33 Weeks!!

According to "What to expect" for this week, baby may be anywhere between 17 to 19 inches in length & weigh more than 4 & 1/2 lbs. At this stage in fetal development, baby could grow a full inch more this week alone--especially if he or she has been on the shorter side. Weight gain can range from a third more growth to a full doubling before the big debut.

The level of amniotic fluid in my uterus has reached its maximum at 33 weeks, making it likely I have more baby than fluid now. That is one reason I'm probably feeling lots of nudges & pushes becuz there's less liquid to cushion the blows.

If my uterine walls had eyes, here's what I'd see: fetus is acting more & more like a baby with his or her eyes closing during sleep & opening while awake. & Because those uterine walls are becoming thinner, more light penetrates the womb, helping baby differentiate between day & night. ( I wish they'd know the difference once they are outside the womb!!!)

Baby has reached an important milestone about now: the development of his or her immune system that (along with antibodies from me) will be able to provide protection from mild infections.

Jason & I went last night to try and find some comfy shoes for me. Yeah, no such luck. It's really kinda depressing. I hardly fit into any shoe. I thought clogs would work, but I can't even fit my foot into some of those. I even tried some men's shoes out of desperation. Luckily, I can just wear slippers at work. I guess I'll just have to stuff my sausage feet into some shoes if I go out in public or resort to wearing flip flops. I am soo glad it's not warm out right now. It would be good for the flip flops but I think the swollen-ness might be even worse in warm weather. I'm feeling a bit nervous now about everything. I should probably wash some baby outfits and pack my hospital bag just in case something would happen & I'd have to deliver early. I'd rather be prepared than not. I hope my swelling goes down some before my dr appt next week.