Mixed feedback

At my last prenatal checkup (3 weeks ago), Dr. R. asked me if I felt small or large.

"HUGE!" I replied. Of course, she caught me on a "bloaty" feeling day, but in general I have felt big.

"Well, what do your friends say about how you look?"

Fortunately, they are mostly too polite (or wise) to say anything.

"Well," she continued, "You are measuring a bit small, but if you feel big, then you are probably just about right." Hmm. That sounds like classic Dr. R. speak for "I will be watching this but I refuse to alarm you about it."

I am not very alarmed, really. The ultrasound at 22 weeks measured a baby in the 35th percentile, so it would not be too surprising if I measure small. Maybe she is just a small kid. After all, none of my babies have started out very big. Maggie was the biggest at 7lbs 7oz, and James was only 6 lbs 6 oz.  (John was in between at 6lb15 oz.)

On the other hand, these things do fester in a hormonally soft mind. I have noticed that I feel this baby's kicks much more strongly than any of the other three. They are right near the surface and feel like they will burst through. So now, I find myself wondering if she doesn't have enough amniotic fluid. That would lead to a smaller uterine measurement for me, and possibly less cushioning for her kicks and pushes. It is something I can't quite dismiss now that I have thought of it. But, not much I can do about it now, either. I have a check up on Friday (5 days) and an ultrasound next week. I can ask about it then.

I did get my first feedback on size from an observer, though. I think maybe I was better off without it. I went to church this morning in my one maternity "business suit" because I was serving as Liturgist. Then, I changed into slacks and a tartan plaid turtleneck for the evening's Children's Christmas program. A kindly(?) woman chatting with me after the evening service mentioned, "Wow, you looked so slim this morning, but that plaid shirt really brings out your belly! When are you due?) Um, yeah, thanks.