37 Week Belly Photos

37 Week Appointment

This week's appointment went pretty well.  Baby's heart beat was 146 bmp this week, so still hanging in the middle.  My blood pressure is remaining low... shocker!  Dr. Allen poked and prodded around at my abs and agrees that I definitely tore some of my lower abs.  Apparently this is common after a c-section.  There is nothing that can be done at this time.  When I have the c-section, she will need to do a few extra stitched to pull the abs back together = a longer, more painful recovery.  Great!  Other than that fabulous news, the placenta is currently behaving itself and staying put, so we are still a go for April 18th!  Hang in there Baby, you are doing great!

37 Weeks

We are getting excited! At 37 weeks, our baby has reached full term!!! That means Baby’s developed their most crucial functions. Of course, they’ll get even healthier and stronger over the next few weeks, so we are pushing to keep going. Around week 37, many moms-to-be find themselves organizing cupboards and scrubbing their floors, and I am no exception. That is the nesting instinct kicking in as my body senses baby will be here shortly. Maybe it is my brain’s way of making sure we’re prepared for just about anything, so we can feel like you have an extra edge on this whole new parents of two thing.

Our baby's the size of a watermelon!

Yay! Baby has reached full term. They likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weigh about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. Baby's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day.

How far along: 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +20.5 lbs

Pregnancy Symptoms: PAIN, PAIN, PAIN!!! both in my abs and my back (probably from compensating for my lack of abs), unable to see my feet, lightheadedness, pregnancy brain, sciatic pain, difficulty breathing when walking up a flight of steps, thirsty all the time, Braxton Hicks, increased urination, difficulty eating as I am full after a few bites, swollen ankles and feet, hip pain
Maternity clothes: Yep
Stretch marks: Nope

Sleep: Now that I am on muscle relaxers due to my abdominal tear, I am sleeping very well
Best moment last week: Baby hanging in there when I tore my lower abs
Movement: Lots and lots of rolling around.
Food cravings: Lemonade from the market
Gender: I am not so sure Baby os a boy anymore
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks
Belly Button (in or out): I'm an outie!!!!!!!!!!!!

What I miss: ABS
What I am looking forward to: The pain stopping
Milestones: We made it to full term!

Baby at 37 weeks is practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking. Baby is also getting their first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for Daddy's first diaper change.

Nesting, Nesting, Nesting

Lately I have really been up to some rather strange, even for me, cleaning rituals.  I have taken to not truly cleaning, but organizing just about anything that I can get my hands on.  Unfortunately, organizing does not clean the house, but actually makes it messier.  Oh well, at last I will know where things are in the mess if I do go early.

Today I worked to organize our new bookshelves, and here is the mess that is now in our office... YIKES!!!

It Must be Time to SHOP!

Today we received a very generous gift card from one of my co-workers and friends, Cynthia.  I am so excited... This means I have an excuss to go out and buy something new and fun for Baby!  Thanks so much Cynthis and Randy!

Another wonderfully Snuggly Gift

Today we received another wonderful snuggling gift for Baby.  This hooded blanket is going to be perfect for snuggling up our new Baby.  Ashley, my office mate gave it to us.  She explained that she wanted to get us the gender neutral version, but it was a bright yellow duck which she said no one would look good in, so she made her prediction of a boy in buying the blue bear, but provided the gift receipt for us to exchange it for a pink bunny if we have a girl.  I cannot wait to snuggle Baby in it!  Thanks Ashley.

Did That Really Just Happen... Rip!

This evening as I was trying to pick up around the house a little, I bent over and picked up a pair of shoes off a chair.  That is when I felt it... A burning, ripping sensation in my lower abdominals.  At the time, I would have sworn that Baby was just going to fall out the front of my abdomen it hurt so bad.  I am not totally convinced that I tore my abs (which is entirely possible), as it may have been ligament stretching, the normal stretching of a diastasis, or a few hundred other things, but I know there was an awful tearing sensation followed immediately by my inability to truly move.  Luckily I already have an abdominal binder at home, so I am now wearing it.  I did not end up calling my OB for fear that they would have me go to labor and delivery and I might end up in a c-section, so instead I just popped some Tylenol and strapped the binder a little tighter than I might have to give me some support.  After all, we only have 3 weeks left until the c-section anyways.  If I did tear my abs, they can't do anything until I deliver, so why risk an early c-section if I can avoid it.  Wow do I hurt thought.  If it hurts this much now, I am only imagine what getting up in the morning is going to feel like!