5 Week Countdown {32 Weeks Pregnant}

Abigail now weighs over 3 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in my body. According to BabyCenter, I’m probably gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to Abigail (praying that is so, as I am gaining more than a pound a week in general right now!). In fact, she’ll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb (she better get busy, because she only has five weeks before the big induction day at 37 weeks). She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth. According to my phone’s Pregnancy app, Abigail can now use all of the five senses. She is busy looking around, practicing breathing, grabbing whatever is in reach, tasting amniotic fluid and listening to the sound of our voices.

How far along? 32 weeks

Total weight gain: About 10-11 pounds (14-15 pounds if you count the weight that I regained after first trimester nausea).

Maternity clothes? Yes, and even they are uncomfortable.

Stretch marks?  I don’t think so, but I have some older ones that are becoming more apparent on my hips.

Sleep: It is harder and harder to get and stay comfortable. However, overall, I feel that I am sleeping better than I did during the first and second trimester. I’m a LOT more tired than usual 🙂

Best moments of the past week(s): (1) Afternoons/evenings working from bed, (2) Abby passing her first fetal non-stress test (20 minute heart rate test), and (3) Finding out that both my mama and mother-in-law are going to be able to come for Abby’s birth!

Miss Anything? Running. Skin that doesn’t itch. Afternoons spent NOT at doctors’ offices.

Movement: Yes! She wiggles all of the time. I love it! 

Food cravings: Not really. Still, I am amazed at how much I can eat of …. anything…and everything …. all of the time… LOL

Anything making you queasy or sick: Heartburn and acid reflux seem to be brought on by a slightly empty stomach, walking/exercise, late afternoon/evening hours.

Labor Signs:  I don’t think so. Apparently, Braxton Hicks could be picking up anytime now.

Symptoms: 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). My wedding rings don’t fit anymore.

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 every week – Monday or Tuesday (midwife) and Thursday (specialist). Induction appointment will be on Friday, April 4, if she doesn’t need to be induced sooner. We are praying to make it to the 37 week mark.

Here is a preview of our maternity photos that my dear friend Rachael MacPhee took for me at 30 weeks (Click HERE to visit her website). I can’t wait to see them all!