So, I haven't posted about baby in a few weeks. Last Wednesday (3/2), Mamaw watched Caleb at Jen's house with my niece and nephews so that I could go and get my glucose test done. In this test, you choke down syrup (it almost reminds me of what soda would be like if they didn't add the carbonated water to it) and then wait an hour in the office until they draw your blood. It is absolutely disgusting, and I kept reminding myself that I could not bring it back up. Thankfully it stayed down, and I got the results back the following Wednesday at my doctor's appointment that everything looks good. Woohoo! Three pregnancies, no problems in that area.
At my doctor's appointment, she said the heartbeat sounded good, answered all my questions, and also took measurements. She said I'm measuring roughly three weeks ahead of schedule, which they'll keep an eye on. All that means really is that this could be a big baby. BUT, it doesn't really matter since I'm having a schedule c-section anyway. My hope is that maybe our baby will make his debut a week early (the last week of May vs. first week of June). The only issue would be childcare since I'm working out a plan for the boys for my scheduled date. But, I think we could make something work, hopefully. My prayer is that this baby is healthy!
Crazy to think that I'll see the doctor three times next month, and I have another ultrasound scheduled at the end of this month. We're getting close now! Here are the last few weeks of growth:
Week 25
Fetal Development:
 | The structures of the spine - 33 rings, 150 joints and 1000 ligaments - begin to form. The blood vessels of the lungs are developing and the nostrils begin to open. Busy week! |
| You may be feeling like a "Soccer Mom" now that your uterus is the size of a soccer ball. Your growing uterus places pressure on your back and pelvis and may cause periodic shooting pains in your lower back and legs. When you experience this, rest, change your position, take a warm bath or apply ice to the sore area. |
Week 26
Your baby could weigh about two pounds now and be around 9 inches long (crown of the head to the rump). As the blood vessels in the lungs began last week, the air sacs in the lungs begin this week. The lungs begin to secrete surfactant which covers the inner lining of the air sacs which then allows the lungs to expand normally during breathing. Besides the active lung growth, the brain kicks in with brain wave activity for the visual and auditory systems.
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Week 27
Fetal Development:
| During this week, the brain continues its rapid growth, and the lungs continue to grow. Eyelids begin to open, and the retinas begin to form. The baby will grow over 1/2 inch this week and will be about 1 1/3 feet long (from crown of head to the toes or 9.6 inches from crown to rump)! |
| You may be experiencing some shortness of breath. Your uterus is close to your rib cage now, and your lungs may not be able to fully expand. Don't worry though. Your baby isn't lacking oxygen and your circulatory system is actually working more efficiently thanks to those pregnancy hormones that have caused you so much discomfort. |
Ideas for Dad:
| It's 2 am, and you're blissfully dreaming about winning the Indy 500 in record-breaking time. Suddenly, you're awakened by a pregnant woman who is shaking the buttons off your pajamas. You come to your senses (or at least you think you do), sit straight up in bed and ask her if she's sure it's time. "No, of course it's not time. But I HAVE to have some cold mooshy McDonald's french fries NOW or I'll just DIE. Hurry, PALEEEEEEZE." Nope, it's not labor . . . it's cravings! She's craving weird things, and you just want to sleep. She's insistent and you know there'll be no sleep until you go. What's a dad to do? Sound remotely familiar? Think of this as preparation for being awakened in the middle of the night by the baby - and you won't have to go to McDonald's for him. Try your best to suggest healthy snacks for Mom but realize at this point, your suggestions may not carry a lot of weight. If all else fails, keep your slippers by the front door and your car keys handy!
Week 28
Fetal Development:
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| 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! | |
| 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. If you haven't had a glucose tolerance test yet to test for gestational diabetes, your care provider may order one this week. |
| 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 and vaginal exams are performed to check for cervical dilatation. If any high risk conditions are noted (pre-eclampsia, PIH - Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension, gestational diabetes, placenta previa), care provider visits will be more frequent and more tests may be advised.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! |
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