IS THAT A BALL IN YOUR BELLY?

Nevaeh is 2.5 yrs. and Aunt Caitlin is 36w4d pregnant!

36w4d- BABY BUMP

Mommy's belly is measuring the same this week at 43" around, but it looks lower than last week with stretch marks galore. :-/ FULL TERM IS JUST DAYS AWAY :-)!!!

FALL FESTIVAL 2012

Dear Gracyn,
Mommy was almost 36 weeks pregnant when she braved the 90 degree heat to join in the festival fun at my school. Your Uncle Andrew is 13 yrs. old, and your cousins, Nevaeh and Alexis are 2.5 and 7 yrs. old pictured here!

36 WEEKS- OB APPOINTMENT

Here are this week's stats from OB visit:

Blood pressure 122/79  :-)

Trace of protein :-/

24 lbs. so far!  :-)

Baby's heart rate  150 BPM  :-)

Swelling in ankles and feet :-(

Pitting Edema :-(

Blood sugars creeping up again -higher dose of insulin :-(

Strep B test - negative. :-)

Fundus 36 !  :-)
NST- reactive....several braxton hicks recorded :-)

Cervix unchanged :-(

Baby aspirin will be stopped when cervix starts making progress. OB will set induction date around EDD if she doesn't go on her own.....

Maximum of 4 more weeks left!  Next appointment is pushed off to next Thursday due to the Holiday weekend.  By the way, this will be the last holiday celebrated as a family of two!

Sent from my iPhone

36 WEEKS PREGNANT!

Dear Gracyn,
You continue packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day! If your weight growth trajectory is the same as predicted from the last ultrasound, you should be weighing around 7lbs! I am guessing you are close to, if not more than 18 1/2 inches long. You are shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered your body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected your skin during your nine-month amniotic bath. You swallow both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, which will form the contents of your first bowel movement.

The best news of all is that Mommy has made it to that magic number in the pregnancy where the OB said he would not stop labor, as most 36 weekers do just fine after birth! This is music to our ears! Next Monday you will be considered a full term baby! Mommy has definitely been having many strong, but not consistent contractions! She has an OB appointment tonight. I hope he checks to see if you are any closer to making your appearance! I will post an update from the appointment.

Love you with all my heart!
Grandma Dason

35w5d- HOT and EXHAUSTED!

This summer has had record heat, which makes for one hot and exhausted pregnant Mamma!

35w4d- BABY BUMP

The belly grew again! Now measuring 43 inches around!

EDD

One month from today is the due date!  We can't wait to meet you!!!

35w2d- COMING HOME OUTFIT

This is Gracyn's coming home outfit! My favorite!

35 WEEKS- OB APPOINTMENT

Here are the stats from this week's OB appointment:

Blood pressure- 122/77 :-)

Trace of protein in urine :-/

Weight gain varies between 24-26 lbs so far due to water retention and time of day! :-)

Pitting edema :-(

Backache with Braxton Hicks contractions :-(

Baby's heartbeat averaged 150. :-)

Fundus measured spot on at 35 weeks! :-)

NST- reactive! :-)

Blood sugars- reasonable levels with insulin :-)

This week the OB did the Strep B test, and also completed an internal check.  All the contractions are working!  The cervix is softening, the external part of the cervix is opening but the internal part of the cervix is still closed....so no dilation to report yet.  Speaking of contractions Caitlin had one during the NST and the baby's heart rate dropped slightly.  Of course this worried Caitlin, but the OB didn't seem concerned when the NST strip was reviewed.  Gracyn  is head down but not engaged yet. ....We are looking forward to next week's appointment already!

35/35!!!

Dear Gracyn,

I have been waiting to write this post heading for a long time.  35 weeks pregnant, which means 35 days left until EDD!  WOOT! 

You don't have much room to maneuver now that you may be 18 inches long or more.  I am guessing you are around 6 plus pounds. Because it's so snug in the womb, you aren't doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times you wiggle is still the same! Mommy feels your feet in her ribs all the time.  That is a very good sign that you are still head down!  Your kidneys are fully developed now, and your liver can process some waste products. Most of your basic physical development is now complete — Now you will spend the next few weeks putting on weight.  The midwife said that if Mommy goes into labor next week, she wouldn't stop it!  I know Mommy is ready to meet you!

Mommy started seeing the OB every week since around 32 or 33 weeks along....due to the gestational diabetes.  This past week, she started getting non stress tests to be sure your heart is reactive....So far you are doing GREAT!  At tonight's OB appointment, the Group B streptococci test (GBS) will be done.   GBS is usually harmless in adults, but if Mommy has it and passes it on to you during birth, it can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or a blood infection. Because 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women have the bacteria and don't know it, it's vital to be screened. (The bacteria come and go on their own — that's why she wasn't screened earlier in pregnancy.) If Mommy is a GBS carrier, she'll get IV antibiotics during labor, which will greatly reduce your risk of infection.

I will update later in a different post after the OB appointment tonight!
Love you!
Grandma Dason

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES!

 The belly has definitely dropped!  33w4d vs. 34w4d!

34w4d- BUMP UPDATE!

The belly continues to grow!! Up 1/4 of an inch! Measuring 42 3/4 around!!! I definitely think she dropped! I will post a comparison picture later! :-)

34w3d- PITTING EDEMA :-(

This is Lilly's paw print left on Caitlin's leg! Doctor said this type of swelling and water retention is normal! YIKES!!!!

34w2d- BH CONTRACTIONS

Caitlin had Braxton Hicks contractions that were timeable again last night. Every 3-5 minutes for almost 2 hours....but after water and rest, they fizzled out again. Today, she feels that the baby has shifted further down south! Her body is definitely preparing itself for delivery....Big question is when....this cycle of on & off contractions can last for several weeks!.....Time will tell!

34w1d- :-(

Why the sad face ???? Looks like the glucose monitor isn't broken and the sugar reads are accurate....which means that the OB wants insulin started since Caitlin's body is fighting against the diet! :-(. He plans on starting a low dose in the morning mixed with an extended release form to last through the day. Praying the insulin shots bring the sugar levels back to safe levels for delivery of a healthy baby in a few short weeks!

34 WEEK -OB APPOINTMENT

Here are the stats from this week's OB appointment:

Blood pressure- 122/80. :-)
Trace of protein in urine :-/
Weight gain varies between 24-26 lbs so far due to water retention and time of day! :-)
Pitting edema :-(
Backache with Braxton Hicks contractions :-(
Baby's heartbeat averaged 150. :-)
Fundus measured spot on at 34 weeks! :-)
NST- reactive! :-)

OB is still not happy with the sugars being on the edge....he is talking insulin and Caitlin isn't convinced yet....he wants her to check her sugars twice (once with her machine and once with glucose machine at her work place with same blood draw) to ensure the accuracy of the monitor she is using....if it is accurate then she will be put on a low dose of insulin. If the machine she uses is inaccurate, then she needs to buy a new machine and track for one more week. The glucose monitor and strips are not covered by her insurance! :-(

Caitlin told them that she was having regular Braxton Hicks contractions. OB not worried if she isn't having more than 4 in an hour for several hours in a row after drinking plenty of water and resting. If they persist, then he will worry. His goal is 36 weeks ....if she goes into labor then he won't stop it....anything before 36 weeks he will try to stop if it is healthier for the baby and Mommy is not compromised. Of course the goal is to reach full term at 37 weeks and then hopefully the EDD. ....If you ask Caitlin....she is shooting for NOW....she is done being pregnant! Funny how we all forget this part of pregnancy once we see that beautiful little baby....It's all worth it!

34 WEEKS PREGNANT!!!!

Dear Gracyn, By now, you could weigh around 5 3/4 to 6 lbs....well above what BabyCenter predicts due to your ultrasound prediction at 28 weeks. You should also be around 18 inches long.....maybe a little less since you seem to be on the shorter side. Your fat layers — which will help regulate your body temperature once you are born — are filling out, making you rounder! I predict you will be born with chubby cheeks and dark hair! Your skin is also smoother than ever with a coating of vernix on it. Your central nervous system is maturing and your lungs are continuing to mature as well. Mommy has been nervous about preterm labor,since she has soooo many timeable braxton hicks contractions ....I am sure she will be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies. This is refreshing news to hear if you decide to come early...let's hope not! Only 3 weeks away from full term and 6 weeks away from your EDD! YAY! Love you! Grandma Dason

33w6d- WATER RETENTION :-(

After a prenatal massage (which was hard to enjoy in between the braxton hicks contractions), a luke warm bath and legs propped up....Caitlin lost 2 lbs worth of water retention. The swelling in her feet went down considerably (Almost looked normal). With this, total weight gain is 24 lbs. Not sure if she can keep the swelling down, but she sure is trying hard. God love her! PS You may be wondering where the ultrasound pictures are....well 15 minutes before the appointment, the local ultrasound place called and cancelled due to technical difficulties! We were all in route when the call came in :-( Not sure if Caitlin will reschedule with them.

33w4d- BABY BUMP

Wow....Mommy is uncomfortable! Heartburn, leg cramps, contractions from dehydration, gestational diabetes, low iron, blood disorder (MTHFR) and swelling beyond belief in her legs and feet! Weight gain so far is 26 lbs and the belly grew one inch bigger this week....up to 42.5 " around with stretch marks despite regular lotion routines! But Gracyn is worth it!

For Mommy's birthday, she is having a 3D/4/D ultrasound and a prenatal massage! YAY! Hopefully Gracyn cooperates and we get pictures of her face to share!

33w3d- HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMY!

Today is Mommy's 23rd birthday and she is 33w3d pregnant with you! We are looking forward to celebrating your first birth day soon, also!!!! Love you Little Miss Gracyn and Happy Birthday,to my sweet baby, Caitlin! (ps. I know you are rolling your eyes right now, but you'll always be my baby....)

33w0d-VISIT TO L & D

Caitlin had several timeable contractions (more than 50 seconds long each). I guess any over 40 seconds in length are contractions and not BH. ..... Off to labor and delivery they went. Luckily the contractions fizzled out.... No dilation and cervix is thick, Gracyn's heart is strong and she was quite active during the monitoring. :-). As you can tell, Caitlin was not happy with me taking her picture!

33 WEEKS PREGNANT!!!

Dear Gracyn, You are a mover and a shaker...Mommy's belly is all over the place! Pretty neat to watch and feel! During this week, you will turn 33w3d in utero and Mommy turns 23 yrs. old on Aug. 9th! A double blessing for this grandma! This week, I am guessing you are 5 to 5 1/2 lbs. and possibly around 17 inches long. You are rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and your skeleton is hardening. The bones in your skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for you to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as your brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood. Speaking of the birthing process, Mommy has been having several braxton hicks contractions on a daily basis, but so far she can breath and talk through them. Some become timeable but then fizzle out. If you were born this week the big news is that your lung development is almost completely mature. That means odds are you'd be a healthy bouncing baby with a just a little help from friends (aka, the NICU). Secretly, a tiny part of me wants you born on Mommy's birthday, but the sensible side reminds myself that you need to wait for at least 4 more weeks until you are full term! I love you, little Miss Gracyn! Grandma Dason

COUNTDOWN

50 days to go until the EDD! WOW!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Caitlin will be 23 years old on Thursday and 33w3d pregnant!!! We celebrated this weekend since she is starting her new position at work on Monday. Double the reason to celebrate. Nevaeh (2 1/2 yrs old) helped her open the birthday card that she "signed"!

8 MONTHS BELLY PROGRESSION

The seventh month belly looked smaller because Caitlin went off bed rest and was back to work!  Now the belly is all baby....And boy has the belly grown this past month! 

32w4d- BABY BUMP!

The weeks are flying by!!!! The belly grew a 1/2 inch this week! Up to 41.5 inches around!!! The Braxton Hicks contractions continue on a daily basis. In fact Caitlin was a bit worried when she had 4 in one hour late last night while working a night shift. She was really close to calling the doctor when they fizzled out! This little one needs to stay put for at least 4 more weeks!

32w3d-DIETICIAN VISIT

Caitlin visited with the dietician today.  After sharing her sugar numbers and concern about possible insulin, the dietician relieved her mind.  This person doesn't agree with the OB and does feel that Caitlin is controlling her sugar levels with a diet.  The 110 number that the OB referred to is the fasting number, which Caitlin does achieve.  She is also within limits of non-fasting numbers when her diet is watched.  After reviewing carb intakes, good fruits vs. bad fruits and so on....Caitlin left the meeting a happy camper!  YAY