36 week appointment

[justreadmyspine]

So I had my 36 week appointment today, and a growth ultrasound. They're estimating him to be 6 lbs, 2 oz now, and my OB said that would make him 8 or 8.5 lbs at birth. I'm having a C-section at 39 weeks - aren't babies supposed to gain half a pound a week at this point? So if I have three weeks left, wouldn't that put him at more like 7.5-8 lbs at

Comments

[biggerstaff]

I had heard that half a pound a week was pretty average. My mom was 5'1 and 90lbs when she gave birth to my brother, vaginally, who ended up being 11lbs, hahaha -- your body can do amazing things! I'm hoping the little guy in me stays under the 9lbs mark!

[justreadmyspine]

I'm not worried about carrying a big baby or having a C-section with a big baby, I'm worried about lugging around a big baby post-partum! I had a horrible recovery from my last C-section so it was helpful that he only weighed 7 lbs. Obviously I'm not saying I want an underweight baby, don't get me wrong, haha.

[biggerstaff]

No no, I wasn't thinking that at all, hahaha! That's my biggest worry about ending up with a c-section as well -- the recovery. Pete has to go back to work right away, and I'm afraid of being able to take care of the dogs and the baby!

[justreadmyspine]

I definitely understand that fear as my husband will probably go back to Afghanistan about 4-5 days after the birth. I didn't have a problem lifting or holding my son even with a bad C-section recovery but he was small (or average, I guess) so when my OB said "8.5 pounds" today I told her I was gunna cry :-P

[biggerstaff]

Do babies gain weight really quickly? I'm such a FTM, haha, I have no idea!

[justreadmyspine]

It really depends on the kid. My son had issues with eating (I formula-fed and will be this time too) and reflux and other stuff they couldn't figure out so he gained really slowly. At over 2-1/2 now, he's only 27 pounds, which is small. It will be weird to me if I have a big baby this time cuz my son is so small!

[biggerstaff]

I'm reeeeally worried about reflux -- I have it really, really badly, and so does Pete, so I'm concerned that the little guy will as well. We'll be formula feeding too.

I'll hope for a very average-sized baby for you! =D

[justreadmyspine]

My son's dad and I both had reflux/heartburn (mine has gotten better but it's been bad during this pregnancy). It ended up not being the main problem with my son's eating and crying issues - they never figured out why he was so freaking fussy - but he did have it to some extent. He had to be on special formula but it took awhile to figure out what he needed, but once we did he started eating really well. I've decided that since I had so many problems with him, this baby is going to be problem-free...hey, I can dream, right? :-P

[panic_absent]

Is there someone who can come over and help look after you, after he goes back? Seems like you'd really need someone still, only 5 days after surgery. :(

[justreadmyspine]

Yeah, his family and I live together, but his sister has three kids of her own so I don't expect much help. I really am only worried about lack of sleep because my 2.5 year old doesn't sleep through the night and of course the new baby won't either.

[panic_absent]

I'm glad there's someone around, at least, even if she is busy. It does sound like you're up for very little sleep, though. I hope your new baby is a good sleeper. :)

[justreadmyspine]

Well my first son had major sleep issues so I keep telling myself there's no way it could be worse this time...hopefully I'm not just dreaming :-P