Week 36 pregnancy update
I’ve reached week 36! The little guy is still hanging in there. On Sunday, I’ll reach “full term” status. I don’t want to jinx anything, but I think we’ll make it.
I saw my midwife yesterday and there has been no change since last Wednesday. Wohoo! I’m still 1 cm dilated, 70% effaced, and –1 station. I could not be happier about the lack of progress at this stage.
The belly
Is big, low, and constantly in my way. One of the nurses commented yesterday how much my belly has dropped. She then guessed I’m having a boy since a girl wouldn’t do that to her mom until much closer to delivery. So true! 
Weight gain
I’m continuing to pack on the pounds. I’ve put on another 1.5 this week bringing the total to 30-31 lbs.
Symptoms
I’m quite uncomfortable. I’ve gotten used to the pelvic pressure, but the back pain is still pretty bad. It keeps me up at night and makes walking, changing position, or standing up quite the challenge. I’m exhausted from not sleeping much, which means I spend an embarrassing amount of time on the couch. I’m only productive during the morning hours so that’s when I workout, job hunt, and get things done around the house. I’m starting to see why women are so eager for pregnancy to end by this time in the game. I keep telling myself that I’ll miss being pregnant once he’s out, so I’m trying not to wish away these last few weeks.
I learned yesterday that I am having contractions, but I haven’t noticed them… yet. I had a fetal non-stress test and it showed that I’m having irregular contractions. They’re only about half as strong as “real” contractions, but I think it’s odd I haven’t felt them. I’ve had some menstrual-like cramping on and off since Friday, so perhaps that’s contractions? Everyone tells me I’ll know I’m having contractions because my stomach will get hard. But there’s honestly not a soft spot in my belly right now. It’s all baby and all very hard!
Workouts
I exercised regularly despite my preterm labor signs last week. Two doctors and one midwife told me bed rest was pointless by now and encouraged me to be active. So I was, and it looks like there was no harm done.
My hip is doing well, too. I’m now able to do light elliptical (without much resistance or incline), swim without the pull buoy, and take the furball on short walks.
- W: 20 min elliptical, 20 min recumbent bike
- Th: 1200m pool swim
- F: 35 min elliptical, upper body weight machines
- S: 10 min elliptical, 20 min recumbent bike
- S: OFF
- M: 1200m pool swim
- Tu: 35 min elliptical, upper body weight machines
Mood
After being scared of delivering preterm last week, I am so relieved to be here. I cannot wrap my head around that fact I’m almost full-term now. While each day seems to crawl by, on a whole, pregnancy has flown by. If that makes any sense.
Random
I took a (free) breast-feeding class at a local maternity shop this weekend and I cannot say enough great things about it. I feel much better prepared to step into the world of nursing and pumping. I learned more in one hour with the lactation consultant than I did during our 12 hours of (paid for out-of-pocket) childbirth class.
Now, I just need to figure out my breast-pump. This may be the most intimidating contraption ever…
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November 16th, 2011 - 09:21
You look adorable- talk about ALL belly! Besides baby you still look tiny! Glad your hip pain has leveled off and you’re able to do some activity.
Can’t wait for your little man to be here. Will definitely say a few extra prayers for him to wait a little longer
November 16th, 2011 - 09:21
I never felt the hard belly contractions, mine all felt like menstrual cramps. I woke up 5 days before my due date with them, and then realized I had a little leaking and figured it was my water slowly leaking (it was). Had her a few short hours later. I had no clue contractions felt like cramps before that!
November 16th, 2011 - 09:43
Interesting! Glad to know not everyone has “textbook” contractions. Thanks for sharing!
November 16th, 2011 - 09:23
Gah! The breastpump looks totally intimidating! Glad you learned a lot. Your belly has definitely dropped. I know I say this every week but i cant believe iits almost time!
November 16th, 2011 - 09:33
I’m so glad you went to that class and liked it. I got a ton out of it too! This whole process has really made me seriously consider becoming a lactation consultant. If you have any questions about the pump, let me know, you know I’m happy to help!
November 16th, 2011 - 09:44
You would be a great lactation consultant! And yes, I’m sure I’ll bombard you with pump questions!
November 16th, 2011 - 09:36
You look so good, Jen! Glad baby boy is continuing to stay put. I know that’s a huge relief! What local shop did the breastfeeding class? I’m local too and would be very interested in this!
November 16th, 2011 - 09:41
The Bump in Fort Mill: http://www.thebump-maternity.com/ I think this was their last class until 2012 though
November 16th, 2011 - 09:58
Not to butt in – but I don’t think they list the classes on their website. If you “like” their fb page – she posts the info over there. https://www.facebook.com/TheBumpMaternity
November 16th, 2011 - 10:03
Thanks Cindi!
November 16th, 2011 - 09:40
Hang in there. You’re doing great! And yes, you will miss being pregnant once you’re not. Then you get over it and want your body back.
hehe
The pump was a lifesaver for me, but I was intimidated at first as well. I just remember the first time it felt so weird, but then it was just another part of my day.
You’ll get the hang of it in no time.
November 16th, 2011 - 09:40
This is the 1st time I really thought you looked huge! You’re almost there! These last weeks will crawl, so enjoy the last few days of pregnancy! Are you sure you’re not having back labor? Maybe that’s why you’re not “feeling” the contractions.
November 16th, 2011 - 09:47
My midwife said I might be, especially because my mom did. I wonder if you can just have Braxton Hicks in your back? I’ve been told if the back pain gets to the point where I can’t talk to head to the hospital!
November 16th, 2011 - 10:01
Lactation consultants are a godsend! After one appointment with mine I felt like I knew everything.
… Oh, and drink a beer!
And I might be in the minority, but I dont miss being pregnant. I love bring able to wear my jeans and hold my baby in my arms
Your belly looks awesome! Alllll baby!
November 16th, 2011 - 10:09
you’re almost there!!! hang in there, friend
November 16th, 2011 - 10:28
I have some pump envy right now. I have a modela but it’s not as small and compact.
November 16th, 2011 - 10:38
I’m giddy – GIDDY, I tell ya – that a friend forwarded your web address to me today. I am 19 weeks pregnant w/ #3 and compared to you, I’m OLD AS DIRT. I’ve been a runner for years but this is the first pregnancy I’ve tried to run through. The last 5 days I’ve had some horrible low back pain that makes me think I may have taken my last run until bambino arrives in April. Booooo! Anyway, I wish I had found you sooner but I’m very excited to follow you now. You will rock the birthing and the nursing and the mama-ing thing, for sure! BEST wishes!
Also, in case you’ve never heard of it, another GREAT site you are “ready” for is anothermotherrunner.com; a great community and a great book (Run Like a Mother) with another book (Train Like a Mother) coming this spring. I think you will totally dig it.
November 16th, 2011 - 10:41
Thank you and congrats on the pregnancy! Great job running to this point.
I love anothermotherrunner, too!
November 16th, 2011 - 11:04
I’m 19 weeks too and have the awful back pain! Is it your SI joint? Even after getting my hips re-aligned I’m still unable to walk or run for exercise and I’m SO bummed.
Thanks for the book recommendation, too – it sounds great!
November 16th, 2011 - 10:46
That pic of you and your furball is so sweet
November 16th, 2011 - 10:46
Yeah, I waddled like a mother trucking penguin with my son. I looked like tweedle dee, only 6′ tall. I can’t imagine how I looked running. Keep up the good work, you’re almost there.
November 16th, 2011 - 10:53
You look beautiful!! I’m so happy you’ve made it this far- it must be such a relief. Ugh I can’t imagine how much more uncomfortable the baby dropping must make you- all that extra pressure and stress on your back! I just took a breastfeeding class too; I’d definitely recommend everyone take one.
November 16th, 2011 - 12:28
Horray for full term! You still look great. Love the picture of you with you puppy.
November 16th, 2011 - 12:58
You look great!!! Crazy when you can’t feel you are having contractions. I was contracting when my water broke (7-8 min apart) and I had no idea b/c I couldn’t feel them. Glad the little guy is staying put for now!
Oh, I’m sure you’ve thought of this, but make sure you have something comfy to wear home from the hospital after delivery. Sweats work well. lol Oh, and don’t forget to pack some flip flops too.
You’re so close! Exciting!
November 16th, 2011 - 14:51
LOVE your ginormous belly!
November 16th, 2011 - 16:20
You’re still looking great! Hope baby stays inside for a least a few more weeks for you.
This post also reminded me that I need to figure out the whole breastfeeding situation as well. The pump I have is stowed away in baby’s closet, and I’m extremely intimidated by the whole thing!
November 16th, 2011 - 16:26
Yay for making it another week
I cant believe how soon you will be meeting your little one – most exciting!!! 
November 17th, 2011 - 10:00
You are all belly! I love it! Glad he’s hanging in there. Hope you continue to have no progress for a couple more days, at least.
November 17th, 2011 - 11:33
Almost there!!!! Stay in there baby!
Your belly is adorable and I’m so glad your hip is doing better.
November 17th, 2011 - 17:43
Warning-it takes a few days for milk to come in. No one really told us about that. We ended up supplementing w/formula.
By 3 weeks she was 100% breastfed. I found traditional breastfeeding to be very stressful so I’m exclusively pumping. A got a lot of negative responses on my choice like I would never produce enough or a pump can’t empty my breast like a baby-currently pumping 45 ounces. It works for us-baby and mom still get all the benefits without the stress.
So do what works for you and don’t feel bad if you have to use a little formula. It was heartbreaking to hear her scream and not be able to do anything about it. We (gasp) gave her formula on day 3 when we left the hospital- It took 4 days for the real stuff to come in-Remember its the lactation consultants job to get you to breastfeed or she wouldn’t have a job
Also-Steel cut oats in the crockpot did wonders for my supply. Or you could do oatmeal cookies. =) Eat up!
The only other advice that I wish someone had told me- to start taking fiber/stool softners and don’t stop for a few weeks. =)
November 17th, 2011 - 17:49
Oh and with using the pump-you can make your own handsfree pumping bra but cutting holes in the nipple area of an sports bra to stick the flanges through. I’ve repurposed some of my older bras.
And start with the lowest pump setting and adjust-its one of those things that if faster is not better..do what works for you
November 17th, 2011 - 17:50
Sorry for the bad grammar-as you will soon find out its hard to type with a newborn on your chest. =)