Anyone ever wonder where the saying "barefoot and pregnant" came from?? Well apparently not only does your belly swell during pregnancy, but so do your feet! Women from financially restricted backgrounds could not afford to buy new shoes when their feet would swell, so they would just walk around without shoes or slippers hoping for the return of their normal shoe size after delivery. However, this increase in foot size is generally permanent. Our feet get bigger because pregnancy hormones cause all the ligaments in our body to loosen...to accommodate our growing size. Good thing I don't have a closet full of Jimmy Choo's or Manolo Blahnik's to replace!!!
I had another Doctor's appointment this week where I learned that I've gained 20lbs! Gulp! It's water weight....I swear! My belly (fundal height) was also measured again. At each prenatal visit, the doctor measures this height as an indication of whether the baby is growing normally. (It's the distance between the pubic bone and the top of the uterus). About mid pregnancy, the measurement of the fundal height should correspond to the number of weeks of the pregnancy. (+ or - 2cm) For example, at 27 weeks of pregnancy, the fundus should measure 27 centimeters. At 26 weeks 5 days, mine was measuring 29cm! Oops. She didn't seem concerned though and even said "your baby is really growing well!" I seem to be carrying all out front...like a torpedo belly...which may play a part in measuring bigger. (At least that's what I'll tell myself) It has nothing to do with "Mr Cravings" who reappeared after a short absence and brought me delicious Butter Tarts today. (Which I consumed with pure gluttony!) :s
We've been talking about taking a "Babymoon" It's apparently a hot trend in pregnancy... a clever take on a honeymoon. A babymoon has the same goal and that is to provide you and your partner some special time together. Many hotels even offer babymoon packages with pampering in mind. Some packages include mini-fridges stocked with pickles and ice cream, or a couple's massage with a pregnancy-trained masseuse. I think a little weekend away together would be a lovely chance to relax before our lives change (for the better) forever! :)
Last night while laying in bed, Bryce was extra squirmy! I tried to capture some of it on film. Take a look.
What's happening with baby this week? "Baby continues to make breathing movements, but there is no air in his lungs yet. Hands are active and muscle coordination is such that he can get a thumb into the mouth. Thumb sucking calms the baby and strengthens the cheek and jaw muscles. The fetal brain scan will show response to touch. Touching and playing with the baby is possible now, as they may respond to your touch through your belly wall. Brain growth continues with brain wave activity for the visual and auditory systems starting to develop. Baby is probably very active in the womb, as the most active weeks are typically between weeks 24 and 28. You may begin feeling your belly tighten and relax at odd moments or irregular intervals. These are Braxton Hicks contractions. They are painless and help the uterus prepare for the birth. Many babies have developed a predictable routine for sleep and active periods. The end of week 26 marks the end of month six, which is the last month of the second trimester".
Hello 3rd trimester...nice to meet you! Please be kind and do not give me special gifts of aches, pains, swelling, varicose veins, stretch marks and other goodies associated with later stage pregnancy! Thank you!
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