Week 33

Today was yet another doctors appointment and marks the completion of 32 weeks of pregnancy for us! Bailey is extremely active today...almost as if she is celebrating this milestone!

The doctors appointment went well. I've gained one more pound, for a total weight gain of 14 pounds in 32 weeks of pregnancy. Her heartbeat was hovering around 145. My blood pressure was fabulous (124/80) and there was no protein or sugar in my urine. The only little thing is that Bailey went through another growth spurt in the last couple of weeks. She measured at 35 centimeters (or what they would expect at 35 weeks). Our doctor is not worried at all, because this is consistent with her previous patterns of growth. However, we are lucky enough to get to have another ultrasound...just to be safe! So, we'll schedule this one for two weeks from now, and get another look at our little girl. We're both pretty happy...

So far, it seems that I'm doing well being pregnant! Bailey is fine, my body is certainly responding well. I'm really happy with my weight gain.

Here is what is on tap for the upcoming week of development!

Weeks Until Due Date (May 2nd): 8
Weeks Until Full Term (37 weeks): 5
Total Weight Gain: 14 Pounds

Fetal development in pregnancy week 33: fetus in eighth month

For all the weight and bulk you’re lugging around these days, you’d think your little champ should weigh much more than a mere 5 lbs and measly 7 inches in height, but nope, that’s about the average size for a baby in its thirty-third week. In terms of appearances, they’re getting cuter and pudgier every minute—just piling on the baby fat and those adorable little wrist rolls and chubby toes. And as we’re sure you’ve already noticed they’re getting stronger with every passing day. Nowadays, it’s possible to observe a well-placed kick just by watching your belly—but you already knew that didn’t you? Although they’re getting stronger, your bigger-by-the-day baby is losing space to move around, so the actual rate of movement will drop off in the last few weeks, despite that powerful drop-kick they’ve been working on. Did you know you’ll continue feeling their movements even during labor?

And how's mom doing?

Here’s a good way to deal with your mounting impatience: map out your plan of action for the big day. It’s an important and necessary step that’s also pretty soothing and fun. So, get out a piece of paper and pen. If you think about it, planning all the details now can be a real saving grace once the chaos and pain of labor starts up. This would include having a packed bag with a change of comfortable clothes, reading material, maybe an i-pod and your camera or camcorder (whichever you decide, if any at all). Know your driving route to the health center. Or if you’re delivering at home, make sure you have the delivery room prepared (equipped with your most favorite soothing music), and all necessary instruments and materials ready for use. Of course, get your doctor or midwife on speed-dial. Massaging the perineum (the area around the vagina) can reduce your chance of it tearing during delivery and there’s no time like the present to start. Be mentally on your toes (not literally of course)—conceivably you might have to spring into action any day!