37 weeks

Your pregnancy: 37 weeks

How your baby's growing:Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

Here are some things that may happen in the weeks or days before labor starts

• Your baby drops. If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel what's known as "lightening" a few weeks before labor starts as your baby descends lower into your pelvis. You might detect a heaviness in your pelvis as this happens and notice less pressure just below your ribcage, making it easier to catch your breath.

• You note an uptick in Braxton Hicks contractions. More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions can signal pre-labor, during which your cervix ripens and the stage is set for true labor. Some women experience a crampy, menstrual-like feeling during this time.

• You pass your mucus plug. The mucus plug is the small amount of thickened mucus that blocks the cervical canal leading to your uterus. The plug may come out all at once in a lump, or as increased vaginal discharge over the course of several days. The mucus may be tinged with blood (which may be brown, pink, or red), in which case it may be referred to as "bloody show."

• Your water breaks. Most women start having regular contractions sometime before their water breaks, but in some cases, the water breaks first. When this happens, labor usually follows soon. (If contractions don't start promptly on their own, you'll be induced.) Whether the amniotic fluid comes out in a large gush or a small trickle, call your doctor or midwife.

I included the second part because I am having or have had 3 of the four. I have highlighted the three in blue. We are getting close people, and I am having some "oh, shit" moments cuz his room isn't ready, not all of his clothes are washed and I haven't even gotten him a little coat yet!!! Having a freak out day today since this morning I lost my plug. I know it could still be a little while, but the process is set in motion. It has begun. And I still have 3 weeks.

yesterday we went to our Childbirth Preparedness class. I am glad that Matthew was able to go. I was doing just fine until she showed the pictures of the baby's head crowning. I mean I know what HAS to happen, I just don't want to SEE it! And the nurse who did the class also did a Breastfeeding class too, so I was happy about that. We have another one next Thursday that is more about after you bring the baby home, and I think Matthew will really benefit from that one, and I am looking forward to learning something too. But as I said before, the only thing I am scared of, right now, is having to go #2 AFTER the baby comes. the thought paralyzes me!!!! So anyway, that is your update. I have only had two contractions today and neither one hurt, so I know I still have some time. But it kinda makes everything seem real, you know? I have been so disconnected from the labor/delivery part because it was so far off in the future, but this just smacks you right in the face and says, "hi, I'm here, its time. Wake up!" I'll, of course, keep you updated.