36 Week Update

36 weeks down. Less than 4 to go!

Imagine a large honeydew. Now imagine strapping it to your front side and carrying it around all day. Oh and don't forget to try to sleep with it there too. Add a few more pounds of extra fluid, and extra organ, and some muscle cramps and you'll begin to identify with a 36 week pregnant woman. I'm not complaining, just trying to help you identify. I'll be honest, these last few weeks haven't been my favorite in pregnancy and I imagine the next few aren't going to get any better. BUT there is hope on the horizon -the end is in sight!

Maternity Clothes?

Of course. Nothing new there. Except you know you're getting big when you feel like some maternity clothes are fitting too tight. Sigh...

Stretch Marks?

Nothing yet. Although I really can't see half of my stomach now so maybe there are some and Austin is graciously not telling me.

Sleep

I've forgotten what it feels like to sleep through the night. Lots of dreams about Adelyn and pregnancy though.

Movement

Since she's head down, her feet are in constant contact with my ribs. I really don't get tired of feeling her move though. She hasn't been much of a night mover either which I am thankful for. Maybe she'll be born with the natural ability to sleep through the night. :)


Doctors visits

I mentioned in a previous post that last Thursday, we were there from 10-6 because of some irregularity in her heart rate. (Thank you two vessel cord...) We went back 4 days later for another extended non-stress test to make sure everything was still OK. She passed with flying colors. We have another appointment in 2 days to continue monitoring. Because of the two-vessel cord complication, we really aren't sure when it will be better for Adelyn to be out of the womb rather than in it. Every appointment we go to now, there is this question, "will we be coming home after this or will we be told we're delivering a baby today?" It's kind of a hard place to be.

Mood Swings

I really think my hormones have chilled out a bit. I feel like I have the mentality of "just soldier through it" right now. 


Cravings

Gummies and carbs. I have to be pretty intentional to get fruits and veggies on my plate. Doing my best. Having a garden full of lettuce helps a lot.


Gender

She's a little diva already. In our last ultrasound, she was sticking her tongue out at us. That was the same day that we were later admitted for further observation. She knew she was about to wreak a little havoc on our day.


Labor Signs

Still lots of Braxton Hicks contractions. They seem to be growing a bit in strength too. At our last appointment, our doctor did tell us that keeping Adelyn in the womb past 39 weeks would probably be more stressful on her than good. So we will most likely induce or have a C-Section somewhere between June 6-10. Who knows though.

Belly button

Proud to say that my belly button still remains in. Way in.

Laugh of the week

I continuously bump my belly on things (and people). I'm just not used to it being so out there! I'm sure it's a bit awkward for people to have an encounter with a baby belly so I do my best to avoid unintentional contact.

What I miss

Exercising. I have slowly weaned my exercise down to walks but after the scare at our last appointment the doc said to not intentionally exercise.  I worry that I'll have a hard time getting back in the habit. I miss getting sweaty and the feeling after a good run.

What I'm looking forward to

Not being pregnant.


What I'm nervous about

It's looking likely that I'll have a C-Section. Even if I try to do a normal birth, there is a high chance it will end in C-Section. I know tons of woman have them and tons of babies are saved because of them. I'm not so much worried about the risk- I'm more worried about the aftermath. The long recovery and consequences it has on future childbearing.


Weekly Wisdom

I've gotten tons of good advice from the book I'm currently reading, How to Have Your Second Child First.

That's about it. We have another appointment on Thursday so that will give us a better idea on how she is growing and how that precious heart rate is doing.