Y’all, I feel like the end is officially in sight. Something about hitting full term brought some major changes. My energy level straight-up skyrocketed… and so did the contractions. So much so that we had a little trip to the hospital this week. But more on that below… Let’s get this 38 week pregnancy update started!
How far along are you? 38 weeks!
All about baby: Baby is estimated to be about 19.5 inches and 6.8 lbs. She is still pretty active but her movements have gotten smaller. It’s more slight shifts and rolls than jabs and punches. Her favorite time to wiggle is still after I’ve eaten or when I lay down at night. I’ve actually gotten accustomed to falling asleep to her shifting around in my belly! She is head down and ready for delivery day!
Have you decided on a name? I’m going to go ahead and say yes for the first time. I actually ordered something with baby’s name on it. It’s pretty small and inconsequential, so it won’t be a big deal if we make a last-minute change. But overall I’m feeling pretty confident with our current choice.
Are you having any cravings? Still a big no. I’m struggling to eat much at a time. I just don’t have the space! ?Aaaand heartburn is still a struggle.
Weight Gain: 17 lbs. It’s actually gone down about a pound, and I know that has a lot to do with the loss of appetite. Well that and my nonstop cleaning sessions, probably!
How are you feeling? Overall, I’m feeling quite a bit better than I was two weeks ago! I hit this sudden crazy burst of energy stage last week that has been kind of amazing. Our house is cleaner than it has been in years. And that is seriously no exaggeration! I’ve reorganized every under the sink cabinet, the pantries, cleaned under the bed, deep cleaned the oven, and become what feels like permanently attached to my magic eraser! My nesting is legit. I don’t remember it being quite as intense with Layla but I was also working in an office setting, so I wasn’t at home quite as many hours of the day. On the other hand, I did deep clean the oven the day before I went into labor with Layla, so maybe my memory is just failing me! ?
My back pains and aches seem to have dissipated some too, but in their place are some major contractions. On Tuesday morning I woke up right before 6 am and headed to the bathroom. I’ll save you the specifics, but I was pretty sure my water broke. (That is how labor started with Layla!) And almost immediately afterward my belly started cramping. Shortly thereafter the contractions started. I timed them and they were coming every 5-6 minutes. Of course Aaron was in Maryland out of town and had to drive back home. His mom also left work to come watch Layla so we could make it to the hospital. Well, obviously I’m still pregnant, so y’all know how this story ends. They monitored me for several hours and ran a slew of tests only to send us home. Y’all, I went from panic mode that morning, not ready to have a baby to being pretty devastated. It was an emotional rollercoaster of a day!
At last check at the hospital, I was 1 cm dilated and 70% effaced. I’ve felt a lot of pressure in my hips in the past 24 hours as well, so I’m hoping things are continuing to progress. At this point, there isn’t much of a wait time yet though! I’m trying to just relax!
How are you sleeping? With my increase in activity, my sleep has also improved significantly! I’ve still been dealing with some RLS, but I’ve been so tired at the end of the day it hasn’t kept me up as much! I’ve also been getting about 7 hours a night, which is like a dream come true. I still get up several times a night to go to the bathroom (thanks, baby!), but I have been falling back to sleep almost immediately.
Baby Prep: To be honest, the baby’s room kind of looks like a disaster. All the furniture is there, but it’s not arranged. Baby’s car seat box is just hanging out in there along with several boxes of diapers. Since the wallpaper hasn’t arrived yet (it should be here any day now!), everything is just in the middle of the room. I’m looking forward to getting the wallpaper up and the furniture in its proper place! Buuuut as far as gear and general preparedness, we’re set.
Best moment of the week: My family is arriving today! YAY! They’re flying in from California, and I’ve been looking forward to it for months now! My life is about to become the best kind of circus. ?My sister is getting ready to go off to college, so she’s been shipping boxes to my house for weeks now. And then my parents will be packing them all up to drop her off at school! They’re also bringing their dog since my mom’s plane ticket is one-way. She’ll be hanging out to help with baby for a bit, and I am so grateful! But it’s going to be busy in our home if baby decides to arrive while they’re all here! (And I’m kind of hoping she does simply so everyone can meet her!) C’mon, baby girl. We have a timeline to meet. ?
Previous Bumpdates:
Almost there!!! You’re so close mama! So excited for you!
Oh it’s a shame it wasn’t established labour but great things are getting closer! I’m loving your kimono in that first pic too. Hope baby arrives soon – with all the nesting I’m sure she will 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Glad to see you looking so good. I bet you’re ready now! It’s hard work, but so worth it. Good luck. Jacqui Mummabstylish