MacNut Week 32

The disheveled look of week 32.

The big milestone this week is that if Camille were to arrive, I don't need to go to a high-risk facility (like Swedish or UWMC).  I can deliver at GHC-Capitol Hill's Family Beginnings Unit.  On that note, I have been a little reluctant to tell people that we're having our baby at Group Health Seattle.  Mostly because some people's reactions have been, "Oh, really?  Do you have to?  Do you have Group Health insurance?"  The answer is Yes, No, and No.  We don't have GH insurance but we are choosing to have our baby here because it is a wonderful place to have a midwife-assisted birth.  We are working with a fantastic group of midwives through NeighborCare Health who have continually shown themselves to be competent, compassionate, and overall warm & caring group of women!  So, I don't have to deliver at GHC-Capitol Hill.  But I choose to because it seems to be the best choice for our family.

Technically, this is what's going on this week:

• MacNut is the weight of a large jicama - ~ 16.69 inches and 3.75 pounds.
• The diameter of the head is almost 4 inches (10cm).
• Under the skin the fat layer is getting thicker.
• The toenails and fingernails are completely formed.
• During this time the baby sleeps most of the day. 
• The uterus is getting to be a small space for the baby to move about, so you may have noticed a decrease in your baby's movements (slightly...but not by a lot, she's still pretty kicky!). 
• The baby is still trying to move frequently but she just does not have enough room. The baby will turn its head from side to side and move her hands. 

Physical:

• Weight: 149 lb (+23)
• Belly circumference: 39.50 in (+9.00)
• Fundal height: 30 in (she's pretty looooow down there)
• I started having some "painful" contractions starting Wednesday morning.  The contractions woke me up and, even though they were irregular, each lasted for 1-3 minutes.  They weren't very painful, just felt like cramping.  But they were definitely different.
• Not much else to report except that I had my first appointment with a physiotherapist this week.  Her name is Christine Merritt.  At first, I thought, "Hmm...okay, this is all too 'woo woo' for me!"  But after just a couple of days, I felt much better!  I think the thing I appreciate the most about Christine is her ability to listen and her focus on patient education.  For instance, she taught me how to turn in bed and even made me practice while I was at her clinic so she could observe.  She also taught me how to walk...."Just like a duck!  Don't be afraid to waddle.  You're pregnant.  Just tuck in your tail bone and waddle.  You'll feel much better.  Carry your belly if you need to."  It worked!

Week 32 pregnancy face.  I look different, huh?  

Chin took this picture to show me how lop-sided my ears are.

Chin took this shot of my belly while I was brushing my teeth.  End of week 32.

Spiritual & emotional:

• A few days nearing the end of week 32, Caleb stopped talking completely.  I did not know this until a few days after the fact.  And I regret not Skyping with him.  Full of regrets :(
• I can't say much about this week.  It has been a non-productive, emotionally painful week.