Week 34

I'm not even sure how to begin this post. I'm tired. I'm happy. I'm moody. I'm sad. I'm exhuasted. I'm excited. I'm a million and one emotions all wrapped up into one. I want this over, but I want to savor every minute. I want this to go on and on, and I want it finished today. I dream of having her out, but yet I dream of her sibling being in there. As many women before me have said, I feel like a pod carrying this new life. It's just not about me. My needs have truly become secondary to this life inside of me.

Last night I didn't fall asleep until 11:30, then woke up every hour or so. I got about 5 hours of broken sleep. Not so bad. I feel better today. My headache is gone. My back hurts, but that's nothing new. I'm actually feeling moderately resigned to the next 4-9 weeks. I'm sure this is another cycle and that I'll cycle back to a more difficult place, but for today, I'll enjoy this period of relative acceptance.

Soon enough, Bailey will be in our arms and our dreams of a creating a family together will have come true. One more check mark on our life list of dreams - only this check mark is the most important one ever. I'm overwhelmed by it all.

Here is what's up for Miss. Bailey's development this week:

Fetal development in pregnancy week 34:fetus in eighth month

Your amazing baby is on the move! They’ve been riding fairly high in your stretched-out womb to this point (while kindly compressing your poor internal organs), but now they’re planning on making the big move to your pelvis this week. If you haven’t already, you’ll be noticing the weight shift that signals they are most likely out of breech position, with their head now resting on your pubic bone. In liver news: although not quite fully formed, your little miracle’s liver is now capable of processing a certain amount of waste. In general, most of your child’s prenatal physical development is pretty much up to snuff and ready for the outside world. Naturally, further weight gain is expected—so you’re still not at maximum capacity despite probably feeling like you definitely are maxed out.

And how's mom doing?

Obviously the big change for you is the notable weight shift (known as “lightening” or “engagement”). Now that your baby is resting deeper in your pelvis, you may find yourself walking as if you're carrying a watermelon between your legs. Yes dear, you’re officially “waddling” these days. Try to comfort yourself with this thought: it’s nearly over. Soon, you’ll just have to carry your adorable little watermelon in your arms. And in a rare spate of good news: this weight shift means you can breathe easier now that your lungs aren’t compressed. The not-so-good news, it’s a trade off: (we’ll wait till you’re back from the restroom) this new position has your poor bladder even more squished than before. We’d recommend writing your bladder little love poems to convince it not to leave you altogether, but unfortunately bladders don’t speak English (only Italian love poems will do).
If you've recently noticed some less-than-appealing itchy red bumps on your belly (and possibly around your thighs and belly), you've got yourself a harmless but not fun round of pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP if your don't have the patience for the full name). If you feel itchy ALL over your body, that's different, and you should call your health care practitioner as this could be a liver problem.
At your next check up you can expect your physician to conduct a Group B Streptococci test (GBS), a common bacteria screening. As long as you have a strong immune system, you’re in the clear (one more reason to eat right and exercise!), but your little one is more susceptible to serious health complications (including meningitis, pneumonia and blood infection) if not diagnosed and treated properly—so the tests are good for some peace of mind. Hang in there momma, you’re a star for making it this far!