34 Weeks

Bebs: Bebs now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (an average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

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I had a few friends nervously ask me if I was going to write a "Pro's on Pregnancy" list since last week I laid out a few cons. Sadly, I can think of at least 15 more cons. I didn't even mention any trials and tribulations from the first trimester--morning sickness, migraines, hemrhoids, acne--just to name a few. ;)

To be honest, my fellow readers, I have never been so uncomfortable in my entire life. I'm straddling the line between constant mild discomfort and the extreme desire of wanting to jump out of my skin. My sister-in-law Tara and I had discussed body issues in pregnancy before when she was pregnant and again when I got pregnant. Tara told me how it felt like her "body was not her own." I thought I understood that. I thought, "of course, you're growing a human being in there! I have no problem giving up alcohol, certain foods and activities because my baby deserves the best while she is developing."

All of that is definitely true, but one aspect of the "body is not your own" mantra I was missing is that it literally FEELS like your body is not yours. There's limbs in your stomach that poke and prod any and all organs, regardless if you're ready for a jab in the ribs or not. A swift kick in the bladder may make you think your water broke in the bathroom at Best Buy, but no--you're a 26-year-old woman who just peed herself a little. It is impossible to sit normally (or comfortably), fall asleep, and even better--actually stay asleep. Sometimes I will glance over at my thin, handsome, snoring husband and want to strangle him for the sheer fact that he gets to sleep in any position he wants.

But, I digress. Obviously the "pro" aspects of pregnancy completely outweigh any and all pain and discomfort the mommy-to-be endures. YOU ARE HAVING A BABY! You have literally created life; a miracle. Along with that, there are a few other perks of being pregnant...

The Perks of Being Pregnant

In no particular order...

 

1. Forget about carrying anything for 9 months. People fret over you if you pick up a plate. "Oh hun, let me get that for you!"

2. People give up their seats for you, and do it with a smile. Hubs and I were at Red Robin for dinner one night, and this very kind older gentleman was all too excited to offer me his seat at the bar, as well as offer us "congratulations!" (I got a lemonade at the bar, calm down. ;))

3. Your hair and nails grow like WEEDS! Thank you pre-natal vitamins!

4. Food cravings. It is completely legit to eat ice cream for breakfast. Or grab Taco Bell for lunch. "The baby needed it."

5. People just seem nicer. "Do you need help with anything?" "Heather, you're seriously glowing!" "Here, I made you some brownies."

6. Baby shower! Jason and I had an absolutely wonderful time at all four (yes, four) baby showers. We got so many wonderful things for our little girl (so spoiled already!) and felt so loved and supported by our family, friends and co-workers.

7. Feeling flutters and movement. Feeling your baby squirm around in there is the best feeling in the world. Sometime around 32 weeks, though, it also starts to get a little painful. Even though I complain, I'm still glad to get a few kicks and punches from her so I know she's doing ok.

8. New clothes. Granted, they are maternity clothes, but still! Always fun to shop for and borrow new clothes! (Plus, this may be a deal I made only with myself...but when I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight...I am buying a whole new wardrobe!)

9. Even though you really will want to strangle your husband at times...you also realize how much you love him.

10. Again, I say...YOU ARE HAVING A BABY! :-D