33 weeks pregnant: Headaches, hospitals and hiccups!

Check me out, I'm now 33 weeks pregnant. 7 weeks (or 6...or 9...depending on when baby decides to make an appearance!) to go! That's like less than 2 months, you know. I'm still ultra paranoid that my bump isn't growing at all (neither is another part of my anatomy but that's a whole other story!), even though I've put on 2lbs in a week. Maybe it's just what I am wearing but I almost think I look smaller than a few weeks ago?! I guess it's normal for every pregnant woman to think their bump is too small/big/round etc.

 Same pose...different week.

This week has been quite dramatic in pregnancy land. Last Wednesday I went for my 32 week check up and whilst everything seemed great with baby, the doctor was a bit concerned about my fast pulse (which unfortunately is ALWAYS fast no matter what I am doing) so referred me for some tests. I had an ECG last week which seemed to go ok but he also wants me to have some blood tests so hopefully that will go ok. I'm hoping it's just something innocent enough but we shall wait and see. I also started getting palpitations last Thursday which sucked because they are HORRIBLE and damn scary. 

I have felt ok for the last few days but have started getting a new third trimester symptom (they love just creeping up on you when you think you're having a good day...as if to say 'fuck you! you've still got a long way to go!' in the form of painful headaches. So that's all lovely. 

Baby Dommett also gave us a little scare at the weekend which meant we had to spend a few hours in the hospital. I have mentioned elsewhere in my blog that she is a quiet baby and doesn't kick/move a lot (or least I don't feel much, thanks anterior placenta) but the weekend was unusually VERY quiet and we only had about 4 movements in 24 hours which is very little. Instinct told us not to ignore it so Michael and I went to Kingston Hospital who I have to say, were lovely and kept me on a monitor for a couple of hours. They were happy with her heartbeat and she did start moving a few times whilst I was lying down but they still felt that she wasn't active enough. The frustrating thing is they couldn't explain why and said that maybe she is just a quiet baby and it's just 'one of those things'. Not very reassuring but they said if it happens again we can have a scan to see if anything may be wrong. I don't think it is but at this stage, you worry about anything and everything.

She had a busy bopping day yesterday though (maybe it was the 3 course lunch...) which was a huge relief and she is now getting hiccups a lot, sometimes 3 times a day which is rather cute. I can just imagine her going 'hic hic hic' inside my belly. It feels weird!

Michael and I are pretty much sorted for baby stuff now, we popped into John Lewis yesterday and cooed over their beautiful stock as well as a super cute newborn baby we saw on her daddy's shoulder. We looked at eachother and thought, 'that will be us soon!' I have started packing things for the hospital as I think around now is the time to start. I find I keep adding more and more things and feeling unsure if it's neccessary. I will need a small suitcase by the time I am finished!

 Note the super big sexy knickers. Lucky Michael.

I have picked up a few little bits this week-a gorgeous 'Hungry Caterpillar' toy from a charity shop for 80p, a beautiful fleece buggy blanket from Ebay, nappy bin from Asda and a few clothes from Ebay and Tesco. I love the Hello Kitty sleepsuits (£4 Tesco sale!) as I'm a big fan of the HK.

 

So the next 7 weeks involve lots of waiting, I have a check up next week and a midwife appointment at 36 weeks. Michael and I also have our antenatal class next Saturday which will be fun ;) In the meantime we are enjoying the summer holidays together, on Thursday we are off to our favourite place Arundel which will be lovely (where we want to get married weeeeeeee). I'm going to be annoying and count down all the weeks and days to my due date now (49 actually) but didn't I do that already?!

xoxo 

p.s: After baby is born I shall be closing this blog and starting a new one. I really want to chronicle the special times we get to have with our little girl and maybe even offer some advice along the way. So watch this space!

32 weeks and 8 months preggers!

I've abandoned the usual question and answer layout because I got bored with it-today I have reached 32 weeks pregnant which in technical terms is kinda 8 months pregnant? The whole weeks/months thing is confusing because there isn't necessarily 4 weeks in a month but I am going to say 8 months because it sounds good...okay?

(I love how they feel the need to tell you where the vagina is, just in case you're not sure....)

I'd love to say at this point I'm glowing and blooming but 32 weeks is uncomfortable, sweaty and time is going too slowly! Getting out of bed in the morning requires a rolling display worthy of a gymnastics olympic medal. Bending down without wanting to throw up is an achievement and now even my maternity clothes don't fit anymore. That's fine because I am always happy to buy new clothes but isn't this pregnancy/baby lark rather expensive? If it's not breast pads to buy then it's nipple cream, unattractive nursing bras...the list is endless.

Don't get me wrong though, 32 weeks pregnant is pretty fab too and I hate to moan so much (however it is my blog and I'll moan if I want to...haha). It means only about 8 weeks until we meet our daughter. GAH. That's not long at all is it? I'm currently feeling the standard mixture of nerves and excitement at the moment mixed with a little bit of 'omg I can't believe I will soon be responsible for a tiny human being'. Throughout my pregnancy I have always been in a slight state of disbelief and even now, I still am. It sounds crazy because I've watched my stomach grow, seen her on 2D and 3D scans, felt her swish about in her own beautiful way-so why can I still not believe I am about to become a mother? 

Talking of stomach growing-this is my 'bump' this week. I thought it was about time I had one taken outside, albeit on my highly unattractive balcony. 

Can you believe this was my teeny tiny baby bump at just 9 weeks?

I am still off work although technically my 'signed off' period has come to an end now and the summer holidays are beginning. My maternity leave officially starts on 20th August when I will be 36 weeks. I have been so bored so I have just started to wash baby clothes and get some stuff together for my hospital bag. I also wrote out my birth plan the other day although I really just wanted to write, "PLEASE GIVE ME AN EPIDURAL!" however I tried to stay a little bit more positive than that. Who knows, I may find labour a complete breeze....! Yeah, right.

The summer holidays also means that Michael is now off work so we can have some nice couple time before Baby Dommett arrives. If I could fast forward the 8 weeks and have her here with us I totally would, we are both so desperate to meet her. Unfortunately we don't own a time machine so we shall enjoy the summer together-we're going to Arundel next week and also going for an afternoon tea, a special 'first time parents' antenatal class and no doubt we will do something lovely for our anniversary on the 1st September (unless baby makes an early appearance!).

I'm having my 32 week pregnancy check up tomorrow so I am hoping all is well. No scans for me but I think they will check the size of my bump, baby size/position etc. I know for a fact she is still breech (her kicks are all ermm down below and her head is wedged in my ribs!) which at 32 weeks is still fine. However fast forward 4 weeks, if she is still breech then I believe discussions may have to be had. I have already decided that if this happens, which really is a very small possibility, I do not want an ECV (where they turn the baby from the outside). It's a personal choice and after lots of research, it's not something I want done.

However I'm SURE baby girl will do her little spinning thing and be head down soon so I'm really not worrying.

So here we go...32 weeks...8 weeks to go....bring it on!

xoxo

n.b: my last blog post was a little serious but it was something I felt I needed to write. Perhaps I am weak and too scared to tell the people that I feel who are letting me down, the truth. To be honest I don't think they know. I use my blog as an outlet for my feelings because I can express myself pretty well through writing. It wasn't meant to make anyone paranoid and maybe I should just step up and say what I feel in real life rather than over the internet!

Changing relationships and pregnancy

Reaching towards the end of my pregnancy, I thought I would take a little time to reflect on the changing of relationships that have occured during this year. As I draw even closer to becoming a mother, I really have noticed a difference in so many ways-some good and unfortunately, some bad. They always say that when you are pregnant you find out 'who your true friends are'. I wouldn't necessarily agree with the wording of that statement but I certainly would agree that you find out who loves you for YOU and who is willing to stay loyal in your life.

I have always been the type of person to go out of my way to be there for people, to ask how they are and to arrange to meet up. I used to think this was a great trait to have but it can really have its downsides, i.e: you can easily be conned into thinking people like you when in fact it's you who makes all the effort. Don't get my wrong, being kind and caring is a wonderful thing and I will always be that way. However it's when you become TOO nice that relationships can become a problem. It's not about 'not caring' but it's about knowing when to take a step back when relationships just become too one-sided. It's at this point in your life you MUST rid yourself of anyone who takes advantage and doesn't bother.

During my pregnancy, I have learnt a lot about myself and how immature I can be and in turn, I have learnt to be a bit more mature with my emotions and how I react to things. It's a fact that some people just aren't interested in babies or motherhood or how far along you are in your pregnancy-it's just simply not of interest to them. That's all fine because it allows you to see amongst your circle of friends, who is just there for the old you and who is there for the person you are about to become. The type of friend I think is perfect isn't neccessarily one who has to be obsessed with all the same things you are but one who takes the time to send you a text to ask, 'How is it all going?' and to show a little excitement in the same things you do-even if they're not in that stage of their life. I have seen people drift away from my life but I have also seen new people surface who I couldn't be without now-those are the people who care enough to text or to message you sometimes even when they have a lot going on in their lives. I really couldn't do without those people and I'm lucky that I can still say I have a few like that in my life.

I am still working on my sensitivity to things. I want my daughter to share that trait of mine but not in the same way because for me, it has often become a damaging trait which leaves me upset for sometimes, trivial reasons. For example, earlier this week I sent out an email to everyone I work with to say a little goodbye (I have unfortunately been signed off so I haven't been to work since the beginning of June) and the share the news of my due date, wishing them all a happy Summer. Out of everyone I got just two replies. For most people, who would simply just shrug it off, I took it very personally and ended up automatically thinking that no one cared (I know deep down this isn't true). It's things like that, which lead me to be so over sensitive, that I want to learn how to deal with in a better way.

Back to changing relationships-I have also seen many positive changes which I have really embraced during pregnancy. I have become friends with other mums and mums to be who have shared invaluable advice and even though we may have never spoken much previously, it doesn't matter because we now have that link which means we can relate to eachother. A few months ago I joined a Facebook group for other mums to be due in September and I've gotten to know a great bunch of people-again I wouldn't have known these people if I wasn't pregnant. That doesn't mean however I just want friends who are pregnant or who are mums-I have some friends who I speak to regularly, who even though may not always be interested in my constant baby babbling, always take time to care and chat to me.

Me and Michael have grown even closer as we almost reach that time we become parents. We have always had what I like to think as a special and unique bond-one in which we're best friends as well as partners. I often use the word 'soulmate' and it may come across as overly sentimental but I believe it's true with us. To see Michael, each and every day, talk to my bump and to see the excitement in his eyes just makes me fill up with emotion. If I could ever be certain of one thing, it's that he is going to make such a wonderful father who will never let our daughter down.

My mum and I have always been extremely close but now her baby is about to have a baby herself, we have grown even closer and she shares with me everything I need to expect and the sort of invaluable care and advice you can only get from your own mum. She is there constantly for me, without question and having to do the job of both a mother and a father makes me feel so truely respectful of all she has done and I hope that I can be as wonderful as she is as a mother to me.

So thank you, to those who these past months have been there to share this journey with me. To those who have drifted or just simply not bothered...thank you too, it's shown me what and who really matters in my life and many lessons have been learnt along the way.

xoxo

31 weeks pregnant!

  31 weeks pregnant!

How far along?

  31 weeks 1 day-we are now in single figures, 9 weeks to go whoooo!

Appointments/scans?

I have an antenatal check up next Wednesday. Will be interesting to know if she is still breech, if she is...she has a month to turn, the cheeky monkey!

Weight

I don't know, I assume I have put on a few more pounds although my bump feels no bigger and hasn't done so for a few weeks-I wonder if that is normal. I have been eating lots of ice cream so I imagine I have put on some weight.

Symptoms?

I have finally felt braxton hicks!! Exciting. Only one and it wasn't too bad. Generally, I have been feeling ok this week but really suffering in the heat. So very tired too! Main symptoms this week have been:

• Bad arm and hand pain
• Pelvic pain, especially when I stand up for more than 5 minutes!
• Heart racing
• Breathlessness
• Constantly needing to pee
• HOT!!!!!!

Cravings?

Nada! Just hungry ALL the time.

Emotions?

Had one bad day amongst lots of great ones-so that is pretty good for me :)

Bump?

More stretch marks, mostly around my belly button-they seem to be increasing weekly. Bump hasn't grown significantly-just feels very tight. I feel a bit small for my dates to be honest!

Baby Movement

Our little girlie is a quiet soul-I don't feel her move/kick too much to be honest but maybe she is just very chilled and laid back like her daddy!

Baby Measurements

Nearly 3 1/2 pounds ish? Huge.

How is Daddy feeling?

He is getting into nesting mode like me and getting everything ready for her arrival-he put up the wardobe which means all her little clothes are hanging up now! We couldn't be anymore excited!

 
Most looking forward to? 

Holding our baby in 9 (or more...or less) weeks time.

Best baby bargain this week

We bought lots and lots of nappies-400 to be exact haha! That should last us 2 months apparently. Lots of smelliness to come!

I also bought her a cute little pink bunny toy-I couldn't resist. It was only £4.50.

I am eyeing up a new changing bag to colour co-ordinate with her red buggy (yes, I am sad) and I think I want this one on Ebay!

Still to buy?

Pretty much nothing. Still a room thermometer and little bits and bobs but we are very much...sorted!

Best Baby Moment this week
 Getting her buggy set up and pushing it about outside-I can't quite imagine a small baby inside! Some people think it's bad luck to have the buggy in the house before the baby is born but I don't think so :)
 
Anything else?
 I wrote out my birth plan! It wasn't very detailed as there is only so much you can plan about labour right?! But it was nice to get it done. In a few weeks I will start thinking about my hospital bag...or in my case, suitcase! ;)

xoxo

30 weeks and 3/4 of the way there!

30 weeks pregnant!

 

 

How far along?

  30 weeks 1 day-I can't quite believe we are 3/4 of the way through now, it's all getting a bit real!

Appointments/scans?

I don't think I will be having any more scans-my next appointments are at 32, 24 and 36 weeks!

Weight

I finally got weighed last week! Since my booking appointment at 10 weeks, I have put on about 1st and now weigh 11 stone 7lbs. I think a 1 stone weight gain isn't bad considering the crap I have eaten haha!

Symptoms?

Week 29 was a particularly rubbish one symptom wise and when you add the heat into the mix...well, I have been feeling crap! I am so grateful I am not working at the moment as I don't know how I would manage. Main symptoms this week have been:

• Feeling faint
• Nausea
• Very tired-it's like being in the 1st trimester again!
• Usual pelvic pains
• Some rib pain although been a little better this week
• Arm and hand pain-this is a random one but it's very uncomfortable.
• Heart racing
• Breathlessness

Other than that, pregnancy has been a breeze....honestly! ;)

Cravings?

I have gone off Lucozade now. I just want lots of ice cream but nothing new! I think cravings are more of a 1st/2nd trimester thing.

Emotions?

Much better in terms of my depression. I am really starting to get excited now (as if I wasn't already!) as her arrival comes a bit closer. I keep imagining what she is going to look like, smell like, how it will feel to hold her...the wait is killing me!

Bump?

Stretch marks have officially made their appearance but I shall wear them with pride. I don't think my bump has really grow in the last few weeks but boy does it feel heavy! It feels like she is lodged up in my ribs at the moment.

Baby Movement

Lots of elbows and feet poking out-it is fun to watch! Sometimes she goes a little quiet but all it takes is some of Daddy's singing and she is bopping again.

Baby Measurements

About 3lbs I believe-that sounds rather huge!

How is Daddy feeling?

As excited as Mummy! We just want to meet her now-Michael has sorted his paternity leave so even though it's only 2 weeks, shortly after she is born (but then, who knows exactly when she will arrive!) he also has a week off for half term so that will be wonderful. Luckily in the jobs we have, we get lots of holiday!

Most looking forward to? 

Other than of course meeting our beautiful daughter! Despite feeling crappy, I am enjoying taking it easy and doing things like my blog, getting her clothes ready, watching lots of films and making plans.

Best baby bargain this week

Myself, Michael and his mum went out last Saturday to pick out the buggy/stroller we wanted from Mothercare and I am so glad-I love it! We didn't want an expensive buggy because we also want to use the sling and plus, why pay so much when you can get something very decent for under £200! I will do a little post about the buggy later in the week but it's called the Graco Evo Mini in a red/orange colour!
 
Michael and I also saw this super cute baby vest in Boots for £4 and had to buy! It would be great for her to wear after she is born with a cute pink hat...she is going to look adorable, I just know it!

I have slightly toned down the clothes buying in recent weeks but only because I have bought so much stuff! I keep seeing things I like all the time and I am a sucker for pretty, frilly pink things! She certainly won't have a lack of things to wear hehe. I bought this cute little Minnie Mouse fleece because I thought it would be nice to keep her warm in the buggy in the Winter as well as this cute kitty hat and mitten set from Next.

 

 

Still to buy?

Nothing major now! We still need a room thermometer, baby first aid kit, nappies, things for hospital bag...I can't think of anything else!

Best Baby Moment this week

Realising we now only have about 2 months to go which really isn't long at all. I just can't wait to be a mother.

xoxo

29 weeks x

29 weeks pregnant

How far along?

29 weeks 1 day

Appointments/scans?

None-next check up at 32 weeks.

Symptoms?

Started to get really horrible sharp pains to the side of my belly button-the doctor said this could be related to my sciatica. Pelvic pain is still bad but I went swimming today and it was very soothing (although if you have SPD and you go swimming, you must avoid the breast stroke as it can make it worse). Tiredness and the bad spots have reached a whole new level too!

Cravings?

Lucozade! Really random but I can't get enough!

Emotions?

Much better this week-I have a massive weight off my shoulders in that I have now been signed off work until the end of the school term at the end of July. It's then the summer holidays and then my maternity leave starts and I am having a year off with baby! I am feeling so very excited-under 11 weeks to go now!

Bump?

I have a few new stretch marks-I knew I spoke too soon! Bump is feeling really tight and uncomfortable at the top where everything is squishing up!

Baby Movement

She has been a lot more active this week-especially the past few days where she has been flipping, rolling, kicking...punching! Ouch.

Baby Measurements

Around 3lbs now and nearly 17 inches long!

Name/Gender

Still the same! Don't think she is going to turn into a boy :P

 

How is Daddy feeling?

Still very excited and ever so cute as a daddy to be. He has been really looking after me-I have put him through a lot, poor man!

Most looking forward to? 

Having 11 weeks off work before baby arrives and some nice 'me' time as well as some nice 'couple' time during the summer holidays :)

Best baby bargain this week

Baby monitor from Amazon for £20

Cot Mobile from Mothercare for £25

Cute baby vest from Tesco for £2!

Still to buy?

A few more blankets, buggy, room thermometer, nappy bin, nappies, things for hospital bag, curtains, socks and tights. Our wardrobe is coming tomorrow, yay!

Best Baby Moment this week

Watching my stomach move up and down as she wiggled about and my Mum being able to see it too!

xoxo