10.25.09
33 weeks… A juicy 4 lb pineapple
We’re 33 weeks into this pregnancy today, which means I have 7 weeks or less to go.
Baby Kaden is growing by leaps and bounds. He now weighs about 4 pounds! That’s about the weight of a pineapple. He’s also about 17 inches long!
A pineapple weighs about 4 lbs. So does Kaden!
I had a good doctor visit this past Friday. My weight gain is right on track at 22 pounds. My stomach measures perfectly, according to Dr. Spoon. Yes, his name is Dr. Spoon! We talked about everything else from the H1N1 flu vaccine to the baby’s circumcision.
I explained to Dr. Spoon that I was still on the fence about getting the swine flu shot. He put it into perspective for me and made me realize something I hadn’t thought about before. I had been thinking only about protecting Kaden now, inside the womb. But, Dr. Spoon reminded me about all the healthcare workers that will handle the baby when he is born at the hospital. Healthcare workers are urged to get the vaccine, but many have opted not to, even though they are at a high risk simply because of the amount of contact they have with people on a daily basis. Anyway, that gave me more to think about it, and I am sure I will get the vaccine at my next visit.
Did you know in Nevada pediatricians circumcise boys? In many parts of the country, and in previous years, it was done at the hospital right after the baby was born. Kyle and I assumed we would have it done for Kaden soon after birth but we heard otherwise from friends. So we asked the doc. He said everything is so specialized now that OB’s don’t do the circumcisions anymore, at least here in Nevada. Interesting to know!
Finally, we talked to the doctor about delivery. I want to make sure he is going to deliver Kaden, because I will not be happy if I go into labor and Dr. Spoon is not available. I know I can’t control this, but hmmmm… maybe I can! He told me he ends up delivering 75-80% of the time. I asked who would deliver that other percent of the time. He said one of his two practice partners would, whom I have never met. I don’t like that at all. Uncomfortable to say the least.
Dr. Spoon said one way to ensure he delivers Kaden is to induce me a little early. My ears perked up at this because, as you all know, I am pretty much ready now! Of course, he said we’ll talk about it more as the time nears, but it is an option. And, of course, Kyle and I have already looked at the calendar and settled on a date! Go ahead, mom, poke fun at us! She says we’re boring because we plan everything. Maybe it’s true… but I like having a plan!
Lots happening… and all so fast. I’ll keep you updated!
10.18.09
8 Weeks People!
It’s getting close… and I am seriously counting down. It feels good to know the end of pregnancy is just around the corner. I am so looking forward to the next adventure, and that is having little Kaden and bringing him home!
Today I am 32 weeks pregnant. The baby weighs about 3.75 pounds now (the size of a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long! It boggles my mind something of that size is growing inside my belly! And, Kaden is a bundle of energy. He moves all the time. It’s so cool.
Kaden weighs about 3.75 lbs. The size of a large jicama.
Overall, I am feeling okay. I’m starting to feel more tired and lack a little energy. When I need to do chores around the house, I work in phases! A little laundry here, a little bit of dishes there…
As for this horrible indigestion, some days are better than others. I’m just dealing with it and dreaming of the day I can eat anything again without feeling awful afterward. The good thing about it is it keeps me from stuffing my face and gaining a hundred lbs!
The nursery is coming along. I bought some shelves this weekend. I also bought frames for pictures. We are decorating one wall with baby portraits of each of our parents and us. They look great! I’m doing my best to get everything organized before the end of the month.
The end of October and the beginning of November are going to get busy. Baby showers, birth classes, doctor visits and holidays! I’m excited and will be sure to share all of it with you.
10.11.09
9 Weeks left… and counting.
Today marks 31 of my 40 week pregnancy journey. And, what a journey it has been. Things at this point are relatively smooth, despite horrible indigestion and the discomfort I have when trying to get comfortable in bed.
I decided to get the regular flu shot after all. I explained my hesitance to my OB, and he told me that he normally doesn’t push for his patients to get a seasonal flu vaccine, but this year is different and he strongly recommended it. So, I did, and I am feeling fine. The H1N1 vaccine is not available yet for pregnant women. The flu mist is in stock, but pregnant women cannot take it. We have to get the actual shot. So, I will re-evaluate when the time comes. Thanks for all of your opinions and recommendations!
At 31 weeks, Kaden supposedly measures over 16 inches long and weighs about 3.3 pounds. That’s like carrying four naval oranges (but don’t forget the other weight added – amniotic fluid, etc.) so it’s not as light as you would think.
Baby's size and weight = that of 4 naval oranges
All my research tells me baby Kaden can turn his head from side to side now, and he is headed toward a growth spurt. His legs, arms and body are beginning to plump up as he accumulates fat.
I’m starting to feel light contractions from time to time, but not the kind to indicate labor. I can feel when my uterus tightens or I’ll get some abdominal pain. It doesn’t hurt, but it doesn’t feel good either. I’ll spare you all the details of other changes in my body. Except for Kyle. I like to gross him out! LOL!
Exciting news today, we have the crib and dresser put together in Kaden’s room. It looks better than I imagined. I can’t wait to organize and decorate. Here are some photos to give you an idea.
Kyle putting the crib together
Crib and Grandma Zobrist's vintage mirror
Maya gave it her seal of approval
Matching dresser
That’s all I have for updates for now. I see the doctor again in about 2 weeks and I get to drag Kyle to birthing classes in about 4 weeks. That should make for some interesting blogs!
10.08.09
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate…
I’m asking for advice. I can’t decide whether to get the flu shot or not. Not only are pregnant women supposed to get the seasonal flu vaccine, the CDC has placed preggos on the priority list for the HINI vaccine, aka swine flu vaccine. That means I would need to get two shots.
It’s not that I am afraid of getting both shots, it’s that I NEVER get the flu shot. I’m worried that I will suffer some of the side effects, and then get sick. I don’t want to get sick or experience flu-like symptoms. That is the last thing I need right now.
But, there is the other side of me that wonders why I am even questioning this. Of course I should protect myself and Kaden, right? A pregnant woman who gets any type of flu is at greater risk for health problems, and so far, 28 pregnant women have died from swine flu here in the U.S.
So, what do you think?
And, are you getting the flu shot?
10.06.09
In the clear!
Quick update. My glucose test results came back and I do not have gestational diabetes! That is exciting news for someone who usually doesn’t have the best of luck. I’ll find out more info from my doctor on Thursday, but right now I am thankful for the good news.
More to come…….
10.04.09
30 weeks, glucose tests & spa for preggos!
Wow! I am 30 weeks pregnant today. I can hardly believe it. Ten weeks or less to go!
30 weeks pregnant!
This week, Kaden is about the size of a cabbage. On average, babies are about 15.7 inches in length now and weigh about 3 pounds.
Did you know when babies are born they have 20/400 vision, which means they can only make out objects a few inches from their face?
Well, after last week’s glucose test my results came back showing elevated levels. So, my doctor asked me to come back in and take a 3 hour test. I had to fast and have my blood drawn four times! The phlebotomist took my blood before I drank the awful juice. That 10 oz. bottle of disgusting juice has 100 grams of sugar in it! Imagine drinking that on an empty stomach. Yuck! I had to sit and wait an hour for her to take my blood again, and then I had to repeat this for the next two hours. The juice made me crash about 20 minutes after taking it. I wanted to sleep. But, I sipped on water and got through it.
I should know on Monday if I have gestational diabetes. I’m optimistic, but if I do have it, we’ll be fine. It’s not that uncommon in pregnancy, and I will just have to be monitored a little more closely. Kaden is healthy as of now, and that’s all that matters.
After I gave all my blood to the vampires, I went to the spa! This was fantastic. As I explained in my last post, there is a new spa in Las Vegas for women, but especially for pregnant women. They also offer post-natal treatments and classes.
I wish I could have taken some pictures of Belly Bliss, because the place is adorable. It’s decor is chocolate brown and pink, and they sell all kinds of products for both baby and mom.
I treated myself to a facial and massage. The massage was a whole different experience from any massage I’ve ever had. The bed had cushion blocks so I could comfortably lay on my side. It was almost like how I sleep at home. I’ve always done this anyway, but pregnant women are encouraged to sleep with a pillow between their legs for comfort, especially in the late stages of pregnancy. They created that environment at the spa. So, anyway, the therapist worked both of my sides, especially my lower back and hips, then of course my legs and arms. It was fabulous!
That sums up another week in the life of Crystal. I’ll share my test results when I get them and let you know how my next doctor visit goes, which is this Thursday. Have a happy week!
