Things I Want To Remember: 38 Weeks

It's pretty surreal sitting down to write this post. 38 weeks... we made it to term! This will officially be the last pregnancy update I write. We will meet our son this week one way or the other, a fact that we are still wrapping our heads around. I am glad I have these weekly updates to look back on, and overall I am just feeling really grateful. It's been a healthy, mostly uneventful pregnancy, and I couldn't ask for more. Here is what week 38 of pregnancy has looked like!

I had my last doctor's appointment on Monday. We did one last non-stress test to check baby's reactivity since I have extra amniotic fluid, and he looked great as always! I've had to do those twice a week for the past month or so, but I honestly haven't minded at all. Any chance to check on our little guy is a blessing in my book. 

I officially gained 32 pounds this pregnancy. My goal was 30, but I am happy with the way I look and pleased with how my body has been able to carry this baby. I will say, I am looking forward to losing the weight and wearing my old clothes again soon. ;)

Overall, Parker and I feel very at peace about having a c section. Even if I go into labor on my own, we don't really foresee a scenario where I don't have a c section since our son's head and abdomen are measuring so large. We've weighed the pros and cons and prayed about it, and a c section just seems like the safer way to go to keep him from getting stuck. I know a c section is a lot of people's worst nightmare, but that was never me. From day 1, I didn't care how he got here as long as he gets here safely. There are risks either way, but we are praying for a safe and healthy c section for both our son and me. 

Looking back, I can honestly say I loved being pregnant. The first trimester was easily the hardest with the sickness and not having Parker here. The second trimester was the "pregnancy sweet spot" where I wasn't giant, food tasted good, and energy was up. I loved the second trimester! The third trimester has been tough, but I laugh and say God makes the first trimester so hard so you appreciate the second and third. I am ready to not be pregnant, but it's been a blessed journey. 

I still get indigestion after every meal, and I told Parker that I am really looking forward to laying down at night without feeling the need to throw up. 

Lastly, looking back on this pregnancy, there are three highlights that stick out to me:

1. Finding out our baby is healthy. 

2. Finding out we are having a boy. 

3. Parker arriving home safely from deployment at the 30 week mark of pregnancy. 

It may be a few days before I am back on the blog, so feel free to follow me on Instagram (@chelseaphelps11) to see our son's birth announcement!