36 weeks...A month to go!

I had my 36 week appointment with one of the midwives yesterday.  Janet is one of my favorite in the office, you can just tell she's been there and sympathizes.  We talked about how close I am to the end and she checked out the swelling I have been having...with just one foot (no both would make too much sense).  My right foot is easily twice the size of my left most days now and it of course seems to get worse throughout the day.  Chances are only the right foot is swelling because of the way the little one in there is laying, usually with her back on my right side.  It may just be that the extra pressure of her on that side isn't allowing the fluids to move as freely.  I was told to try and lay on my right side more often to see if that would help any since I already prefer laying on my left side.  I can also try to keep the foot elevated as much as possible or stick it in some cool water (hello kiddie pool!).  If none of those attempts work over the next few days, then it appears as though I will be relegated to one freakishly swollen foot until princess pea makes her grand entrance.  In other news, I have also developed a pretty annoying case of pregnancy induced carpal tunnel, which had started waking me up in the night and preventing me from getting back to sleep.  While there isn't an easy fix for this one until delivery, I have started wearing wrist braces as much as possible, including while sleeping and I actually slept pretty decently last night (aside from the multiple trips to the bathroom). 

Other than my discomforts, the baby is doing really well, she's head down and has started to drop a bit.  Her heart rate was right on track as is her growth (based on my belly size).  Right now, they are estimating her to weigh in around 5 to 5.5 pounds, and growing beautifully.  I had my Group B Strep test and will find out whether I need IV antibiotics for the delivery or not next week.  For now, I am on prescription anti-viral medication until the delivery to prevent the little lady from getting passed the cold sore virus that I got handed down from my mom (and I of course handed down to poor Noah...before they did routine anti-virals).  Her days in there are numbered and am I ever glad about that fact.  Let's just hope that they pass by quickly!