16
I can't believe I'm already at 30 weeks! Two weeks into the third trimester, woohoo! This pregnancy is going by so much faster than when I was pregnant with Ian (I think it's because I was always thinking about it then, and this time I'm so busy chasing Ian around). I feel kind of bad that I've barely documented my bump or this pregnancy in general, so I thought I'd do a little update here. This is mostly for myself to look back on in the future since the blog is also like my digital diary...but in case any of you are curious too, why not put it on the internet for all to read? Haha.
So, here I am at 30 weeks. And just for fun, here's what I looked like at the same point last time, on our babymoon. It was around 30 weeks with my last pregnancy that I started noticing swelling in my face, hands, and feet (a warning sign of preeclampsia, though I didn't realize it then). So I'm definitely a bit nervous this time around, and I'm making a conscious effort to take it easy, put my feet up, and watch out for swelling. I do feel like my face is a little bit swollen, but it's nothing like last time--I could barely fit in any of my shoes and my face was really puffy then. To be safe, I'm going to the doctor every two weeks, and we have an at-home blood pressure cuff. So far so good!
I can't remember exactly how much Ian was kicking around at 30 weeks, but this baby is super active. It's fun, bizarre, amazing, and WEIRD to see my belly shifting and bulging and moving around when I'm just laying still in bed.
We have another ultrasound in two weeks, which I'm excited about (I love getting a peek at the baby). On the same day, we also have a consultation to decide whether I should do a VBAC. Part of me thinks a repeat c-section seems easier, but another part of me wants the "normal" birth experience this time. If you had a c-section with your first baby, I'd be curious to hear what you chose with your second, and why.
Then at the end of February, my sister-in-law Ellen is throwing me a baby shower--my first one! (Ian was born before his shower ever happened). We already have most of the baby stuff that we need, so I'm not doing a registry or anything. But a lot of Ian's old clothes will be off-season for this guy, so I realized I do need some baby clothes...which, after all, is the most fun thing to buy and receive. :)
What else? We have a first name picked out! Still deciding on a middle name, but at least we've got a first name that we both agree on.
I think this baby will sleep in our room at first, same as Ian did, so I haven't put too much effort into the nursery. Actually, it's kind of a mess right now with boxes and bins of baby gear. I need to set aside some time to get it all unpacked and organized soon!
It's really crazy to think that if this goes like last time, my baby would be born in THREE WEEKS. Of course, I have my fingers and toes crossed that this guy stays in all the way til full term...but it is somewhat reassuring to know that his chance of survival at this point is very good. And once I hit 33 weeks (same as when Ian was born), I will breathe easier and easier with each week after that. We're in the home stretch!
I think that's everything that's going on with me and this pregnancy. Feel free to comment if you have any questions!
Related Posts:
I had an emergency c-section with my first (I too had preeclampsia), as did my sister. She chose to have a 2nd, I chose to go for a vbac. What she didn’t realize (not sure why), was that if you choose, or are forced to have, a c-section with your second, you do not have the option of vbac in the future, as it becomes prohibitively risky after 2 surgeries. That may or may not be relevant for you, but it’s worth considering. I set my expectations low and went for the vbac, and it was successful. I’m really, really glad I was able to have the experience (though in my low expectation mindset didn’t read up on the relevant “how to’s” of a vaginal birth and really wish I had).
Oh wow, I did not realize that either. That definitely might push me in favor of trying for the VBAC. I also have pretty low expectations, but I'm glad to hear it was successful for you! And now you're making me think I should actually read up on birthing techniques and all of that. I never took a birthing class or did much research before. Did you end up having preeclampsia with your second baby? I'm guessing no?