Week 28 Gestation

This afternoon, I had another doctor's appointment. My weight has remained constant (it was actually down about .6 pounds, but then again we fluctuate all the time) and my blood pressure is actually low at 112/65 or 68 (can't remember which now). They also had the lab results from last week, and I don't have gestational diabetes or anything else they were looking at - everything is good, healthy and normal thus far. Hooray! On a sour note, though, they won't change the c-section date from July 8. Dr. Conslato - my favorite doctor of the three - said it's because lungs are the last thing to develop in a baby. If a mom goes into labor at week 37, she's considered full term since mother nature is pushing her into labor. If the baby needs help breathing or has to go the NICU, it's considered an act of nature. If, on the other hand, they bump up someone's c-section date and there are problems with breathing (or worse), they leave themselves open for lawsuits. So, for regulation purposes, they can't schedule it any sooner. And, while the day before would have been fine, my practice doesn't have any pre-scheduled OR time at the hospital on Mondays, so Tuesday was the first day they could schedule it. She did say, however, that babies come when they're meant to, so chances are everything will work out and it's best to have someone on call to take the Bean in case I would go into labor sooner than that day. I had a dream the other night that I went into labor and had the baby at Costco; although, the same night I dreamed there were bats in Joshua's room, so I think it was just nightmares from all these raging hormones... Anyway, we did schedule the rest of my doctor's appointments from here on out since they are closer together...I remember doing that with Joshua, too, and it was close to his arrival date. It makes me realize that July will be here before we blink!

Fetal Development:
Our little miracle is growing and developing at an astonishing rate! Eyebrows and eyelashes are now present, and the hair on the head is growing. The eyelids open, and the eyes are completely formed. The body is getting plumper and rounder (weighs about 2 pounds) and is composed of around 2 to 3% body fat. Muscle tone is gradually improving. The lungs are capable of breathing air but if the baby is born now, it would struggle to properly breathe. Be sure to talk to your baby a lot because s/he can recognize your voice now!

Maternal Changes:
Welcome to the third trimester ~ the period of leg cramps, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, itchy skin, aches and pains, swelling, heartburn, indigestion and . . . your baby's arrival! Your uterus is around 3 inches above your navel; average weight gain is between 17 and 24 pounds at this point.

Third Trimester Careprovider Appointments:
In routine pregnancies, your health-care provider appointments may be every two weeks from week 28 to 36, with weekly appointments from week 36 until delivery.
During these appointments, your doctor/midwife will check the size and height of your uterus to be certain your baby is growing appropriately. Your weight and blood pressure will be checked as well as your urine for signs of infection, sugar, and protein. As the due date approaches, the baby's position is checked. Be sure to take a list of questions and concerns to your appointments. It's normal to have questions and worries about labor this trimester so don't be shy! Ask! Ask! Ask!

Ideas for Dad:
It's the last trimester! Go out and celebrate with a special date to shop for something for the baby or a few maternity outfits for Mom. Treat Mom to an olive oil tummy massage or foot massage. This isn't an easy trimester for Mom. Dad's support can go a long way to make it easier. Stay involved Dad! You're needed more than ever now.

Inspirational Thoughts:
"Children . . . they string our joys, like jewels bright, upon the thread of years." ~Edward A. Guest