Week 37: Swiss Chard (length)

It's official kids ... I'm full term and he can come whenever he likes from here on out!!! My belly continues to get bigger and bigger and everyone is noticing. Even my president ... who shyly said "I think your belly gets bigger every day now". I let him know ... that it's not just his mind ... that it really is. Babies tend to grow between 1/2 pound and a pound a week the last few weeks. So if you think about it, he's gaining at least an ounce each day. He felt better knowing that I didn't think he was calling me fat. Hahaha!!

The room is truly ready to go ... simply waiting for Mr. Futz's arrival. We got creative with the poofy bumper that came in the bedding set and put it on the wall as a decorative border and got everything washed and put away. We've made a few stops to Babies R 'Us for the last of the essentials that we feel we need for us to feel ready. The only thing left really ... pack our bags. It's so hard to pack for that though!! There are things that I want as comfy, home items that I'm still wearing!! I don't want to put them in a bag and have to try something else to keep me happy while I'm lounging at home. That's just not fair. :P But we'll get it done this week.

We'll be working on our "who to call when going into L&D" and "who to call once he's made his debut" call lists. Of which we'll be handing over to the grandparents to help out. Just as a reminder ... the grandparents (Debbie/Don and Debbie/Gary) will be the first people called as soon as we realize that it's legitimate labor!!! No matter how much we love you ... you will stress me out if you call/text/email me each day looking for me to tell you I'm in labor. :) We'll be in touch ... have no fear ... we're SO very excited to share his arrival with WHOMEVER is willing to listen ... that we'll be yelling it from the rooftops!!!

And on to the update ...

How your baby's growing:

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

How your life's changing:

Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though his quarters are getting cozy, he should still be as active as before.

Surprising Facts: Signs of labor

There's no way to predict when labor is going to start. Your body actually starts "preparing" for labor up to a month before you give birth. You may be blissfully unaware of what's going on or you may begin to notice new symptoms as your due date draws near.

Here are some things that may happen in the weeks or days before labor starts:

• Your baby drops. If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel what's known as "lightening" a few weeks before labor starts as your baby descends lower into your pelvis. You might detect a heaviness in your pelvis as this happens and notice less pressure just below your ribcage, making it easier to catch your breath.

• You note an uptick in Braxton Hicks contractions. More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions can signal pre-labor, during which your cervix ripens and the stage is set for true labor. Some women experience a crampy, menstrual-like feeling during this time.

• You pass your mucus plug. The mucus plug is the small amount of thickened mucus that blocks the cervical canal leading to your uterus. The plug may come out all at once in a lump, or as increased vaginal discharge over the course of several days. The mucus may be tinged with blood (which may be brown, pink, or red), in which case it may be referred to as "bloody show."

• Your water breaks. Most women start having regular contractions sometime before their water breaks, but in some cases, the water breaks first. When this happens, labor usually follows soon. (If contractions don't start promptly on their own, you'll be induced.) Whether the amniotic fluid comes out in a large gush or a small trickle, call your doctor or midwife.

How can I tell if I'm in false labor or true labor?

Sometimes it's very hard to tell false labor from the early stages of true labor. Here are some things that might help you sort it out:

• False labor contractions are unpredictable. They come at irregular intervals and vary in length and intensity. Although true labor contractions may be irregular at first, over time they start coming at regular and shorter intervals, become increasingly more intense, and last longer.

• With false labor, the pain from the contractions is more likely to be centered in your lower abdomen. With true labor, you may feel the pain start in your lower back and wrap around to your abdomen.

• False labor contractions may subside on their own, or when you start or stop an activity or change position. True labor contractions will persist and progress regardless of what you do.


This Week's Activity:

Figure out how to install your baby's car seat. You can't bring your baby home without a car seat and it's harder to install than you think, so don't wait until the last minute. Some car seat manufacturers have a toll-free number for you to call so an expert can walk you through the process. Or get a car seat safety inspector to help you. To find one in your area, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site or look in your local phone book.

As for me ...

• Braxton Hicks contractions are definitely becoming more frequent. And a little more intense.


• I've already completed my Group B Strep test and passed. Which means I will NOT have to get antibiotics during labor.


• Sleeping is getting harder that's for sure. But like normal, once I figure it out, I have to change it up again. But I really do think I might have figured it out this time with my body/pregnancy pillow. And Mike has truly become an excellent massage therapist for me and been really taking care of me. (what a guy!!!)


• Mr. Futz has dropped although part of me feels, for some reason, that he hasn't totally settled in yet. Guess we'll find out later this week


• We have the car seat and know how to put the bases in and secured. We'll be doing that this week (early) as well. We intended to do it today but the day ran away from us.


• This is my last week of work before going on leave. We have our annual seat upgrades being held at the arena. I will be running the show at check-in so I won't be running around the arena or up and down stairs so have no fear!! We're getting fed and I have help that I can lean on if I need it. My boss and another director running the show at the event have made me promise to tell them if I need anything or need to go home. There are contingency plans in place for me needing to go home because it's too much or because Mr. Futz is ready to make his grand entrance. So not to worry ... the Warriors are certainly thinking about me.

This week we have our next appointment on Friday June 4th. We'll keep you posted after that.

Have a great week and we hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend!! We know we did!!!!

--
danielle & mike