Battery in the smoke detector
Week 31
Baby is eleven inches long head to rump and sixteen inches head to toe. Baby weighs about three and a half pounds. This week alone baby will grow about three eighths of an inch. His head has also grown about three eighths of an inch in circumference due to rapid brain growth. About this time in pregnancy the volume of fluid that fills the amniotic sac has reached its maximum. As the baby grows the fluid decreases. When baby is born there is about two to six cups of fluid. The activity you feel may decrease as well as baby has less room to maneuver.
Fat is accumulating under baby’s skin. His color changes from dark red to a translucent pinkish color. In the last several weeks of pregnancy protein and fat are in highest demand. During this time baby’s weight will double.
Early Tuesday morning I woke to an annoying chirping noise. Disoriented, I tried to find the source of the nuisance. The battery in a smoke detector was getting low. I pulled a chair from the other room and took the dead battery out. Somehow my husband slept through this entire event though it was the smoke detector in our bedroom and I had to turn the light on to get the battery out.
Tuesday I got a massage from a local massage school. It was wonderful. That hour goes by too fast. Massage is a great way to relax and release tension. I hope to get one more massage during this pregnancy.
There was a house fire just a block from where I live this week. A woman died and her son was injured. As if I wasn’t disturbed enough by my husbands sleeping through the chirping smoke detector! This tragedy reaffirmed my desire to find an alternative to the smoke detector in my home. What good do smoke detectors and fire extinguishers do if my husband sleeps right through a fire? There are options for smoke detectors with flashing lights and those that even shake the bed. Don’t forget to test your smoke detectors regularly.
On Wednesday we had a “Prepared Childbirth” class. I’m so grateful I’m not doing this alone. Andrew has been so supportive. He even helped me practice my breathing exercises. A good time to practice is during times of stress. It is important to have a coach your are comfortable with.
Some women choose to hire a doula for support before during and after the birth of the baby. A doula learns your wishes for the birthing experience and helps you to have the most satisfying birth possible. She may assist your coach in massaging you, giving him a break. She provides reassurance and an experienced perspective. The doula may be your “gopher,” bringing you hot packs, blankets, or beverages. Doulas provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your care.
Studies show that doula care results in improved outcomes for mother and baby, both physically and psychologically. In addition to greater satisfaction with the birth doula support reduces the instance of many forms of medical intervention. Some studies show less use of oxytocin, fewer c-sections, and reduction in the use of forceps, vacuum extractors, and pain medication than births not accompanied by a doula.
Saturday I spent the day with a good friend. We went to Art Street. It was inspirational to see all the different types of art. There was also great food and live music. My friend and I went to the mall afterwards. I can’ remember the last time I went to a mall. I ended up not even buying anything. After the mall we went to a party. Baby likes to dance!
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