38 Weeks

How far along? 38 Weeks, Wednesday 7/18/2012  

how are you measuring? 1 cm, 50% effaced (still the same)

size of baby? Watermelon, 19-22 in, 7 lbs

heartbeat? 130s

total weight gain/loss? 34 lbs 

maternity clothes? Yep.  I absolutely hate the belly bands on pants now though.  They just make my belly itch :(

stretch marks? Still none :)

sleep? Sleep hasn't been that bad this week.  I go the restroom usually 3 times with my last trip being at 3.  Then I get a good 3 hour stretch until the alarm goes off.  Getting my body prepared for those night time feedings.

best moment this week? My prenatal massage.  OMG it felt amazing.  Helped me relax so much.  Eric and I both really love going to the doctor.  We look forward to our appointments each week. :)

movement? Still squirming around.  I've been lucky enough to not have to experience getting kicked in the ribs.  However this little with his/her legs straight out to my right side.  That being said I get kicked on the side of my tummy or the heels just digging into my side.  It feels as if I have a bruise where the heels are.  It's so funny though because I will push on the little feet pushing out and then the baby moves haha.

food cravings? Sweet Tea!  YUMMY!!!!

gender predictions? I don't know anymore.  I'm still carrying somewhat high even though baby has dropped somewhat.  I guess I'm still going to say girl.

what i miss:  The ease of going from laying down to sitting up.  Man what a chore these days.

what i'm looking forward to: Meeting this little one. (Maybe the next baby bump post will be with an actual baby)

how are you feeling? I've been feeling pretty good still.  I'm running around the hospital seeing patients without a problem.  All of the nurses just get a kick out of the fact that I'm still "working."  
Oh I forgot to mention.  This past Saturday Eric and I had our breakfast date and went to a movie.  During the movie I was having contractions which isn't out of the ordinary for me.  Then I was getting lots of pressure and tightness below the bump throughout the movie.  I was trying to ignore it and not get my hopes up.  We then got home and I was still having my contractions every 5 minutes.  I started to think ok maybe this is it.  I decided to pick up around the house and clean to keep my mind off things.  I had a few good ones that made me take a few deep breaths.  This lasted until about 5-6pm and then nothing.  They never progressed or turned into anything.  BLAH!  It just scares me because this was going on for 5-6 hours and was just false labor.  I sure hope my water just breaks, so then I know ok it's the real deal time to go in.  Oh well.  We will see what happens.

Development this week:  Today starts week 39 of development.  Baby's growth has slowed down or even taken a hiatus until after delivery.  On average, a baby this week still weighs in at around 7 lbs.  Progress is being made in baby's brain which is growing and developing up a storm.  Baby's pink skin has turned white or whitish.  Baby's head might have dropped into your pelvis.  This might make for some easier breathing and less heartburn, but could also make it harder for you to walk, or waddle.   (According to What to Expect When You're Expecting)