Wow it's been over a month since I wrote in here. I'm HUGE now. The heartburn and nausea have returned with a vengeance. It feels like I'm back in my first trimester, except with a ginormous stomach. Sandy has to pull me out of bed sometimes so I can go to the bathroom. And I always get stuck in the couch, so he helps me out with that too. If he's not here, I sit on the edge lol
So I am 34 weeks, 3 days today! The baby shower is tomorrow at Jason's Deli in College Park. I'm excited and nervous. I can't believe I'm going to ANOTHER baby shower, but that it's being thrown for ME! It's still hard to grasp the concept that I'm going to be a mom.
Things haven't been so honkey-dorey, tho. Sandy and I have been having issues. What couple doesn't, right? I'm not going into detail, but it was bad, and I had to leave the house and stay with my parents.
Week 29
(counting from first day of last menstrual period)
Around 27 Weeks After Conception
Please keep in mind that this information is approximate. Each pregnancy is different and growth rates vary. If you have any questions, please check with your care provider.
Fetal Development:
The baby's head is in proportion to the rest of the body. Fat continues to accumulate under the skin. The brain can control primitive breathing and body temperature control, and the eyes can move in the sockets. The baby is becoming sensitive to light, sound, taste and smell. Now, I wonder how experts know a baby can smell in utero?
Multiples: Your babies are on the same growth track as singletons at this point.
Maternal Changes:
Do you feel like you've been pregnant forever? Are those discomforts of pregnancy getting to you? This is the time when itchy skin, shortness of breath, hemorrhoids, leg cramps, heartburn and indigestion and achy muscles takes a toll. What do you do? Remember that these annoyances are temporary. Focus on the positive aspects of pregnancy and check out our suggested reading below by Sherry L. M. Jimenez.
Multiples: Fatigue is probably a constant companion. Try to rest when possible; take a nap or put your feet up to keep the edema at bay.
Birth Plans:
You've probably heard a lot about birth plans. No matter what kind of birth you're planning, a written birth plan can be a good idea. In Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn, by Penny Simkin, PT et al, a birth plan is defined as "a list of the options you and your partner prefer for your birth experience." Preparing a birth plan makes you take some time to research and think about your options in some detail which makes you ultimately better prepared. Here are a few sites to help you work on a plan:
Interactive Birth Plan from Childbirth.Org
misc.kids.pregnancy Birth Planning FAQ part one
misc.kids.pregnancy Birth Planning FAQ part two
misc.kids.pregnancy Birth Planning FAQ part three
Week 30
(counting from first day of last menstrual period)
Around 28 Weeks After Conception
Please keep in mind that this information is approximate. Each pregnancy is different and growth rates vary. If you have any questions, please check with your care provider.
Fetal Development:
Our little one is nearly three pounds already and growing like a weed.
The early lanugo is disappearing, the eyelids open and close, and the toenails are growing. The bone marrow is now responsible for red blood cell production.
Maternal Changes:
The best sleeping position for a pregnant woman is on her left side. Your aorta and vena cava are slightly to the right of the center of your back, so laying/sleeping on your left side as much as possible ensures an unobstructed blood flow to your organs and extremities. You may be having some trouble sleeping now. Try one of the many maternity pillows or full-body pillows on the market. Sleeping in a recliner chair might also help, especially when the heartburn gets nasty.
Multiples: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of pre-eclampsia which is more common in multiple pregnancies than in singleton pregnancies. If you experience severe headache; seeing "spots" or "flashing lights" while at rest; sudden increase in swelling especially of the face; abdominal pain; and nausea, vomiting and feeling sick, contact your doctor immediately.
Feeding Your Baby:
About half of the babies born today in the United States are breastfed which means half are bottle fed. What will you do? For some moms, this is a simple decision; for others, it's very difficult. And it could be that you'll change your mind after baby is born. The best thing to do now is learn about both, do some soul-searching and research.
It isn't the purpose of this guide to debate breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. We do, however, strongly encourage moms to give breastfeeding a try. Even if you switch to formula later, you will have given your baby a terrific start with your breastmilk.
StorkNet's breastfeeding resources:
Breastfeeding Cubby
Ask a Lactation Consultant
Breastfeeding Support
StorkNet's bottle feeding resources:
Bottle Feeding Cubby
Bottle Feeding Support
Ideas for Dad:
The decision on how to feed your baby is mostly up to Mom. However, it's very important for Dad to be supportive of the method chosen. Discuss your feelings with Mom and learn together about the pros and cons. Then lend your full support and encouragement for whatever she decides. If Mom is intending to breastfeed, don't feel left out! Visit our Dads and Breastfeeding info.
Week 31
(counting from first day of last menstrual period)
Around 29 Weeks After Conception
Please keep in mind that this information is approximate. Each pregnancy is different and growth rates vary. If you have any questions, please check with your care provider.
Fetal Development:
Growth begins to slow a teeny bit, and the brain goes through a period of rapid development. The only major organ left to fully develop is the lungs. If your baby is a boy, his testes begin to descend from the body cavity to the scrotum.
Maternal Changes:
Your abdomen may be aching frequently now as your uterus is stretching more and more. Your uterus is about 4 1/2 inches above your belly button with ten weeks to go.
As your baby's bones harden and grow, your calcium needs are even greater. Be sure your diet is adequate in calcium, protein, iron and folic acid
Multiples: If you haven't yet, be sure to have your pediatrician picked out. If the babies come early, you don't want to be left with lots of interview appointments but no doctor. Have you packed your hospital bag yet?
Ideas for Dad:
It's the third trimester and now, more than ever, Mom needs you. She may complain a lot with the growing discomforts of pregnancy. Listen to her with your undivided attention. Help her relax in the evening by rubbing her back and feet. We've talked about this in previous weeks but Mom just needs you to be there for her. As simple as this sounds, it can be difficult at times. Remember that doing what you can for Mom is also your first parenting steps for your child.
Week 32
(counting from first day of last menstrual period)
Around 30 Weeks After Conception
Please keep in mind that this information is approximate. Each pregnancy is different and growth rates vary. If you have any questions, please check with your care provider.
Fetal Development:
The baby is up to four pounds now and all five senses are functional. The toenails are completely formed and the hair on the head continues to grow.
Multiples: This is the time when twins begin to gain weight a little slower than singletons. The babies are very cramped now.
Maternal Changes:
You may be visiting your care provider every two weeks at this point. Your uterus is measuring about 5 inches above your navel and is pushing your organs every which way causing heartburn, constipation, indigestion and breathlessness. Drink lots of water and eat adequate fiber to ease the constipation and eat frequent small meals to help the heartburn and indigestion.
Multiples: Your hips are spreading and your pelvic ligaments are stretching. Braxton Hicks contractions are probably getting stronger. At 32 weeks, the size of your uterus with twins is the same as a 40-week singleton pregnancy!
Ideas for Dad:
If you've chosen not to find out which gender your baby is, you may be trying to guess based on Old Wives Tales. Or, your friends and relatives may be telling you what they think your baby is. Some of these theories can be really fun. For example, if Dad is more nervous, a daughter is on the way. If he's more relaxed, it's a boy. If Dad is getting lots of household projects done, a boy is coming. If Dad isn't doing more projects, it's a girl. If Dad gains weight with Mom, it's a boy. If he stays the same weight-wise, it's a girl. So Dad? What's it gonna be?
Week 33
(counting from first day of last menstrual period)
Around 31 Weeks After Conception
Please keep in mind that this information is approximate. Each pregnancy is different and growth rates vary. If you have any questions, please check with your care provider.
Fetal Development:
At this point, the amniotic fluid is at the highest level in the pregnancy. The amount will remain constant until delivery. Rapid brain growth has increased the baby's head size approximately 3/8 of an inch this week. Fat continues to accumulate which turns the baby's skin color from red to pink.
Multiples: The confined space restricts the babies' movements somewhat so movement may not feel as intense but should be as frequent.
Maternal Changes:
You'll be gaining about a pound a week. Mild edema is normal but if you experience severe headache; seeing "spots" or "flashing lights" while at rest; sudden increase in swelling, such as over 2-3 days, especially of the face; abdominal pain; and nausea, vomiting, and feeling sick, contact your caregiver immediately. You could be developing pre-eclampsia which is characterized by swelling, high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It is a very serious complication of pregnancy.
Multiples: Your appetite may be decreasing as your stomach is cramped for space.
Circumcision:
If you're having a son, you will be confronted with the decision regarding circumcision after birth. This has become a HOT topic in recent years, and it isn't the purpose of this guide to debate the issues. Finding good unbiased information is almost impossible, however, on the internet. Circumcision is a personal decision that parents need to make based on their own preferences/beliefs. As always, StorkNet advocates making an informed decision.
Start thinking about your feelings now and educating yourself on the facts. You'll be asked to sign a consent form either when you register at the hospital or when you are admitted in labor. Knowing your desires beforehand will save you from making a hasty uninformed decision at the last minute.
Ideas for Dad:
Mom has probably been working on a birth announcement list. If you haven't helped out and given her a list of those you want to receive an announcement such as relatives, friends and co-workers, now is a good time to get started.
Week 34
(counting from first day of last menstrual period)
Around 32 Weeks After Conception
Please keep in mind that this information is approximate. Each pregnancy is different and growth rates vary. If you have any questions, please check with your care provider.
Fetal Development:
The baby responds as a newborn with its eyes open while awake and closed while sleeping. S/he is developing immunities to fight mild infection. Those sharp little fingernails are at the ends of the fingertips already, and you might need to clip them during the first few days after birth.
Multiples: The positions that your babies are in are likely to stay that way as they are so confined, they can't move around much.
Which positions are your babies in? With a multiple pregnancy, you can have a myriad of configurations: less than 50% of twins are both born headfirst. One twin is vertex (head down) and one is breech (lower part of the body comes first) about 40% of the time. One (or more) can also be transverse (baby lies across Mom's pelvis). The McCaughey septuplets were in a pyramid configuration. As the babies get bigger, it's harder for them to move much to get into the proper birthing position. Your care provider will probably want to do an ultrasound(s) to determine presentation so that delivery plans can be made.
Maternal Changes:
You've probably felt some Braxton Hicks contractions for the past several weeks but they may intensify now. They are usually painless and non-rhythmical. These are preparing your body for the real thing.
If you haven't already, it's time to start the selection process for a pediatrician.
Multiples: Labor will begin in the majority of twin pregnancies before 37 weeks with 50% of deliveries between 34 and 37 weeks. Are you ready?
If You're Planning to Breastfeed:
Although breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your little one, babies are not born knowing how to breastfeed and many women in today's society have never seen a woman breastfeed before. One of the keys of getting off to a good start is through knowledge and a bit of preparation. Read what you can about breastfeeding before your baby arrives. Check with your hospital/birthing center or careprovider for local breastfeeding support groups. Visit our Breastfeeding Cubby for lots of "getting started" information and recommended books. You're even welcome to pop into our Breastfeeding Support forum before your baby arrives to ask our veteran moms questions. If you're expecting twins or more, we have lots of breastfeeding information for you too!
Ideas for Dad:
Mom is feeling huge and clumsy now. She may be weepy and vulnerable or extremely moody. Tell her how beautiful she is and what a wonderful mom she'll be. Serve her breakfast in bed and help her feel like the special woman she is.
