26 weeks!

I am 26 weeks today! On an even more exciting note, RC's sister is going to have her baby very soon! The due date is in 2 weeks but she was told by the doctor that it could be any day now. Can't wait to meet the little one and of course find out if it is a boy or girl :)

How far along? 26w3d

Total weight gain/loss: I have gained 21 pounds

How Big is Baby? The size of a Eggplant. About 14 inches from head to toe!

Stretch marks? None on the belly yet!

Sleep: Fine... I wish I could sleep more though!

Movement: It is fun to watch her move around and see my belly dance.

Food cravings: Pizza

Food aversions: most soups

Symptoms: Fatigue, must nap more!

Belly Button in or out? Still in, maybe it will stay that way!

What I am looking forward to: MC's having her baby soon!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't hold it in... if you have to go to the bathroom go as soon as you feel it!

Weekly Joy: Whenever RC talks to his daughter through my belly button.

25 weeks and moving along!

How far along? 25w3d

Total weight gain/loss: I have gained 21 pounds

How Big is Baby? The size of a Eggplant. About 14 inches from head to toe!

Sex: Girl!

Maternity clothes? Of Course! My belly is big and my ute is sensitive to outside pressure.

Stretch marks? Yes but not on my belly... there is one on each boob.

Sleep: Allergies are not great and my hips are perfect one night then horrible the next.

Movement: She is more active at night but I feel her throughout the day too.

Food cravings: Ice Cream. Skiyline chilli... ugh I am gross

Food aversions: most soups

Symptoms: hip, knee and foot pain when I stand for a while, I get short of breath after climbing stairs. I hate being out of shape!

Belly Button in or out? In but very shallow. RC looks at it everyday, he is waiting for the little girl to kick it out I think :)

What I am looking forward to: My Birthday is coming up and MC's having her baby soon!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't push it. Honestly, sometimes you just need to sit or lay down for awhile.

Weekly Joy: Even though he has felt the baby frequently I still love the look on RC's face when he feels his little girl move :)

V-Day?

24 WEEKS!! To many women this is a very exciting day, they call it V-Day. This stands for viability day, meaning that the baby could now survive should she be born in an emergency situation… BUT for me, even though I work in a hospital with a level 3 NICU and work with some of the best Neonatologists in Ohio I will not feel any better until 26 weeks. The real relief will kick in at 35/36 weeks for me because that will be basically “full term”. The preterm survival statistics are as follows:
at 23 weeks: 10-35% survival rate
at 24 weeks: 40-70% survival rate
at 25 weeks: 50-80% survival rate
at 26 weeks: 80-90% survival rate
at 27 weeks: greater than 90% survival rate

Little girl seems pretty comfy in there so I don’t expect this to be an issue, but I feel like it was important to know the facts. I have witnessed many small babies fighting for life in our NICU and I have seen their parents standing by their side. It is not something anyone wants to go through and of course we never plan on having a preemie, that is why it is so vital to know the risks, warning signs and when to get help from medical professionals. I recommend checking out the March of Dimes website for more information.

Update!

How far along?: 23 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +20
How Big is Baby?: She is 1.25 pounds!
Stretch marks?: On my hips and now my boobs! Boo!
Sleep: Still quite an effort. Allergies make it harder.
Movement: She is an active little girl! I love to watch my belly move!
Symptoms: Pain in my ribs and hips
Belly Button in or out?: Still in. it is very wide and shallow.
What I am looking forward to: Next appt 4/14/10
Weekly Wisdom: I got nothing...
Weekly Joy: Rich talking to the baby :) and my belly getting rounder.