Today Iβm sharing details of my pregnancy at 34 weeks in my third trimester. Enjoy my 34 Week Bump Update for my third pregnancy.
34 Week Bump Update
How far along are you? 34 weeks 5 Days
Total weight gain: 22-24 lbs (I miscalculated my total weight gain)
How Iβm feeling: This week was a fun one… It all started on Saturday when I hit the 34 weeks pregnant milestone. I discovered red spotted discharge in the toilet after going to the bathroom and felt a lot of pressure in my pelvis soon after. My Braxton Hicks contractions began to pick up as well, so I called the midwife and was instructed to hydrate and rest. After lots of water and a nap I felt great.
The next day was pretty uneventful despite more frequent Braxton Hicks. By Monday I was only a little bit concerned about all of the contractions, but my midwife wanted to check me out anyways. She performed a quick cervical check; my cervix was long and everything closed up tightly. However, she could feel Baby A’s head! She advised me to stay hydrated and not overdo anything.
Fast forward to Wednesday morning. I almost passing out while driving Ailey to school. It was very frightening! My Mom brought over her blood pressure cuff and oximeter; all my vitals looked great – except my pulse. It was fluctuating from 88 to 120 while I was calmly resting. After speaking with my pulmonologist and midwife, I found myself in the Labor and Delivery Triage Unit.
What does this all mean?
Very long story short, I’m having irregular contractions of various strengths and am dilated 1cm. I was at the hospital for 7 hours, tested for a lot of different scenarios, given 2 bags of fluids, and monitored closely. At one point the midwife and doctor wanted to give me something to stop the contractions and a steroid to ensure Baby’s lungs were strong if she came early. But at almost 35 weeks, there’s a good chance her lungs are strong enough to be in the outside world.
My midwives don’t know why I’m having contractions or dilating so early, but Baby A looks healthy and amazing (so that’s good!). There is no prediction as to when I may deliver, but everyone is betting on a November birth date versus her December 4th due date.
Modified Bed Rest: I’ve been put on modified bed rest and a no-driving restriction. It seems as if the baby has been hitting a nerve that’s causing me to feel dizzy and then short of breath. It’s been 24 hours since I returned home and I have only had one big contraction with lots of little ones in-between. We hope that as long as I rest and stay hydrated, we can keep her cooking for a few more weeks!
Baby A: During my level 2 ultrasound we saw she’s really thriving (and smushed) in there. She’s jumped to the 58th percentile with an estimated fetal weight of 5 lbs 7 oz. Her fetal breathing and movement also look great! Baby is supposed to be the size of an Eggo’s Waffle Box, but she could be a bit bigger. I’m so relieved she has caught up in size since my belly was measuring behind two weeks ago.
Other Pregnancy Symptoms
Heartburn: Even though Baby A is low in my pelvis and engaged, I still experience heartburn from certain foods. I’m taking Protonix every morning and it helps A LOT!
Vulvar Varicosities: The window in which I’m not super swollen closes very quickly once I wake up in the morning. When I was in the hospital sitting in the bed having contractions, I could feel the left side of my privates swelling more and more. It’s extremely uncomfortable and painful – ice packs help numb it a bit though. I’m truly considering surgery on these veins as soon as I’m cleared by a doctor.
ICE CHEWING: It’s baaaaack. I started craving ice chips a week ago and now I’m eating them all day. I know it’s terrible for my teeth but I can’t stop!
More Posts at 34 Weeks Pregnant
First Pregnancy: 34 Weeks
Second Pregnancy: 34 Weeks
More Third Pregnancy Posts
32 Week Bump Update
30 Week Bump Update
The Ultimate List of Second Trimester Essentials
28 Week Bump Update
26 Week Bump Update
22 Week Bump Update
20 Week Bump Update
16 Week Bump Update
First Trimester Recap
We are Having a Third Baby!
The Story Behind Our Decision to Have Another Baby
Leave a Reply