Big Milestone {Week 30 Update}

Somehow, being 30 weeks pregnant sounds so much further along than 29 weeks. And, perhaps my psyche is talking to my body, because a few more aches and pains have been added to my pregnancy symptoms. Honestly, I feel like I have had an easy pregnancy devoid of most discomforts (though involving way more tests and panicky moments than expected or desired), so I have no room to complain. I’m not lying when I say that I love being pregnant. Truly love it.

Pregnancy has changed these past couple of weeks. Ever since the specialist told us that we may need to deliver Abby early, David and I have switched gears into overdrive. We’ve both devoted ourselves to baby-related projects, not knowing whether or not we would be at the hospital and NICU weeks earlier than expected. David floored the nursery (and it’s gorgeous)! I’ve tackled as many cleaning and organizing projects around the house as possible. (Since the basement rooms won’t be completed until at least mid-March, we won’t actually be able to move into our bedroom/living room area until later. Still, we’ve been able to complete much of the nursery.) I’ve used gift cards to purchase items off of our registries that we might need in the first couple of weeks. Our hospital bags are semi-packed (this project is a bit emotional for me, and I’ve not really spent much time on it as I DON’T want to be in the hospital right now).

I have also changed. I’m still working full-time, but my afternoon hours are spent working from home. Somehow, I’m eating even more than before (and gaining more weight). I haven’t gone running or done anything more intense than walking since Week 28 of pregnancy. I am, however, taking advantage of quite a few prenatal toning/yoga DVDs. Someone told me that “I would be flabby by May,” but it is a price well worth it if a less-intense lifestyle helps Abby. I also have two doctor appointments a week. Abby is well monitored 🙂

Right now, I’m previewing lullabies on iTunes. Soft acoustics and gentle voices wrap me in the comfort that I pray Abby enjoys once she is out of the safety of my body. I dream of holding her, rocking her, gently swaying with her in my arms, nursing her, kissing her, running my fingers over her soft baby skin. She is a miracle. One I dared to barely hope for. And, now, one way or the other I will meet her in about 10 weeks or less.

~~~

Anyway, Abigail is now about the size of a large squash, weighing about 3 pounds (this will be measured next Thursday at nearly 31 weeks since she has been measuring so small) and about 15.5 inches long!  According to theBump.com, Abby’s skin is smoothing out, and her brain just keeps getting more wrinkled. All those grooves and indentations increase surface area, meaning more room for that oh-so-essential brain tissue. She’s also adding some brawn — her grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger.

How far along? 30 weeks, 3 days

Total weight gain: 8-9 pounds (12-13 pounds if you count the weight that I regained after first trimester nausea). According to my doctor, I gained three pounds just in the past seven days.

Maternity clothes? Yes, and even they are uncomfortable. However, I’m determined not to spend much on maternity clothes, as I won’t be wearing them for long. I am struggling with dress code a bit at my school, however, as my tunics get shorter over my belly and nothing but leggings fit.

Stretch marks?  No

Sleep: Not sleeping well, but I can usually get a good 5-6 hours at a time without needing a bathroom. Considering that I’m about to have a newborn, this is probably not bad practice.

Best moments of the past week(s): (1) Receiving the incredible news that Abby’s cord blood flow had IMPROVED and now is considered normal. We are looking at a 37-38 week delivery if everything holds steady! (2) Spending time with my mom during a quick trip she made to Colorado, and (3) Maternity photo session with my incredible friend! (Pics to come)

Miss Anything? Running. Energy. Skin that doesn’t itch.

Movement: Yes! Hiccups. Stretches. Kicks. Punches. My belly moves with her movement now. Sometimes she even startles me with her strength.  

Food cravings:  Bread

Anything making you queasy or sick: Smells. Slight acid reflux issues.

Labor Signs:  No, thank you. Sharp ligament-streching pains (if that counts).

Symptoms: Some shortness of breathe. Swelling in my feet and hands (when did that decide to begin????). Ligaments stretching in my pelvis. Very itchy skin. Constant need for a restroom (and I mean CONSTANT…apparently, my midwife explained that one of the reasons that my belly measures small is that Abby is so very content to stay so low in my torso on my bladder).

Belly Button in or out?  Very out. 🙂

Looking forward to: Moving my own bedroom/living area into the basement (no specific start date determined) and…..meeting Abby. I am so excited to hold her and then see David hold her for the first time.

Next appointment:  When do I NOT have an appointment? Two appointments next Thursday, February 20.