanugo. He's also producing more surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs in his lungs from sticking to one another once he starts to breathe. Most of the changes this week are small but important: He’s continuing to add fat (so he can take advantage of all those photo ops by sporting a round, cute baby look!) and fine-tuning his brain and nervous system (so he can deal with all the stimulation that awaits him once he makes his entrance into the world).

Your Body in Week 38 of Pregnancy

Just as your baby is preparing for life outside the womb, your body is tending to its own final touches before the big day, one of which is getting that milk machine up and running. Part of the process is producing colostrums, a thin yellowish liquid that's the precursor to breast milk. Colostrum is full of antibodies that protect your newborn, and it has more protein and less fat and milk sugar (the better to digest it) than the breast milk that arrives later. Chances are you're leaking colostrum so you might want to break out those nursing pads now. If you're not leaking but you are curious about this miracle substance, you can gently squeeze your areola to express a few drops.

Week 38 Pregnancy Symptoms

More frequent urination: If you’re going to the bathroom a lot these days, it’s likely that your baby’s head is in your pelvis, and it’s making less room for your bladder. You may want to skip caffeine and any other diuretic drinks now. Just don’t skip liquids altogether — you need fluids now so you can stay hydrated as you get closer to delivering.

Increased vaginal discharge: You may be experiencing more discharge now, and you may even pass the mucous plug — a clear glob of mucus that’s been corking your cervix throughout your pregnancy — as your cervix dilates. Does this mean that labor is imminent? Maybe. But it could be days, or even weeks, away.

Bloody show: The vaginal discharge can also be tinged a pinkish or brownish color as the blood vessels in the cervix rupture during dilation and effacement. Once your underwear (or toilet paper) is tinged pink or brown, it could mean that you’ll be face-to-face with your baby sooner rather than later.

Diarrhea: Loose bowel movements are nature’s way to make enough room for the baby to emerge, so if you’re having diarrhea this week it may mean that labor is imminent (yay!). Drink lots of water and eat lightly — broth, toast, and iced fruit pops are the way to go now. Skip fatty foods or anything that’s fiber-rich.

Itchy abdomen: One way to soothe an itchy belly? Slather on the vitamin E oil. In fact, you might want to stock up on an extra bottle of vitamin E capsules — it’s also great for sore nipples, which are in your near future if you’re planning to breastfeed.

Increased swelling of ankles and feet: If swollen ankles and feet are getting you down, now’s the time for some support — hose, that is. Make sure the tops aren’t too tight if you’re going for knee- or thigh-high hose. Put them on in the morning before the daily swelling starts.

Difficulty sleeping: Your mind is racing so much you can’t sleep. Don’t turn on the computer to get on the message boards or search for info on labor and delivery. That will just keep you up longer when you do go to bed. Instead, grab something low-tech &mdsh; a book or a magazine — and read for a bit. That will soothe you to sleep faster.

Fatigue or extra energy: A change in energy levels is pretty common this week. You may be increasingly exhausted or you may get a burst of energy (also known as the nesting instinct) as you try to organize and clean the house before the baby comes. Go ahead and clean, but don’t wear yourself out. Save that energy for childbirth instead of squandering it on a clean closet.

Enlarged breasts and colostrum: Your breasts may be bigger than they’ve ever been (though they will get even bigger!) and leaking colostrum. If they’re not leaky or bigger, don’t worry. Neither is a sign that you’ll have difficulty breastfeeding (if that’s what you plan to do).

Braxton Hicks contractions: These practice contractions may be getting more intense now. This is a good time to practice your breathing and visualization techniques. If your partner is around, make him practice along.

Out of Touch

Sorry I have been out of touch for a little while. I have been super busy with Christmas decorating and finals. 

I am FINALLY done with my finals! :) 

Now I can concentrate on getting things ready for Addison and not stressing that she will come before and cause me to fail. (My GPA couldn't take that!) :)

So far I have the bassinet in our room and all the preemie clothes along with sleepers and a full changing station. 

Still not sure how I am going to manage to organize the swaddling blankets, spitup/ burp cloths and the bassinet sheets but I'm working on it. That is my project for tonight and tomorrow. 

I really need a reason to get out of the house for the next two days. I am thinking about going to Burlington but that leaves one day for me to do nothing. :( Any ideas??

Happy Tuesday! 

Thirty Seven Weeks :)

Today I am Thirty Seven Weeks! Here is what is going on this week courtesy of What To Expect.

Week 37 of Pregnancy

Your doctor may check for labor signs, while your baby prepares for birth by sucking, turning, and breathing in the womb.

Your Baby in Week 37 of Pregnancy

Congratulations! You've got what is officially considered a full-term baby, even with three weeks to go. That doesn't mean he's finished growing — in fact, he's still packing on about a half pound a week (at this age, the average fetus weighs about 6.5 pounds). That makes it a little crowded in your uterus, so he’s probably not kicking as much, though he’s probably stretching, rolling a bit, and wiggling (all of which you’ll be able to feel!). Right now, your little superstar is busy rehearsing for his big debut, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid (to get the lungs ready for that first breath), sucking his thumb (to prepare for that first suckle of milk), blinking, and turning from side to side.

Your Body in Week 37 of Pregnancy

Your body is going through its own preparations for childbirth as your practitioner starts looking for signs of labor. On the checklist: the baby's position in relation to your pelvis (engagement) and whether effacement (thinning of the cervix) and dilation (opening of the cervix) have begun. Your practitioner may also determine whether your cervix has begun to soften and move to the front of the vagina, another indication that labor is getting closer. Keep in mind that these processes can occur gradually (over a period of weeks or even a month or more in some women) or overnight. So while they're clues that you're indeed progressing, they're far from sure bets when it comes to pinpointing the actual start of labor.

Week 37 Pregnancy Symptoms

Changes in fetal activity: By the time your baby’s head is engaged in your pelvis, he’ll have a lot less room for any more than a twist or squirm. What’s important is that you feel some movement every day. Remember, though, that your baby is behaving like a newborn now and has interludes of deep sleep, when he barely moves at all.

Heartburn or indigestion: If your heartburn is getting worse these days, try eating a handful of almonds. Other home remedies that may banish the burn: a tablespoon of honey in warm milk or some dried papaya.

Cervical dilation or effacement: To get ready for labor, your cervix will dilate (open up) and efface (get thinner). For some women, the two take place gradually, over a period of weeks or months. Others can efface and dilate overnight. You won’t be able to feel it, but your practitioner will be able to tell during an internal exam.

Bloody show: A pink- or brown-tinged mucus discharge means that the blood vessels in the cervix are rupturing as the cervix dilates in preparation for labor and delivery (it won’t be long now!).

Varicose veins: If the veins in your legs are acting up now, try sleeping on your left side, which is the best position for optimum circulation. Also try elevating your legs by putting a pillow under your feet. Both positions will keep the blood flowing.

Pelvic pressure and discomfort: If your baby’s head is pressing into your pelvis, hips, and bladder, you’ll feel more pressure as the week wears on. If you feel really uncomfortable, invest in a belly sling that will support the weight of your belly and take pressure off your back (see below) and pelvis.

Leg cramps: If leg cramps are making a misery of your nights, try drinking more fluids during the day and make sure you’re eating enough calcium (those almonds you’re munching for the heartburn come in handy again!) and magnesium. All three can help with leg cramps.

Stretch marks: With your boobs and belly (and possibly butt) as big as they’ve ever been, you’ve probably noticed those classic marks of maternity by now. Don’t worry, they’ll fade into silvery lines and turn into a badge of pride (or at least motherhood!) a few months after childbirth.

Protruding parts: Your innie probably became an outie weeks ago, but you may notice that your nipples are also popping now — all the better for a newborn to latch on when nursing.

Forgetfulness: There are so many things to keep track of now (Is the camera charged and packed? Do you have a baby outfit washed and ready to bring to the hospital? How many dinners are stocked in the freezer?) that it’s no wonder you’re walking around in a fog. Post reminders around the house and on your computer so you won’t forget appointments.

Difficulty sleeping: You’ve heard that pregnancy insomnia is Mother Nature’s way to prepare you for the sleepless nights ahead, but try to squeeze in some shut-eye so you have enough energy for childbirth and beyond. Sleep in a little longer, nap when you come home after work or on weekends, and give yourself a relaxing routine when it’s time for bed.