22nd September 2011 - 38 weeks

Another delayed post, sorry. Not sure where my time goes at the moment! Certainly have been keeping busy since going on Maternity Leave!

So what's been going on, well we went on the tour of the hospital this week. I'm going to the new Pembury Hospital in Tunbridge Wells. Its very modern and has the feeling of an international airport, rather than a hospital! The wards are all private rooms with ensuite shower or bathrooms, with most of the rooms having views of the local woodland - sounds idyllic. Not sure how much I will be appreciating the views during my stay there!

Night times have been hard lately. It's so painful now trying to sleep. I end up spending too long on each side - just trying to avoid flipping which is an awful feeling. Feels like my pelvis is going to snap. And what with the baby squashing my bladder painfully I rarely feel rested when I get up. Really hope this will all disappear once the baby arrives.

I know I must have sai it a million times but I still can't believe I will have a baby soon - it's going to be so surreal. Today I'm feeling a little more positive about everything, but I must admit I've had some bad days - feeling quite negative and very very emotional. I hate to put it all down to pregnancy hormones, but I guess they must have influence - helping to magnify the bad feelings. I know I need to make more of an effort to keep positive, it's really not fair on the baby. But easier said than done - plus I've always been prone to feeling sorry for myself.

On a positive note - a stranger realised I was pregnant last night! I was meeting up with the girls from my nct class at a local restaurant and the maitre d said I know which table you are here for and took me straight to the group - I felt normal for once!

Trying to kickstart my nesting instinct but really not getting in the mood - feeling a little lazy in general really, which doesn't help as there are still lots of things to do - nothing major, and nothing that can't wait - but everyone keeps telling me that life will be so hard and so different soon than I want to be as prepared as possible!

Will try and post earlier next week - unless I'm busy giving birth!!

Here are my measurements for the week -

Bust - 52.5 inches (no change)

Waist - 52 inches (-1)

Hips - 55.5 inches (-2.5)

Weight - -0.1kg 

Symptoms

• emotional (more than usual!)
• periods of extreme tiredness
• sometimes feeling clammy and hot
• leg cramps
• strong twinges and painful aching in my pelvic area - especially around the pubic bone
• heartburn at night if I eat too late

And now for the weekly shots -

38 weeks side view

38 weeks plan view

12th September 2011 - 37 weeks

Really starting to feel heavily pregnant now! Had my 36 weeks growth scan last week, Bumpy is head down, facing to the back with his back on the right side of my belly and his feet and arms the other. Bottom is at the top! Glad he was in a normal position, and my placenta is high posterior too. They estimated his weight at 6lbs 15oz which is normal apparantly, but shocked me a little. Still wondering how he is fitting in there!

Actually enjoying my bump now as it is obvious to most people what's in there. Some still aren't sure, but I think I actually look pregnant now - what does everyone else think - here's a side shot of me in my polka dot nightie showing how most empire line tops and dresses hang from me now -

After my scan I saw one of the hospital midwives to check my BP, urine etc. All fine. Then next I saw one of the consultants. A different lady to who I normally see. Nice enough, but she decided to try to put the fear of god in me. She insisted that I meet with an anaesthetist so they can see whether I can be easily fitted with an epidural and I'm assuming to discuss the extra risks, not just with my weight, but with the Fragmin I am on. She felt she needed to tell me that ladies with a high BMI such as mine often have difficulty giving birth and often need help. I know the facts, and that the risks are slightly increased, and realise that she was trying to make me aware, but I could imagine her approach could easily petrify some women. My husband was quite taken aback by her scaremongering also. Just hope I can prove her wrong!

Don't think it will be much longer - each night I wonder whether tonight will be the night! Been pretty uncomfortable lately. Last night was terrible in particular. I had spent the day in London watching the cricket so the combination of lots of stairs, walking and sitting on a fold up plastic chair really took their toll when I was in bed. My whole pelvis was aching alot, and kept seizing up. To add to my woes every time I tried to move the backs of my thighs and my shins started to cramp. Every position was uncomfortable, even putting a cushion between my legs became too painful a task at times. I did manage some sleep but woke up to even more pain as everything had fixed, meaning a complicated and painful procedure of un-fixing myself (and then a trip to the loo!).

The NCT lady told me about the Pelvic Partnership (link) a Charity dedicated to informing women about PGP (Pelvic Girdle Pain) which is what I have discovered is the correct term rather than SPD as it covers the whole pelvis and not just the Pubis Symphysis. Until I had found this website I had assumed that this was all par for the course and I should just put up with it. But to the contrary, I shouldn't be fobbed off by health professionals and should actively demand/seek treatment for this. The treatment though involves being seen by a Chiropractor/Osteopath or Physiotherapist who can manipulate the affected areas to often bring substantial relief. Great news, only that due to my sheer embarrassment of the idea of stripping to my underwear and being wiggled around and will not be seeking this help. I know, I'm an idiot, but I just can't bear the humiliation - no matter how much pain I am in. Plus, I guess it's preparing me a little for the pain to come? If it persists after Bumpy gets here I may have to do something, but I'm hoping that it will improve after - and I have mentioned this in my birth plan so the midwives know that I cannot swing my legs around as easily as most and get fixed if I stay in one position too long.

Just had a thought - this time next week he could be here! Have been talking to him lately to tell him about the outside world, and how everyone is looking forward to seeing him. I think he must have the hiccups at the moment, as his movements are too regular to be normal kicks. Have noticed this more and more in the past couple weeks. Have been the checking the times to see when he does this as some people say that when their babies arrive they sometimes still have hiccups at the same times! It's also supposed to be a sign of a mature respiratory system.

I guess most women reach this stage where you go from "Oh I have plenty of time til the baby arrives" and "Oh my god he could arrive any day now!" It's a funny kind of calm panic. I'm still not as prepared as I would like to be - I have a long list of cleaning duties still to do - and still cannot find something to give birth in - I need to have something I will feel feminine in, that will cover any rude bits (even when bending over) and will be cool and comfortable. Easier said than done it seems!

Need to take more photos of the nursery and all of his bits and bobs - he has so many cute things now. My dearest friend made him a quilt with his name embroidered on it (surname only) - I cried when she gave it to me as it was so pretty and made with so much love. Hopefully I will find time between now and then to take photos so I can upload them on here. Unless I am busy in other ways!!!

Here are my measurements for the week -

Bust - 52.5 inches (+0.5)

Waist - 53 inches (-1.5)

Hips - 57.5 inches (-0.5)

Weight - +0.4kg 

Symptoms

• shooting pains (up there)
• been sick a little more lately - no room in my tummy anymore!
• emotional (more than usual!)
• periods of extreme tiredness
• sometimes feeling clammy and hot
• leg cramps
• bleeding gums (had this since the start really but don't know whether I've mentioned it before)
• strong twinges and painful aching in my pelvic area - especially around the pubic bone
• heartburn at night if I eat too late

And now for the weekly shots -

37 weeks plan view

37 weeks side view

29th August 2011 - 35 weeks

This week will be my 35th Birthday. Maybe freaky that I am now also 35 weeks pregnant!? Won't get too philosophical about the passing of time both in my life and my pregnancy, but I do feel like everything is rushing by at the moment.

Had two midwife appointments last week. The first with my regular midwife - where everything was fine. I did mention my pelvic pain again but apart from the advice to try pilates or swimming (two very scary concepts to me at the moment!) she couldn't really offer any great solution and pretty much made out that it's not long now so I should just grin and bear it. Great! The second appointment was with the Healthy Living Midwife, who is a very lovely lady called Suzanne who whilst having great nutritional advice is great to chat to about all aspects of having babies and life in general. She always cheers me up - ironic as when it was suggested at my booking appointment that I attend these meetings I expected it to be a lecture about my diet and exercise and really dreaded going. It turns out that I do actually know the right things to eat, and I eat a reasonably healthy diet. My main downfall I think is portion sizes and not drinking enough fluids. Since falling pregnant I have cut down on my portions, started eating more fruit and making sure I drink more low sugar low fat fluids - i.e. water! I truly believe that these small changes (and still having a few naughty things here and there) have enabled me to only put on a couple of pounds so far since my booking appointment.

Suzanne was very congratulatory and happy with my "efforts" and although I have obviously been keeping a track of my weight every week I haven't obsessed about it. Maybe the knowledge that health professionals will be weighing me on a regular basis has subconsciously scared me into weight loss? This must be the principle behind Weightwatchers too?! As you will see though I have managed to put on more weight this week, mostly due to eating too much of the wrong stuff!

Bought my first maternity top last week too - it is a navy blue jersey smock top with thin horizontal (!) stripes. It really highlights the shape of the top bump - I wore it Saturday night and felt like a proper pregnant woman for once! Even when buying the top (from Asda Living) the cashier asked how much longer I had left. I must have looked at her in so much shock that she was sure enough that I must be pregnant to ask such a question that she had to ask - it is for you isn't it? (Or she could have possibly been one of those people who always says the wrong thing!). I happily told her yes it is for me, I only have a few weeks left. Felt really chuffed afterwards. Maybe the last few weeks of my pregnancy people will actually realise I am pregnant!

Last week at work now - it was a Bank Holiday today so I only have four more days! I know it's going to drive me crazy wondering how things are going in my absence. But the hubby works there and I am good friends with one of the other designers too, who will keep me up to date with everything. Then again I might relish escaping from the stress and frustration. Hmm, knowing me, I will just be disappointed that the company hasn't gone to pot in my absence. It will be a reality check for me that's for sure. But once Bumpy makes his appearance I'm sure my mind will be occupied with other things! 6 Months off - wow - what a big change - it's a new life in so many ways!!

Here are my measurements for the week -

Bust - 52.5 inches (+0.5)

Waist - 53 inches (+0.5)

Hips - 57 inches (no change)

Weight - +1.4kg 

Symptoms

• getting out of breath going up stairs!
• strong twinges and painful aching in my pelvic area - especially around the pubic bone
• heartburn at night if I eat too late

And now for the weekly shots -

35 weeks plan view

35 weeks side view