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Thursday, May 8, 2008

31 Weeks

Today is mine and Aaron's 9 year anniversary! Can you believe it?!
Happy Anniversary Hunny!!

Well...here I am! At 31 weeks! Getting closer to the day! Tonight was our first class for the Child Preparation Class. It was cool and very informative! We met other couples who are also having their first child. We had to interact with each other and find 3 things we had in common.

Our 3 things were:
1. We're pregnant
2. We're due in July
3. This is our first child

We even watched a video about the stages of labor which showed an actual delivery (it was a little nerve-wracking but hey, it's reality right?!). This was the first time Aaron had ever seen anything like this. Our instructor is pretty cool! She's funny and the time in class goes by pretty quick! Next week we have to bring a blanket and pillow! We get to practice breathing techniques and positions!

Well, here's mine & baby boy's update this week:

Your pregnancy: 31 weeks

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. 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, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

How your life's changing:
Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? 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," 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. 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, and what the procedure involves.

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