Hello 34 weeks! This week we begin our weekly ultrasounds, non-stress tests and doctor visits. Now it really feels “real.” We have everything we need for baby, and we are ready to go. Now I just need to focus on rest, trying to relax, and enjoying my last few weeks with this belly.
At 34 Weeks Pregnant…
How big is baby? 34 weeks pregnant, baby is the size of a pineapple, or a honeydew melon (20 inches, 5 lbs)
Weight gain: So, officially, I have gained about 40lbs (wearing Ugg boots, after a meal). But all in all, that isn’t so bad. I feel like my weight gain has really slowed, even though I haven’t been as active as I’d like.
Symptoms: My rash has really dissipated (thank goodness). I used a combination of Pine Tar Soap, eczema relief lotion, and V-8 juice. I am not sure if one worked better than the others, or if it was a combination of everything, but the rash is just about gone. My symptoms are about the same. I am still having a lot of hip pain, but my back and calves feel much better. I am still not experiencing much swelling…so different from my first pregnancy!
Appointments: We had our 34 week appointment on Wednesday this week. We were able to see the little guy. He is measuring in the 41st percentile now, weighing in around 5 pounds, 1 ounce. He was so wiggly. We were able to see his sweet little feet and hands, and a quick peek at his chubby, chubby cheeks, his hair and his eyelashes!!! His heart rate is great, and after a twenty minute NST (non-stress test), he scored a 10/10, even though he was trying to kick the monitors off. My only worry…he is nowhere near head down. He is oblique, spanning from one side of my tummy to the other.
What I’m loving about pregnancy: Even though I am super uncomfortable, and a little freaked out by the size of my belly, I am really enjoying this point in my pregnancy. I am feeling a little sad, realizing this is likely my last opportunity to experience pregnancy, so I am really trying to soak it all in.
What I’m missing most during pregnancy: Sleep. I just miss sleeping comfortably. And I am sure my husband feels the same was, as I spend my nights tossing and turning, and getting up for bathroom breaks. But, I guess this is great preparation for the sleepless nights that are to come once the baby arrives.
Cravings and Aversions: I haven’t had any real cravings this week, specifically. I have just wanted junk. Give me all the fast food. But then I feel terrible, and regret it!
I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to holiday shopping, wrapping presents, Christmas movies, hot chocolate, and most of all…Christmas. Can you tell this is my favorite season?
Staying fit: No gym for me this week. After the back pain I experienced last week, I have had a lot of anxiety around going to the gym. I am definitely hoping to try again next week, especially since we don’t really have anything going on next week.
Our family: My husband and I are really excited to dive into the holiday season, and hope to do something Christmas-y each week. As I mentioned last week, it is so fun to watch Brooks get excited about Christmas, and Santa Clause! I think that this Christmas is going to be really magical for him.
Currently reading: I started re-reading Natural Hospital Birth, and I am going to try download the audio version of Mindful Birthing: Training the Mind, Body and Heart for Childbirth and Beyond, in order to really solidify some strategies for natural pain management as I prepare for labor!
34 Weeks Pregnant: Then and now…
My tummy growth seems to really have slowed down at this point, but I feel like it has also gotten significantly lower!
To read more about being pregnant with my first at 34 weeks, click here!
