We had our check up today. I've gained 30 lbs so far, which is just right. For ladies of normal weight, they suggest that you gain 25-35 lbs. during pregnancy.

The doctor also did an internal check, since I am still having contractions occasionally. I'm 90% effaced and about 1 cm dilated. What does this mean?

In pregnancy, effacement refers to how thinned out the cervix is. It goes from about 3-4 cm at 0% to paper thin at 100%. So, I'm almost completely thinned out.

Dilation refers to how wide the opening to the cervix becomes. It goes from completely closed to 10 cm open (see diagram). I'm not very dilated, but a thin cervix makes for easier dilation.

The baby is not engaged in my pelvis yet, but he is head down. You've probably heard this described as the baby "dropping" or "lightening." Usually around this late in pregnancy, the baby's head drops deeper into the pelvis in preparation for birth. It frees up some space around the lungs and diaphragm, but also crowds the bladder again.

We also found out that our doctor is going on vacation from October 17 until October 25th. I'm hoping that I go into labor before he leaves for vacation! Now we see have a check-up once a week until the baby is born. It won't be long now!