31 Weeks . . .

How your baby's growing:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.


How your life's changing:
Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don't hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor: an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it's pink or just tinged with blood); abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping; an increase in pressure in the pelvic area; or low back pain, especially if you didn't have it before.

You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or "premilk," from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (And if not, it's certainly nothing to worry about; your breasts are making colostrum all the same, even if you don't see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in you'll be grateful for that extra room!

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Braxton Hicks - CHECK

Leaking - CHECK

Ryan getting ready for a growth spurt . . . based on last weeks appt I think he already did this. They told me on the 10th that he was about 16inches and 3lbs and since I was measuring 3 WEEKS ahead hopefully this was his grown spurt and he is not continuing to have additional spurts. Don't get me wrong, I don't by any means want him to be too small, but lets be real people I am only 5'3"! And I would like to be able to have him wear the newborn size clothes he has in his closet at least once. LOL

Last week I read a post online about "You know you are in the 3rd trimester when . . . " It pretty much had me laughing so hard I had tears. The one that stuck out the most to me was "You know your in the 3rd trimester when, your thighs run into your calfs" Cankles is the term heard most I believe. Yep thats me, one big, well I guess 2, sausage legs carrying me and Ryan around. For those of you that I will be seeing this weekend, I apologize in advance.

On another note . . . 22 days left until I am out of work WOOHOO!!