36 Weeks

Its officially my last month of pregnancy! YAY! (Of course, things could change if Baby Schneider decides to take his/her time...but lets not think about that right now) Me @ 36 Weeks
The focus for this week on What To Expect is the beloved "waddle". The pregnant waddle is due to the connective tissue softening and loosening. While the flexibility is necessary to prepare for the arrival of Baby Schneider, there are definitely some downsides (besides looking like a penguin when I walk): discomfort in the pelvis and hip. Add to that the pressure from the baby's head (burrowing deeper and deeper into your pelvis now) and a heavier uterus ... it simply becomes a bit of a pain to walk around. What To Expect suggests a few tips to relieve the pain: relax with your hips elevated, do some pelvic exercises, take warm baths, apply warm compresses, get a massage, or try some complementary and alternative therapies.

Sounds like a plan! I think I deserve a massage this week :)

The Baby @ 36 Weeks
Height: 18.66 inches
Weight: 5.78 Pounds
According to What To Expect, the baby's systems are pretty mature and just about ready for life on the outside. Soem systems still need a "few finishing touches", such as the digestive system that won't be fully mature until sometime after birth. This is because Baby Schneider has relied on the umbilical cord for nutrition, meaning that the digestive system (though developed) hasn't been operational. It takes the first year or two to bring that system up to speed.

Furniture: Not Even Gonna Think About It

The status on my furniture is still up in the air. It "might" go on a truck to the warehouse on 9/22...but it "might" not. If it doesnt, they dont know when the next truck is. Calling these people is a waste of my time and energy and I am just going to stop. We dont need it right away anyway and all it does is give me stress. So - you arent going to hear about it again until it has actually been delivered and in the room. Until then, the furniture issue is non-existent and I will spend my time on things I can actually impact :)

Comments

I was always worried about the random comments pregnant people often receive. Its probably one of the number one complaints of pregnant women - that people (including strangers) will say odd things to you, give you unsolicited advice, and often try to grope you during your pregnancy.

I really havent had anything like this. Of course, I have become a bit of a recluse and stay inside quite a bit ... so there arent many opportunities for this to happen. But, I do have to say that the things I have heard are generally nice. While strangers have occasionally talked to me about my pregnancy, I havent received any unwanted advice or been groped :)

Over the weekend I had some women in a maternity store and a neighbor tell me that they couldnt believe I was due so soon since I am "so small". I think some women might even find this offensive (especially if they hear it a lot), but considering I have never been called "small" (or anything even close to that word) in my entire life I actually felt quite complemented.

Now, if I can stay in the house for the next 4 weeks and avoid of hearing the opposite ("you're so huge" or "are you sure its not twins?") then I think I can happily say I had nothing but nice interactions!

BPA Debate Update

There have been many questions in recent months about the safety of BPA (bisphenol A). Its a chemical used in many polycarbonate plastics in consumer products such as baby bottles, water bottles and food containers. Despite a May FDA report declaring BPA "safe" (after concerns were raised to its safety), now it appears that that might not be true. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has declared that “some concern” BPA is of “some concern” for effects of development of the prostate gland and brain and for behavioral effects in fetuses, infants and children.

When in doubt its obvious the choice is to stay away from BPA. Here is a great post that lists all the known BPA free bottles and sippy cups from the Family Health & Safety blog.