31 Weeks!

My comments today are in orange!

www.babycenter.com

How your baby's growing:

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. This should be interesting! He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot Yes, very very very!, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up Actually, I'm getting woken up by trapped gas and an urgency to pee, if you must know. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active you can say that again! and healthy.

How your life's changing:

Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Yes, it's strange but it doesn't hurt. Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don't hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor: an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it's pink or just tinged with blood); abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping; an increase in pressure in the pelvic area; or low back pain, especially if you didn't have it before.

You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or "premilk," Nope! Thank goodness! from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (And if not, it's certainly nothing to worry about; your breasts are making colostrum all the same, even if you don't see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. I do need to do this. I just need to figure out where to go. I noticed that Babies R Us has some.... They're SO EXPENSIVE! Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in you'll be grateful for that extra room!

If you're having a boy, you and your partner will want to take some time to think about whether or not to have your baby circumcised. Find out the pros and cons from your doctor, and what the procedure involves. If we have a boy our baby will be circumcised. I already pre-paid for the procedure, actually.

More info here on L&D ...

Decision Guide:

Do you want pain medication during labor? HELL YES. There's no one right way to have a baby. Every woman's experience with pain is different and every labor is different. Some women know in advance that they want pain medication. Some are committed to a natural, unmedicated approach to pain management. And some want to try for a drug-free birth with the option of pain medication if the going gets too rough. Learn all you can about the pros and cons of the various options so that you can make an informed choice. I do want medication but my hope is that I can bare through as much labor as possible without it so that I can work hard to get the baby down in the birth canal. I want to be able to walk, squat, roll over, etc. for as long as possible -- you can't do that with an epidural. I'm not trying to be a hero or anything -- if it is too painful and I'd rather die than walk the halls I'll take the damn drugs. But I have a terrible fear of taking 20 hours to dilate to 10cm and then pushing for hours before having to have a C-Section. That story is all too common, especially for first time Moms, and I want to avoid it.

Here are some things to consider as you make your decision:

• If you haven't done so already, sign up for a childbirth education class with your partner. Instructors generally cover all labor pain relief options, including epidurals, spinals, and systemic medication as well as drug-free approaches like breathing and relaxation techniques. CHECK!

• Most women opt for some kind of pain medication during childbirth. The most popular form of labor pain relief, an epidural, delivers continuous pain relief to the lower part of your body while allowing you to remain fully conscious.

• Some women choose a natural, drug-free approach to controlling labor pain. If you want to remain in control of your body to the greatest extent possible, be an active participant throughout labor, and have minimal routine interventions in the birth process, then natural approaches will suit you best. If you choose to go this route, you accept the potential for pain and discomfort as part of giving birth, but with the right preparation and support, you may find it works well for you. I totally respect women that need/want to do this. It's just not for me though. Eric and I have talked about it and to me this method is a bit like opting to have a tooth pulled without Novocaine -- just because you can.

• Whether you've decided to use pain medication during labor or are committed to natural childbirth, remember that you have the right to change your mind once you're in labor.

This Week's Activity:

You don't need to pack your bag yet, but start making a list of items to bring to the hospital. Besides a change of clothes and a toothbrush, some items to include:

• A photograph or object to focus on during labor I think Eric and his behavior will be enough for me to focus on.

• Snacks to keep your energy up and gum or mints for bad breath I resent this comment and won't even dignify it with a response!

• Cozy socks and slippers Yes, this is a must. Besides, it's against the Vesely family rules to walk around without sock and/or slippers on! I just don't know that my Dad would allow me an "out" on this just because I'm giving birth...

• Your favorite pillow.....but there are so many.....

• Some light reading material....people mag!

• A nursing nightie and nursing bra.....I'm going to get the bra but I heard the nightie isn't really that necessary. I might change my mind.

• A going-home outfit for your baby Hoping to get one of these at the shower!

• A camera or camcorder, fresh batteries, and film, if necessary Yes!