Last Month of Pregnancy: Updates and Thoughts

I still can’t believe that I am going to be a Mom. Tomorrow, I will mark 39 weeks of being pregnant.  The fact that this baby, who is constantly moving in my belly, will soon be wriggling around in my arms, is unreal.  What have we been up to since my 35th-week update?

To be completely honest, I have been watching too many Labor and Delivery Vlogs on Youtube.  Do I cry my eyes out during every single one?  You bet!  Entire days can be spent as a human waterfall on my couch if I’m not careful. 

“Why do you watch videos that you know will make you cry?!”

Some people say I simply shouldn’t watch these videos if they make me cry this much.  However, the videos aren’t making me anxious about giving birth. In fact, it is the complete opposite.  

I like seeing different scenarios. 

You can never predict how it will all happen. Seeing various scenarios is a good way for me to prepare myself.  I should be ready for things that may go against how I envision them.  As long as Liam is healthy, everything else is secondary.

At my 36 Week Doctor’s appointment (which went extremely well; I am negative for Group B Strep yay!), my Doctor asked me if I was “over” being pregnant.  I said no and tears sprang to my eyes.  Of course, I am excited to meet our little guy.  Don’t get me wrong!

It’s the thought of not having him kicking and practicing his sports moves in my tummy that makes me incredibly emotional.  I think it is one of the most bittersweet situations I have ever been in.  I am completely aware that Liam will still be glued to me every day after he is born.  I am happy that he will finally be able to spend time bonding with his Daddy.  I look forward to all of these things.  It doesn’t mean that it won’t be a huge adjustment.

I now look at my body and see something completely different.  

I am surprised by the feelings I have toward my body and appearance.  I have such tremendous respect for the female body.  

When I had those thoughts of chubby thighs, my weight was around 115 lbs- I now weigh around 140lbs.  My chest was too small?  Well, that same chest will be providing nourishment for my child, regardless of its size.  My stomach, which I was worried about turning into a tiny gut, is now a safe haven for my baby.

I have stretch marks on my hips and surrounding my belly.  Where I used to have my belly button piercing, I now have tiger stripes.  I could not be happier.

“She had never considered herself exactly perfect- until right now. She glowed so pleasantly with strength and happiness.”  

This was written on a card my parents gave me when I received the beautiful gift below.  My Mom also said “This feeling will stay with you for the rest of your life.  You will always feel this beautiful from now on.”  

I’m not going to lie. 

Having stretch marks was a bit of a shock to see appear at around 34 weeks.  Of course, I know they are only natural.  However, I was still a bit apprehensive about my feelings toward them at first.  If I can’t accept my body for how it is after I bring a LIFE into this world, when will I? We have scars, imperfections; marks that show where we have been in our lives and that is beautiful.

 

What Else Is New?

Other than this newfound respect for my body, we are just getting ready for the hospital.  Our hospital bags are packed, I have my nursing bras from Thyme and I have been spending even more time with Pippit.  We enjoy our cuddle time, and she is enjoying using the Liam baby bump as a shelf/body pillow while it lasts.  

Free samples of formula and more from Similac and Nestle Baby have been organized, coupons for baby-related products are all put together and my birth “plan” is as ready as it will ever be.  I will be calling Liam’s Dad so he knows to make his way home, calling my Sister (she will also, thankfully, be in the room with me), and calling my parents.  

I have taxi money ready if needed and Liam’s car seat has been brought up from storage.  We are eager to order our changing table and crib which were generously purchased for us by Liam’s Grandmother.  Since Liam will be in a bassinet in our room for the first few months, there is no rush for us to have it set up just yet.  

I am feeling quite prepared but I can’t help wanting to clean the apartment almost every day.  I want it to be super clean for when we come home. All of Liam’s clothes are washed and ready to be worn.  Some of which, will stay in storage waiting for him to be ready for the bigger sizes.

Nesting, nesting, nesting- it is definitely a real thing!

 

At my last Doctor’s appointment, I was 38 weeks and 4 days pregnant.  The resident that has been with me for the past month, did all the usual questions, checked my blood pressure, listened to Liam’s heartbeat, and it was all perfect.  

When my Dr came in just to double-check that Liam’s head was still down, she couldn’t feel his position because SURPRISE!  I was having a contraction and my tummy was too hard for her to feel anything properly.  This whole time I have been telling them that I have not been experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions!  Well, apparently, I have been!  I just didn’t realize that they felt like that.  Oops.

To ensure that Liam did not flip and change his position, they brought me upstairs to have an ultrasound.  I was so excited since the last time I had one was when we found out the gender before 20 weeks.  My Dr warned me I wouldn’t be able to see much and she was right, of course.  All I saw was the circle which is his head, and the line that separates the two brain hemispheres.  His head is still down and tucked behind the bone, so I am very happy he hasn’t changed his positioning.  The Dr said he has a very healthy-looking brain and that “There is a lot of baby in there!”  

You’re telling me!

Now that we are so close to the finish line…

with every twinge or different pain I feel, I stop and start to wonder if this is “it”.  I keep waiting to lose the mucous plug or feel different.  I’m constantly waiting for a sign that he has dropped but he is still kicking away at my ribs.  I will be spending a lot of time on my birthing ball!  I also plan to walk even more.   I really hope that I will not need to be induced, but whatever happens, is meant to happen!  

For now, I am getting as much rest as I can.  I only stay awake for a few hours at a time before getting exhausted.  Once this happens, I need to lay down.  I struggle with my sleep schedule since it’s impossible to stay in one position for too long anymore.  I toss from side to side frequently and it is very hard to stay asleep.  Oh well!  Soon enough, he will be here and I will be awake for different reasons. I can’t wait.

Chances are, this is my last pregnancy update! 

Thank you so much for following our story and for always being so kind with your comments.  I will be posting on Instagram and Facebook before having a chance to update this website.  So, if you’ll be waiting for a picture of Liam, follow me there in the meantime!

Update: 

Liam Maverick’s Birth Story Part 1

Liam Maverick’s Birth Story Part 2