Into Week 36!

Less than five weeks to go! My Dr. made the comment yesterday about the count down beginning next week when I start to see her on a weekly basis. I told her that the count down had already begun! She did mention that the baby's head might be down, but I don't think she's willing to make any good guesses until next week when "all the rules change." When I mentioned being nervous about AJ's size she assured me that I was measuring exactly what I should be (35 cm), but then made the comment that I am "all baby (have only gained 22 1/2 lbs) and he might be hiding something from us" (that's reassuring). I really doubt I am having a 6 pounder like my dear sister and cousin!

Spent several hours today at school preparing for my long-term sub. Have a tub full of materials ready for her, so now I can relax some about that. Now I need to work on making sure we have everything ready at home! Also, need to start thinking about what we need/want to take to the hospital and begin packing.

Baby Growth in Week 36

Your baby has grown to be between 16 and 19 inches long and weighs 5 ¾ to 6 ¾ pounds.

The fine downy hair, lanugo, that has covered you baby’s skin is beginning to disappear, along with the vernix caseosa. Vernix caseosa is the thick, creamy substance that has protected your baby’s skin while he/she has been submerged in amniotic fluid. Both of these are swallowed by your baby, along with additional amniotic fluid, which combine together to form meconium, or your baby’s first bowel movement.

Your baby should be in the head down position, but do not panic if he/she has yet to attain this position. If by next week he/she is still not head down, then your health care provider may suggest trying external cephalic version (this cannot be fun).