Weekly Update: “You look miserable”
37 weeks pregnant aka full term!!!!! (Technically “early term” and it is best to go all the way to full term: 39-40 weeks because baby’s lungs are still developing). But I’m not going to lie, I’m over being pregnant. I was born at 37 weeks, so you better believe I’m praying this baby decides to be just like his mama and come early. Also, I saw my baby breathing on the ultrasound, he’s been measuring ahead this whole pregnancy, and I feel like he’s ready. I’m likely to be wrong and go right up to my due date or past since I have learned I am the worst at gut feelings.
Let’s start with the rant: I am so swollen now.
[Clarification: my feet are mainly swollen, my hands are a bit. The swelling came on gradually over the course of a couple weeks without a spike in weight gain or higher blood pressure. (My blood pressure is “amazing.” If you have high blood pressure, sudden swelling, or a big spike in weight gain, it could be Pre-eclampsia so talk to your doctor.]
Swollen
But here I am, puffy as a balloon. I can’t have anything on my fingers or wrists without going insane even if it doesn’t apply any pressure. Although I think this is because of my joints mores so than the swelling. Even typing is uncomfortable. I only can wear my UGGs or my Crocs. I’m also experiencing bad back aches – this kid is heavy – feels like a bowling ball is attached to my stomach when I stand up.
Pain
Definitely having Braxton-Hicks contractions (that actually hurt) that I pray turn into the real thing ASAP. It’s been fun growing a human, but I’m ready to have him on the outside. Again, I am SO SO thankful to have a healthy pregnancy and to be able to carry our child, I do not take this for granted at all, I thank God for this blessing every single day. I’m just ready to give him to his dad to hold a bit. Also, I’m tired of taking baths. I’ve never been a bath person, but laying in a warm bath (with my stomach completely out of the water) is the only thing that really helps my back pains. I did cave and buy a heating pad, but it doesn’t get my whole back.
Everyone wants dinner at 3 am right???
A lot of people say newborns have their nights and days confused. Well, I think this baby passed it on to me. I have no interest in eating during the day, but bring on the hours of 10 pm to 4 am and I would love a three course meal followed by a nice dessert please. My bedside almond butter crackers just aren’t cutting it anymore. However, the thought of getting up, going downstairs, fixing something to eat, eating, coming back upstairs, and then trying to go back to sleep makes me laugh hysterically. I know that I will be WIDE AWAKE if I attempt to make something to eat, 2) I will then not be able to sleep, which will turn to 3) hungry again. So, I just sit in the dark at the edge of my bed, eating my crackers, praying this baby comes soon.
37 Weeks Pregnant Questionnaire:
How far along? 37 Weeks
How big is baby? Huge. 19″ & 6.4 lbs; the size of a winter melon (which will be replaced by a honeydew melon for this week’s photos)
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Sleep: Now I get up to pee every 1-2 hours and then when I’m awake I start thinking every single ache and pain could be the start of a contraction and baby is coming. Then, I fall asleep and stress dream about labor.
Best moment this week: Being full term
Movement: He stretches and wiggles more than kicks. He’s out of room. There’s lots of room out here buddy, come find out. I made a nice room for you with all the space you could ever want.
Food Cravings: Nothing
Food Aversions: Food is terrible.
Gender: Baby’s a boy!
Labor Signs: Braxton-Hicks that I feel in my “stomach” (uterus but that’s weird to say) and also my back. They’re irregular but hurt and usually only occur at the end of the day and go away when I move, so not actual labor yet.
Pregnancy Symptoms: swollen; tired; STARVING, but only during sleep hours (see above); feeling huge; not sleeping; peeing as often as every five minutes; acne; a general cranky mess;
Belly Button in or out? Out
What I miss: everything. Literally everything. The only things I’m currently doing are 1) sitting (uncomfortably), 2) working (thank you Lord for my job, it’s keeping me sane), 3) obsessing over when the baby will come. So, that leaves a lot to miss. In no particular order missing:
- exercising
- eating a salad
- eating during normal hours
- shoes – all of my shoes
- clothes – basically all of my clothes
- wine
- sleeping
- being able to get off the couch without feeling like dying
- walking up the stairs and being able to breathe
- looking in the mirror and not feeling deflated that results in a verbal “eww” each time.
- not being the crazy lady saying “eww” to herself in the mirror in public bathrooms
- seeing the scale stay the same (or even go down! I like to dream)
- mimosas – yes they need their own line
- walking (not waddling)
- pants (didn’t see that one coming)
- energy
I know, I know. I should go into sales. Being pregnant is the best everyone! You should totally have a kid.
What I am looking forward to: holding him in the hospital. Actually at this point, I’m even looking forward to the pain of labor because it means Baby will be on his way to the outside.
Upcoming appointments/events: 1/25, 2/1 OB – we’re in the weekly appointments now
Weekly Wisdom: I don’t know how many more weeks like this one I can endure. Confession, I googled all the natural induction methods. Most have been proven to not do a darn thing, and it is best to let your body and Baby decide the timing, so, I will wait. Thinking of taking up calligraphy or starting Duolingo for German to pass the time.
Milestones: full term!!! Thank you Jesus!
Bump Picture:
Bennett is One month!
Racine Family Updates 