This past weekend I fell sick with a cold. I was secretly terrified, because the last time that I had gotten sick, I had also worried about how horrible the baby growing inside me must be feeling if I‘m feeling this bad…and just a few days later, found out that the baby had passed.
Needless to say, this time around I diligently took kick counts and even busted out the fetal doppler (which I haven’t used since I started to feel the baby moving) a few times.
I’m feeling much better now and I’m less worried about the baby, who is currently happily kicking away as I type this. I have my monthly OB appointment this Friday, so I will ask him to check everything with extra thoroughness then.
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Yesterday was the official 2-month mark before my due date. That means that I now have less than two months to go! I know that most first moms go beyond their due dates, but I’m sincerely wishing that I deliver on time, or even just a bit early so that my small hips will be able to accomodate the baby.
My parents continue to bug me about my weight gain — they’re afraid that the baby will get too big and I will end up requiring a c-section. They also sigh whenever they see my swollen hands and feet. (Aren’t swollen hands and feet something that every pregnant woman experiences?)
“We’re worried about you. You’re getting too big! You need to exercise!”
“I can’t exercise. My hips hurt too much! I can barely get up without feeling like my hip bones are about to shatter…what makes you think I can exercise?”
“Tsk! Maybe if you exercise, you’ll strengthen your hips and you’ll feel better.”
“No, these are bone and joint and ligament pains. Exercising will not help.”
A few days later, they will have forgotten that we’ve had this conversation and they will start up again. Sigh.
Experts estimate that at 31 weeks, my baby now measures over 16 inches long and weighs between 3-4 lbs. She will now gain about half a pound per week (!) until about 2 weeks before delivery. Great! Even more weight for me to carry around!
As for me, I continue to have horrible hip pains, trouble breathing, and general discomfort all-around. I have not yet leaked any colostrum (some women do not until the baby is born) but my nipples have started to get dry and extra-sensitive, almost to the point of cracking. As such I bought a tube of Lasinoh Lanolin and managed to feel some relief. I also stocked up on a box of nursing pads just in case I do start leaking before the baby’s born.
Everytime I feel extra-miserable or want to b*tch and rant about all the inconveniences and discomforts of pregnancy, I tell myself that nothing in this world worth having comes easy. And it’s true — this pregnancy may be burdensome and distressing, but I still thank God every day for the little miracle growing inside of me.
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your baby will be *just* the right size. my mom was 5’2" and pushed me out, i was almost 10 lbs. you can do it!!!! hang in there!!!! <3 i cannot WAIT to hear your labor story, mama!
for exercise, perpahs u can try swimming. every time i get into the water, i feel so weight-less. i don’t even feel the weight of my giant belly anymore!
@kalen — Thanks! My mom is TINY (about 4’10") and she still managed to have me at 8.35 lbs, so I’m hoping that my body will be able to handle it!
@Helene — I have thought about swimming, and I remember how when we were on our babymoon I LOVED being in the water because I felt so weightless. However, I live in a city with no public pools and where memberships to pools (or gyms with pools) are too expensive. 🙁
So glad to hear your feeling better and the baby is okay!!! Regarding your tiny size and a big baby, I was talking to a friend who, at 5’4 and 90 lbs birthed two babies over 9 lbs…vaginally!!! you can do it! I hate it when G tells me I need to go to the gym because it’ll help x, y, z. It’s exercise enough carrying around another human, non? You look beautiful!
I’m so glad you are feeling better. You look great!! I wouldn’t worry about swollen feet. Not that I have experience, but everyone I know has had those same symptoms. 🙂
ARGH to the parents and the exercise comments. I was on strict bed-rest from Week 24 on, and my mother-in-law kept on and on about how I should be walking 30 minutes twice a day. Hello … BED REST??!?
And also — wow, 31 weeks already. So excited for you. Good luck with those last weeks — however many there may be!
I don't understand why your family cares if you have to have a c-section… it's totally normal. It happens every single day. In some regions, people choose this on purpose…. ?
@Blap! — Although c-sections are becoming a more common occurrence, the fact remains that it is a major abdominal surgery and carries with it much more risks than a vaginal delivery. In addition to the longer recovery time, it has also been found that babies who are born vaginally usually are healthier as they become exposed to the bacteria in the vaginal canal. In addition, as the baby is squeezed out vaginally, his/her lungs are squeezed, preparing him/her better for breathing in the outside world. As such, a c-section baby is more likely to have respiratory problems later in life. Additionally, risks for ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, placenta previa, placenta accreta, and placental abruption are all higher for women who've had cesarean surgery.