Finally sitting down to write another update on pregnancy number 3!! This is not the most recent belly pic but it is the most recent one i have on my computer! I am 28 weeks and this pic was taken around 25 weeks. I will upload some more in the next few days. I feel like my belly is smaller than it was with Olivia but I feel like she's consistently growing though. I think when I get a little further along my midwives will possibly want another ultrasound to make sure she's still doing great.

I think I forgot to mention in my last post that she was measuring in less than the 3rd percentile with size, according to the ultrasounds that I had at around 20 weeks, 22 weeks and like 24 weeks. Not sure about the exact dates at this moment. But in each ultrasound she had consistently grown from the last one. Staying nicely in her curve. So I am hoping she is continuing on that pattern. The ultrasounds looked great in every other aspect though. Fluid was good, placenta is posterior, the umbilical flow is good as well as the uterine artery flow.

So last Wednesday I had an appt with my homebirth midwife at her office. I just have to add, so far I LOVE the experience of planning a home birth with these wonderful ladies. Its so different than being under care with an OB and even a CNM.  Its so personal, laid back, and refreshing. Pregnancy and birth is a natural beautiful process not a medical condition, and I love being under care somewhere that treats it as such. Im an individual in this care setting, not a number or a paycheck. Not to say every OB views their patients this way at all! ;)

The appt went well though. I was 27 weeks at the appt.  The worst part was Justin not being able to make it. Hopefully its the only one he has to miss. I had the kids, and was nervous about that but they did fantastic for me.  Last appt I measured 20 cm. at 24 weeks This appt I measured 23.5 cm. at 27 weeks. My midwife did not have a weight estimate but definitely felt like she has grown from last appt, just from palpating. Palpation is another beautiful thing in midwifery. My last appt my midwife felt around and estimated baby girl to be a little over a lb. I ended up having an ultrasound the very next day and she was 1 lb 3 oz. So dang she's good! I love how hands on these ladies are. Its like going back to the basics, how I imagine things used to be before the medical profession took over prenatal care and delivery.

I had my hemoglobin test done and it was 10ish. Which, if i remember correctly may be a tad low. Blood pressure and baby's heart rate and everything else looked good though. Olivia insisted we listen to her "baby" with the fetascope which was cute ;) She loves to rub my big round belly and say "just like a penguin" it makes no sense but to her it does. I love a 2 year olds mind.

I feel like for a few months Justin had major reserves about a home birth finding out about her size. Having one IUGR baby I think those fears are justifiable but I think we are working through them as we go.  I may write a post just on fears and how to combat them just because I think its important to work through them for the next 12 weeks. So when delivery gets here we are more than confident in my body's ability to deliver her safely into this world. Don't get me wrong I am VERY confident in my decision to have a home birth and trust the midwives that I have, but preparing for a birth in general fears can arise. Well until next time! 3 more weeks of classes and then finals and ill be on break from school. Which I am more than ready for. :)