The end of pregnancy is near! It’s hard to believe that we’re at the end of this journey already. Time really has flown by, and for that I am thankful. Pregnancy hasn’t been too difficult for me, and I feel very lucky that I haven’t been afflicted with some of the common pains of pregnancy that many women experience, like morning sickness, sciatica, bed rest, etc. It’s been a very smooth, healthy journey, and one that we’ve nearly completed!

Throughout this entire pregnancy I’ve been convinced that Baby Bier was going to be early. I’m not sure why, but it’s just a feeling that I’ve had. Now, as we near our due date next week, I’m not so sure! She seems pretty comfortable snuggled inside my belly right now, and if she’s anything like Pete or me she’ll make her appearance when she’s good and ready.

Pregnancy Q&A

How far along? 39 weeks

Best moment this week: Pete’s change of command ceremony at Fort Shafter was not only a very exciting day, but a great distraction from the pregnancy. It was nice to have something non-baby related to look forward to!

Total weight gain/loss: 35 pounds gained

Stretch marks? Nope

Anything noteworthy? I had heard that towards the end of your pregnancy it’s pretty common to experience quite a bit of swelling, like in your hands, legs, and feet. I definitely feel the swelling in my hands, and when I tried to wear a pair of shoes I hadn’t worn in a few months they were so uncomfortable and tight that I took them off right away.

Labor signs: Although I’m having sporadic contractions, nothing is happening with any regularity. After a checkup at the doctor, I’m not dilated at all, and I can’t tell if she’s “dropped” yet or not. As a backup, the doctor scheduled us to be induced on September 22 if Baby Bier doesn’t make her appearance before then.

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? Off and temporarily replaced with a fun cocktail ring.

Anything different this week from last week? Walking and physical activity in general is getting increasingly uncomfortable. I’m bound and determined, though, to stay as active as I can as long as I can (while it feels good, anyway). I’ve modified my 3-mile walks to 1.5-mile walks, and am definitely walking much more slowly than I was a few weeks ago.

Looking forward to: As silly as this might sound, I’m getting pretty excited to see all of the cute little outfits on Baby Bier! Pete and I are also really curious about what she’s going to look like. Will she have dimples like Pete? Will she have dark hair like me?