36 Weeks

36 Weeks!

Today I started my weekly doctor's visits. He did the GBS test, which I will find out the results next week. GBS stands for Group B Strep. It is a type of bacteria that 25% of pregnant women will test positive for. It is completely harmless to the mother, but could be dangerous to baby. If the mother does test positive, she will be administered an antibiotic during labor. Not a big deal.

He also did my first internal exam. The doctor said that he has already DROPPED! I can't believe it! I feel like I am still carrying him so high. I figured it would be a noticeable difference. The doctor also said that I am dilated 1 cm and my cervix is super soft! He said that for a first-time mom I am definitely ahead of schedule. He said that he would not expect for me to make it to my due date... but of course he can not know for certain. 

He asked about braxton hicks and I told him that I have not had any. I described the low abdominal aches that I described on the blog last week (feels like menstrual cramps) and he said that was braxton hicks!

I did not think it was contractions because my uterus was not tightening when it happened... he said the tightening will come later, but it is still considered a contraction with out it. In order to have dilated to 1 cm, I would have had to have had some contracting... so I guess I just haven't really noticed or realized what was happening!

I am trying not to get my hopes up, but I can't help but be excited at the idea that he may come early! 

I read online that with most first times moms, the baby drops about 3 weeks before delivery. I am due in 4 weeks. He could have dropped a week ago... That means he could come in 2-3 weeks!!! Obviously this is all a big guessing game and no one really knows! It is all just getting so close I can't help but be excited!!

I had some pretty rapid weight gain this week... I am up 35 pounds! I also started getting some swelling in my ankles for the first time when I got home from work. My body is achy and sore quite a bit these days... but nothing I wouldn't expect at this point. I am handling it really well.

Bump-

I made some mid-week posts to share photos so definitely check them out below. I shared our maternity photos and some pictures of the completed nursery!