I've completed 31 weeks of pregnancy this weekend. But I dont have a photo to share because I went camping (that was super fun!).
Last week friday I had my 7th PNA. DH was off and was able to come along. This was the last of my every 4 week appointments. I'm now going to have PNAs every two weeks, next one next Friday already!!
Kaua is doing well. Doc didn't comment on my uterus/tummy measurement, but I'm assuming all is well since he ended the appointment saying that I'm doing exceptionally well. Doc also didn't comment on my weight gain (he never really does), but I gained 4 lbs since my last PNA putting me up to 26lbs total!!! bleh! Kaua's heartbeat was normal and he appeared to be head down. Doc answered a bunch of prewritten questions I had. Off the top of my head, here are some of the things we talked about:
He indicated that what's been known as a "walking" epidural would not be very effective because if I have enough feeling "down there" to be able to walk around, I likely wouldn't be getting very significant pain relief, which is the purpose for an epidural. He stated that a perenial massage wouldn't be necessary (if I didn't want one). He said that he prefers natural tearing over an episiotomy, unless there is a reason to cut (likely due to fetal distress and the need to get baby out quicker, or the need for a vacuum or foreceps to assist in the delivery). I can continue to workout at the gym like I've been doing up until birth as long as I feel ok. The increased discharge I've been noticing is completely normal for this stage in pregnancy, as long is its generally odorless and clear (which it has been). He offered me the flu shot, but I declined it, (my reasoning is because I've never had the shot before and I rarely get the flu nowadays, so I dont see the need for it). He was fine with me not getting the flu shot, but stated that he would like for me to get the H1N1 shot when it becomes available, which I likely will. He reassured me that its very common for a baby to favor one side of the uterus over the other. Kaua really really likes my upper right side. When he checked for Kaua's heartbeat, it was below my belly button (on the right side) which indicated Kaua is head down! (yippee!!!) and that the big bump that I always feel in my upper right tummy is likely Kaua's butt sticking out. I probably shouldn't try to push the bump in when it's uncomfortable, instead I should try to change positions or move around to get Kaua to move (FYI, this doesn't work all the time, sometimes Kaua is content to stay as is, no matter how I move around). His standard recommendation for purposes of temporary disability insurance is 6 weeks off froom work for a standard vaginal delivery and 8 weeks off from work for a c-section. He said that he would provide me with a recommendation to get off of work 2 weeks prior to delivery if I wanted it as well. I asked if he would simply add on the 2 weeks after I give birth, to his standard 6 -8 week recomendation for time off from work, but he said that the insurers are pretty strict and that increasing the time after delivery must be for a substantial reason. I doubt I'll take advantage of the two weeks off prior to delivery, just because we need my full salary, and there is no sense in me not working two weeks prior to delivery if Kaua isn't here. I'd much rather work to help alleviate our financial strains. Of course, if I could extend my maternity leave (with some pay) I would totally take advantage of it if it meant I could spend more time with my son.
That's all I can think of at this time.
On the symptom front I think the only new symptoms are somewhat slight swelling in my ankles. It's not really noticable in appearance yet, but I noticed it because one of my sandals that are normally too big for me, are fitting me a little better. The back straps still fall down, but they stay up for a little longer than before. I also have a little more pain when standing up at times (my uterus feels full or I feel some slight round ligament pain). According to WTE, Kaua is almost 4 lbs and almost 19 inches long. His weight gain and growth is supposed to slow down from now till birth. I'm feeling ready for him to come out now, (I miss my flat tummy and the ease of movement you take for granted till you have a huge belly) though I know its best that he doesn't show up till 36 or 37 weeks at the earliest. Less than 9 weeks till Kaua! I know I'm going to panic when it gets closer and I realize I still have very little baby things!!
