Vaccine Day with Mum & Dad!

   Rachel Zoe just had his second dose of Hepatitis B vaccine this morning. My brave little girl just cried a little after the vaccination as she was sleeping. :-) Her Dad was holding her, I usually asked him to ever since when my other two kids were still babies as it feels like I'm the one getting the shot.

Chubby thighs!

What a cute legs! 💖

      She will be having the third dose on January of next year.

The programme schedule for child health development

   Last November 15 during her doctor's check-up, she weighs 3.38 kgs, now our little Zoe weighs 4.174 kgs which was a very good weight gain according to the nurse who checked her records. That also means, I am doing well in breastfeeding as she's getting enough breast milk from me. Happy Mum here. :-) Also to share, she had a follow-up check up today for her mild jaundice which was already cleared up by the doctor. Thanks be to God!

Took a photo of her left ear while we're waiting for our turn. I just find it cute! =)

   With the rest of our stay there, we were just asked about her number of feedings in which I replied around 10-12 in a day or I nurse her on demand. Also we talked about how many times I change her diapers and how many times she poop in a day.

Nursing is a supply & demand process. Milk is produced as your baby nurses, and the amount that she nurses lets your body know how much milk is required. Every bottle (of formula, juice or water) that your baby gets means that your body gets the signal to produce that much less milk. Bottle preference. ~ kellymom.com

   She was still sleeping when we reached home. Such a sleepy baby! 

Warmly snuggled on her cosy blanket! 💖

   Just another lovely day today. Our Sleeping Beauty woke up happily after a nice sleep. =)

Here she is after a long sleep...

Widely awake! ^_^

Say hello to our cutiepaZoe! 😍

   I am so glad that my baby sleeps perfect every night and has since about a week old. When she wakes up hungry, then I'll just breastfeed her while lying on my side and we'll both asleep again. :-)

"Happiness is parenthood."

This Little Bun Is Almost Done at 37 Weeks!

   Just reached my 37th week today! Had my last-minute prenatal appointment yesterday, as a routine my blood pressure and urine had been checked. Thank God all were normal and about my weight, I've measured 72.7 kilograms (last time it was 71.6 kgs).

    I had undergone Cardiotocography (CTG) in which my baby's heartbeat and uterine contractions were monitored, commonly done during the third trimester.

   Had another special ultrasound afterwards and so happy to see my baby girl once again. Just to share, normally they do ultrasounds only during the Nuchal Translucency Scan (NT Scan) at first trimester, and another between 18-22 weeks which is the Anatomy Scan.

   With my previous pregnancy, only had two ultrasounds. With this third, I was given a monthly appointment for the doctor to monitor my low-lying placenta, in which glad to know went up already during my prenatal ultrasound last month.

The anticipation grows!💖

God willing, we'll see you soon baby! 👩💖👶

   My precious little girl weighs 2.6 kilograms now which the doctor said was normal at this stage.

   I was asked if there were any uterine contractions, so far all is well with this pregnancy, told the doctor just some tightening of my belly were I was asked how often they were and told him just sometimes and not always.

   And also due to having a really bigger belly in here, told the doctor that at times my previous caesarian scar is sore that might be due to the stretching of my skin. Though the soreness is not that frequent and only seldom, I think it's important that I brought it out for him to know which he checked right away.

   I was asked to lie down, he did some pressing here and there on my scar, at times hard. He asked me if they were painful which I answered yes as when he pressed it out, somewhat it makes a bit of pressure in there.

   Afterwards, he asked me if I wanted to have an earlier caesarian delivery which really surprised me. I am still overwhelmed with my previous prenatal appointment knowing I will be meeting my little princess next week and here I am now, was given the chance to meet and see her more sooner than expected!

   If I were given the chance to select a date for this elective caesarian, I would actually love to pick up the date November 4 as that's my son's birthday and God willing he will turn 4 years old this Saturday. 

   Now, being given an earlier date is more of a surprised to me as it would be a close birth date with that of my little boy which is more special then. 

   Whatever it is, as long as what is good for my baby, especially what God has planned, I will go for it as I believed that will always be my best choice regardless of which date I will be scheduled into. Having a healthy baby and a smooth pregnancy journey, I really couldn't asked for more!

   So blessed to be a mother once again. Can't wait to meet my little precious. A million thanks to God!

   

This little bun is almost done! 👶

Worth the weight... 😍  

Heart's desire! 💖

Labor of love! 👨💖👩

  

  For now, let's take a peek on what's happening this week:

Inside the Womb at 37 Weeks

 Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Photo courtesy of The Bump 

Photo courtesy of What To Expect

Photo courtesy of Parents

Photo courtesy of Your Baby Library

Child length: measures 19.1 inches from head to heel (baby is as a romaine lettuce)

Child weight: 6.3 pounds

At this stage: At 37 weeks pregnant, your baby’s lungs are likely mature but that doesn’t mean he’s finished growing yet. In fact, until the end of week 38 he’s technically considered “early term,” and he's still packing on about a half an ounce per day or half a pound a week.

Baby's done! Your baby is perfect, although he or she will still add a little meat to their bones over the next few weeks. 

The big development this week is that your baby's lungs should be mature enough to breathe independently, which is the reason why babies are considered to be carried to term at 37 weeks. All that inhalation and exhalation of amniotic fluid over the past 9 months has paid off, and your baby is now itching to take that very first breath of air.

Baby is probably going to town on those thumbs of theirs about now, which as well as acting as a method of comfort and a sleep aid, also plays a part in developing the suckling action that will help Baby take those first sips of breastmilk or infant formula from a bottle teat.

The umbilical cord begins passing antibodies to your baby in preparation for delivery. By stockpiling antibodies, your baby will be better prepared for the disease and germs he'll encounter outside the womb. Your baby's senses are also getting more time to hone their burgeoning skills. He can hear and recognize your voice. Once he's born you'll be able to see him turn his head in your direction when he hears you speak. He knows his mom! Along with his hearing, his eyesight is improving each day. His fingers are also becoming more coordinated. He can grasp his face or toes. And after birth he'll be able to grab onto your finger.

So what's keeping your little one busy while waiting it out until D-day? Practice, practice, practice. Right now, your tiny superstar is rehearsing for his big debut, simulating breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, sucking his thumb, blinking and pivoting from side to side (one day you feel his bottom on the left side, the next it has flipped around to the right).

Here's an interesting fact: Your baby's head (which, by the way, is still growing) will be at birth the same circumference as his chest. And guess what's making an impression (literally) these days on those shoulders and hips? Fat causing little dimples in those cute elbows, knees and shoulders, along with creases and folds in the neck and wrists.

During the few weeks (or days) left before you deliver, your baby may add up to 14 grams of fat each day. At the same time, some of your amniotic fluid is starting to be reabsorbed by your tissues, slightly decreasing the fluid around your baby. This may make it feel as though your baby is moving less, but he's actually just as active as before within his increasingly cramped quarters. As your uterus stretches, more light will permeate your baby's space, and he will move his eyes toward it.

Because placental hormones are now stimulating your breasts to produce milk, those same hormones will cause your baby's mammary glands to swell too. They will shrink back down to size after birth.

At this point, about 3 percent of babies are still breech (positioned with their head up and their feet or buttocks closest to the cervix). Your practitioner may do a pelvic exam to assess the baby's presenting parts. Your baby's feet, hips, head, and buttocks are all fairly easy to distinguish by now.

Your Body

   It could happen any day now, so taking things easy, doing the last of the preparations and keeping an eye out for signs of labor are important. You may be feeling a little more tired than usual, and some women also report feeling a little sad; a combination of being perhaps a little fed up of the pregnancy, and an anxiousness about life with a newborn.

If you've been lucky enough to escape the dreaded stretch marks this far, you may start to notice a few red marks this week. The final weeks of pregnancy are notorious for creating new stretch marks as the skin covering the stomach is stretched to its very limits. These marks will fade as your uterus shrinks following the birth, although a few silvery lines may remain. They're nothing to be ashamed of, so wear them with pride!

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your healthcare provider know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though your baby’s quarters are getting cozy, he should still be as active as before.

Thickened and increased discharge is normal around now as your body prepares for labor. Anything particularly mucous-like is probably a part of your mucous plug that can fall out in pieces over a period of weeks, or all at once. It doesn't mean labor is imminent, but it's certainly an exciting sign that things are making a start.

You might be seeing your Doctor or midwife more frequently now as they keep an eye on Baby's position in the womb, and the state of your cervix.

Pregnancy symptoms that you might experience during this stage:

   At 37 weeks pregnant, symptoms can be confused with signs of labor. Here’s what you might be feeling this week:

Heartburn. Baby continues to put pressure on your digestive system as you near your due date.

Spotting. A little bit of spotting is normal at week 37 of pregnancy remember, your cervix is extra sensitive while you’re pregnant, so sex can irritate it and make it bleed. But call your doctor if it's more than just a few drops of blood. Vaginal bleeding could be a sign of a problem with the placenta (such as placental abruption) and it is important to seek treatment right away. Also, don’t confuse spotting or bleeding with the “bloody show,” a discharge tinged with blood that’s a totally harmless sign your cervix is changing to prep for delivery.

Stretch marks. Sorry, but new stretchies might appear on your 37 weeks pregnant belly and each week from here on out. Keep that body oil on hand and lather up when you can. Also, keep drinking lots of water, even though you’re heading to the bathroom, oh, every two minutes.

Abdominal pressure. If baby has dropped down into your pelvis in anticipation of labor, he or she is putting increased pressure on your abdomen, which might make you feel some new aches and pains down below and a greater urge to pee too!

Trouble sleeping. It’s normal to be up in the middle of the night in late pregnancy. Some strategies for getting more Zzzzs: Get plenty of light exercise during the day, drink lots of water except right before bedtime and limit your caffeine intake.

Contractions. At 37 weeks, cramping or contractions are to be expected. After all, you’re going to have a baby soon, your body’s ramping up! You may find that your contractions go away if you sit or lie down. That means they’re Braxton Hicks not real labor contractions. Make sure you stay hydrated, since dehydration could put you into early labor.

Nausea. An upset stomach is pretty typical almost any time during pregnancy. But now that you’re so close to your due date, it could be a sign you’ll go into labor soon. (Whoa!) If your nausea is severe if you’re vomiting especially, tell your OB so he or she can rule out illness or a pregnancy complication such as HELLP or preeclampsia.

With the above pregnancy discomforts, still lower back pains here and there, that lately makes it more harder for me to get off from bed.

Having some pelvic pressures lately especially when I am walking or when I roll over in bed. Everytime I get up from sleeping, at times my pubic bone cracks/pops, it's the same sound as when you crack your back.

Also again, frequent visit to the bathroom. It's just a bit weird that lately, I've been feeling an urge to poop. Just yesterday, around 3am in the morning having some diarrhea like cramps were the pain radiates around my lower back, too. Haven't experienced labor yet, so might be an early sign to watch out for.

Braxton Hicks contractions or tightening of my tummy at times especially when baby moves.

Carrying low which started at an earlier stage in which for me somewhat a big help as it doesn't give me breathless nights, I'm able to sleep well and frankly speaking never had any sleepless nights.

Overall, having a smooth pregnancy journey in here! All is well, feeling good at this stage despite these common pregnancy discomforts. Thanks be to God!

Days left to birth:  1 day left via caesarian delivery

21 days left (93% of your pregnancy is completed)

Due date: 23 November 2017

Data Sources: Babycenter, The Bump, What To Expect, Parents.com, Due Date Calculator (YourDueDate.com)

Ready For Baby at 35 Weeks 💖

           On my 35 weeks today... Seems like only yesterday, time really flies so fast!

God willing, coming soon! 👩💖👶

Ready for baby... 

   Just had my prenatal check-up yesterday. As a routine, had my blood pressure checked,  my urine and also weight. Thankful all was normal, I now weigh 71.6 kilograms. 

   Hubby and I saw our precious little girl once again during the ultrasound.  The doctor checked the measurements, showed us every parts of her including the amniotic fluid.  So glad to know that my placenta has already moved up as before it was low-lying. Thanks be to God everything was fine, the doctor even told us that our little girl is a big baby. She now weighs 2.4 kilograms.

   As our baby being big at this stage, I was told to avoid sweets. Actually, I'm not fond of sweets, I am more into salty and spicy foods but at times I only eat sweets due to cravings at times. I was also asked to reduce my carbohydrate intakes especially rice.

   Afterwards, as my due date approaches (23rd of November), we were told to wait to discuss about the said matter. As soon as another doctor comes in, he was already announcing to us the scheduled date of my birth delivery which is on the second week of November. It was very overwhelming, I felt so happy and excited! 

   It just happened so fast! We had discussed about the risk of a repeat C-section, histories of my past pregnancies, the age of my kids, how they have been doing lately and some others. Right after, I was given my other upcoming doctor's appointments like my next ultrasound and Cardiotocography.

   Lastly, I signed the waiver/giving my consent to undergo a caesarian delivery.   

   Can't wait to share the good news to my kids while we're on the way home as just like us they are also excited on that big day. Just to share, both of them do a countdown everyday... It always puts a smile on my face! Big sister Amber always reminds me of how many days left til' we get to see baby while her little brother Moses looking at her, eyes filled with awe. They love their baby sister so much!

   

Mom in waiting... 💖

In my womb, I loved you... 😍

   Every day that passes is another day closer to meeting my precious princess! 👧

Can't wait to hold my precious little girl in my arms... 👩💖👶

   For my upcoming appointment, I'll be having my Group B Streptococcus test (GBS) on the 26th.

  

  For now, let's take a peek on what's happening this week:

Inside the Womb at 35 Weeks

 Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Photo courtesy of The Bump

Photo courtesy of Parents

Photo courtesy of Your Baby Library

Child length: measures 18.2 inches from head to heel (baby is as big as a pineapple)

Child weight: 5.3 pounds

At this stage: At 35 weeks pregnant, Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. He is seriously competing for space with every other organ scrunched into your torso. His once skinny arms and legs are now quite plump and irresistibly, squeezably soft.

Something else that's developing at a mind-boggling pace these day: your baby's brain power. While all other organs take a rest now after 9 months of gruelling work, the brain continues to work overtime, learning how to send messages to other parts of the body. Luckily, the part that surrounds that amazing brain, the skull remains soft. And for good reason: A soft skull will allow your baby to squeeze more easily through the birth canal.

He now looks like the newborn that you'll be welcoming into the world in a few weeks (only five more to go!). Your baby is also maturing on the inside too. He continues to practice his breathing movements, which move amniotic fluid in and out of his lungs to aid in their development.

The air sacs of your baby's lungs are becoming lined with surfactant, a chemical substance that keeps lungs expanded after each breath. This will help your baby breathe on his own outside the uterus.

His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete. He'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. Your baby will put on a pound or more of baby fat before you meet him or her.

Baby’s hearing is now fully developed, and your 35-week fetus responds best to high-pitched noises. If you are pregnant with a boy, you would see on a 35 weeks pregnant ultrasound that his testes have probably fully descended (bet you hadn’t thought about that one!).

In preparation for birth, he is now upside down in your uterus. At this point, your unborn baby should be positioned with her head facing down toward the cervix and vagina. About 97 percent of babies have adopted this position by this point; the rest remain in what's known as breech position -- when the butt or feet are in place to come out first. If your baby's among this minority, it does increase your odds of needing a C-section, but there's a good chance your healthcare provider can correct the problem by turning him around manually with pressure applied on your belly. Called an external version, this process has about a 65 percent success rate.

Your Body

   Growing, growing, growing. Yup, baby and you. Now that you’ve reached 35 weeks pregnant, your uterus has grown to about 1,000 times its original size, a number that might sound exaggerated to everyone else but to you it probably feels more like a million. You can expect to gain about a half-pound each week until you give birth.

   Your abdomen may be stretched so large that you're starting to worry your baby is too big, but nature usually does a good job of matching up babies and moms. In any case it's hard to accurately assess a baby's weight at this point because as your baby grows, your amniotic fluid level rises and the placenta grows too.

   Your uterus which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to pee more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.

   This week or next, you may have a Group B Strep Test. For it, your doctor will take a swap of your vaginal area and rectum and have it tested for bacteria called Group B Strep. This bacteria is common and isn’t going to make you sick, but it could be harmful to baby if he or she is exposed to it at birth, so knowing whether you have it is important. If you do, you’ll be given antibiotics during the birth to prevent exposure, and that’s that. Easy peasy.

   A labor signal to watch for is extra-thick vaginal discharge that's pink or even a bit blood-tinged. This is the start of your mucus plug dropping. The mucus plug is a ball of tissue that's been blocking your cervical opening during pregnancy to keep your uterus safe from germs. Losing your plug doesn't mean that labor's starting ASAP, though. Many women lose their plugs up to two weeks before labor officially begins.

Pregnancy symptoms that you might experience during this stage:

   As you wrap up your eighth month, you’re probably feeling some of these 35 weeks pregnant symptoms:

Frequent urge to pee. Yup, your bladder's being pressed on by baby (or babies, if you’re 35 weeks pregnant with twins), who’s likely sitting pretty low in your pelvis, getting ready for birth. Don’t let the extra trips to the bathroom deter you from drinking lots of water though dehydration puts you at risk for preterm labor, so drink up.

Constipation. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: make sure to get plenty of fiber in your diet. If you’ve tried everything and are still struggling with constipation, ask your doctor if it’s okay for you to take a fiber supplement or a stool softener.

Aches and pains in the hips and pelvis. These ouchies are continuing and you may even be feeling a few new ones. While you’re dealing with discomfort, look on the bright side: It’s a sign your body is getting ready to deliver your baby. Yep, all of this pain actually has a purpose! Your ligaments are loosening so that baby can make his or her way out of your uterus and into the world.

Braxton Hicks Contractions. At 35 weeks pregnant, you may have noticed an increase in the number of contractions you're having. It’s kind of crazy how hard your belly can get! Just keep an eye on those contractions; rest when you get them and drink lots of water.

With the above pregnancy discomforts, lower back pains are what I'm still dealing with each day especially when I get off from bed or when I stand up from long periods of seating.

I have noticed that I was frequently going in and out of the bathroom lately, might be due to I've been carrying my baby so low in my tummy. A more oblong-shaped belly that puts pressure on my lower back and pelvis at times.

Carrying low somewhat helps as I am lucky to seldomly experience shortness of breaths especially when laying down in bed. Still, I'm able to catch up enough sleep at night. 

Lastly, some Braxton Hicks contractions here and there at times especially when my baby moves a lot. She's really pretty good in doing somersaults, rolling here and there!

Overall, feeling good at this stage despite these common pregnancy discomforts. Thanks be to God!

Days left to birth:  21 days left via caesarian delivery

36 days left (87% of your pregnancy is completed)

Due date: 23 November 2017

Data Sources: Babycenter, The Bump, What To Expect, Parents.com, Due Date Calculator (YourDueDate.com)

Weighting For You At 32 Weeks! 💖

  

This little bun is almost done! :)

   Less than 8 weeks left til' my due date, 23rd of November! Wow, how time flies! :) But since I'll be having another caesarian delivery, God willing will give birth at an earlier date just like my previous twos.  This gives me a bonus of seeing my baby more sooner! 😊

Weighting for you... 💖

Blessed and thankful! 😍

   Every day that passes is another day closer to meeting her.  I am so excited! From the very beginning of this pregnancy, I already had this special bond with my baby. She is so precious to me! 💖

My gift from Up Above!

Can't wait to hold my precious little girl in my arms... 👩💖👶

   I'll be having another prenatal check up this week and an ultrasound next week, always happy and excited in here to hear my baby's heartbeat and see her once again! :)

  

  For now, let's take a peek on what's happening this week:

Inside the Womb at 32 Weeks

 Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Photo courtesy of The Bump

Photo courtesy of Parents

Photo courtesy of Your Baby Library

Child length: measures 16.7 inches (about the size of a large jicama)

Child weight: 3.8 pounds

At this stage: At 32 weeks pregnant, your baby's taste buds are developed, she may acquire a preference for the foods you eat, which she samples when she swallows amniotic fluid.

Your baby will gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

Once again, your baby's bones go through yet another hardening phase around now, helping your baby with posture and strength and, of course, acting as a vital method of protection outside of the uterus. Your baby's skull will remain soft which helps it squeeze through the birth canal without doing too much damage to either of you. Known informally as the "soft spot", this part of the body doesn't actually firm up until early adulthood!

Your baby's brain is hugely advanced already, and by now your voice, and other voices around your baby will be very familiar and recognizable to him or her. The brain is also busy taking in everything there is to see, as your baby's eyes are open constantly during the waking hours now. Granted, there's not much to see in there, but it's all preparation for life outside of the womb.

Your baby is definitely big enough by now to survive outside the womb. Her lungs are maturing, and her heart rate is starting to slow down a bit. However, research shows that the fetal heart rate speeds up if the mother is stressed, so stay as relaxed as you can to help your baby stay peaceful.

She has definite sleep-and-wake cycles, but she probably sleeps about 70 percent of the time. Ultrasounds reveal that sometime between 32 weeks and 36 weeks babies develop the ability to dream. They have definite periods of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and non-REM sleep. Your baby also has periods of quiet alertness in which she listens to the exciting sounds beyond her dark room.

Between 32 and 38 weeks, your baby will also probably settle into the head-down, bottoms-up position in your pelvis in preparation for birth. That's because the fetus' head fits better at the bottom of your inverted, pear-shaped uterus, plus it’s easier during childbirth if your baby comes out head first. Fewer than five percent of babies prefer the bottom-down (or breech) position by full-term so don't worry if your little bean hasn't assumed the head-down position yet. There's still a good chance she'll flip before birth, even in the tight confines of your uterus.

In these past few weeks, it's all about practice, practice, practice as she hones the skills she'll need to thrive outside the womb from swallowing and breathing to kicking and sucking. In anticipation of that momentous transition to mouth feeding, your baby's digestive system is all set and ready to go. And though you're weeks away from D-day, your baby's looking more and more like a newborn: As fat accumulates under her skin, it's no longer transparent and is now opaque.

Your Body

To accommodate your and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. And with your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn. To help relieve your discomfort, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller meals more often.

A 32 weeks pregnant belly should measure about 30 to 34 centimeters from the top of the uterus to the pelvic bone. Sometime between now and around week 34, baby will “drop” from up near your ribs to down near your pelvis, where he or she will hang out in the head-down position until delivery. When this happens you may notice you suddenly go from “carrying high” to “carrying low.” This isn’t a guarantee though; some babies don’t drop until mom’s actually in labor.

Pregnancy symptoms that you might experience during this stage:

Intensity is building in the symptoms department, since heartburn and contractions tend to get more noticeable around week 32 of pregnancy. But we’re guessing you’re so excited about baby’s impending arrival, these 32 weeks pregnant symptoms aren’t slowing you down at least not too much.

More Braxton Hicks contractions. Those “practice contractions” are likely getting more frequent and stronger. (This might be confused with 32 weeks pregnant cramping.) There’s one big difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and the real deal: These guys go away. Real contractions just keep coming. Women who are 32 weeks pregnant with twins are at higher risk for preterm labor, so definitely watch for contractions that don’t let up.

Darker nipples. Whoa! Suddenly those areolas look darker. No one knows exactly why, but one theory is they darken so that baby can see them better for breastfeeding. Your body’s pretty amazing, huh?

Shortness of breath. Don't worry: baby is getting plenty of air. You’re not though, so don’t push yourself too hard.

Heartburn. Go ahead and pop an antacid. They’re safe for most moms-to-be to take during pregnancy.

Leaky boobs. Your breasts are probably noticeably bigger and they may even have begun producing colostrum, which is the thick yellow fluid that baby will eat in the first few days of life. Don’t be surprised to see a little bit leaking at this point. Yikes!

Vaginal discharge. Might seem a little gross, but the increased discharge is your body’s way of preparing for delivery; it prevents infection down there. Keep your eye out for the mucus plug—this thick, gooey (sometimes bloody) substance covers the cervix until a few days (or just hours) before labor, when your body expels it. Another thing to keep an eye on: discharge that seems more like a watery liquid. If you’re having a constant flow that’s more like water than discharge, your water might have broken, causing a slow leak. If that’s the case, call the OB and get to the hospital stat.

With the above pregnancy discomforts, I've been feeling some shortness of breath lately at times when I lay in bed. Thankful that I don't have any heartburn yet. Major pregnancy discomforts are still lower back pains (left tailbone) which I'd been experiencing as early as my pregnancy started, which also goes to my right sometimes. 

Darker nipples yes as well as vaginal discharge which are just normal that I've been having for weeks. Some Braxton Hicks contractions here and there at times, too.

Frequent urination, lucky that I don't have to wake up in the evening from time to time, it's only when I woke up in the morning. Maybe because  I don't drink that much anymore before going to bed. Overall, feeling good at this stage despite these common pregnancy discomforts. Thanks be to God!

Days left to birth: 53 days left (81% of your pregnancy is completed)

Due date: 23 November 2017

Data Sources: Babycenter, The Bump, What To Expect, Parents.com, Due Date Calculator (YourDueDate.com)