Update time. 28 weeks pregnant today. This means I've got approximately 10 weeks to go before delivery, since I generally give birth at 38 weeks. Though, it may be later, (like a full 40 weeks) than earlier this time, since my blood pressure is good and that's what always did me in in previous pregnancies - the high blood pressure, tachycardia and symptoms of preeclampsia. Maybe since I'm smaller this time around, I won't get those issues. My blood pressure at my last visit was 100/60, whereas in previous pregnancies it hung out around 150/90 and higher.
As for other issues, I've still anemic - the hematologist sees me once a month for a blood check and a B-12 injection. My levels haven't increased, though they're at least maintaining at the very lowest the doc will allow before intervening. She has suggested an iron infusion right after the baby is born, because I'm likely to get more anemic after blood loss like birth. I still feel like a wet sponge at best most days, no energy at all. I get what I need to get done, but I have to stop a lot - and many things get done half-assed and I have to remember to go back and finish things. I start things with the best of intentions, and I fizzle out and get so sleepy I don't finish, or I actually forget.
As for other side effects, I explained my horrendous varicose veins, and we're ignoring them, just can't do anything about them until I'm at goal and ready for removal surgeries. Also, the super sciatica has kicked in full force. It feels as if my rear end is going to uh, crack, and split and my legs are both going to shoot off in separate directions. I find myself pacing around to keep the pain away, but it's getting worse each day. Hooray.
Update: I had an OB visit today, just a quickie. Baby sounds well, her heartrate is just fine. She's still breech, but I knew that, I can feel it. I am waiting for the big move - it's getting cramped in there, and I don't really want her to get stuck rightside up! I'm measuring 29 weeks, my blood pressure is a-okay, no protein in the urine, little weight gain. These are good things.
About this stage of preggo -
*PS - just flip that baby the other way, and it's a good facsimile.
From The Childbirth Connection:
By your 28th week of pregnancy, your baby is about 16 inches long and weighs 3-1/2 to 4 pounds. The skin is wrinkled but will become less so as more subcutaneous fat, the layer of fat just under the skin, is laid down in the next few weeks. Fine downy hair, called lanugo, and a waxy white protective substance covering the skin, called vernix, are present on the baby's body. The baby's eyes are open. The eyebrows and eyelashes were formed in the fourth month. The baby sucks its thumb and its taste buds have developed. The baby kicks, stretches, and moves frequently in the uterus. These movements, which are readily observable to others, are often keenly felt by the mother. Some mothers may find that the pressure of the growing uterus against the stomach by this week causes heartburn. The fundus, the top of the uterus, is now about one-third of the distance between the umbilicus (bellybutton) and the xiphoid cartilage. Constipation may also occur due to uterine pressure on the lower colon, as well as hormonal slowing of peristalsis (the process of excreting waste). Uterine growth combined with increased maternal weight gain contribute to a recurrence of fatigue similar to that during the early weeks of pregnancy.
By the 28th week, changes in the breasts prepare them for lactation. First colostrum, then milk, is produced by the grape-like clusters of tiny sacs (alveoli) deep within the breast tissue.Clusters of alveoli form lobules, which consolidate to form 15 to 20 lobes. Each lobe connects to a lactiferous duct. As the ducts extend toward the nipple and areolar areas, they widen into the lactiferous sinuses. These sinuses (or milk pools) release the milk through 15 to 20 tiny nipple openings when the baby nurses.
The baby's organs and systems are quite well developed by the 28th week of pregnancy. If born now, the baby would probably survive but would need intensive, specialized care. The final two months of gestation are important for further maturation of all body systems and organs. Full term gestation best prepares the baby for a smooth and healthy adjustment to life outside of your uterus.
The baby's organs and systems are quite well developed. If born now the baby would probably survive but would need intensive, specialized care. The final two months of gestation are important for further maturation of all body systems and organs. Full term gestation best prepares the baby for a smooth and healthy adjustment to life outside of your uterus.
Update time. 28 weeks pregnant today. This means I've got approximately 10 weeks to go before delivery, since I generally give birth at 38 weeks. Though, it may be later, (like a full 40 weeks) than earlier this time, since my blood pressure is good and that's what always did me in in previous pregnancies - the high blood pressure, tachycardia and symptoms of preeclampsia. Maybe since I'm smaller this time around, I won't get those issues. My blood pressure at my last visit was 100/60, whereas in previous pregnancies it hung out around 150/90 and higher.
As for other issues, I've still anemic - the hematologist sees me once a month for a blood check and a B-12 injection. My levels haven't increased, though they're at least maintaining at the very lowest the doc will allow before intervening. She has suggested an iron infusion right after the baby is born, because I'm likely to get more anemic after blood loss like birth. I still feel like a wet sponge at best most days, no energy at all. I get what I need to get done, but I have to stop a lot - and many things get done half-assed and I have to remember to go back and finish things. I start things with the best of intentions, and I fizzle out and get so sleepy I don't finish, or I actually forget.
As for other side effects, I explained my horrendous varicose veins, and we're ignoring them, just can't do anything about them until I'm at goal and ready for removal surgeries. Also, the super sciatica has kicked in full force. It feels as if my rear end is going to uh, crack, and split and my legs are both going to shoot off in separate directions. I find myself pacing around to keep the pain away, but it's getting worse each day. Hooray.
Update: I had an OB visit today, just a quickie. Baby sounds well, her heartrate is just fine. She's still breech, but I knew that, I can feel it. I am waiting for the big move - it's getting cramped in there, and I don't really want her to get stuck rightside up! I'm measuring 29 weeks, my blood pressure is a-okay, no protein in the urine, little weight gain. These are good things.
About this stage of preggo -
*PS - just flip that baby the other way, and it's a good facsimile.
From The Childbirth Connection: