Today I’m sharing details of my pregnancy at 37 weeks in my third trimester. Enjoy my 37 Week Bump Update for my third pregnancy.
37 Week Bump Update
How far along are you? 37 weeks 2 Days …. 2cm dilated + 50% effaced … FULL TERM!
Total weight gain: 26-28 lbs
How I’m feeling: Ready for Baby A
We had another trip to the hospital last week – this time it was for a possible pulmonary embolism. Talk about terrifying… but I’m okay. After 10 hours and every medical test under the sun, I was told my shortness of breath/blacking out episodes are a result of pregnancy. The bottom of my lungs collapse a little bit in certain positions from my pregnant belly; don’t worry, it’s not life threatening!
Signs of Labor: Now that we are full term, it’s safer for her to be born. However, I’m not in active labor, so I’m not expecting her any day!
While at the hospital I was monitored for contractions; they were infrequent and weak. However, once I was moved to the Emergency Department for testing I started cramping and contracting. The day after my hospital trip at my 36 weeks appointment, the midwife performed a pelvic exam to check on any progress. I’m currently 2cm dilated and 50% effaced, with the baby at a -3 fetal station (she’s still floating). My vulvar varicosities are beyond swollen and worsen more quickly as the day goes on. I’m hoping to continue dilating so I can request an induction before December 4th if she doesn’t come on her own.
I’m still cramping and contracting daily, but nothing is consistent. On Sunday I had the most intense pain and long contraction of my pregnancy. I jumped in a hot shower to relax and afterwards, I only felt mild contractions. We are hoping all of the activity means she is getting ready to come, but I know that’s not so likely since I was induced for my first two pregnancies. We are in no rush for Baby A to get here, but for the sake of comfort – it would be nice if she did.
Third Pregnancy Symptoms
Heartburn: Thanks to a prescription of Protonix I’m no longer suffering from heartburn (as long as I take the pill every morning!). I’m happy the heartburn is controlled so I can drink all the juice.
Cravings: It’s been awhile since I discussed my consistent third pregnancy cravings because nothing has been consistent (hah). I finally found one… APPLE JUICE. I crave a cold glass of apple juice every few days!
ICE CHEWING: The longer the ice sits in the water, the easier it is to chew. I wonder if I can call ice chips a craving?
Bed Rest? I’m no longer on modified bed rest, but I’m strictly working from home and taking frequent breaks during the day. The OB I saw a week after my first trip to labor and delivery said it was okay to drive if I don’t feel faint too. It’s easy to recognize the precursors to blacking out (tingles in my arms and legs, shortness of breath), so I have Brandon drive when it’s happening.
Hip/Back Pain: I haven’t seen my chiropractor since before my first trip to Labor and Delivery. My hips and pelvis only feel tight or uncomfortable if I sit on the floor for too long.
Anxiety: My anxiety about having another child is not as strong as it was a few weeks ago. I’m trying to spend as much time with the girls as we wait for their baby sister though. I become weepy often as I’m overjoyed about our growing family. One on one time with each daughter will be important after she arrives too!
37 Weeks Pregnant
Baby A: Our little girl is currently the size of Winnie the Pooh’s honey jar and as big as a canary melon. At 37 weeks, baby most likely weighs about 6 pounds (which I believe is true!). It’s very crowded in my uterus, so I feel every – little – movement. She often hits a nerve throughout the day while moving, which causes a burning sensation down my legs. The pain, often referred to as ‘lightening crotch,’ stops me in my tracks every time!
We saw a little bit of hair in the ultrasound at 35 weeks and thought, “Wow our first baby with hair at birth!” Then we found a picture of newborn Ailey with brown hair. Poor Annabelle was our only bald baby!
Baby A has the hiccups a few times a day and becomes very active when her sisters chat with her at bedtime. She also seems to move around a lot after I drink apple juice (obviously its the sugar, but I like it believe it’s because she craves it too).
Nursery Update: I finally have a nursery update – the walls are painted and the closet is complete! We have a crib mattress, changing pad, glider and diaper genie (so important). We are still deciding on blinds, curtains, and wall decor. Want to see what else we have for the baby? Check out my third pregnancy registry must haves.
The Third Pregnancy: I’m carrying so much differently this time – Baby A feels like a watermelon. My weight gain is more focused around my belly than the rest of my body. My face hasn’t seemed to puff up (yet) and my breasts aren’t as swollen anymore.
More Posts at 37 Weeks Pregnant
First Pregnancy: 37 Weeks
Second Pregnancy: 37 Weeks
More Third Pregnancy Posts
34 Week Bump Update
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
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