33 Week Update

I am almost 34 weeks pregnant now, and can't believe I've done this! I've allowed naked pictures of my tummy to not only be taken, but posted on the internet! If you know me at all, this is not just me leaving my comfort zone...I've left my comfort universe! Still, I'm happy I did it. I have stretch marks, though not as many or as dark as some, and while my belly is pale and fat and flabby in some places...this is my baby! This is the only time in my life I will be pregnant with this child. The only time in my life I will be getting stretch marks because of him or her. (Though I am sure he or she will give me plenty of gray hairs...and I don't know if I'll be sharing those!) My stomach might look worse after this pregnancy than it did before...but to me it is more than worth it, and I finally made the decision to show it off. Surprisingly to everyone, including me, I'm really glad I did!

I had my 33 week appointment back on Wednesday, and everything looks and sounds great. The baby's heartbeat is steady and strong, still in the 150s where it has been lingering for most of the pregnancy. My uterus is measuring 35 weeks instead of 33 and the doctor estimated the babies weight at around 5lbs, which alarmed me! After all, a baby can grow about a pound a week at this point...I could be popping out a 12 pound child! (I know they would take the baby before it got to that point, but even the thought of that is pretty scary!) The doctor was not worried though, so I guess I shouldn't be. Of course, she doesn't have to push the baby out either. Michael seemed downright amused, and not in a flattering way. I think he really got some joy out of my panic. Of course, the baby isn't going to be squeezing out of his private regions either.

My blood pressure was a little high, but it's been creeping up and down all pregnancy. When I went in on Thursday to have it re-checked, it was right back down to normal. I am now officially one pound heavier than I was pre-pregnancy!!! Because I was overweight when the pregnancy started, my doctors are thrilled with this, and I am too! I lost a bunch of weight at the beginning, and have only been very slowly gaining it back. I'll most likely end up lighter than I was pre-pregnancy, which will be a great motivation to get back to the gym when the doctor okays me to.

I'm scheduled for my next appointment the day after St.Patrick's Day, when I will be 36 weeks and 1 day. They are doing my Strep B testing then, which I can't say I am looking forward to, but I also understand it's necessary for a healthy me and a healthy baby. I have an appointment with the anesthesiologist next week, and next weekend are our childbirth classes!!! It's all getting so close, and I am so excited...and nervous!

Thanks for Reading!