31 Weeks

This week the baby is as big as asparagus (over 16 inches long and over 3 pounds).  This growing baby is crowding my lungs and diaphragm, and I'm starting to notice.  I'm more easily out of breath when exercising and sometimes even lying in a certain position on the couch makes it harder to get deep breaths.  

All 5 of Muffin's senses are in working order, with the irises now reacting to light.  And it's possible that the baby has moved into the head-down position.  The baby is establishing patterns of sleep and wake times, which are indicated by movement.

This week I have felt lots of movement, but specifically hiccups!  There are some days that Muffin has the hiccups 2-3 different times in one day.  It's always fun to feel at first, but becomes quickly uncomfortable as they can be persistent and strong.  Eric commented that I appear to be more uncomfortable this week - and he's right.  I think my belly is getting large enough to make certain positions and movements difficult.  And I've been spending a lot of time on the floor, playing with Gavin.  My belly is also large enough to get in the way.  This morning, I knocked over a dining room chair while trying to stand up from the table.  Eric and Gavin were in the basement when it happened, so I yelled down the stairs to Eric, "It happened.  I just knocked something over with my belly."  Eric finds this quite entertaining.  

Still no upcoming appointments, as Dr. Kaufman and I agreed I did not need to be seen at 30 weeks.  (I'm guessing this is partly because I've had an uncomplicated pregnancy with no concerns and partly because of COVID-19.) Our next appointment is April 14 and includes an ultrasound to measure the baby and an appointment with Dr. Kaufman.