31 Weeks and counting

Saturday we had our all day prenatal class.  It was definitely information overload, but also was extremely helpful.  I just have some reading to do now in order to really feel prepared.  We were able to take a tour of the hospital, which was one of the best parts.  It helped Joey and I be able to discuss how we wanted the day to go being able to see the size of the rooms and knowing the process of how things would happen.  I think that is so important to know, and to let family know, so that no one ends up getting their feelings hurt come the day of.  It is supposed to be a joyous occasion and hopefully knowing in advance what we want will help it be that way!

I had another doctors appointment this morning.  Caleb is still measuring big (about 2 weeks) but the doctor said not to be alarmed, that I would probably just have an 8+ pound baby versus a 6 pounder.  This wasn't my usual doctor (they put you on a rotation schedule this close to due date so that you are able to meet all of the doctors in case one of them ends up delivering you), but my next appointment in two weeks is back with my regular doctor so she will check me again and be the judge of if we need to ultrasound to see just how big he is.  I really don't think we have the due date wrong, I think he is just going to be a big boy and will hopefully come naturally a little early (but not too early). 

If you think about it, babies are supposed to grow around 1/2 pound a week from this point on, and the measurements are based on a 7 pound baby, so if I'm measuring 2 weeks early, it makes sense that Caleb will probably be an 8 pound baby.  Both my brother and I were over 8 pounds and were born early (Nick was about 2 weeks early and was already 8 lbs 4 ounces, and I was a week and a half early and was 8 lbs 10 ounces, so although Joey was under 7 lbs, Caleb may just take after my family as far as birth size.  If I ideally had my way, he would be born on the 8th - where he made it to 39 weeks, was born on my Pop's birthday, and hopefully wasn't too big yet.  But of course, these things rarely ever happen like you would ideally plan them.  I just hope he hangs around until he's completely healthy, and is not so big I have to have a c-section.  Anyways, on to this week's highlights ...

PREGNANCY HIGHLIGHTS


How Far Along: 31 Weeks

Size of Baby:  Over 16 inches. 3.5 lbs. This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.5 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.  Also developing at an impressive clip: your baby's brain connections (he's got to make trillions of them!). He's now processing information, tracking light, and perceiving signals from all five senses. Chances are your diaphragm is feeling a little cramped these days. Okay, a lot cramped. That's because your uterus is pushing up against it (and all the other organs in there), crowding your lungs and making it more difficult for them to expand fully. The result: Your body is spare on air and will be until your baby drops near the end of pregnancy in preparation for birth. But don’t worry: Your baby is as happy as a clam because he’s getting his oxygen from the placenta.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 15 pounds

Movement: Not as many kicks and punches because he's running out of room.  It is more like I'm able to feel something (elbow, hand, foot, who knows what) move across my belly, or it feel like his butt is settled into my ribs.

Sleep: Starting to get a little more labored.  I wake up every night close to 3 because I have to use the restroom, and I always have a hard time falling back asleep for some reason.

What I Miss: Sleeping on my stomach and feeling "in shape".

Cravings: Still none, and still not feeling grilled chicken.

Symptoms: Shortness of breath, increased peeing, and clumsiness have all settled in pretty well.  I drop everything I have my hands on right now (and bending over to retrieve those items is getting a little hard too).

Best Moment this Week: Shower last weekend, spending time with family this Saturday and Sunday.