32 weeks + 5 days

Yesterday was MaxyPoo's last appointment in Japan. His weight was recorded at 1997 grams, or 4.4 pounds. That's a little over 1 pound increase from the last doctor's visit. He's still head down and growing well. The doctor also checked to make sure I was not dilated at all since we'll travel back to the States soon. All looked fine so we're good for travel!

The doctor also gave some interesting tips. He told us that I should try to exercise my lower body when we get to the States. The uterus is a big muscle that doesn't get much exercise so working it out by doing lower body exercises, taking warm baths and foot soaks can help soften and stretch the muscles, making delivery a little easier. I'm definite going to try to do this. And he said when I sit I should let my stomach hang over instead of support my belly on my legs. Exercise and this will help the baby shift downward more naturally and easily for birth.

I thought Maxwell's movements had slowed down a bit these past couple of weeks but the other day it felt like he wouldn't stop. I guess sometimes babies are really active in there and sometimes they just take it easy.

My weight gain went up a bit. I'm at 72 kg, or 158 lbs. And that's a 4 lb. increase from my last doctor's visit.

Well, now we have to find a new doctor in the States. So, that appointment will hopefully be in two weeks, perhaps July 5th...

31 weeks + 5 days

Last night was the worst night so far for me trying to get a decent night's sleep. I wasn't comfortable for most of the night and my anxiety was pretty high. For the past several days I've been feeling a stretchy pain under my belly on and off, here and there...including right now. It doesn't hurt so bad but it's enough to make me rub at it...

I get swollen feet easily if I just sit at the kitchen table and don't prop them up for a while. And my tummy feels heavier. Although its easier to lay on my left or right side these days than when I was in my first and second trimester, it feels uncomfortable because it feels like the baby is getting squished so I resort to just sleeping in a leaning sit up position on propped up pillows and blankets. But my butt feels numb or I slide a bit so it takes most of the night just getting comfortable enough to stay asleep.

I'm getting stretch marks a lot faster these days...I can see some red marks and they're a little itchy. I was managing well with my cream but I think I should apply it more often instead of just after showers...

I had  really good workout yesterday. I did about 20 minutes of my pregnancy workout video and I also used 4 of my Just Dance videos as a workout too. I was able to finish without being too tired either! But I also tried not to push myself too hard either.

I was able to drink a lot of water yesterday and...finally could poop after almost 4 days of constipation. I've taken magnesium pills yesterday and the day before. I am hoping to have a Great Release someday soon...

The next doctor's appointment is in 6 days. I'll be 32 weeks + 4 days then. I am hoping the Maxwell is still growing on target, still head down and that there in absolutely no dilation down there. I also hope that my weight gain is not much higher than the last visit.

Well, until next time!

30 weeks 4 days: Doctor's Appointment

In the 30th week!
My feet have been a lot less swollen this past week. But my stomach feels heavier than I tried to express in my last post. I'm still sleeping in a leaning/sit-up position when I go to bed. But somehow, I can manage a few hours laying on my left side. So I alternate between those two positions.


As for my diet, about the same as usual with the exception of added breads, sweets, and pasta...

So, about today's appointment... MaxyPoo is measuring on track. His head size put his EDD around August 5th and his femur measurement put him around the end of July. His organs are are developing well still and he is still head down. The doctor said he'll most likely stay in this position until birth. His weight is 1648g...about 3.6 lbs. His body, cheeks, etc, appear more chubby and strong. We could see him blinking a little and yawning and moving his mouth. It was so cute!

As for me, my weigh is currently at 70kg or 154lbs. And my belly is now about 113cm around. I've been trying to do my workout dances but I'm definitely having some balance control issues. I'll try each day and update how it's been going in the next post.

Next appointment will be in 2 weeks. I'll be 32 weeks + 4 days. Because we're hoping to go to the States soon, the next appointment might hopefully be our last one here in Japan. If that's the case, the doctor will make a careful observation during the next ultrasound and also check to make sure there is no dilation. And hopefully we can also get a doctor's note to confirm that it will be OK for us to take a flight home. Here's hoping!!!!!!!

Well, until then!