Woah baby…we are officially FULL TERM over here!
And we are certainly rockin’ a big ol’ belly to go along with that full term status.
Baby Tooth is just over 37 weeks today and is about the size of a bunch of Swiss chard.
Here’s what Baby Tooth has been up to this week:
- Baby Tooth weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches (<—not necessarily true…apparently he’s ahead of the game!).
- Little guy is now considered full term! If I were to go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb.
And here’s what’s been happening with me this past week:
Weight gained: I think I’m around 28 pounds, if I’m doing the math correctly.
Workouts: Not many – actually, I don’t think I’ve done any significant ones since my treadmill workout last week. I continue to be active though, and have been working quite a bit around the house and moving a lot at work. I’m alright with all of that though…I’m just trying to do what feels right.
Labor Signs: I’ve definitely been getting contractions on a daily basis but none have really been overly significant and/or painful. Yesterday, however, was a different story. While I was at work, I started getting the most intense cramps and low back pain. It was seriously like nothing I’ve experienced so far – some of them even had me physically cringing. They became so intense, along with a lot of pressure, that I called my doc and they asked me to come in. Unfortunately, it was just some very early and/or false labor. I’m not even dilated at this point…go figure?! I thought all these cramps were supposed to be making some progress for me.
Symptoms:
- Low back pain, pelvic pressure, and menstrual-like cramps
- Braxton Hicks and/or contractions
- Fatigue
- Itchy belly/skin
- Sore feet – when I wake up in the morning is the worst
- Lots of potty breaks
Movement: Absolutely! Little guy is not so little these days, so any movement he makes is pretty obvious and funny to watch.
Food Aversions: None, really.
Food Cravings: Nothing crazy. I crave toast with butter pretty much daily but never really wind up eating it. I’ve been craving thick, cold smoothies too – but again – have yet to make any. It’s a little tough while at work and I never feel like making them in the morning. Maybe once I’m home on leave I’ll break out the blender!
Sleep: UGH. This past week has not been great, but Saturday night was probably the worst. I had some gas pains and just couldn’t get comfortable, so I wound up heading out into the living room and sat/bounced on my stability ball while watching TV from about 3-5am. It’s a good thing I had a episodes of Friends and Candy Crush to keep me occupied!
Stretch marks? Knock on wood…we’re still in the clear!
Miss Anything? All the same stuff as I’ve mentioned before.
Fun and/or Interesting Things from the Week: Our appointment last week and getting to see Baby Tooth on the ultrasound was by far the best part of my week!
I look at those photos at least a dozen times a day. My gosh, I cannot wait to see that little face in person!
We’re also pretty much done with the nursery for now too! The only things I have left are some frames/pictures for the walls, but since most of what I want to put up can’t really happen until he’s here (letters for his name, a handprint frame, and a birth announcement frame) I’m holding off for now. I’ve had to tell myself that it’s okay to not have it 100% where I want it. He’ll be fine without the extra wall hangings.
Belly Button in or out? In and/or flat – definitely not “out” but it flattens out quite often, especially when I get hardening of the belly/Braxton Hicks.
Wedding rings on or off? Still on, but snug in the heat.
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy most of the time, but I have been experiencing a wee bit of crabbiness. Sometimes, the discomfort and difficulty sleeping gets to me, but I try to keep it all in perspective. It’s all for the best possible cause there could be.
New Baby Items: I did pick up a few remaining items on our registry over the weekend, including car seat mats, some storage bins, nursing items to go along with my breast pump (just got that on Friday in the mail – SO happy insurance covers it!), and decals for the wall.
Looking Forward To: Keeping these next few weeks moving! I’m ready to see my little guy in my arms!
Question for the moms and moms-to-be:
How long did you experience contractions and/or early labor signs before actually going in to real labor?
Jen says
you look beautiful Courtney!
Jamie @ Sometimes Healthy Living Blog says
Congratulations on being full term. How exciting :-) I love reading these posts because they give me an idea of what to expect when I’m a mom-to-be some day!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
Yay…almost there! Congrats! :-)
Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life) says
You’re all baby bump!
I had a trip to the hospital around 30 weeks when I thought my water broke (it didn’t), but other than that, no real signs. Of course, I went over 41 weeks, too, so I’m jealous of anyone having signs of impending labor ;)
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Eek!!! Getting so close now!!
Jana @ Happy Wife Healthy Life says
You look absolutely gorgeous Courtney! You definitely have that pregnancy glow! :) Can’t believe your little guy will be here soon! If ultrasound pictures predict anything, baby tooth is definitely going to be a little cutie! :)
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
You look SO good! I be that you are one of those women who when you look at them from the back you can’t even tell they are pregnant! ;)
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says
ahhh! SO exciting! And to mimic the others, you look amazing, Courtney. Hope these last few weeks go smoothly and great for you <3
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
I never went in to ‘real labor’ so I’m no help! But you look absolutely ah-mazing. You are literally all belly. By the end of my pregnancy, I felt like my face/arms looks bloated but you look hot! ;)
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
Looking good mama!
I started experience contractions around 36 weeks … delivered at 38+5. The week I went into labor I had two false alarms at the hospital. My water broke with Em so I had to be admitted at that point and I definitely could tell the difference between real and false contractions once I knew what real ones felt like.
Kelly @ Femme Fitale says
I had pre-labour contractions/cramping for 2.5 weeks before giving birth (at 39.5 weeks)! It felt like reeeeally bad menstrual cramping. I woke up many times thinking I was going into labour- nope!
Alaina says
That is just crazy how detailed the ultrasounds are! He is sure going to be a cutie. :-)
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
You look wonderful!! So excited for you guys!
Suzanne @ Mixing It Up says
Not being dilated means nothing!! I went in for my appt one day…..nothing!! Two days later I was at the hospital dilated to a 4. It can happen so quickly!!! Ahhhh, the countdown is on!!!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
You are so cute!!!! :)
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Come on baby – get outta there! I had a sleepless night last night too – I could NOT get to sleep. And my feet hurt in the morning too, especially when I step onto the hardwood. The weight on my arches kills me!
Danica @ It's Progression says
You look beautiful as always!
And I’m honestly a little impressed that your completely free of stretch marks at this point – yay!!
Angie @ Pint of Goals says
I felt BH contractions for at least six weeks before giving birth (10 days past my due date). They were never painful, though. I stopped even realizing they were happening, so when I had a non-stress test eight days after my due date, I was surprised to find out they were coming every three to five minutes!
Happy full term status!!! You look great :)
Krystan says
That’s interesting what you said about sore feet in the morning..I have been getting that too and it is so weird! Super annoying, but I’m glad its not just me. Hopefully time passes quickly for you…time has been crawling since I hit full term two weeks ago. I feel like our baby boy is never coming out!
Faith@The Stirring Place says
Ahhh!!! So exciting. I can’t wait to keep reading about your journey. I’m pretty sure I felt my little guy for the first time last night. It was incredible. You look great by the way! He’s almost here!!
JAY says
YOU TRUELY LOOK AMAZING. SENDING MY MOST SINCERE BEST WISHES TO YOU GUY”S & WISHING YOU A LIFE FULL OF LOVE & HAPPINESS :))))
Shanna says
Whoa, the big day is coming up so quickly! How exciting!!!
I didn’t even know for sure I was in labor. I literally didn’t start getting contractions until about a day after my water broke (which I wasn’t even sure it had broken). My contractions didn’t hurt a bit (nor did labor), but the aftermath was unpleasant to say the least :-/
Enjoy these last few weeks!
Julia says
Almost there! So excited for you, and can’t wait to see pics of the little guy! Kinda want to see some pics of the nursery too. Sounds like it’s coming along, and I’m sure it looks great. Hang in there, you’re in the home stretch!
Lauren says
Ooo! I like the color of your top! When I had my latest surgery, I couldn’t sleep for about a month so I understand your crabbiness. Sleep deprivation really does completely alter your mood. My mom begged me to take something to sleep because I was getting so crabby during the day from being so tired. Hopefully, you’ll get a few more nights rest this week! I’m guilty of staying up to play Candy Crush farrrr too many nights!
Miranda @ Miranda Runs says
You are GLOWING! Why are you so cute?! :) Almost there!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Looking absolutely beautiful lady! Little guy will be here before you know it. :-)
Annette@FitnessPerks says
You are glowing!!
Katie @ A Full Plate says
You look as beautiful as ever!
Lauren @ Confessions of a First Time Mom says
Eeeee….you’re so close! I had my daughter at 38 weeks, and you could end up going into labor early too! I didn’t have any signs though. No contractions or pain, but my water suddenly broke at 1 am after a night of crazy kicking and movements. In fact, even with my water broken, I never got any signs of labor. I had to be induced almost 24 hours later!
Nicole says
I agree with all the other comments saying how great you look. Happy Mom, Happy Baby! Hang in there! :D
Julie says
So exciting! I’ve loved following along on your journey and think you’re going to be a great mom! You are glowing. :)
Amanda @ Pink Runner Girl says
How beautiful are you?! You look great! I can’t believe it’s already almost that time!
Aurora@Fitness is Sweet says
I’m so excited for you! It’s been so fun following you in this journey. Isn’t Friends the best? I watched all 10 seasons when I was really sick at home for 3 weeks!
Nicole says
You look fantastic! And that orange color looks great on you. What an awesome ultrasound photo, wow!
Sarah @ A Refining Adventure says
You are so close to meeting your little one! I’ve really been enjoying reading your updates and looking forward to the day when I’m able to experience the same!
Lindsey says
You look amazing! I started very light contractions on and off at around 37 weeks but didn’t deliver until 39 weeks. I was a few days early but I was totally expecting to go around 37 weeks. Baby just needed a little more time to cook I guess :) My labor was 55 hours so I knew when I was in labor!
Holly says
Girl, you look AAAAAMAZING! That belly looks fantastic on you! Way too cute!! :) You are in the final stretch now- WOOHOO!!! Can’t wait to see him & find out the name!!!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
So exciting! The picture of his face is so cool. I hope your last few weeks (or so) go well and you get to meet baby soon!
Tara@PNWRunner says
You look so good!! I am sorry that you’re experiencing those pains. I’ve never been in that boat, so I couldn’t imagine how you are feeling. However, you are almost there!! I bet you cannot wait to see your little one. So exciting!!!
Katie says
You look so gorgeous!!! I am so excited for you Courtney!!! Any day your little man will be here and you and Jay will be on cloud nine!!! Having my little man here is just amazing, although I do miss my bump too! Pregnancy is a beautiful journey!
I had a bad contraction at 2 am that woke me up and I had been dilated to 4cm already, lets just say I had the baby in 30 minutes, labor story to come on my blog!
Lots of love to you! <3
Jess @ Blonde Ponytail says
Gorgeous!!! You know I never ‘felt’ conteactions but I was having them according to the monitor! Thinking of you these next few weeks!!