31 weeks

I get weekly email updates with what's going on with the baby. This week it says he's getting ready for another growth spurt. And that all the moving around is a good sign that he's healthy. And he's certainly moving a lot in there!!

Some people have asked about labor and what I'm thinking about that. I have heard over and over that people have dreams about having the baby (as in scary or weird dreams) but I still haven't, which to me means I'm not even really thinking about it subconsciously. I don't see that as a bad thing though. If I do think about it, I'll probably worry more than anything else. And worrying isn't going to do me any good. I mean, what's going to happen is going to happen and this is something that I can't even start to imagine how it's going to feel. Of course it's going to hurt but at the end I will have a baby. And of course I get nervous thinking about needles, but with the midwife center, if things go smoothly (and I know that's not up to me either) there is at least a chance I can do this without needles. On the other side, though, if I decide I do want needles (like for an epidural) then that option is also there. I have a lot of options open to me, depending on how things go. And for me, some of the needle/doctor type aversion is more about anticipation. I handle things a lot better on the fly (although yeah I still have the needle issues even there but not quite as bad). So when the time comes we'll just see how things go and do what needs to be done.

Speaking of labor, though, contractions. Specifically, Braxton-Hicks. I haven't felt them at all yet. I don't know if it's because I try to stay really hydrated, it's my first baby, or... what. But they told me not to worry if I'm not feeling them.

I ran across this link and thought it was funny. Advice for first time moms.

31 weeks

We took this picture at the end of the day and some days I feel bigger than others. This felt like a big day. :) Definitely a belly there though!

How many weeks: 31

Size of baby: A pineapple and measures 29 cm or 11.4 inches, crown to rump length. Head to toe is 16 inches. The baby also weighs 1700-1800 grams or 3.75-4 pounds.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I more than made up for the loss last week and gained 3.5 pounds. Overall I'm up 21.5 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: All maternity clothes now. 

Gender: It's a boy!

Movement: Kicks are getting stronger and stronger, and my belly button has popped out! Speaking of that, the last time I checked, I did still have an innie belly button when I am lying down. But it's definitely pushing out when I'm standing up. And he's moving pretty actively as I sit here and type this. At work I need to lean back in my chair sometimes- especially at meetings. He must feel squished when I lean forward because that seems to start some real kicking.

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty well. Sometimes I don't move much at all because it's getting more and more uncomfortable to roll over. It feels like I have lost all of my abdominal muscles. Pre-pregnancy I was one of those people who just laid in bed for awhile waiting to fall asleep. Pretty much all the time right now, I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. It's a nice feeling.

What I miss: I think what I miss the most right now is running. We walked a 5K on Thanksgiving (at 30 weeks exactly) and I was still kind of itching to run it. I do think if I wanted to I could still run but with the weather getting cooler and no workout clothes (running/wicking wise) that fit; specifically pants, I don't think it's really going to happen again. I say that though but if I'm itching enough to get out there and run I might find a way.

Cravings: I still just want a lot of sugar and sweets.

Aversions: None. 

Symptoms: I'm just in general feeling bigger and some days are worse than others. On the worse days I ask Dave to help me with things like putting on my socks. And rolling over, etc., or anything that uses my abs is harder. I can still get down on the floor and back up, but I can tell my balance is a bit off because my center of gravity has shifted. Also, I've never had heartburn before so maybe this is just heartburn but I'm getting nauseous. The first time was in the car on the way back from NY (thank goodness no more longish car rides until post baby- 5 hours in the car was pretty uncomfortable by the end). In the car, I figured it was just motion sickness but it was bad enough that I had a paper bag I was eyeing up. But it's also woken me up several nights and I feel like I'm about to puke. You know, the feeling when if you would just puke and get it over with, you'd feel better? That's what it is. Could this be heartburn at all?

Best moment this week: We had a good time with family over Thanksgiving but were back a day early and it was really nice to just relax and do nothing for a full day at our house. 

Looking forward to: December and the Christmas season. We aren't decorating much at our house this year because if I'm not up to helping Dave take it down I don't want him doing that by himself. But it's getting us closer to holding our baby and is just special this year.