Certified Nurse Midwife

I'm at 29 weeks... starting my 30th week today! I am now on the 2 week doctor visit cycle and today I met with the Certified Nurse Midwife. She's trained to do everything a doctor can, except for surgeries and the use of forceps (yikes!). She's a very nice woman. In the past two weeks, I've only gained 1 pound. In addition, I've added another 3 cm to my belly. The CNM noticed that my tummy is a little red. She told me to watch for itchiness as that may indicate a pregnancy rash. So far, it hasn't itched. I think it's red because the skin is starting to stretch.

On the nursery front, I received an email that one of my Dr. Seuss books is ready for me to pick up. Unfortunately, I did not have time to get it after work today. So I'll pick it up tomorrow. I am anxious to get started on the nursery walls! I've only got four weeks until my Michelangelo comes to town!

Here's what's happening with me and baby this week:
Your baby now weighs about 3 lbs (1400g), measures about 10.8 (27cm) inches from crown to rump and measures about 17 inches (38cm) from head to toe. Your baby is probably aware of your Braxton Hicks contractions, which you experience regularly, even when you do not notice them. By this time, your baby is very active and you feel its movements frequently. Your baby is still practicing breathing movements which have now become rhythmic. Sometimes your baby gets the hiccups when she accidentally swallows amniotic fluid the wrong way. She is getting fatter and plumper. On an ultrasound, you can see your baby's activities quite easily. Your baby has periods of rest and periods of activity now. Your baby is probably most active when you are trying to rest.

Your uterus has now risen to about 4 inches above your bellybutton. Backache probably continues and you are probably feeling increasingly fatigued. This may be exacerbated since you may also have trouble sleeping. Whenever possible, try to put your feet up. Extra pillows will probably help you to find a comfortable sleeping position. You may be constipated; your nose may be stuffed; and you may have the occasional nosebleed. You may also have trouble breathing as your enlarged uterus crowds your lungs. You may at times feel faint and dizzy. You probably feel huge, but you'll get bigger still! Some women take great pleasure in their changing form while others feel it is a nuisance. If you are among the latter, you can take comfort in knowing that it is temporary, that your partner and others probably find you especially beautiful, that you are as close as you can be to your baby and that your body is providing him with all he needs.

I'll have Brad take another picture of my belly tonight and then I'll post it later on. 'Til next time... over and out!