Week 31 Update

This is was taken at our house up north, in our drive way. Dad (Papa G) took this picture while he was up north visiting this past week. It was great to have him back for a couple weeks! He brought the baby "CoJack" as he has coined him, a onesie that says, "Grandpa Spoils Me". He also bought him his first bath toys - three little ducks that light up in the water.

Mom has also gotten in on the fun by getting him an old fashion wooden rocking horse and this first package of diapers. Auntie Ashley & Big Sister Emily have gotten him outfits already.... needless to say Papa G isn't the only one who will be spoiling this kid.



We went to another doctor appointment this week. I've gained enough wait to justify carrying octuplets, but other than that, everything checked out well! His heart rate is around 136, which is in the normal range. He's been in the 130's pretty consistently. The belly measured at 31 cm, which is where it is supposed to be (norm is 30cm - 32cm). He is very active and I have been trying to keep track of movements. The highest I've counted so far was 63 movements in one hour - not counting the 15 minutes of hiccups.

As for me, I have been sleeping well, eating too well, and haven't had too many issues. Probably the worst lately was waking up to a really bad leg cramp, which was probably more sore the next day. I will be trying to eat a banana a day and drinking plenty of water to try to avoid as many of those as I can. I may have to make a trip to the shoe store, as my feet are sometimes a little 'puffy' and larger shoes would be more comfortable. This may sound like a 'perk' of pregnancy to those of you who are avid shoppers, but I am not one of those. For me, buying shoes is a chore and I can think of a million better ways to spend time and money. However, I may have to give in.


Here are the updates for 31 weeks!

Baby Center.com ~ This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (about the size of four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Fetal Development at 31 Weeks

Pampers Parentpages.com ~

Counting to 10. Many health care providers recommend that their patients monitor their baby's movements once they're well into the third trimester. Here's the drill: At roughly the same time each day (if possible, the time when your baby is most active), lie down and keep track of how long it takes to feel 10 kicks, rolls, or flutters—any type of movement. Ideally, this should be less than an hour. Many women find it takes only a few minutes, depending on the time of day. If an hour passes without any movement, eat a light snack, lie back down, and try again. If you still don't feel anything, call your health care provider.

Slow down. "It's pretty crowded in here." Don't worry, however, if your baby seems less active as the weeks progress. In fact, less-frequent movement now means he's right on track (assuming you are counting 10 movements in an hour each day). His movements are simply becoming less erratic and more organized; also, there's not as much room in your uterus as there was just a few weeks ago.

Measuring up. Your baby is about 11.2 inches long from crown to rump (17 inches stretched out) and weighs about 3.3 pounds. He's been in the fetal position, with his legs tucked, for a few weeks now. He still has lots of growing to do—he won't get much taller, but he'll put on another 2 pounds this month. In nine more weeks, he'll be ready to greet you!