34 Weeks Tomorrow

I’ve been meaning to update my blog for several days, but haven’t been able to get around to it. I’ve had a busy January so far. Work has just been crazy…there are a lot of changes going on at my company right now, and January is normally busy because of the nature of my job to complete “year-end” processes in January.  Back in the fall, I anticipated January being kind of tough, and so far it has been…anyway…

At my doctor appointment last week, we listened to the baby’s heart rate (low 140’s), got my blood pressure (normal), and they took my uterus measurement (if that’s what it’s called?). Apparently, I was measuring “small” which is slightly ridiculous, because my weight gain is fine – around 23 lb, and I feel huge.  I’ve read that my measurement in centimeters should match the current week of my pregnancy. My measurement was about 30 cm, and I was 32 weeks and 5 days on the day of my appt (so I guess I should have been closer to 32 cm.)  My doctor felt my stomach to see the baby’s position and let me know she thought the baby was in a transverse position – horizontally with the head on my right and the feet on my left. She said that’s probably normal for 32-33 weeks, but the baby should start to get in the head-down position soon. She also mentioned that when the baby is in that position, it is normal to measure smaller than when it’s in a vertical position.  She said that at my next appointment (on Monday) she’ll try to see how the position is again, and if I’m still measuring small, we may do an ultrasound to confirm the positioning. However, today, I feel like the baby may have moved into a different position.  She was under my ribs, and was making it difficult to move, and bend, but it seems like she’s not under my ribs so much today.  I’m really not sure how she’s positioned though, but I know she’s moving around a lot everywhere!!  I know that’s a good sign!

We had our Childbirth Preparation class at the hospital on Saturday.  It went well, but we didn’t learn as much as I thought we might. I’ve been doing a lot of reading, and talking to friends who’ve had babies, so I feel like I’m as prepared as I’m gonna be (even though I’m sure I still don’t really know what’s going to happen.)  It was nice to tour the birthing center at the hospital and see the rooms. All of the rooms are labor, delivery, and recovery, so we don’t have to move once we get there. The rooms seemed pretty nice and big, and I just feel more comfortable knowing where I’m going and learning about the process.

I took some pictures of myself this weekend – I’m definitely feeling bigger!! I’m still working out, but it’s more just to keep myself moving, as opposed to really getting in shape or anything. Tonight I was able to do a little lifting and then the elliptical machine for 15 minutes.  When I go to the gym now, I feel  like people are staring at me because I’m pregnant, but Travis just tells me they are so impressed that I’m there (isn’t he awesome!!)  Here are the pictures!