34 Weeks Pregnant

How far along?

Finally, 34 weeks!

How big is baby?

I think our little guy is around 18 inches today, so his growth tends to slow down these next 6 weeks. His weight on the other hand goes up around half a pound a week until he's born! 

How is my body changing?

I'm finally getting the proper "heavily pregnant" feelings now.

If I drop something on the floor, it's a real effort to pick it up. In fact, now I have to hold my breath to bend down because he gets right into my chest!

When we are sat in the car and I put something (like a bag of shopping) between my legs, I normally can't reach it and Michael has to bend over and pick it up... Thanks babe!

I get a lot of period type cramping, but I think that's because he is so low down and there's a lot of pressure down there that my body just recognises them as menstrual cramps.

I have to go to the toilet very regular now, mainly because he's on my bladder but partly because I am so parched all the time that I pee a lot.

I keep having sciatic pain down my leg, so I have to make sure I keep moving around.

And finally, when I get in to bed, it takes half an hour to get comfortable enough to sleep and then when I do have to get up out of bed, I have to roll like an overturned tortoise!

Purchases:

I bought some fabric to make some clothes for baby, I love using my sewing machine and for the past year or so, I haven't had a reason to use it. Now I do, and I'm enjoying it so much again. I could spend all day sewing little outfits for our little guy!

Movement:

All the time. I've realised that he doesn't like it when I lay on my side, so he kicks a lot more.

When he moves a lot, like his whole body shifts, I feel tightening but I think that's because he's stretching my muscles rather than Braxton Hicks.

Last night, I had to first movement that took me by surprise. I normally get kicked in the delicate area  between where my ribs end and my hips begin and only on my right hand side. Last night, baby was obviously uncomfortable and kicked out nice and hard under my rib!

Sleep:

I am sleeping rather well, I think I expect to go to the toilet 3/4 times a night now so when I do only go once then I feel like I've had a successful nights sleep. 

Cravings / Aversions:

Still nothing too major. I just want fizzy pop a lot.

Labour Signs:

Although I am not sure, I think I have been having Braxton Hicks contractions. 

There are some times when I have woken up with horrendous back pain, period pains and a sore tummy and a bit of me hopes that this may be labour signs but I feel okay again within a couple of hours.

Highlight of the (past couple) weeks?

On Monday, we went to a Labour & Delivery antenatal class.

Although physically I knew what would be happening and didn't really think I would learn too much, we had a lovely time and both Michael and I learnt new things while we were there.

I think sometimes men need a little explanation as to why women are in so much pain when they are giving birth, and I am sure the diagrams helped him to understand (if not, they mentally scarred him!)

Lowlight of the (past couple) weeks?

I have had a couple of days this week when it seems all too real for a moment. 

I am either terrified that I won't be a good mum, or I am so self confident that I will be able to do this and do it well (I mean, some of the people out there that are mothers, I think I can manage)

I've sobbed about it, I've sat thinking about it, I've laughed about it... But emotionally it takes it toll when you don't know how to feel!

On a side note, I'm sorry about not being very active on here. I have had a lot going on these past couple of weeks and I have struggled to find the time and patience to use my internet (which is an absolute joke!) and also the reason why I haven't uploaded a video... It takes almost 3 hours to upload a ten minute video... So I'm waiting until it is sorted out, then will upload more!

32 Weeks Pregnant

How far along?

32 weeks!

Only 8 weeks left!!

How big is baby?

All of the apps that I have say different things, which makes is difficult to know how big he really is. I can feel where his head is and where his bum is though, so I can practically measure him with my hands.

How is my body changing?

This week, I got my first stretch mark on my tummy. It's right by the scar where my belly button piercing was, in fact it goes through that scar! 

I'm starting to get cramps a lot more, especially when I am sat down for too long. Also, if I don't move around a lot during the day, my legs feel all stiff and it becomes difficult and painful to walk.

Purchases:

This week, we got the nursery furniture that we bought from Michael's older sister. Michael and his dad put all of that up, which makes all of this seem a lot more real! 

I have JUST bought a bedding set from Wauwaa.co.uk with a 50% off code..

FEB50 is the code I used, I don't know how long it's valid for but I assume all of February 2015.

The bedding I got is the Clair De Lune Ahoy Quilt and Bumper set! Beautiful!

Movement:

Our little boy moves quite a lot, he does really well actually seeing as he doesn't actually have a lot of room left. 

Whilst at the ultrasound, the technician tried to get a picture of him but he kept moving at the exact moment he pressed the button. This is the first time Daddy saw movement as like a real thing rather than feeling it, he saw our little guy punch the monitor. It was brilliant!

Sleep:

I get a reasonable amount of sleep, if you don't include the waking up because I need to pee or I'm getting elbowed in the head... or a knee in the back... I swear to God it's like sleeping with a toddler.

Can you tell I slept well last night?
I'm also really tired by around 3pm, no matter how late I stay in bed.

Cravings / Aversions:

I just want fizzy drinks all of the time. I don't care how disgusting it is, I just want something fizzy all of the time.
I don't really have many aversions, but I've got right off Tuna. I've never been a fan of fish, but I enjoyed Tuna. One afternoon, Michael opened a can and it made me feel like I was going to throw up. Now I can't bear the thought of it.

Labour signs:

Erm, labour signs... I've had a couple of random Braxton Hicks but nothing else. I don't think there will be any for a while.
The good news is our little man has been head down for a while now, so if he just stays like that it should be quite a simple birth... Hopefully

Highlight of the week?

This week, I have been painting and organising the nursery, which I am still doing. I know it drives Michael mad that I want to do it all by myself (I come from a family of VERY independent women) but it helps that other women have explained to him that "he has to let me nest".

I'm so close to having the nursery exactly how I want it, and that's definitely a highlight!

With the cot ready, most of the clothes washed and our labour bag nearly ready, I feel a lot more prepared this week than I did last.

Lowlight of the week?

It makes me sad just to think about this...

My fingers have finally swollen to a point where I can't put my wedding and engagement ring on anymore. It breaks my heart.

Michael doesn't seem too upset, like he said "I'm married to you on paper!" :D

I'm just gutted that people don't get to see my beautiful rings.

Fetal Growth Scan

Hello again!

Since I have moved hospitals recently, my new midwife decided to send me for another ultrasound. She wanted to be sure that my placenta was well out of the way for me to give birth naturally, she was also a little concerned that our baby was measuring small (even though I have been told that it is popular to measure differently to what is expected). We have been so very lucky throughout this pregnancy, I was scared that something would be wrong at the last hurdle.

So, we went in today for our appointment at 1:50pm and for the first time since becoming pregnant, I was called in to the room on time! *shock*

Our ultrasound technician checked the baby's heart beat, the kidneys, the bladder, the stomach and made sure that all of our little guys measurements were on track for where he should be. Thankfully, as he was saying the dimensions he kept saying "spot on!" which made us feel much more at ease.

He moved the scanner thingy down and worked his way down our baby's body, he then pointed out two little white circles on the screen and told us exactly what they were... Daddy sure looked proud!

He then checked little mans thigh bone to make sure he measured the right height for how far along he was, I am truly amazed at ultrasounds that they are able to do such a detailed check on a baby that they can't even see with the naked eye.

The technician went through the details with us after the scan and explained that if the measurements didn't seem right or were all over the place he would ask us to come back in two weeks, but he is more than happy that the little bundle of joy is developing at the right pace so, unless we were referred by the midwife, he shouldn't be seeing us again.

I asked for a picture, which he said was fine but may be a little difficult because he is a little crammed in there. I don't mind what he looks like, I just want more proof for myself, so I know that I'm actually pregnant! Yes, even at almost 32 weeks!

So here he is! Our little boy!

This picture is a cross section of him all cuddled up almost into a ball. His face and little nose are on the far right, then you can see a cross section of his arms folded across his chest and then you can see one of his legs. He obviously doesn't have a lot of room for stretching out!

This picture is of his face front on, his cheeks and his eyes etc. He looks crazy! I absolutely adore how chubby his face looks in this, it's so different seeing him now than just seeing bones.

So there it all, all is well in our household tonight with the added comfort of knowing he is right on track. This also means that a healthy home birth is still on the cards!

31 Things About Pregnancy

Now that I am actually 31 weeks pregnant, I feel that I have finally been pregnant long enough to share a few of the things that I have learnt up to now. So here I will list 31 things about pregnancy I've noticed...

1. No matter how long you've wanted it, that BFP may be the most terrifyingly exciting thing that you've seen.

2. You may or may not get "morning" sickness, and it doesn't matter what you eat, drink, don't eat or don't drink, you will still feel like the walking dead.

3. Morning sickness is not actually morning sickness, but all day and night sickness/nausea.

4. When baby is finally the size of a peppercorn on one of the 50 apps you've downloaded, you'll realise that you can finally actually see the bundle of cells that look like a dinosaur.

5. It is perfectly normal to go to bed feeling completely fine and then randomly sit up in the middle of the night and feel the need to vomit. I don't care what other people say, it's acceptable!

6. Just because you suddenly feel better, it doesn't necessarily mean that something is wrong.

7. Some nights, you won't be able to sleep. Some nights, you won't be able to get enough sleep. I woke up from a 12 hour sleep on our honeymoon, got breakfast and was ready for a nap.

8. Speaking of naps, they are now compulsory now that you're pregnant!

9. The first trimester does end, apparently along with your horrible "morning" sickness. Apparently.

10. 12 weeks is a massive achievement, along with reaching 16 weeks, 20 weeks, 30 weeks and 37 weeks. Don't let them feel like anything less! They should be celebrated.

11. You will still get period pains. Yep, nobody told me either.

12. The "fat or pregnant" stage for me was from around 14 weeks to 28 weeks. There are still days where I feel like people think it now.

13. You will go through stage when you don't believe you're pregnant. It will feel real for a moment when baby moves, you see them on an ultrasound, you see baby move from the outside and you start to feel braxton hicks.

14. Fingers swell. So much so that your favourite jewellery (including your wedding ring) may not fit anymore. Just find somewhere safe to keep it.

15. Your bump will be different from everyone else's, everyone carries their baby differently and that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your bump.

16. Measuring too small or too big is actually quite a common occurrence, in fact it's not unheard of the measure too small at one appointment and then too big at the next appointment. Don't stress too much.

17. Extra ultrasounds are ordered for a reason, to check your baby is okay. Don't fear them! Accept that your midwife/doctor is doing all they can to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

18. Speaking of appointments, your first doctors appointment will be nothing more than "congratulations! Here's a list of things you can't eat and here's your due date!" (like you haven't already downloaded 10 apps and worked out which one is exactly 40 weeks from your LMP!)

19. The first ultrasound scan when you hear a heartbeat will be very emotional. The ultrasound when you first see an actual little person is even more emotional. Expect to cry.

20. Speaking of crying, your hormones will be ALL OVER the place. You no longer fit into your work trousers? Expect to cry. You haven't got any cheese to put on your toast? Expect to cry. Just expect to cry.

21. The earlier that everyone else knows about your pregnancy, the sooner they will be saying things like "it feels like you've been pregnant forever!"

I KNOW!

22. Some people will say things that are well and truly unacceptable. Tell them. It is never okay for someone to say "well you aren't really pregnant, you could quite easily miscarry before 12 weeks."

23. The halfway mark will feel amazing to reach and may be really motivating to some women. It upset me because I was only half way through.

24. Cherish looking at your feet while they're still the size of normal feet. You'll miss it. You'll miss painting your toenails as well.

25. Random bouts of "morning" sickness is still normal all the way through your pregnant. Nobody told me either!

26. It is actually okay for people to tell you how big you've become. Try not to take it as an insult, take it as a compliment. Just, try to!

27. When it comes to asking your midwife / other mums, there is no such thing as TMI. Increased vaginal discharge? Vomit? Change in CM? They've seen it all before!

28. All of the strange questions people ask, such as "what are you having?" "haven't you dropped yet?" "do they kick a lot?" ... Don't get annoyed. They may seem daft to you but they don't know what/how else to ask. Just try to be grateful that they're showing an interest.

29. Some weeks are longer than other weeks. The further along you get, the longer the weeks become I'm afraid.

30. When daddy/other family members first feel the baby moving around, it is perfectly okay for their reaction to be something along the lines of "Eurgh! Oh my goodness, that is weird!"

31. Some days your body will feel like an absolute temple that is playing hostess to a beautiful new baby. Tomorrow, your body will feel like an over overstretched tired tent for a life sucking gremlin. It's normal to be both amazed and grossed out by what your body is doing. Hormones...

31 Weeks Pregnant

How far along?

31 weeks and 1 day!
Gosh, I can't believe it's been that long already.

How big is baby?

Baby Lithgow should be over 16 inches long and over 3lbs.
We have our ultrasound scan on the 9th so we will know a bit more about his weight and height after that!

How is my body changing?
I feel as though I am growing every day, whether that's boobs or bump!
Walking is becoming a bit more of a challenge, it's not as easy as it once was and I'm certainly out of breath a lot quicker.

 Baby has been quite low, I feel as though he has been low all the way through my pregnancy but now I feel he's prepping for his entrance!

Purchases:

I went to Aldi this week and bought some baby bits which I wrote a blog post about. I bought nappies, wipes, dummies etc. as they had a baby event on.
I think we are all stocked up on clothes for now, we need bedding for the cot but that's pretty much it!

Movement:

I have been feeling Baby more a lot this week.
He still enjoys pushing his feet up under my ribs!

We've been spending a lot more time watching him move from the outside, and the newest party trick is getting daddy to lay with his head on my belly and our little guy kicks/thumps him!

Sleep:

I've been sleeping a lot better once I've finally dropped off (which is a pain in the butt), but I do tend to wake up for a wee a lot more.
When I do wake up, my legs are either numb or cramped up so it takes me a second to get moving.
And don't even ask about what happens when I want to turn over!

Cravings / Aversions: 

This week, I discovered how amazing orange juice is when frozen! 

Labour Signs:

No signs, but because his hands are low down I do feel a lot more movement "down there" which isn't pleasant. It's not a sign on labour but it is a good sign he's in the right position.

Highlight of the week:

The first time that hubby rested his head on my tummy and was watching TV, and the little guy wouldn't stop kicking and pushing him away. It was such an amazing feeling knowing that our little guy was not only pushing back but was reacting to a stimulus outside of bump!

I had an amazing date night with hubby last night, we are trying to make the most of time alone while we still have it!

Lowlight of the week:

A couple of nights ago, I sobbed when I climbed into bed. 

In between sobs and being asked what was wrong, all I could come up with is "I just can't get comfortable!"

So I got all the pillows and was padded up until I fell asleep! 

(Thank you darling!)

We now only have 62 DAYS until he is due!
Is it normal to be excited and terrified at this point?!

My Biggest Fears

I've spent quite a while deciding on whether or not I should write this blog, I mean, who really wants to know about my biggest fears? Maybe I'm just hoping that I'll look back at this in a couple of years and will realise how trivial these fears are in the grand scheme of things.

You'd think my biggest fear, being almost 31 weeks pregnant, would be labour. In a sense, you would be right. I'm terrified that I won't get the birth that I want, I'll be alone when I go into labour, that my body won't know what to do and when to do it, I'll be rushed into hospital and something will go terribly wrong. Anxiously excited is a great oxymoron that describes how I feel.

In fact, my biggest fear is failure. Failure from the starting block of giving birth to failure to breast feed or provide. I recently read that the only way you truly can fail is by giving up, and I suppose that is true. But whose to say I'm not just a rubbish mum? 

Fear of failure is something we face at every stage of life, but that doesn't actually seem to make it any easier.

I do have many little fears all based on the same thing, but there are many questions that have crossed my mind and make me not only fear for myself but for the little human who will be depending on me for the best part of the rest of his life (if not physically, then emotionally)!

Such as;
What if I go into full blown labour and there's nobody there?
What if I look at him for the first time, and I don't feel an overwhelming love and I just think "Ew!"
What if I don't hear him cry in the middle of the night until he's screaming?
What if I can't breast feed very well?
I'm not very good at steering prams, I'm just hoping I don't lose control and steer him into a lamp post or something
I can't manoeuvre a pram the way some ladies can, so... how do I fold it again?
Will I forget to put the seatbelt around the car seat?
What do I do when he cries and NOTHING helps?
What if he doesn't like me?

So there they are, well some of them anyway. I'm sure any mother will probably empathise with being worried about so many little things. I'm sure in time I'll come to realise that they aren't as big of a deal as I think.