I had my first NST (non stress test or fetal monitoring) this Tuesday and it was an interesting experience. As soon as the nurse hooked me up to the monitor she said “wow, you’re having contractions! Can you feel those?” I was taken by surprise because I wasn’t really feeling anything. After about 20 minutes or so the nurse told me that baby was very active with a great heart rate and that she looked great overall. She also told me that I had one big contraction, several Braxton Hicks and had a lot of cramping during my fetal monitoring.
Up until now, I swore I never had any Braxton Hicks. It turns out that when I thought I was just feeling baby pushing really hard inside of me, thinking it was just her moving in there, that was actually a BH contraction. Now that I know what they feel like from the fetal monitoring, I have been noticing them—it really feels like a sudden tightening in my belly—like the baby is balling up and pressing hard…and then it releases. I’m also noticing a feeling of more pressure lower down in my abdomen (basically it makes me have to pee all the time), especially when I’m walking.
I was surprised to hear about the contraction during the NST. The nurse told me my OB will probably do an internal exam at my 36 week appointment (where I’m also having an ultrasound to check baby’s position and growth) to check for any dilation. I’ll also have NST every Tuesday until I hit 38 weeks.
The baby is still in a transverse lie. I’ve been doing inversions and I also got on all fours the other night with towels to cushion my knees and crawled around on our hardwoods for 20 minutes to try to get the baby to move positions. My OB recommended I crawl around like this—haha, it definitely felt awkward but if it helps her turn I’m all for it. Of course I had to make this time as productive as possible so I totally got a Swiffer duster and dusted my floors as I was crawling around. Might as well, right?
I think the NST made me kind of have more of a sense of urgency when it comes to preparing for the baby. Suddenly I felt like I had a really long to-do list.
So these last few weeks I’m just really focusing on getting items off of the to-do list. I’m going to wash the newborn and 0-3 month clothing, organize the closet by clothing size, start packing the hospital bag…etc. Just preparing/nesting. I did organize the baby’s dresser over the weekend with dividers I got at IKEA so that is pretty much all set. The nursery also still needs most of the artwork hung but that doesn’t take long at all and I’m still waiting for a few pieces to come in. The nursery is looking great though so I know it will be done pretty soon. I’ve also been ordering all of the final items we need for baby online and those have been arriving at my doorstep.
We took our infant CPR class last week and next Friday we have a class on breastfeeding followed by infant care the week after. I really hope to be able to breastfeed so I think it’s great to educate myself as much as possible. There are also excellent lactation consultants at the hospital—I hope to see one shortly after I deliver to ensure baby has a good latch, etc. I feel fortunate to have those wonderful resources available to me. My H is also very supportive so I think it will be good for him to come to the class so that he too can learn about the challenges and learn to be a good cheerleader for when times get tough (because I’ve never known one woman who said “breastfeeding was a cinch!” so I know the extra encouragement and support will be much-needed).
How far along? 34 weeks (I do these a week behind as a recap of the previous week, so I’m actually 35 weeks today). Just FIVE more weeks to go!
Total weight gain/loss: Probably around 25 lbs now I’m guessing? I will find out for sure at my 36 week appointment. The baby feels heavier now, it feels a lot harder/more uncomfortable to move around these days.
Maternity clothes? Like I mentioned last week, I’m really content just rotating a few outfits—my favorite being my GAP maternity skinny pants, a long tank and a fitted blazer. It just works for me and it’s comfortable. On weekends it’s either Lululemon gear or maxi dresses. I thought I’d really be into styling myself during pregnancy, but the truth is that it’s easier to just stick with the same outfits. I think it will be fun to re-discover my closet when I go back to work after my maternity leave since I haven’t worn a lot of my clothes in so long. Mostly, it’s just me being lazy though. I have a ton of tops I could wear that still fit me…but it’s just so easy to throw on the tried and true in the morning that I don’t even think to look in my closet anymore. I also pretty much always wear flats now.
Stretch marks? Surprisingly not yet—I say this because my belly button, especially where the holes from my piercings are feels super tight and stretched out. I have a feeling the holes could just stretch any day now (BTW I don’t have piercings in them now and haven’t in years, but the holes haven’t closed completely). I’m continuing to use Belli’s Elasticity Belly Oil, Mamma Mio Tummy Rub and Mustela double-action stretch mark cream in rotation.
Symptoms: Still rib pain on the left side, tiredness, occasional lower back discomfort and at night before bed I will sometimes have cramping sensations that radiate down to my thighs. I also feel a lot more pressure and have BH contractions daily. Also—the leg cramps—OMG the leg cramps. I have leapt out of bed many a night yelling profanities and jumping onto my leg to stretch the muscle out which is the only thing that provides relief. Charlie horses= not fun.
Sleep: I am sleeping okay—I do wake up sometimes at 4, 5 or 6 a.m. and just can’t get back to sleep. I usually end up getting on my iPhone for a bit and trying to read something to make myself sleepy again. I’m also still getting up to pee about 3-4 times a night.
Best moment this week: Getting to hear baby’s heartbeat on the fetal monitor and finishing up a few art projects for the nursery.
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? Just being able to sit comfortably at my desk and just be comfortable in general.
Movement: She has been pretty active lately. I would say she has more active days than non-active. She is much bigger now so her movements are much different than the little kicks and popcorn popping sensations I used to feel. I also notice she seems to be having hiccups more often.
Food cravings: Honey Nut Cheerios with milk, Subway, cookies n’ cream ice cream
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Have you started to show yet: Most definitely!
Baby is a: Girl!
Belly Button in or out? Outie but flat.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: I’ve been emotional…and happy…and just anticipating everything to come…
Looking forward to: My maternity photos next week!
Thank you for reading and for all of my pregnant readers, please feel free to check in below as well and let me know how your pregnancy is going ๐ I also welcome everyone’s advice and comments about pregnancy!
NicoleNoelle says
You are seriously the cutest pregnant lady ever! Your bump is just adorable!!
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Ally says
You look incredible. It must be so exciting! Can't wait to see updated photos of the nursery. My husband and I are looking at creating one ourselves ๐
Ally x
dreamofprettythings.blogspot.com.au
Shadowy Lady says
your pregnancy is so similar to mine it's weird! I also had an outti but flat belly bottom and got no stretch marks. Ppl told me I would get them after giving birth but I never did. I think it's mostly genetics and your and I are both lucky that way ๐
You looks gorgeous btw…BH are not always easy to feel. I never felt them till 3 days before I went into labour. Hope the rest of your pregnancy is smooth sailing ๐
E Hayes says
I had Ashlynn at 35 weeks!! Crazy you are already there! This post made me remember what my pregnancy was like… I was the same with how I dressed, had BH, the rib pain, getting really uncomfortable at that point etc.
Best of luck in this final stretch, can't wait to see how things go!
Ellie says
That sounds like a really interesting appointment! Omgshh I wonder if I've been having braxton hicks. I'm still not 100% sure, but from the way you describe them it sounds like it's not too far from the possibility. You're looking super healthy, so keep it up!
Nicole says
Ah you are the cutest pg lady I can't handle it! My daughter is 13 months and my baby fever kicks in whenever I read your updates.
Good luck with your maternity photos next week!
meli1077 says
You look fantastic! I too had NST's from 36 weeks until I went into labor at 38w4d . They could see contractions on the monitor but I didn't feel a thing. I actually never felt a contraction until my water has been broken for over an hour and my contractions were already 2 minutes apart.
Make sure that you drink a ton of water. It makes the braxton hicks lessen. As far as stretch marks, much of it is genetics. I managed to get to 36 weeks without a single one. What killed me was the fact that my belly measured 4 to 5 weeks ahead the entire time. When I was 36 weeks, my fundal height was at 40 weeks. When I finally went into labor at 38 weeks, I measured at 42 weeks. No one's belly should stretch that far. Your belly looks normal, so you'll probably be okay.
I know that the last few weeks seem to drag. However, in retrospect, it really went by so fast. As far as washing, I would wash up to 3 to 6 months. You don't know how big your baby will be. They also grow so fast! It's better to be over prepared.
Good luck with everything!!
Jennifer Traer says
My baby was transverse at 35 weeks-i did 3 acupuncture appointments and baby flipped. Its so common for babe not to flip at this point-I'm sure yours will in no time ๐
Jennifer Traer says
My bebe was transverse at 35 weeks. I went to 3 acupuncture appointments and bebe flipped. Its so common for bebe to be breech right now I have no doubt yours will turn ๐
Erica says
Wow, you're almost at your due date, SO exciting!! And you estimate you've gained 25 lb? You don't look like you've gained any except for right in the belly – lucky woman! ๐ I had my babe at 38 weeks, the last few weeks were so exciting, just waiting to meet the little person growing in you!
Skylette from Sequins & Stilettos says
We are DONE having babies, but I'm not going to lie… You're totally making me baby hungry! You are a radiant mama to be!
allourgooddays says
hi. i'm happy you're feeling pretty good. i wanted to say that there's a lot of pregnancy/breastfeeding scaremongering out there. i don't think it's nice when women insist it will hurt or be difficult. i frankly think it's mean to say to a first timer! my 13 month old is still breastfed (and is nursing as i type this one handed). you're doing the right thing by going to the class. the main things are to feed on demand and have her latch on as soos as possible after she's born. contact the la leche league if you need help/advice. best wishes from italy!
Debbie O says
I am only 15 weeks, but i love reading your blog, make me feel relaxed!!! and can i say you look amazing, when i first found out i was PG i was eating like a pig!! but once i hit the 12 weeks mark i have totally slowed down, only eating when i am really hungry! lucky i have had a pretty easy pregnancy so far…
Jennifer says
Your bump is adorable! I love it.
Meg O. says
Looking beautiful, as always! I think it's great that your doctor has taken that precaution for the test. Definitely something to put your mind at ease during this stressful time.
Sparkles says
Ok, I'll say it. Nursing was a cinch! So my advice to you is don't worry about it. And based on what you've said about your general anxieties here and there, stop thinking so hard. Let it be. Assume it will be the most natural thing in the world. Because it really is. Most important, drink lots of water, get cozy and comfortable and don't be afraid to really get the nipple fully in the baby's mouth. Trust me, after three babies I know a few things! The love you have for your baby will show you the way.
Schnelle says
I had the same exact experience with the NST, I wasn't feeling anything so it was such a surprise. I had the NST due to being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, did I miss something? Do you have it too?
My H went to a breast feeding class with me too, it's great to have his support. You'll certainly need it, it's a challenge at times. It's also a learn as you go, see what works for you type of thing too.
My belly button was SO painful ( where the piercing was) too! That was my only stretch mark- between the two holes.
[email protected] says
@schenelle—I don't have GD but I was having inconsistent movement so my OB wanted once-weekly monitoring to make sure all was well with baby ๐
I am totally expecting a stretch mark between those belly button piercing holes…I'm just waiting for the day, ha ๐
Me says
Hey there! I am 30 weeks along and baby boy is already head down–the doc thinks it because I walk a mile almost daily and this is just gravity doing its job. Maybe try that? good luck with everything!
Chelsea MacMeekin says
You look so fantastic! Hang in there doll – the little miss will be here soon enough!
Chelsea
Haute Child in the City
Marion Green says
You look so gorgeous pregnant Veronika.
And I literally laughed out loud at the image of you swiffering while crawling around! I can only imagine what your neighbors would think if they peeked in! ๐
Sending good thoughts that your little girl turns soon…
xo – Marion
redandgonzo says
I love that your puppy is photobombing you in the last shot. You look fantastic!
GlamorousGirl says
awesome!
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Hannah says
Hi! I just wanted to suggest seeing a chiropractor who can preform the Webster technique. It's basically just pressing on the ligaments that support the uterus to balance it. My daughter was breech for the longest time and it worked for us. We did acupuncture as well. I know how stressful it can be worrying about the position of the baby. I also would suggest the kellymom website for breastfeeding info, it's awesome! Best of luck with everything!
Northern Style Exposure says
You are looking fab! I get to find out next week if I'm having a boy or girl. Can't wait.
Maria says
Veronica,
My Hubby and I are trying to get pregnant. I remember a while back you wrote about a book you read when y'all were trying. Could you please share?
Thanks so much!
[email protected] says
@Maria—it's called "taking charge of your fertility" you can read more about how we found out I was pregnant and resources I used in a post I wrote about it ๐
Amy Eden says
You're such a cute preggers! You might want to try eating a banana before going to bed for those Charlie Horses, they're known to help with leg cramps (or cramping in general)
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Luba Lovely says
I Love you belly! You seriously make pregnancy look so glamourous! I love maxi dresses for pregnant mamas, so flattering and comfy.
Luba
Courtney B says
Oh my gosh, you look SO great!!
I never did take a bare belly picture when I was pregnant and I totally regret it! I didn't even have stretch marks, I just didn't think about it ๐
Courtney B says
P.S. Nursing was really awful and SO hard for me at first! I think that's pretty common. Here's my story if you're interested ๐ https://barbieandkenbrinkerhoff.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-story-about-nursing.html
I think it's better to be prepared that it can be totally horrible at first. Part of what helped me make it through was knowing I wasn't the only one. Now nursing is great and totally easy! But it's probably the hardest thing I've ever experienced!! I'd rather birth a baby any day over those first 2 weeks of nursing ๐