Still Here, Still Pregnant

Howdy folks, just thought I'd check in. Still here, still pregnant. But I do think my body is doing what it's supposed to; I'm feeling tons of pressure in my pelvic region and some stabby feelings near my cervix. And I'm pretty certain I lost my mucus plug. Not that that will give any indication as to how far out actual labor is, but it's progress so I'm content with that. I don't really have it in me to come up with a witty post , so here is my templated update.


How Far Along: 40 Weeks, 4 Days


How Big is Baby: Feeling GIGANTIC. Seriously, I can feel the distinction between each foot that pushes against my belly, and they feel so much bigger than they did just two weeks ago. It's making me a little nervous!


Weight Gain: I'm estimating right around 40 pounds. Which is fine with me. Do I wish it was a little less? Of course. But I'm not going to beat myself up about it... And I haven't gained anymore weight in my last three appointments. 


Maternity Clothes: I am rapidly running out of shirts that cover my entire belly. Pants are mostly uncomfortable, I'm in a nightgown as much as possible when home. I haven't worn regular shoes in over three weeks. I am all about the flip flop. Here in the Bay Area it only dips into the low 40's - at night (50-60 during the day), so I'm grateful for that.


Sleep: Still not great. There are a lot of bathroom trips, and arduous attempts at tossing and turning that makes complete rest impossible. I'm always thrilled when I get a two and sometimes four hour stretch. And I'm grateful to be off of work so that I can take naps and rest during the day.   


Gender: We'll know very soon!


Movement: Very discernible. Baby G has been in the same position for several weeks now. From my perspective s/he is head down with their back facing out on my right side, which makes the legs and feet stretch across to my left side. So I feel the most movement on the higher part of my belly on the left and right sides. I feel a hiney and feet. 


Food: Mmmmm, fooooood. It's very possible that a tiny portion of the last 10 lbs I gained may have had to do with my taking advantage of holiday festivities and being home to eat whatever tickles my fancy. Sue me. 


What I miss: For the last 36 weeks, I've maintained the stance that there was not one single thing I missed quantitatively more than the amount of gratitude I felt for being able to maintain a healthy pregnancy. And I still feel that way, but I'm going to be very honest here. I do miss a few things: wearing my wedding rings, sleeping on my back, hugging Brian face to face comfortably. 


What I'm looking forward to: Giving birth. Meeting our baby. Introducing our baby to family and friends. Starting our new life together as a family. 


Milestones: Being 40 Weeks, 4 Days


Symptoms: Oi,  you might want to make a dash for the ladies room now, this could go on for a while. 

• Stuffy nose - I caught a cold two days after we transferred our embies and I haven't really been able to breathe through my nose well since then. Using a saline spray and or netti pot, are only temporary fixes. 
• Carpal Tunnel - swelling and water retention causes CT during pregnancy, and mine is getting worse. First thing in the morning my hands get crazy swollen, and are so painful that I can't even give the dog his good morning scratch and rub down. It hurts that much. 
• Restlessness - I tend to get really restless towards the end of each night. Between 9 - 11pm. I end up having to take a shower just to calm down and take the edge off. I feel a little guilty saying that I've been taking two showers a day for the last two weeks, but it's all I can do to keep comfortable. 
• Braxton Hicks - for the last week I've had very consistent BH. Which I know is a good thing. It's my uterus practicing for the big day. 
• Fatigue, crankiness, overall discomfort.  

All in all I'm doing well, my blood pressure which was an issue early in my second trimester is very much under control now. I was 112/63 at my last appointment. Woo hoo! So I'm very happy to be pretty healthy otherwise. I'll continue to keep you all informed!