I’m now 30 weeks along in my pregnancy! Only 8-12 more weeks to go! Full term is 40 weeks, but Adelaide was born at 38 weeks, so I’m trying not to be caught off guard this time and prepare for the possibility of a baby at 38 weeks.
Anyhow, now for some updates.
This little girl is quite the kicker! Sometimes, if I’m resting my arm on my belly, my elbow will fly into the air because of one of her kicks. And she manages to wake me up in the middle of the night with all of her kicking. Adelaide was a squirmer…not a kicker. It makes me wonder in what other ways our girls are going to be similar or different.
I can’t seem to sleep anymore. Ugh. My bed is no longer a place of comfort…more like a place of torture. Crawling into bed at night used to be the time of day when I felt most relaxed and comfortable, but now, my back usually hurts more in the morning than at night, before I go to bed. And then there’s all of the waking up. If it’s not the baby kicking me, then it’s my bladder filling up way too quickly. And some nights, when I’m really lucky, Adelaide wakes up in the middle of the night too, and needs mommy to put her back to sleep. I was really hoping for a bit more rest before we have a newborn in the house again, but it doesn’t look like I’m going to be so lucky.
My belly is getting pretty big (as you can see in the pictures below) and I’m starting to experience a lot of the discomforts of the third trimester:
- Pain in my hips from carrying around all of this extra weight in my midsection
- Shortness of breath due to my lungs not being able to expand as well
- Pain and swelling in my feet
- Lower back pain
It’s not too bad though! I’m still able to get down on the floor and play with Adelaide. I can still pick Adelaide up and carry her when necessary. I can still get Adelaide in and out of her car seat. I think the biggest adjustment has just been needing to take more breaks throughout the day.
Adelaide seems to understand that she has a baby sister on the way. She gives “baby sister” hugs and kisses throughout the day and says “goodnight” to baby sister before her nap and bedtime. We have a couple books that we’ve been reading to her for a few months now about the baby on the way: My New Baby and I’m a Big Sister. The “big sister” book is our favorite, because it narrates the thoughts and possible feelings of a new big sister, which we think has been really helpful. The “new baby” book is mostly pictures of everyday life with a new baby and then we talk about the pictures with Adelaide and try to help her understand how life is going to change. I’m trying to find one or two more books on the subject to add to our collection, so send your suggestions my way!
I had my midwife appointment yesterday and everything is looking good! Our little peanut is measuring two weeks ahead of schedule (my belly is 32 cm, but I’m only 30 weeks along) it’s nothing to worry about, though. Both Matt and I have noticed a significant size increase in my belly this last week, so we think she went through a growth spurt. I’m sure by my next appointment, in three weeks, she’ll be measuring right on track again. I got to hear her heart beat again—love that sound! And we found out that she’s already head down like a good little baby. Hopefully she stays that way!!
At this appointment, I also signed my VBAC consent form and discussed the minor differences between a normal labor and a trial of labor for VBAC candidates. Here are the differences:
- They’d rather I get to the hospital sooner rather than later so they can begin monitoring the baby. The first sign of things going badly for a VBAC are indicated by the baby, so they want to begin monitoring her as soon as possible.
- I’ll have to have continual fetal monitoring instead of intermittent monitoring. Luckily, OHSU uses portable monitors so I don’t have to be stuck in bed!
- I’ll have a hep-lock put in (but not hooked up to an IV) when I’m admitted, just incase things go badly and they have to hook me up to whatever.
- I’ll have to sign a consent form for an emergency C-section.
- I’ll get a visit from the anesthesiologist shortly after being admitted so they can go over my file and ask me any questions—all in preparation for a possible c-section.
Exciting stuff huh! It really doesn’t bother me too much. I’m very motivated for my normal labor and delivery and am doing everything in my power to avoid another c-section. I can’t even imagine trying to recover from a c-section while taking care of a newborn AND a two-year-old. Yikes! Hence my excitement over her already being head-down. I know I still have 8+ more weeks, but still, I’m excited!
I’m kind of amazed at how quickly September flew by. And there’s not even a big holiday in September! It makes me nervous for how fast October and November will come and go.
And now, without further adieu, some pictures of my 30 week belly:
MomB says
I couldn’t have said it better!
We can’t wait for the new little ‘bug’!!
Anna says
You beautiful Heather! Baby #2 will be remarkable just like Adelaide (even if she is different) because of what great parents you are 🙂