"Your baby now weighs between 6 - 6.5lbs and measures 19 inches in length. They are gaining that cute chubby fat every day and the brain and skull continue to grow. The baby's lungs are more than capable of adjusting to life outside the womb and they now should be in the engaged position."
Life update: You may have noticed that I have been a bit quiet over here on my blog for the past month or so. This is down to the fact that we had to move house straight after Christmas so come the 27th December we were busy packing and unpacking boxes, cleaning, erecting furniture and doing all those other dull but necessary things that come with a new house. At nine months pregnant this was an exhausting, emotional and stressful time for me and my main priority was to make this house a home. The nesting instinct well and truly kicked in and all I wanted to do was ensure we had a happy place to bring this baby into. Thankfully we are definitely getting there and the end is now in sight but I would still like a few more weeks please baby to finish off decorating and buy a few more cushions!
How far along: 37 weeks and 3 days - officially full term.
Days until due date: 18 days
My bump: Definitely out there! It all goes out at the front and nothing around my middle so I barely show when I am facing front on to people.
Weight changes: Pre-pregnancy = 8stone 4lbs. Today = 9stone 4.8lbs (+14.8lbs). Really surprised I have only put on a stone throughout my whole pregnancy, especially with everyone telling me horror stories of eating ice cream at 3am in the morning and gaining 5 stone! But it isn't down to just being lucky - I have made a real conscious effort from the very beginning to continue eating very healthy, not over-indulge and keep up my exercise. I am still managing to 'run' 3-4 times a week, up to 5 miles at a time, much to the amusement of passer-bys!
Stretch marks? No stretch marks whatsoever so hopefully I have got away with them, this time around.
Cravings: Ben & Jerry's! I haven't had any major cravings throughout my whole pregnancy and I am not even a big fan of ice cream but I had some the other day at my brother's house and ever since then, I have had a real hankering for Cookie Dough or Phish Food!
Sleep: Still sleeping soundly despite the random under-the-ribs kicks as I drift off.
Symptoms: Again I have been pretty much 'symptom-free' throughout my pregnancy but in the last week or so I have developed Carpel Tunnel Syndrome which is agonising and makes me wake up with severe numbness in my hands and fingers. It is causes by the increased blood pressure compressing your main nerve at the wrist which causes your fingers to go numb. I am seeing a specialist next week at the maternity unit to hopefully get some splints fitted to help ease the pain.
Best moment this week: Finishing work and starting my maternity leave!
Worst moment this week: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Miss anything? Prosecco. Honestly so excited to have a small glass of bubbles once baby is here! :)
Maternity clothes: Still just living in H&M maternity leggings and basic 'normal' stretchy tops. I only ended up buying 3-4 maternity pieces and so pleased I didn't have go crazy and completely revamp my wardrobe as they certainly don't scream glamour!
Movement: Over the past month, the movements of my little one have become more and more intense as they have grown and become more squished down there, and he/she has definitely developed its own little routine throughout the day.
Gender: Unknown and we aren't going to find out either. I think there are so few genuine surprises left in life I couldn't think of anything better than letting this baby be one of them. I plan for Rob to be the one who reveals to me what we've had (if he can see through the tears!) - a little girl or a little boy.
Belly button in/out: Ever so slightly popped.
Wedding Rings on/off: Off due to my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Mood: Generally happy and feeling content in our new house but ever so anxious that I still have lots I want to do before this little one makes an appearance.
Looking forward to: Our wardrobes being delivered next week - living with piles of clothes on the floor is not fun!