Wednesday, January 6, 2010

34 weeks!

I was hoping to post a picture today to show my gigantic bump but Brett's away so it'll have to wait a few more days. In the meantime, I had a checkup at the OB's yesterday and everything looks great. For the first time, I measured a full 34 weeks!!!! I gained a pound since 2 weeks ago and everything looks great. My baby girl is sitting VERY LOW in my belly, with her little head wedged in just above my pubic bone, which has gotten me nervous about her being born with a cone head or her little head getting stuck down there or even that it means I will give birth early. But, my doctor says I may go early but there are no other real signs of premature birth and if I were to go into labor at this point, they no longer try to stop it...so I'd just have my little baby earlier. She said that babies born after 34 weeks do so well that they don't even risk trying to stop labor....wow. She said that she'll probably have a cone head for the first few days but to bring some cute hats, lol. She also pushed a little on my belly and grabbed Teagan's little nugget and said she is super-low but still moving freely so all looks good. She said that in a way it is great because I am less likely to get kicked in the ribs and get heartburn because she is so low...also that it is very unlikely that Teagan will flip into a breech position b/c it would be very hard for her to get her head out of my pelvis in order to do that - so it looks like all systems are a go!

In the meantime, we've had snow. Not tons and tons of it but constant, accumulating snow. It started on Friday and hasn't stopped yet...and looks to go for another 5 days straight. So, 16 inches over the weekend and then a few inches a day since. Brett had to go on another business trip but my neighbors were wonderful and called yesterday to tell me that if we get enough that they have to snowblow their driveway, they will come over and do mine too! They are great and it is so nice having fun neighbors to share daily life with!!!!

I am starting to get really excited about having our baby. Over the holidays, Brett installed the car seats since he finally had extra time and wanted to make sure he did it right. We also washed some of the baby's clothes so that some things will be ready and I can start to pack my hospital bag. We put together a few more baby items and placed them around the house so that the dogs can start getting used to them...Harley has mostly left the stuff alone but Sherman has to bump everything with his muzzle, especially if it is likely to cause a toy to swing or noise to start. He just bumps it and then looks at me. So far, so good.

As for symptoms, I've been very lucky. I still have pretty bad hip pain, from all that lovely hip spreading, and I get up about 6-10 times a night to pee (a consequence of her being so low, I guess). Besides that, I'm surprised I feel so good. I really thought a pregnant belly would be a serious pain by now but I still barely register it. Seriously, I thought it would be more "foreign" feeling b/c I am used to a somewhat flat belly...but nope. I'm having fun with all the crazy movement. Since she is getting so big, the movements are smaller but are so much more intense. I can watch her tushy move from my left side, through my belly button and over to the other side. Its hysterical. She also gets the hiccups about 2x a day for 20 minutes or so at a time...and with her head so low, it is a very interesting feeling, I must say. Sometimes they are so intense that even her little tushy jumps with them! The books all say that the hiccups are a result of them practicing breathing and that babies just don't mind the hiccups as much as we do...but I still feel bad for her...I hate the hiccups!

So, that is my update. Things are looking good. Part of me is still scared that something could go wrong. Given our history, I almost feel like maybe she'd be safer outside of my uterus by now? But, I do understand that isn't true...its just when you start thinking of our uterus as a black hole of death...well, you get the idea. It is hard to change your thinking.

11 comments:

Jo said...

Congratulations on things going so well!! I know you must be so excited that the time is getting closer. Enjoy these last few weeks and enjoy that you're feeling so great!

Hope in Virginia said...

What a great update! I'm so glad to hear that things are progressing just perfectly and that the little bean will be here so soon! You guys must be so excited getting the house all ready and imagining how different things will be in just a very short time when baby arrives. Enjoy and cherish!

Jill M. said...

Wowser, 34 weeks!!! It won't be long before you have Teagan in your arms! I can't wait to see that gigantic bump! So glad that everything went perfectly at your appt.

Don't worry about the cone head. I had a major cone head because I sat in the birth canal for so long and then had to be removed with either vacuum or foreceps. My parents freaked when they saw my head, but the doctor molded it and it went back to normal. I do have a big forehead, but that runs in the family, it's not from birth, lol.

I had the same reaction about not stopping labor at 34 weeks, wow!!! I would want my labor stopped! I got a feeling you're going to make it several more weeks.

So glad you're doing well with the symptoms. I cracked up with the hiccups being down low. That sounds so cool being able to see the baby move from the outside, I can't wait to start feeling something!

kayjay said...

Wowee! Can you believe that you are where you are right now?? It is so neat to watch the movements and that you can identify body parts. Can't wait to see the belly pic!

DAVs said...

You're moving right along!
I'm sure it's hard not to think of your uterus as a black hole of death, but you know what? Your uterus has shown you that it is NOT a black hole of death--it has nurtured a little precious baby all the way to 34 weeks and will continue to do so for a few more weeks. I'm hoping she'll hang in for a few more weeks and I think newborns in hats are the best!

Paula Keller said...

I'm so glad things are going well for you! You've come so far.

Did you have hip pain earlier in your pregnancy? My hips hurt at night when I sleep on my sides, even with the pregnancy pillow. I have to flip sides often to stay comfortable.

Caroline said...

I'm glad to hear that things are going well for you. I hit 34 weeks tomorrow, and it is good to know that the baby can be born anytime from now.
It would be great to see a belly shot when you get a chance!
That's great that your neighbours are so nice and helpful.
Looking forward to your next update.

Not Your Aunt B said...

Hooray, hooray! I miss the feeling of those little hiccups inside. So sweet & funny. Aww...

Both of my girls were low & engaged early and they both came 2 weeks early so be ready! Neither had a cone head. I think that comes from being actually in labor for a prolonged time.

I was going to ask your expert advice on yoga DVDs? I miss doing yoga, can't afford classes right now, but want a good DVD. One that focuses on stretching would be even better as I have not stretched in months and can feel it! Thanks!

Linda said...

Aw, it brings tears to my eyes reading your post. I am SO HAPPY for you! I wouldn't give another thought to the shape of the head. Our little one had been head down since 28w, and his head is just perfect. :) Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy; it goes by really quickly! Oh what a happy new year this will be for you!

Lost in Space said...

You are so close, Sue. Where has the time gone?! It sounds like you have most everything ready to go now. I hope she stays put for a little while longer though!

ps. I'm still in love with your Sherman. (-;

Anonymous said...

Wow - almost 35 weeks! SO happy for you!