34 Weeks

Wow, another week down!  Sorry I never put up an official 33 week update, and for slacking on the picture posting.  There has been a lot of stuff going on lately and I haven't been on my computer at home that much.

So, backing up to last week, I had a really good prenatal appointment with my doula, Cynthia.  She showed me some exercises to do that will help open up my hips and get the baby into a good position, and also encouraged me to keep doing my Kegels (I've been so bad about remembering to do them!).  She also wants me to go for a walk every day and make sure that I'm eating right.  I told her about my little sugar habit addiction and she challenged me to cut out sugar from now until the baby comes.  I told her about how it's kind of my last indulgence now that I can't have caffeine or alcohol and she reminded me that I only have 6 weeks left and that the more sugar I eat, the bigger baby will get, and that means a bigger baby to have to deliver! GULP.  Okay, I can do this.  So starting today, I'm going to try.

She also talked to me about the importance of good posture and not reclining right now, because it can encourage the baby into a sunny-side up position, which makes delivery harder.  So I've been trying hard to work on all of these things we talked about.  I also got an exercise ball, which Art blew up for me yesterday.  I have to figure out how to use it, so that's on the agenda for this week. 

I will update more tomorrow on our holiday weekend and all that fun stuff :)  For now, here's the 34 week rundown:

How far along?: 34 Weeks, only 42 days to go!

How big is baby?: Your baby now weighs about 5 1/2 lbs. and is 18 1/2 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well.   Three more weeks and she will be considered full term!  Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

Any appointments or updates this week?: I had a quick 34 week check up today, and everything looked great.  I go back in two weeks.

Body changes?: Definitely lots of swelling in my hands and feet, especially with being outdoors so much over the weekend.  

Maternity clothes?:  Yep, my maternity swim suit has been getting used even more than I thought it would!

Best moment last week?:  Getting maternity pictures taken, celebrating my mom's birthday and going on a mini babymoon with Art over the weekend

Food cravings?:  Sweets, sweets, sweets!  I am going to try hard to satisfy those with fruit though, instead of my usual candy and ice cream.

Symptoms?:  Having to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes!

Exercise?: I went for two really good walks, I pushed myself as hard as I could.  I also went swimming a few times.

What I miss?:  My old body (being 100% honest/selfish here).  I've been getting more and more uncomfortable lately.

What I'm looking forward to?: Getting to hold my baby in my arms, I just can't wait.