36 weeks

Madeline is now almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long.  She's running out of room in there, which was confirmed by the doctor at my appointment today.  I had my Strep B test and then the doctor checked to see if I was progressing...which I am!  I am 1 cm. dilated and 80% effaced. Though I can stay this way for weeks, she did tell me that I am "ahead of the game" for 36-37 weeks.  We may have an early arrival!

In the 36th week,  I have had more Braxton Hicks contractions and Madeline is putting quite a bit of pressure on mom. This pressure results in constant bathroom breaks and some shooting pains down low.  These pains don't last long, but they are not to be ignored!  Sleep is still the same...bathroom breaks anywhere between 2-4 every morning and turning from side to side regularly to give my hips a break. From what I can tell, my weight has remained consistent over this last week (either that or my scale has given up on me). After saying all of this, I must admit...I will miss being pregnant.  Through every discomfort, what a special journey this has been.  Feeling those first few kicks, seeing/hearing your child's heartbeat, watching your belly grow (and grow and grow and grow) and your body adjust and change to fit the little life inside, finding out who you'll be meeting after 9 months, discovering that personality from within, watching the movement coming from inside your belly, and of course, all the planning.  Every positive certainly outweighs the negatives. I've enjoyed my journey to motherhood.