Vegan Pregnancy Update {Week 38}

How Far Along: 38 weeks 5 days

Size: The Midwives estimated that baby is between 6-7 lbs and is about 19-20 inches head to toe. Food comparison – Length of a leek.

Weight gain: I actually lost a pound in the last two weeks. They say that’s common as you reach the end of pregnancy. Weight gain is about 24-26 lbs.

Baby bump: I can’t believe my belly button still hasn’t been pushed out! I assume it is safe to say it won’t, as I don’t think baby bump is getting much bigger at this stage.

Movement: Baby is doing jumping jacks in there, poking his/her bum out on my right side and some knee or foot out on the left. It’s the same movement every time, everyday. I still get the groin tickles from the hands every now and then as well. I know I need to soak up these precious feelings before my tummy goes back to being empty. Ahhh.

Exercise: Seriously, the yoga in the mornings has been just what I needed. It helps reduce any lower back pain that I had from tossing and turning in my sleep the night before and helps me feel ready for the day. Ps – when is it cooling down? My fingers still get all puffy when I go for walks outside. Ah, the Carolinas.

How I’m feeling: Physically I am feeling great. I thought I’d be much more uncomfortable heading into the 39^th week but I might even feel better as baby has given me more space around my lungs and ribs. The Braxton Hicks are getting a little more uncomfortable and I am having a few cramps at night, but during the day I am peachy! Emotionally: It’s so hard for me not to go over every possible complication that could happen when giving birth. It’s difficult to let go of my anxiety and trust my body, the Midwives and God. I printed out some Bible verses to cling to during labor. I know baby needs me to relax so he/she can come out. If you have any other suggestions please let me know!

Cravings/Aversions:

• Cravings- All gone!
• Aversions- Still the same: Just sundried tomatoes, peanut sauce, and curry.

Food: Some things I ate this week –

• Loaded couscous (thanks Mom!)
• Fettuccine Alfredo (three nights in a row #dontcare)
• Museli
• Tofurkey sandwiches (like everyday!)
• Sushi at Wild East Pan-Asian Bistro (New Zealand Café still wins at sushi)
• Fruit (pears and grapes this week. I couldn’t find any plums, sigh.)

What I miss:

1. Sleeping on my tummy and back (still my number one miss!)(I’m not changing this…ever)
2. It’s a cycle of missing wine, hugging Daniel properly, wearing 99% of the clothes in my closet and not going to the bathroom 100 times a day.

Nursery: Daniel secured the changing mat to the dresser this week and I washed the armchair’s seat cover and arm rest covers. It looks so much better. I wanted to get them reupholstered but we decided another day is another day.

Baby Purchases: I caved and ordered the rug I’ve been dreaming about for the corner of the room with the books, mirror and pull-up bar. I am so excited to show you, it’s so cute!

The car seat and stroller finally arrived this week (we love them!) and I went to the Mathew’s Police Department to have them perform a car seat safety check. Boom! Baby is ready for transportation.

I am also taking the “My Brest Friend” nursing pillow back in favor of a Boppy pillow that seems more versatile to use for breastfeeding and propping baby up.

Can’t wait for: A prenatal massage today and a friend’s baby shower tomorrow! Also – we can’t wait for baby Deane to make his/her appearance into the world. I told Daniel that he/she must have more of his chilled personality because if baby was like me, he/she would have wanted to come out early to start socializing, hehe. FOMO is real.

Till next week (maybe?),