Baby bump - 31 weeks / Boyd update

My 31 week appointment took place at my OB's office today - we had quite a bit to talk about after my last ultrasound with the specialist.

165 BPM - baby's heartbeat
31.5 cm belly measurement
126/67 blood pressure for me

My torpedo belly. 

Polydramnios level (amniotic fluid index/AFI) was 22 cm last week. On the graph that my ANP showed me today, I'm above the curve (8-18 cm is normal for 31 weeks) and she says that's why it feels like I'm carrying twins instead of a petite little baby girl. I told her how I've been sleeping upright for the last 3.5 weeks and she was shocked that I haven't been able to lie down at all this whole time.

In a mild case of polyhydramnios like mine, the course of action is to perform a 20-minute non-stress test/biofeedback profile twice a week until I give birth. I also have weekly appointments with ultrasounds until the baby comes. So that is 2 appointments a week (Tuesday and Friday) until baby girl shows up - I have never seen the doctor so much in my whole life!

I'm definitely struggling with this pregnancy and feel guilty for wishing that it would hurry by so I can feel normal again. Last night was difficult with just 3.5 hours of sleep - not being able to breathe deeply, get comfortable or feel calm is wearing on me. I'm exhausted by taking care of a toddler, fending of panic attacks, and still working 32 hours a week. Lots of complaints today, but I am thankful that our baby seems to be doing well despite all of these issues. Just come out healthy, little one!

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At drop-off this morning, Boyd's teacher told me that she had to tell him to quiet down in class yesterday. I said, "Really? That's great!" She was like, "I know! He is really coming out of his shell." It is a relief to know he is happy and thriving in preschool. He can count to 6 in Spanish (that was a surprise to us!) and seems to really enjoy music time in class. They are studying planets and the solar system now, so we've heard some mentions of outer space and neptune, etc. lately.

Anchorage received the first major snowfall of the season, and Boyd helped D make a snowman out in the front yard. This kid still loves being outside.

We went to Lowe's a few weeks ago to pick up some house stuff and look at new refrigerators. 

Baby bump - 30 weeks

My 30-week appointment happened at the specialist's office last Friday and through an ultrasound we found out that my amniotic fluid is slightly high (polyhydramnios) and I'm measuring a little large because of it. This is also the reason I am unable to breathe easily. The doctor can't pinpoint for sure why my fluid is up - there are a number of scary reasons it could be happening (that I try not to think about it) or it could be a fluke. The amount is mild at this point so they are going to monitor it and do another ultrasound at 34 weeks. We also discovered that my placenta has split (bilobed)! Apparently the specialist does not consider this a serious issue, but my OB needs to make sure both sections are removed immediately after delivery.

Lots of baby movement is happening...her kicks and punches are getting more vigorous. I am feeling them all day long, but mostly when sitting at my desk in my office or relaxing on the couch. She even woke me up the other night with a one-two punch right to my bladder. Oh and the doctor estimates that she weighs around 3 lbs, 1 oz.

Since I work at a hospital, I tend to get a lot of comments from nurses about my pregnancy. Most comment on how low the baby seems to be on my frame - believe me, I can feel it! The pressure on my bladder has me in the restroom quite a bit, and overall I'm sore and achy in the pelvic region.

Here's to hoping that we'll make it full term (at least 37 weeks) and no other prenatal issues pop up between now and then!

Baby girl at 30 weeks gestation.