Pregnancy: Final Trimester Week 30

I would like to continue the trend from last week about our pregnancy journey. So without further a do here it is.

How far along:  We are currently in week 30.  As of today, we have 70 days to go or 10 weeks!  Wow, it is getting closer everyday.  

How big:  Depending upon which baby app I reference…..She now weighs almost 3 lbs like a head of cabbage or an eggplant and measures 15.7 inches from head to toe.  I still love these comparisons to vegetables and even point them out to Maria at the grocery store!!

Developments and Milestones:  Alayna’s eyesight continues to develop this week! She may now be able to open, close and blink her eyes.  After her birth, she will keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does have her eyes open she will respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision. Alayna will only make out objects a few inches from her face. Looks like you will not be driving anytime soon!!!   

Fetal REM (rapid eye movement) activity occurs at this stage indicating sleep and wake cycles. Alayna maybe spending much of the time sleeping but her cycle is not necessarily tied to Maria’s.

Alayna’s brain is now developing the grooves and indentations on the surface. Until now, her brain was smooth. The wrinkles on her brain allow for an increased amount of brain tissue which will be necessary for her life outside the womb.

Another big change is her bone marrow has taken over production of red blood cells. This is an important step for her to thrive on her own once she is born.

What Mom and Dad Notice:   Alayna continues to be very active still.  You have hiccups again! This looks like a reoccurring theme for you Alayna. Maria loves how these hiccups feel.  Alayna your mom can feel different parts of your body now. She told me that she felt your arm today.  I cannot tell though but mom knows best!  What I notice is that you are causing your mom to have a harder time sleeping. Also, some of the first trimester systems are coming back like the nausua and heartburn feeling  Poor Maria!  Keep up the good work Alayna and continue your development!

Other Interesting Tidbits:  The baby room has been successfully painted! Yes I said successfully because let me tell you I hate painting!  We also received her crib and dresser the other day and it looks awesome in her bedroom.  Maria said yesterday while looking at her bedroom “It’s like a dream come true!!”  I could not agree with her more!   There will be pictures to come in a future post of Alayna’s bedroom.  I will keep you all in suspense!!