The Babe:
Our wee bantling isn’t quite so wee anymore! Even though the babe appears smaller when curled up in a ball in utero, the babe is a regular Yao Ming at 14 ½" from head to toe. The lungs are starting to function as they will post-birth. They are capable of breathing air, although the placenta is still supplying the oxygen for now. Although, I am not sure how much, since I have the tendency to get winded SITTING DOWN! The pulmonary vascular system is ready to handle the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), and the central nervous system is developed enough to control rhythmic breathing. The immune system is also developing, thanks to the white blood cells being churned out by the bone marrow.
The Parents:
Rumor has it here in the THIRD trimester that one can gain up to a pound a week. Which is quite a pep talk for a girl that already feels larger than life. Another promising event is that the baby will eventually drop...placing pressure on the pelvis and strain on the lower back...AWESOME!! Resulting in the "WADDLE!" But hey, it is the third trimester and PRAISE THE LORD there is no fourth!! (of course then 'trimester' wouldn't make much sense!)
After a streak of snow days and holidays, today was the first day back to work/school in a week. The first thing I looked at on my desk was my countdown to maternity leave = 55 school days!! Which my students would rather I stop announcing because 55 means nothing to them, they will be returning after Spring Break...adding about 30 more days to their countdowns!! Sad Tale!!
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