Week 38

First off, I want to remind you all to go to my Baby Pole post and submit your guesses for Baby B#3!

With my recent neglecting of the blog, I missed last week's Baby B update.  Here is my bump photo from week 37...

I also have a comparison to each pregnancy from week 37...

L-R: Dallas (Buckwheat), Reba (Gertie), and Baby B#3

If you remember, I mentioned I would have another ultrasound during my appointment last week.  Doug was able to get off work, and we took the kiddos along too so they could see the baby once again.  This was the first time that I had an ultrasound at this stage in the pregnancy.  Both Doug and I thought we would be able to see the baby really well and that the kiddos would be able to see.  We were a little wrong though.  Because the baby is "larger", it didn't all fit in the ultrasound picture.  Therefore, we were really only able to see "parts" at a time; such as the belly/torso area or the head.  We did see the heart beating clearly, and we were also able to hear the heartbeat.  I think the heart rate was around 138.  The tech tried her hardest to get a picture of the baby's face, but with the baby being head down and facing my back, she couldn't get the wand in the right position.  Plus, the baby had its hand over its face!

Here are the two photos we came home with...

One of the face (I know it doesn't look much like a face; remember Baby had its balled up fist over its face)

Baby toes and the ball of its foot

The main reason for the ultrasound was to take some measurements.  The tech estimated the baby to be at 7 lbs 3 oz (the size Reba was when she was born!).  She also measured the torso and the head, and found them both to be in the "normal range" for my stage of pregnancy.

As far as my weekly appointment with the doctor, it went great.  I was up a total of 17 pounds since the start of the pregnancy, and my blood pressure was once again normal.  At week 36, I was tested for Group B Strep infection.  The results came back negative - if you are keeping track of those results, I was negative during my pregnancy with Dallas and positive with Reba.  Also, at week 36, my doctor checked me, and I was about 25% effaced and dilated to a 1.  At week 37, I had progressed to 50% effaced and dilated to a 2.

Today, I had another appointment.  It is hard to believe my due date is merely two weeks away!  My appointment was pretty routine.  Check my weight (up a half pound since last week).  Check my blood pressure (118/68).  Listen to Baby's heart beat (not sure what the rate was, this doctor never tells me).  Finally, check to see if I made any progress since last week.  I'm sad to report that I am still the same (50% effaced and 2 cm dilated).

Here is this week's photo of the bump...

The kiddos still love to feel the baby.  They find it funny that the hard bump at the top of my belly is the baby's bottom!  They also like to feel when the baby pokes out its heel, knee, or elbow.

I am still feeling well, but to be honest, I'm ready to meet this baby!  Sleep is very difficult, and yes, I realize sleep will be difficult with nursing a baby every 2-3 hours through the night.  The heart burn and indigestion is really getting annoying.  One thing I find funny at this point is that I don't have a problem eating.  I can remember getting to a point while pregnant with Dallas and Reba where I would take one bite and be full.  I'm not there yet.  I still go back for second helpings!  I'm hoping this means I can enjoy the Thanksgiving meals next week.  Lastly, I do believe Baby has "dropped" because I don't feel him/her in my ribs like I used to.

Until next time...remember to add your Baby B predictions here.