Week 32

At some time last week I've starting pee-ing every 20 seconds - exaggerating! Sometimes I feel baby's limbs pushing my cervix. Not quite a pleasant feeling in the middle of the night, eh?

We got back from the pre-natal class and I must say, it was very informative. Hazel, the midwife kept us up-to-date, medical research back-up information and also a tour to the delivery suites, neonatal care unit and labour room. We watched a birth video, met the physio therapist (which puts my thoughts of vaginal delivery at such ease), massage techniques, role of support person, pain relief options and discussions, how to get through labour, how your thoughts and attitudes towards labour can change your labour experience, and of course lots of baby-care information. There were probably about 7-8 couples in one setting and while dicussing pain-relief options (laughing gas) one husband actually asked if he can have some too while his wife's on it. Apparently the Lamaze breathing technique are outdated and they're finding it to be un-necessary (well, by the time you're in labour, you're gonna breathe by instinct) but they do encourage deep breathing and focus on it - not by holding it in. By the end of the class, my view on labour - purely biologically view, instinctive. Like how animals cope. But of course with the exception of pain relief options when the going gets too rough. But to also keep in mind that until labour pain strikes, one wouldn't realize how amazing the body (and yourself, of course) handles pain. I'm just glad your Daddy's there in class with me.

I'm still not sleeping too well at night and most times I feel oh-so-heavy! My back doesn't hurt contrary to what most people anticipated, but down lower part of my belly does. I suppose it's my lower abdominal muscle supporting the uterus. Have you seen my belly lately? So round and huge! It's a no-wonder it hurts. But bearable. At the moment.

So now I'm 32 weeks along. Only update is PUPPPs has found a new place and starts at my ankles and slowly going upwards. The ones on my belly's been healing nicely. I walk slower, heaved myself around and sometimes my legs hurt. My hip joints also hurts when I sleep at night. And baby.. well baby's been groovin' in the car when the radio's on, up and kicking at the most inconvenient time (like today in the morning during the class), and wriggles a lot stronger!

Week 32: Mommy, you're HOT!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 32: Fetus in eighth month In the latest womb reports, your amazing baby has now developed sensitivity to temperature! This means you’ll probably get a swift kick if you put a hot pad on your ginormous belly. For the Elton John lovers out there-- yes, baby’s got blue eyes. At this point, all babies do, although depending on their chromosomal disposition, this could easily change after birth (or even between now and labor), but for the time being, blue it is. Thanks to their recently matured lungs and a remarkably strong immune system, over 90% of babies born in their 32nd week, survive premature births. So it’s pretty much a done deal. Even if your little monkey’s planning on heading out early, their survival odds are in everyone’s favor. Time to celebrate (no, no, wait until after the birth to crack open the champagne!) We’re talking baby-showers and alcohol-free punch!

And how's mom doing? If your family or significant other is around and involved, it’s probably time to start discussing what’s going to happen when you really go into labor. Of course, the delivery itself can be quite overwhelming for first-time viewers, so make sure and openly discuss the fact there will be blood, sweat, mucous, and possibly even a bit of poop (if you didn’t know already, it’s likely that while in labor and pushing, you also push out a bit of the ol’ number 2—it’s totally normal if not a little disgusting). Even the weak-stomached birthing buddies can still help to make the labor-process more bearable with breathing assistance, massages, and constant reassurance and cheering: "Yay! That was a great contraction honey!" (Now run! Before she breaks your wrist!). For the more blood-bold and not so faint of heart, the positions of cameraman, baby-catcher, and/or umbilical cord-cutter are always available—just talk to your doctor or mid-wife beforehand so they can be prepared to deal with an extra person during the birthing process.

Surprise! Your third trimester symptoms aren’t going away yet. If you just got back from peeing, you already know that your bladder is nearing non-existent-land. These joys will persist till you’re on the birthing bench. Also, be careful of lightheadedness during these last weeks. Your blood tends to pool in the lower limbs, resulting in low cranial blood pressure. So, watch out for the head rushes and get up nice-n-slow after sitting for long periods.