36 Weeks

Well, we are officially nine months pregnant!  And we have 4 weeks until my due date.  It's hard to believe we will have a baby here with us in the next 28 days!  This has been such a long-awaited and anticipated event and we're finally in the countdown stage.  

This week the baby is the size of a papaya (almost 19 inches and 6+ pounds).  Now that we're in the final weeks, Muffin's liver and kidneys are fully functioning.  The immune and circulatory systems are developed.  The lungs are getting stronger all the time.  And the skin is getting smooth and soft as the lanugo sheds.  One thing that continues to change after birth (besides hardening bones) is the digestive system.  It is developed, but hasn't needed to be operational since all of the baby's nutrition has come from the umbilical cord while in utero.  

Over the last week, I've started having some sharp sensations - almost painful, stabbing sensations in my lower abdomen.  I think I might be experiencing "lightening."  Sometimes there are shooting pains (that literally last 3 seconds or less) and sometimes it feels like a nerve is being pinched in my lower abdomen or even at the top of my thigh.  Google has informed me of the following:

Lightening pain is caused by the pressure and position of the baby as they descend into the birth canal to get ready for delivery. The good news is lightning pain means you are getting closer to delivery day. The bad news is that lightning can happen for weeks before you actually go into labor.

So, it basically means that we are getting closer to labor, but it doesn't mean that I will go into labor soon.  Just like every other "pre-labor symptom."  Ha!

I have a routine OB appointment on Tuesday afternoon.  We are scheduled to see Dr. Bedia this time, which is who we saw for the majority of my pregnancy with Gavin.  I anticipate the usual weight and blood pressure checks, fundal height measurement, and also my first cervix check.  We'll find out whether I'm dilated or effaced at all (yet another set of criteria that indicates your body is preparing for labor, but does not at all indicate how much longer it will be).  

I'll go back to seeing Dr. Kaufman the following week for my 37 week appointment. Assuming there are no changes in policy due to COVID-19, I will be seen weekly until delivery.  That makes the time go even faster!