Skip to main content

My Mommy Entry # 9

Week 31: Another day... another ounce

Fetal development in pregnancy week 31: Your not-so-little-one is just a bit closer to their birth weight and height at around 4 pounds and 17 inches. With each added layer of baby fat, your baby's skin starts to look more and more like it will when they finally get to see the light of day. The heavy news: you can expect your miracle-gro muffin to gain about a half a pound of weight per week from now until about two weeks before birth. Great. That's just what you needed. Even more weight to carry around!

Your baby's still-developing immune system has gained substantial strength over the past few weeks getting them in full gear to face our disease-ridden world o’ wonders. Obviously, a large majority of your child’s immune strength will be derived from exposure to breast milk as well as the outside elements. Their cute little noggin’ (which could already be covered with luscious locks or just purty peach fuzz), is still soft because the skull bones have not yet fused together. As much as that sounds a little too vulnerable, their “skull softness” allows for a much smoother passage through the birth canal during labor—something both you and your little swimmer will appreciate when it’s finally time to “go!” Also, some babies will have that “soft spot” on their head for up to one year after birth.


And how's mom doing? Have you felt anything you suspect might be contractions already? Braxton-Hick contractions are part and parcel of the second half of pregnancy and lucky for you, become more frequent during the third trimester. Cleverly dubbed “false labor” contractions, these spasms are an obnoxious fake-out and So next time you’ve got yourself a pair of damp head-lights in the grocery store, just go ahead and purchase the nursing pads to protect your clothes, bras, and any remaining shreds of dignity you can salvage shouldn’t be confused with premature labor. The fun part of having BH contractions is that it’s not unusual for them to be painful... and by fun, we mean “why oh why, does the third trimester mean everything is uncomfortable?” Still, just a heads up: if you notice the contractions more than four times in one hour, or even more glamorous—changes in your vaginal discharge, call your healthcare practitioner right away.

As for other third-trimester niceties; your nipples may be engaging in a bit of “pre-milk” expulsion at the most untimely moments. So next time you’ve got yourself a pair of damp head-lights in the grocery store, just go ahead and purchase the nursing pads to protect your clothes, bras, and any remaining shreds of dignity you can salvage

.

As your magical growing baby obstinately refuses to shrink or give back any real-estate in your belly, you can sit back, "relax," and take in the heartburn and increased lower back pain. If you choose, you can always eat less with each meal, and instead opt for smaller more frequent meals, this should help the heartburn. As for your poor back, get off your feet and elevate them above your heart, double-check the names list, and how many key baby-items you’ve already got in your registry. If you’re lucky, you might just make it in less than eight weeks! Hang in there wonder-mom, we believe in you!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

My Mommy Entry # 7

My In My Womb 3d/4d Ultrasound Experience Last Saturday, we had our 6th checkup with our OB-Gynecologist. So far, everything's ok. I passed my Glucose Challenge test, but I still need to cut on my sugar intake. We were also able to hear our little one's heartbeat. Next week I will be having my Tetanus Toxoid shot -- scary!! After the checkup, we proceeded to Makati for our scheduled 3d4d ultrasound at In My Womb. I have heard lots of great reviews about this ultrasound center so we have decided to have our ultrasound there. Their center is located at 2f, The Link Bldg, Ayala Makati. The building is beside Landmark. Before proceeding, we had our lunch first at Ineng's Special BBQ -- great food, terrible customer service! After eating, we then proceded to the 2nd level. We were greeted by a courteous nurse and I told her that I was scheduled for an ultrasound with Dra. Ramos. I would actually like to have the procedure done by the owner, Dra. Shiela Illescas, since i

Troubles and Trials

It's been a loooonnnnggg time since I last wrote down my thoughts.  Times are hard and it's very challenging to keep up with the demands of life.  Sometimes I can't help but wonder why other people are luckier than some.  And then I go on thinking if I am part of the "luckier" ones.  Yes, I may have problems and and challenges that I have to go through but at least I am still alive.  My loved ones are still with me and I can still go through each day, albeit one day at a time. I wake up every day thinking if I can still go on another day pretending that everything's ok.  And then I finish each day thinking how I was able to go through the entire day without giving up. And then, I look at the people I love and I know the answer.  It's because of them that I keep on struggling and I keep on fighting.  To the words of my husband, "you are not helpless because everyday you choose to fight". Life is tough.  But I am tougher. I can. I will.

Transformation

What do you think of when you hear the word "Transformation"? For me it means changing and evolving for the better.  But how does it really feel like when one undergoes the transformation process?   One thing's for sure -- it is not an easy process.  When you undergo a transformation, it means going back to basics.  Unlearning what you know and accepting new ways.  Sometimes transformation can hit you pretty bad that you think it is not necessary.  But in the long run, it is always important to understand the need for such change.  You may not believe and understand it now, but at least try to give it a chance. Sometimes hearing the word scares me.  Not because I am afraid of what it brings, but because I am too comfortable where I am now and I think any movement will cause me to fall down.  But hey, I have been through tougher times.  And I will surpass this for sure.