cate's preggo update: week 33-week 35

SWEATER: RVCA WOMENS

32 WEEK CHECKUP:
Weight: 147.8 pounds- Yes, I always remove my shoes before getting on the scale. LOL.
 
I declined the Doppler (fetal heart monitor). Based off Baby B’s frequent and rapid movements, I didn’t see the need to impose yet another intrusion. But that’s me! And frankly, it was quite hilarious to see the nurse’s reaction when I told her I wanted to opt out of hearing the baby’s heart beat. She paused and chuckled, “Really? I’ve never had anyone say that or opt out.” Whelp, there’s a first for everything! I personally chose to decline it based off peace of knowing my baby is healthy and all is well. Do what is best for YOU and YOUR BABY.
 
 
34 WEEK CHECKUP:
Weight: 152 pounds-  I’m a little surprised at my 28 pound weight gain only because I gained a mere 17 pounds with Kai. However, it doesn’t bother me too much as long as I have a healthy baby, and I know with nursing and a healthy diet the weight will just fall off.
 
I almost opted out of this week’s growth scan (see why from my previous pregnancy blog Week 29-Week 32 about Fetal Heart Monitors). I personally didn’t find it “necessary” to have the growth scan ultrasound but decided to say yes to it frankly because I was so excited to see him move on that screen! However, during the ultrasound, I was sort of regretting my decision. The nurse doing the ultrasound felt the need to tell me, in an exaggerated tone, that the baby’s head was really big and that it was measuring two weeks ahead. Ok, so, in my humble opinion, that is NOT something you say to a woman who is choosing to have a natural birth- just sayin’! I mean, she could have worded it differently or put it more lightly. Well, to each his own, and she didn’t. Frankly, I haven’t ever really loved the way she does ultrasounds but that’s a different subject! In all humor, it was pretty funny (if you saw our IG story) and the best news is the baby is growing (big) and strong (not to mention his “big feet” and “big lips”). Big head, big brain, right?! Maybe my intuition from a couple months ago that baby was coming early will be true- or not! Haha It’s a waiting game from here on out. : ) Baby is a healthy 5 pounds and a couple ounces and about the size of a melon. Happy, healthy, strong Baby B!

food cravings:

Asian noodles at times. Strange but true. However, I've only had Vietnamese food once. Go figure. Other than that, I'm eating the same things as before- protein smoothies, organic pasture-raised eggs, salads, oatmeal, peanut butter on sourdough, soups, veggies, fruits and berries (especially peaches- I'm obsessed!), wild salmon with rice and veggies, and the occasional Haagen-Dazs, Cest' Si Bon palmier cookie (NOT gluten-free...you win some, you lose some!), a pressed juice from Pressed Juicery, or organic dark chocolate. : )

DRINK CRAVINGS:

WATER!!!!!! WATER, WATER, WATER! I can't get enough of it. I leave a 32 ounce bottle by my bedside and by morning almost all of it is gone. I wake up with an incredible thirst sometimes up to 3 and 4 times per night. Yes, this means I am getting up to pee at least 2 times usually. During the day, I stick to filtered water, NO PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES, and sparkling mineral water. My favorite is Gerolsteiner with over 2,500 minerals. Drink up, mamas and get those much needed minerals!

BELLY BUTTON- IN OR OUT:

It's looking pretty darn funky at this point and is out. You can see it thru my shirt. Oh the changes are bodies go thru! : )

MOVEMENT:

As I've said before, Baby B is a mover! I feel all his rolls and twist and turns. He is head down now, so I feel his bum or or feet under my ribs. It doesn't hurt- I just have to sit more upright or adjust my position. three days ago, I was feeling tons of pressure down below and then after about two hours it subsided. One day last week I forgot to drink a lot of water and my body became super achey and I felt pretty awful. I realized later it was directly related to my lack of water intake. Once I figured it how and drank 3 glasses of water, within 10 minutes I was feeling so much better. Crazy, right!? Remember, if your hips are aching or if you have lower back pain and almost feel like you are in pre labor, try drinking some water and hydrate as best you can. See if it helps! I haven't felt like that since. 

LIGHTNING CROTCH: Yup. Still happening and slightly more frequent. It's usually when I'm walking or standing and will go away within seconds. 

WORK OUTS:

Because of my busy schedule, it has been more difficult to stay consistent the last two weeks. I only made it to my cardio boxing class maybe two times and one pilates reformer class. I have been doing some squats, leg raises, and donkey kicks at home to keep my booty lifted and firm. Oh, and of course, I've been doing my kegels. Woo hoo! 

OVERALL thoughts:

• I'm still thoroughly enjoying being pregnant, aside from the lack of sleep from getting up to pee and having shortness of breath every now and then.
• The nursery is coming together...slowly but surely!
• We MIGHT have a name as of this past weekend...
• No bags have been packed
• No birth classes have been taken. You could say we are winging it...or at least Duke is ; )
• Anxious, excited feelings about my natural birth- totally normal. On the flip side, I'm confident in my body, Duke, my doula/dear friend Ashley, and my doctor
• Feeling a little overwhelmed here and there about things I want to do to prepare for baby. With my work schedule, Kai being out of school, etc...life is busy!

Baby B, we can't wait to meet you and snuggle you! 

I hope all you mamas are at peace with your pregnancy journey and all is well with baby!

Hugs,

Cate

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