Tuesday, May 20, 2008

34 weeks

84% of your pregnancy has passed, there is 16% left to go

If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.


Not much changes from 34 weeks pregnant and on except your baby is adding valuable meat to his bones. Some women also start wondering when their baby will 'drop' sometime after week 34 pregnancy. Dropping is the term that refers to the process whereby your baby's head enters the birth canal. It generally occurs in first time mothers a few weeks before delivery. In moms who have already given birth, it may not happen until a day or two before labor begins. When you do drop you should notice a change in your abdomen. You might notice your baby is resting lower. You might also notice that it suddenly becomes easier to breathe, in part because you have 'lightened' your load and now have more room available in your upper abdomen.
It is also common to start feeling some pressure in the vagina after the baby drops. Some women worry that their baby might fall out. Talk to your doctor if you feel the pressure is severe. Your healthcare provider can check to see exactly how low the baby's head is. Usually everything will be fine, you simply need to adjust to your baby sitting a little lower than you are used to.



The hormones from the placenta are starting to activate the milk in your breasts.

In liver news: although not quite fully formed, your little miracle’s liver is now capable of processing a certain amount of waste. In general, most of your child’s prenatal physical development is pretty much up to snuff and ready for the outside world. Naturally, further weight gain is expected—so you’re still not at maximum capacity despite probably feeling like you definitely are maxed out.


I think I am fearing that my baby has dropped and the lightening has happened. Then some days, I don't think it is as defined as I think it is. I think I am just afraid of preterm labor and not making it as far as I would like to - in order to feel more comfortable. I am also afraid of a 8-10 pounder. We go tomorrow to visit Dr Wonderful at the mfm's office for another growth scan and looksee at Mini. I am hoping/praying that he is just the perfect size (like in the 3 bears story - juuuuuuust riiiiiight and my cervix is holding strong for a few more weeks. I have dreams about pre-term labor. My mind/sub conscious has really taken this fear and run with it. Especially since the GD scare (which I still have yet to have a really high read over the acceptable limits - I am just beyond paranoid now)



To answer the few questions about the heparin- I will be on it until further notice. My ob's have told me that If I feel I am having labor contractions, Do not take the next shots. It has a lifespan of about 4-6 hours in my system and they would just prefer me to err on the side of caution and not take it, if I think "things are progressing". I have also been instructed to stop the baby aspirin. I have an ob appointment Friday morning. I am crossing fingers and holding my breath that all continues to go well. We do not have a car seat yet (still waiting-told it's being shipped the first week in June), We have 4 couples coming into town this weekend to celebrate E's birthday (along with a pseudo baby shower since they couldn't come this past weekend). I'd really like to enjoy their company.



I have asked a friend to take a pictures of E and I in the upcoming week so I have some semi-professional good photos of us at the beach with my belly! Our engagement pictures were done at the beach and I would like to have maternity pictures there also.



For the most part, I am doing well, sleeping ok (absolutely cannot shift in bed, must lay on a side only and must get out of the bed on whatever side i am laying on or I get a weird stabbing/pain sensation in my back/stomach area, the bobby pillow is really useful now too, I am working fine (this is my last week on-call, I will miss that paycheck but not the worry). I am told I just fully waddle now. O'well what can I say to that. I will be taking off Friday and we already have Monday. I am looking forward to just kickin it back and relaxing. On Monday I do plan on cleaning out what will soon be a lil boy's closet. I have put it off long enough and It needs to get done. It shouldn't take long, the walk-in closet isn't that big ... wow lots of posts in a short amount of time....

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Another Tuesday! And he has a liver now, wowza. What a miracle. Take care of yourself and enjoy your friends' company!

Katie said...

Here's to waddling your way just one more month to full term!

Can't wait to see those pics!

And I am also terrified of a huge baby.

Barb said...

Oh my gosh, it's getting so close! I can imagine all the worry...

nickoletta100 said...

OOHH!! I look forward to seeing the maternity pics :)

JJ said...

I love the idea of getting pictures done! I do hope you will share=)

Rachie Pachie said...

So close! Hope that you DO get to relax & enjoy the company & partying that will happen this weekend! :)

Unknown said...

Oh the maternity pic's will be awesome! Can't wait to see those....

Enjoy your visitors this weekend!

Adriane said...

34 weeks already?! I can't believe it! Hope your appt goes well tomorrow.

CJ said...

oooooo! So exciting. I hope to be there one day!! :)

RBandRC said...

Good luck at your appointment tomorrow! :)

Geohde said...

Not long to go now...

J

Hilary (Maya Papaya) said...

Farah you're so close now!

vamplita said...

Fantastic shower pics, Farah! Loved both of your cakes, edible and non-edible. :)

Yup...not much longer now...

Hope2morrow said...

Found your blog today and am thankful I have pregnant women to inspire hope! Take care of you and your little one!