34 Weeks – Second Pregnancy

How far along: 34 weeks 3 days (39 days or less to go!)

Total weight gain: 29lbs

Baby Facts: She weighs 5lbs! We had an ultrasound on Thursday and that was the tech’s estimate based on her measurements. Seems that her tiny fingernails have grown long enough to almost be painted – Annabelle will be so thrilled when she can paint her sisters nails.

Movement: It’s no exaggeration that Baby A is smushed in my belly since I’m measuring small but she is measuring right on track – which explains why when she moves even a tiny finger, I can feel it and you can see it from the outside.

Symptoms: What no one tells you is that the first and third trimester are VERY MUCH ALIKE – give or take 25lbs and a waddle. Nausea, heartburn, exhaustion, aches and pains – you name it – it’s back. 

Here’s how I’m surviving: Zantac, ice packs, a nap a day, and so much drinking water I could fill a small pool. 

 

Early Labor Signs: Who doesn’t love an internal exam when you’re 34 weeks pregnant?? My cervix is long but starting to thin and I’m not a centimeter dilated, but I’m not exactly closed up tight.

Missing: The ability to stay on my feet without having to hold myself between the legs for more than 30 minutes. I dread doing anything these days unless I know there is a place I can sit… but even sitting is starting to get painful. I can literally feel my parts swelling from the pressure of my uterus and it’s horrible.

The doctor is saying there’s a possibility we could schedule an induction around 39 weeks if I’m in too much pain from my varicose veins. I am honestly considering this option – even though I would rather go into labor naturally. I spend a lot of evenings fighting back tears because the ice pack I’m squeezing between my thighs isn’t doing its job and the pinching pains won’t subside. I’m scared that something is going to rupture (one of the blebs) every time I go to the bathroom. He tried to reassure me that everything would go back to normal down there after labor and delivery, but it looks so horrible I am scared it won’t. 

Wondering? Here is my 34 week bump update with Annabelle.