We are at 38 weeks people and baby can arrive any day!  Baby is huge, the size of a pumpkin (how fitting, right?).  Gee willikers,  I’ll tell you, he or she sure feels about that big!  I’m getting more ready by the day, so let’s see what went on with baby this week.The Facts:  Baby is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. His or her head is now about the same circumference as her abdomen.The last bits of vernix caseosa (the white goo keeping baby’s skin moist) and lanugo (downy hair) are slowly shedding into your amniotic fluid. Baby’s head could be covered in an inch or so of hair.  Baby is fully developed, though still adding connections between neurons in the brain (this continues well after birth). Little one’s nails have been growing and now reach to the ends of her fingers and toes. Baby’s movements are quite restricted by the close quarters of the womb.

Baby – Not much change from last week outside of baby getting bigger.  Yep, this little one is continuing to pack on the pounds and strength.  Baby is so strong now that some of the movements actually hurt a little.  He or she is in the same position, but like I said last week, baby moves a lot from that position.  Baby’s heartrate at my appointment this week was actually a little higher, back in the 140s even though he or she has dropped more into my pelvis.  This just goes to show how active this kid still is with limited space and the possibility of being born any day.

Me – I managed to drop a pound or two since last week, and I’m not quite sure why.  I’m thinking baby swiped it from me, but it could have been the 4 straight days of eating gumbo.  Nonetheless, I have returned to my old protein drink ways in order to ensure I don’t drop any more weight.  I was starting to get a little undisciplined with my water intake as well.  I did read that its common to lose weight in the last few weeks of pregnancy, because the body is preparing for birth so it starts eliminating excess fluid and such.  I’m still getting Braxton Hicks regulary, and they are definitely getting stronger and more intense.  I’ve noticed that they appear to have more pressure towards the top of my belly lately.  My poors hips are still feeling like they’re gonna give out sometimes, as baby continues to descend into my pelvic region.  I’ve been experiencing some lower back pain, lighting crotch, and cramping, so labor is definitely around the corner.  No swelling or stretch marks (except for the ones that have exploded around my old belly button piercing).  I’m on half days at work, which is nice, because I really need the rest!  Overall, for 38 weeks pregnant I’m not feeling too bad and I still manage to get out and about.

Hubs -  He is more ready than ever!  That’s pretty much it for him this week, lol!  No, I’m kidding, but he really is more ready for baby than ever.  Baby and him have the funniest relationship already, as many of you know I have chronicled through these updates.  I think this kid is going to be a total  daddy’s boy or girl.  Baby seems to get so excited when Hubs is around, especially when he talks to him or her.  Hubs has also been working hard to get the house ready, cleaning both inside and outside and doing whatever I ask of him.  He knows how much it means to me to have the house in proper order when baby gets here, so he’s been doing the best he can to get it there.

Week 39 is up next!  Unless baby comes some time this upcoming week, I’ll be back next week.  If baby does come, well…then I’ll still be back, but it will be via or .

Happy Bumping!

xxoo,