34 Weeks Pregnant

Over the past week, I’ve definitely noticed a drastic change in my energy level, as I grow closer and closer to the full-term mark of my pregnancy.  The watermelon in my stomach (or cantaloupe according to BabyCenter.com) is really beginning to take it’s toll on my body.  Forget the walking, all I can do is waddle around and make sure I have a glass of water nearby to quench my thirst!

Getting through all the housework I expected to do has become nearly impossible as well, as my body cannot take too much bending or maneuvering.  I need to take a break every 20 minutes or so, lest I feel faint. According to the doctor, this is all normal as I progress through the last 3-6 weeks of my pregnancy. And even though I feel like I’ve been gaining too much weight, they say it’s normal and baby is measuring fine at 34 weeks today.

• How far along:  34 weeks. 5 days.
• Total weight gain:  A lot. About 45 lbs!
  
• Sleep: It’s nice to sleep in these days, since I’m waking up several times throughout the night for a bathroom break.
  
• Best moment this week: Spending quality time with family at baby shower #2!
  
• Movement: Yes! Particularly in the evenings.
• Symptoms: Upper back pain. Lower back pain. Dry/itchy skin. Out of breath. Heavy tummy. Pressure on my bladder.
  
• Food cravings:  Ice pops and lots of water!
  
• Food aversions:  The one food aversion I’ve had since the beginning: smell of poultry.
  
• Labor Signs: Lot’s of movement…not sure if it’s Braxton Hicks contractions or just baby moving.
  
• Belly Button in or out?  In-be-tween. Still.
• What I miss:  Being able to work out, believe it or not!  Just too heavy to do anything these days.
  
• What I am looking forward to:  Eating hot dogs this summer!
• Weekly Wisdom:  Do not be afraid. Embrace life and all of it’s chapters with open arms.
  
• Major Milestones: If you’ve been nervous about preterm labor, you’ll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems, generally do fine.