34 weeks: How much longer?
…so maybe I haven’t really dropped.
When I wake up in the morning my belly feels really low and I can fit almost my whole hand in the empty space, but then as the day goes on and bambino kicks and squirms it gets higher and higher. So. I haven’t dropped. I just wish I have. I am feeling a lot of pressure lower though which makes me think that things are starting to move in the right direction.
At 34 weeks I’m not sure how my belly has any more room to grow.
I bump into things all day long because I keep forgetting it’s there! I’m getting cranky about it all.
Now that the due date is actually within reach I have thought about all of things I can’t wait for post-pregnancy.
What I miss:
Top of the list is riding my bike and exercising hard. I also miss sleeping through the night, being able to tie my own shoes, eating super runny eggs, running, being an early morning person, not complaining about physical ailments, sleeping in a corpse position (on my back with my arms folded), having a Blue Moon with an orange (even though I rarely drink) and feeling attractive. Oh, and fitting in all of my pretty clothes. I can be vain sometimes.
I’m still feeling really tired a lot, and I’m kind of sick of it. I’m bored hanging around all the time, and I can’t wait to have energy to do things! I have to pick one big thing a day because that’s all I can really handle. During the week it’s work and on the weekends we’ve been picking one big task a day to accomplish.
Now that the diapers have been pre-washed and the nursery is super organized, I’m feeling ready. Actually, I go between feeling super ready and feeling a lot of anxiety over taking care of a newborn. I have no idea how to do anything. My only education in babyworld has been a couple of diaper changes as a teenager, holding my friends’ babies, and what I’ve learned from stalking Babycenter or reading books. Everyone claims motherhood is instinctual, and I am really counting on that- especially since holding newborns scares me.
We need help with the nursery. We need wall art but I haven’t seen anything I love yet. For the rest of the house the art has come over time as we’ve traveled the world. I’d like bambino to have something meaningful, but I don’t want to have to wait for our first big trip with him to find that. I know we will frame a couple of newborn photos, but I’d also like something funky. Any thoughts? This wall is the one that makes me most sad right now:
I’m still having lots and lots of Braxton Hicks contractions and cramping. Apparently it doesn’t mean much, but it still makes me excited. The end is so close and I can’t wait to meet this baby. Trig and I already feel like he has a little personality, and we can’t wait to see what he’s like outside of his current home. I still think he will be born early. My prediction remains September 12th. Call it mother’s intuition or an Italian’s madness, but I feel strongly about that. Oh! And we’ve graduated to weekly visits with the doctor. Yippee!
This week was a big one for bambino! Auntie Adrina came over and saw all of his fun clothes and toys, and she brought him the most adorable onesie. He’s going to be a superhero!
And he’ll be very preppy. I bought such cute things from baby GAP.
We also had a lovely afternoon this weekend at Auntie T & Uncle G’s house with Auntie K & Uncle Jon, where they spoiled him (and his mom) with onesie cookies, a delicious dinner, and lots of laughs.
Here’s what Babycenter says about 34 weeks:
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers β which will help regulate her body temperature once she’s born β are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you’ve been nervous about preterm labor, you’ll 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.
See what your baby looks like this week.
Almost 5 lbs! He’s getting ready for the world that awaits him.
Oh and by the way, have you entered the Britax stroller & car seat giveaway? You still have one more day to enter. Good luck!
Random facts of the week:
Weight gained in the last week: about 1 lb
Overall weight gained: 34 lbs. I laugh now when I think about how I assumed I would only gain 25 lbs in pregnancy. You just can’t control your body like that!
Number of days before maternity leave: too few. I feel like I have so much to do, and with the frequent breaks I need I am not getting as much done as I need. 13 days left.
Current cravings: nothing really. This is bizarre coming from the girl who has had cravings for something her whole life.
Hours without my special pillow in the last week: maybe 4…. maybe. It almost never leaves my side.
Times PB has helped me up from a sitting position: about 10. He also had to tie my shoes one day because I just couldn’t reach them. Awkward.
People who have asked me when I’m due (with a sympathetic smile as I waddle by): the lady at the deli counter, the stranger in the olive oil aisle, the old man with the dog on the elevator, the two sales ladies in the Macy’s pj department… the list goes on. I am guessing I look big and uncomfortable to even strangers now.
Current embarrassing facts: I now weigh more than my husband. I can eat more than him now too (but in smaller meals since I fill up so fast). I can’t reach the lower part of my legs to shave or lotion them up without having to get into yoga poses. I have about 3 outfits that still fit me comfortably. I sometimes shower and put my PJs right back on. I daydream about someone giving me a ride to the front door from my parking spot (which is never more than 1/2 mile away). I daydream about a chair magically appearing when I’m waiting in line anywhere. I roll off my bed and yell “opla!” as I try to stand up.
Previous weeks:
**Belly pics here
Week 33
Week 32
Week 31
Week 30
Week 29
Week 28
Week 27
Week 26
Week 25
Week 24
Week 23
Week 22
Week 21
Week 20
Week 19
Week 18
Week 17
Week 16
Week 15
Week 14
42 Responses to “34 weeks: How much longer?”
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Oh girlie… I know the feelings you’re having.. and yes, you will stretch more. lol. But, you’ll drop soon enough hopefully that it won’t be as bad in your ribs anymore. And I know you’re hoping for a full nights sleep, but I have recently learned (and i wished for the same) that we are very far off from having a full nights sleep π Not to discourage you though.. it’s worth it.. and then you get to nappy with your little one. I’m really excited for you.. you’re going to be a terrific mom. I was scared too.. but it’s true, motherly instincts just kick in, and you seem to know what to do. (sometimes! haha).. but as the weeks go, you become more and more aware and knowledgable about your little one. It’s incredible. Keep enjoying these last weeks and really rest up- get a massage, pedi, etc π xoxo
@laura, Thank you for this advice!
Was going to say the same thing as Laura about sleeping through the night. Unfortunately that won’t happen for several months! But it is absolutely worth it. You look great! Try to get lots of rest the next few weeks!
p.s – i’ve read your blog for a while just don’t have a chance to comment often…. i was a former healthy living blogger and now a mom blogger!
@Megan @ Notes to Hunter, Yay! Thanks for your comment! Hopping over to your blog now…
Aw, you still look fantastic. I can’t believe you are due so soon! The baby clothes are just so cute!!
@Lauren at Keep It Sweet, Thanks! It’s hard to resist buying more…
I’m so relieved someone else is feeling as over it all as I am! I’m due the 11th September but hoping she’ll come earlier. I haven’t dropped yet either but have a very painful pelvis and clicking hips whenever I roll over. 9 months is to long to be pregnant! Hang in there!
@shannon richards, I felt horrible saying it, but I am trying to be as honest as possible. I’m over it! Is this your first too?
Yes it is. I lie in the bath every night and apologize to her for moaning all day (shes the one who has to hear it all)! I try explain that its not her I’m moaning about but my painful aching body! ha ha. I’m feeling the 27th of August-but it might be wishful thinking. @RhodeyGirlTests,
Hang in there Sabrina, even though I have yet to be in your shoes since I am only at 31 weeks…I am starting to feel the pain of not sleeping well. My husband asked me yesterday if I was enjoying pregnancy and what a question…..Yes I am enjoying carrying our creation but sometimes it is hard to onyl have one person experience and not the other. Sometimes..not all the times. I send you a virtual back rub! Don’t we need it! Your babies room looks great! So your wall decor? What theme do you have? I finally found some peel and stick decor I am adding to the wall because it finally hit me what theme I wanted but let me know and I will try to help! Have a beautiful Tuesday!
@Noelle, I was thinking about this today, and it must be hard for the boys too. They have to see us going through all of these uncomfortable changes and there is nothing they can do about it but be supportive.
For the wall decor our theme is owls I guess? We don’t really have a theme. I’ve never thought one out ahead of time and usually let a room develop itself. I was looking for a framed print. Please help!
i feel like this pregnancy flew by! (ok, i know i wasn’t the one pregnant…!) i feel like you just put up that little video. i’m so beyond happy for you and i know you are going to be an absolute natural mom π see you thursday xo!
@allison @ thesundayflog, Thank you AJ! See you soon!
Keep pushing ! Youre so close!! I had zero baby experience and felt comfortable with kaylin right away- mothers intuition is amazing!
@Erica, That makes me feel good and I hope it is really true.
@RhodeyGirlTests, I swear it is! I had never even changed a diaper!!
Don’t worry about knowing what to do – with all your blogging on here and babycenter I think you are WAY more educated than most new mommies. And yes it’s instinctual for most people but just make sure you don’t over think it. I”m sure you are going to be great!
@pupfiction, Thanks lady. I have tried to educate myself so much because I’m so nervous about it, and you’re right- I’ll have to be careful not to over think it.
I weighed more than Corey near the end, too…Sigh. Don’t worry, you’ll be back to your fit self in no time. Just don’t be too hard on yourself!
I may have told you that I cried as they were wheeling me out of the hospital because I was thinking, OMG I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I’M DOING! It is very overwhelming, especially when you get home and have no nurses to rely on π The first few weeks are stressful, but eventually, it clicks as you realize what works for YOUR baby – no book can really prepare you for it, as all babies really are different. Rely on facebook and twitter to call out for help if you need it….or drop me an email or text any time! I am so excited for you, because once you get out of the initial haze, it’s so wonderful.
@BethT, I will definitely take you up on that. Thank you so much for your support throughout this whole experience!
Don’t worry about your wall space, leave some room to make name and date customized things, and for gifts!
I’m four weeks ahead of you, though with a fully dropped baby and amniotic leaks, I’m ready to go at any moment :). Congrats on being able to see the light at the end of the feeling-uncomfortable-tunnel! I liked your comment on our bodies doing what they will – I always assumed I would gain a ton when pregnant (I’m somewhat Amazonian), but my kid has actually cannabilized me and I’ve gained no weight except for her. Peoples’ comments make me feel like I’m doing something wrong, but all sonograms point to a healthy (and big) baby on the way…there simply is not one way to go about growing a little one!
Oh Sabrina! This is so exciting! I just love reading your updates! You look great! Hang in there girl!
I am 37 weeks and feel the same exact way- I can only plan one big errand for each day, and then I come home totally exhausted and collapse for the rest of the day. This is my 3rd baby- I’m not expecting to sleep through the night when it’s out, but hopefully I’ll have a little more energy!
π I adore you! I wish I could gear you yell βopla!β, I bet it is funny. But in all seriousness, that baby will be here soon and I can’t wait for him to make his bloggy debut!
What about putting up one of those sticker murals until you find artwork to replace it. It would add some colour, texture and whimsy.
I can’t believe how close you are getting! I am just now catching up on your posts since I’ve been slightly preoccupied lately. I can totally relate to this post. As I’m sure you remember, I had about had it with pregnancy by the end of it. In my opinion, it still wasn’t as brutal as my first trimester, so I had to keep reminding myself of that. In terms of not knowing what you’re doing…no one does. You can be the most educated, prepared person, and that little person is just going to do what he/she wants and you pretend like you know what you’re doing and eventually you do. When I had my c-section, I was out of commission for the week, so my significant other stepped in and I can assure you, he had NO idea what he was doing, but he did an amazing job…so I think maternal AND paternal instincts just kick in.
In terms of the nursery…we got our decals from Etsy…there are SO many on there, you might find something you like? They’re easy to put on and if you don’t like them you can peel them right off!
And for the record, I STILL miss feeling attractive. Soon enough π
I love that when I read this, I could hear you saying OPA in my head!! I love your fun facts.. and you will weigh less than Triggles in no time! Your crazy Italian will come out and you will be back to yourself in no time!! Can’t wait to meet bambino!!
A couple of things because you know I always put my two cents in…
1. For owl awesomeness, check out Kirsten’s Etsy shop. Go through her blog (www.gunnarsmother.blogspot.com) to get there and tell her I sent you. She’ll hook you up with custom whatever you want basically.
2. I noticed your diaps are one size. Be sure to grab disposables from the hospital to carry you over until the fit Bambino properly! One size diaps don’t usually fit until 10-12 pounds so you’ll need some teeny tiny ones for the first monthish.
You’re doing so great!
@Amanda, Thank you! I plan on using disposables for the first few weeks until I get used to motherhood anyway. I hope my baby will do well with 7th generation until he fits in the BG dipes!
And I’m off to check Kirsten’s Etsy shop- thanks.
Isn’t it too funny that we could have our babies on the same day if I’m late and you’re early- we’re so close- very exciting! π
I keep thinking I’ll go early, too, but then I hear every first time mom thinks that, so I’m trying not to get my mind set on it. However, anytime after 38 weeks would be a-ok by me!
I giggle when I think how I planned to only gain 25 pounds, too- you’re right- can’t control it!! You look fab though π
A few fun notes:
1. I also agree with all of the Etsy recommendations…you can find something totally unique on Etsy, which no one else will have, and you don’t have to waddle into any stores to make a purchase!
2. I weighed quite a bit more than my hubby at the end of both of my pregnancies…I am now down to 50 lbs. less than him! I gained A LOT and I made him cover his eyes when they weighed me at my check-ups.
3. I did some babysitting, but never really had any alone time with any newborns and it just comes to you. It’s so great.
4. My second baby still does not sleep through the night and she is 17 MONTHS old. I wish I could go back to the days when I was pregnant and a crying baby way not waking me up!
I can’t imagine the torture waiting for the baby to pop! Take some deep breaths and remember he’ll be here soon! And don’t worry about baby handling — you’re going to be a great mom!
Just stumbled across your blog while stalking baby center. π I have LOL-ed about the last few weeks I’ve read (weeks 32–34) because I can relate SO much. I have just recently discovered my own “special pillow” and I have also found myself frustrated at running into things (amazing how even doing dishes in a sink can become more difficult with a big ball in front, right?) and never being truly and absolutely comfortable. I miss many of the same things—exercising hard, feeling energy in the morning, etc etc. BUT how exciting to have babies soon in our arms, right? I think you’r ea week or 2 ahead of me–I’ll be 33 weeks tomorrow, due Oct. 8th. Having a girl. π Best of luck and keep blogging.
Oh, and I love your list of people who ask when you’re due. I dread the question now because of the inevitable answer: “October 8th??? Wow, you still have a WAYS to go!” (I will NEVER say such a thing to a miserable-looking pregnant woman and if I ever did in the past, I pray God forgives me! haha). I mean, what do you say to that? π
Hope all goes well with you and your bambino. I’m sure he will be so handsome and things will kick in (I’m hoping so, too, since my newborn experience ranks up their with yours, lol).
@Rebekah, Thank you so much for your comment!! Good luck to you.. we are both so close!
I know it is only normal chatter to complain about pregnancy things. However, for those of us who did have babies prematurely, we would give ANYTHING to go full term–at least 37 weeks and hopefully until 40 weeks. I would gladly have accepted much hip pain, no sleep, braxton-hicks, etc. if my son did not have to be taken away from me immediately at birth and rushed to the NICU (You don’t get much sleep when your baby is in the NICU).
Everything turned out fine with my son (born 5 weeks early), but it is very stressful to have a tiny baby in the NICU, struggling to regulate his temperature/breathe without assistance.
Please be mindful of comments that you hope baby might come early. I feel it is okay to complain, but “hoping” baby comes early makes no sense to me and just strikes me as really weird.
this was more for the commenter who stated she said it was “wishful thinking” her baby might come early.
just to clarify.
Hi Sabrina, you’re almost there!
I can’t believe you have to wait in line. That is one thing they are good about here in Italy. Pregnant women don’t have to line up anywhere, you always pass to the front. That’s one thing I miss about being pregnant!