30 Weeks
At 30 weeks, the baby is the size of a zucchini (almost 16 inches and 3 pounds). Muffin's skin is getting smoother and losing lanugo - the protective coating. The brain is getting bigger and more wrinkly. This allows for more an increased amount of tissue to form. The baby's hands are getting stronger (strong enough to grasp a finger) and fingernails are growing. For the next several weeks, Muffin will gain approximately half a pound per week.
Although the third trimester begins at 28 weeks, this week has made me feel like I have arrived at a turning point. My belly seems noticeably bigger (to me), I'm more tired at random times, I've had a little bit of heartburn, and my lower abdomen has been really sore - I would almost describe it as painful. In my internet research, I think I might be experiencing more round ligament pain, but I also think it could be related to the abdominal adhesions I have. As my uterus and baby grow and expand, I wonder if the scar tissue is being stretched and causing tightness, soreness, and serious discomfort. This is the second time I have had these sensations and they've lasted for about 2 days each time before gradually lessening and disappearing.
This was supposed to be our first week back to school after spring break, but school has been cancelled until April 13 due to COVID-19. While Eric works from home, Gavin and I have been spending our days together playing with Legos, Paw Patrol figures, Matchbox cars, coloring, reading books, and getting outside as much as we can. He's been great and hasn't complained about not getting to go to our usual hangouts (zoo, library, science center, Nana's house). Some of the activities he chooses are getting less comfortable for me to participate in - namely sidewalk chalk and sitting on the floor for extended periods of time.
As far as prepping for Muffin's arrival, we're feeling decently prepared. Over the past week we've been discussing names again and we have a front-runner for a boy and two contenders for a girl (but one might be slightly more favored than the other). Our nursery furniture was delivered today (hooray!), so Eric and Gavin are planning to assemble that tomorrow. Once that is set up, we can wash bedding and clothing and start putting some things away in an organized manner. Our hospital classes (childbirth review and breastfeeding) were cancelled, but I was able to receive some materials electronically. Today I logged in and set up those online resources. I also signed up for a second online breastfeeding course from a private company that is being offered for free because of COVID-19. I've read one breastfeeding book and have one more that I want to read in the next few weeks. I also built an Amazon registry with all of the items we want to purchase before Muffin's arrival. This isn't meant to be shared with anyone - we just needed a place to list the items we need - and we get a 15% completion discount within 60 days of my due date. Finally, I made a list of things to pack in our hospital bag(s). Some things for me, some for Muffin, some for Eric.
Depending on the state of the pandemic, we aren't sure what our hospital trip will look like. Some hospitals are not allowing any birth partners to accompany laboring mothers. Others are allowing only one birth partner. And within that stipulation, there are still variances. Some allow the spouse to attend the birth, but he must leave within 2 hours of the birth and cannot return. Others allow the spouse to stay for the duration of the hospital stay, but he cannot leave and come back. And some are discharging moms and babies within 24 hours of birth so they can be isolated at home and not in the hospital with a higher risk of infection. Right now, Methodist is allowing one birth partner and there are no stipulations about coming/going. We'll see if that changes between now and our labor day.
This was a long post considering we didn't have any appointments this week! Our next visit to the doctor will be April 14 for an ultrasound to measure growth and a routine 32-week check with Dr. Kaufman.
