Week 37 - Only 6 days left!!!!

Well, we are down to less than one week before our beautiful daughter’s arrival. Laura and I will check into the hospital on Sunday afternoon to go ahead and get her prepped to be induced on Monday morning. Anna will be born at St. John’s hospital across the street from Utica Square. Laura and I are so excited to bring our little girl into this world. We know that God has a perfect plan for her life, even though we don’t know what that is, He does!! She is blessed with three wonderful families; The Smith side, the Dyer side, and the Eastland Assembly of God family. I hope you all have enjoyed reading this blog as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Each week I have learned about each little step my daughter has taken. From conception all the way to now. It has been an amazing ride but I know the fun is only beginning. We love you all very much!! Here’s Anna’s progress this week:

Laura is now considered full-term now and Anna’s final touches are being made. Her crown-to-rump length is now 14 inches and the total length is around 21 inches. She weighs approximately 6.5 pounds.

This week Anna should engage into Laura’s pelvis. When Anna engages, her head drops down into Laura’s pelvis and she might feel a slight sensation called `lightening` as the pressure on her ribs eases. As Anna drops into the final position for delivery, Laura may experience a buzzing feeling and shooting pains in your groin and leg. Normally, most women are able to breathe and eat easier. However, her uterus will now push down harder on her bladder and she will have an increased urge to urinate more frequently.

Anna is now fully mature and ready to be born. However, she is still growing and developing every day. Fat is still being laid down at a rate of a half ounce a day.

Research shows babies can be affected by stress hormones. Laura needs to continue to make time to relax, to have fun, and to rest.

Anna has learned to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing so she can do all three when breastfeeding after birth. Babies practice shallow breathing before birth, using amniotic fluid.